What is a Catalytic Converter and How Do I Know When It’s Failing?
One major flaw of gas-powered vehicles is the burden they place on the environment. While pollution from burned fuel is still a worldwide issue, modern cars have multiple parts that help them to reduce their environmental footprint. One of the most useful is the catalytic converter, which plays a major role in helping vehicles reduce the number of toxic gases they release into the atmosphere and helping manufacturers meet the standards that the National Emissions Standards Act sets.
What Is a Catalytic Converter?
Image by Chad Kirchoff is licensed with Unsplash License
A catalytic converter is a component of a vehicle’s exhaust system. You’ll find it between the exhaust manifold and the muffler, and its main purpose is to convert the toxic gases that your engine produces as a result of the combustion process into less hazardous gases. It works by exposing the gases to various metals and chemicals, including palladium, platinum, and rhodium. This prompts a series of chemical reactions that break down the gases, separating the toxic molecules. The two main chemical reactions that the catalytic converter triggers are also called catalytic events. They are:
- The reduction catalyst: This is the first event that occurs inside the catalytic converter and uses metal catalysts to separate oxygen and nitrogen molecules from toxic nitrogen oxides. It then captures the harmful nitrogen while allowing oxygen to pass and release into the atmosphere.
- The oxidation catalyst: This second catalytic event burns leftover carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons, reducing the amount that enters the atmosphere.
What Are the Different Types of Catalytic Converters?
There are two main types of catalytic converters:
- Two-way converter: You’ll find this catalytic converter on cars built before 1981. It only includes oxidation catalysts, which convert hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide and water.
- Three-way converter: You’ll find this catalytic converter on post-1981 cars, including modern ones. It adds reduction catalysts, helping eliminate even more toxic substances.
Diesel engines work differently than gas-powered ones, meaning that they require a different type of catalytic converter. The diesel oxidation catalyst uses oxygen to convert most hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide into water and carbon dioxide.
What Are Some Common Signs That Your Catalytic Converter Needs a Service?
As with most car parts, catalytic converters may eventually break down and require servicing or replacement. Although they tend to last more than a decade, having a faulty converter not only makes your car a worse pollutant but also affects its performance. A clogged catalytic converter makes the engine’s air intake less effective, reducing its performance and possibly leading to an engine breakdown. Some signs that you may need to repair or replace your catalytic converter are:
Your Check Engine Light Comes On
As you may know, the check engine light coming on can mean many different things. However, it usually comes on if the vehicle experiences a serious issue. One of these issues is a fault with your catalytic converter. Modern vehicles constantly monitor their exhaust gas toxicity levels through special sensors and can detect situations in which your car emits more pollutants than it should. Since the catalytic converter is likely at fault, the check engine light comes on in these situations.
Your Gas Consumption Is Higher Than It Should Be
If you notice that you’re making more frequent visits to the gas station than before, it may be due to a faulty catalytic converter. The reason behind this is that your engine’s efficiency depends on the oxygen it takes in to mix with the fuel, which results in energy-releasing combustion. A faulty catalytic converter can trick the oxygen sensor into detecting more oxygen than it actually takes in, resulting in needlessly increased fuel injection.
You Sense a Decrease in the Car’s Performance
Another common symptom of a faulty catalytic converter is a significant loss in power and acceleration. This is a result of the engine being unable to eliminate air and gases at the rate it needs to, reducing its overall efficiency. This may be tricky to notice, as it tends to happen gradually. Also, many different factors may cause a loss in performance, so you should get professionals to inspect your car whenever you notice it.
You Notice a Weird Smell
A properly functioning catalytic converter produces safe gases that have no specific odor. However, if the converter doesn’t function as it should, one of the most common signs is a strange smell coming from your exhaust that resembles the smell of rotten eggs. This not only affects your comfort but can also lead to health issues, so repairing or replacing the catalytic converter after noticing this smell is a priority.
Your Engine Starts Making Strange Sounds
Not only can you smell a bad catalytic converter, but you can also occasionally hear it. If you hear a rattling noise whenever the engine is on, even when standing still, the reason may be your catalytic converter not functioning as it should. This is usually because the converter’s metal components are damaged. The problem won’t go away by itself and is likely to get worse over time, so servicing your car as soon as you hear these noises can help save you additional repair costs.
Your Engine Misfires
An engine misfire is a situation when one of its cylinders fails to produce the necessary spark or compression to generate enough energy to propel the vehicle. It usually manifests itself through a sudden loss of power or difficulties in starting the car. While there may be many reasons behind it, one of them is your catalytic converter not working properly.
Allen Turner Hyundai Can Help Service Your Catalytic Converter
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, consider paying us a visit at Allen Turner Hyundai in Crestview, Florida. Our experienced professionals will check your vehicle and determine the best course of action while you enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, water, and various other beverages and snacks in our customer lounge. Let us help you keep your vehicle in excellent condition by calling us to schedule a service visit. And while you are here, make sure to view our extensive lineup of used cars for sale.
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