One of the most critical components in your vehicle is the catalytic converter, which works to reduce harmful emissions by converting dangerous gasses into clean non-harmful emissions, which is essential in reducing pollution. There are vital signs that indicate your converter requires replacement, which can be assessed at your local Chevy dealer by a certified technician.
Does Your Chevy Need a New Catalytic Converter from Your Chevy Dealer?
Check Engine Light
If the check engine light illuminates for several reasons, including a failing converter. This light will appear when the exhaust gases are not properly catalyzed because the air-fuel ratio and oxygen sensors monitor how effectively the converter functions. These gas levels in the exhaust are also monitored, which often results in seeing the check engine light.
Inefficient Engine Performance
Your vehicle’s converter has an impact on how the engine functions because it’s installed inside the car’s exhaust system. When the exhaust flow is restricted because the converter becomes clogged or blocked with debris, this will decrease your car’s acceleration, fuel economy, and power. Your engine’s performance will also decline when the converter is broken or the interior is damaged or cracked, which causes leaks.
Strong Odor from the Exhaust Fumes
If you notice a strong odor or rotten smell coming from the exhaust, the converter is likely the cause. This strong scent occurs when the emissions are not correctly converted from sulfur into sulfur dioxide, an odorless gas. When this process isn’t working correctly, you’ll notice the pungent smell of sulfur, which is usually due to a clogged converter or the interior mesh being broken or corroded, which interferes with producing clean emissions.
Failed Emissions Test
When your vehicle fails an emissions test, this is a sign that your converter isn’t working and may also indicate that your car’s muffler or exhaust system needs repair or replacement. For this reason, it’s essential to schedule regular checkups for your vehicle, to ensure that the exhaust and converter’s filtration is working effectively so that you avoid the risk of failing an emissions test or having to replace a converter, which can be costly.
Rattling Noises
If you notice rattling sounds as you drive, this is often debris stuck inside the converter or broken pieces of the mesh inside. This often happens following an unexpected collision or damage to the honeycomb structure inside the converter, which impacts the device’s ability to filter harmful gasses into odorless emissions.
When you visit your local Chevrolet dealership, you’ll find everything you need to keep your converter in excellent working condition. Visit us at Bommarito Chevrolet South County and see what we have to offer you from our fantastic inventory of new and pre-owned vehicles today.
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