The catalytic converter is one of the most important parts of your car’s exhaust system. It reduces your vehicle’s more harmful emissions through a series of internal chemical reactions.
Catalytic converters tend to be expensive because of the rare, valuable elements they contain. Unfortunately, this also means they will wear down over time, and thieves often target them for a quick profit. Precision Auto Care will get your car fixed and back on the road if you need a new catalytic converter.
Read on for five signs your catalytic converter might need to be repaired or replaced.
- Check engine light
The check engine light in your Dodge Challenger is its early warning system. The catalytic converter can trigger a check engine light even if you aren’t experiencing any other symptoms. If your check engine light is on, bring it to us, and we will read the error codes. The codes help us track down your problem, whether it is the catalytic converter or something else, and we will get it fixed so you can get back on the road.
- Rotten egg odor from exhaust
If your exhaust produces a sulfurous, rotten egg smell, your catalytic converter might be bad. Your engine produces hydrogen sulfide gas as a byproduct. When the catalytic converter works properly, it converts the gas to odorless sulfur dioxide, but a bad part will let the unprocessed gas escape through the exhaust.
- Poor engine performance
A bad catalytic converter can affect your car’s engine in many ways, resulting in poor engine performance through reduced airflow and less efficient combustion. You might notice a lack of power, poor acceleration, hesitation, misfiring, stalling, reduced fuel economy, or the inability to start your engine. If your car is having trouble, it’s a good idea to visit a mechanic to learn more about what’s ailing your engine.
- Rattling sound
Catalytic converters contain a ceramic honeycomb structure. Over time, the ceramic may wear down or break into pieces. You might hear them rattling when your engine runs, or you hit a bump. Rattling sounds from your engine are never a good sign, so if you hear them, please get your car to a mechanic.
- Failed emissions test
You may not experience any other symptoms and only learn your catalytic converter is bad when you fail an emissions test. The test may reveal a catalytic converter-related error code or find an excess of unburnt gasoline in your exhaust.
Conclusion
Catalytic converters can be expensive to repair or replace, but at Precision Auto Care, our technicians dedicate themselves to giving you the best quality parts and service. We will get your Dodge Challenger back on the road and passing emissions tests quickly and without hurting your wallet.
