The catalytic converter, an important part of your exhaust system, serves the function of cleaning your car's emissions. Despite being tucked away on the underside of your car, a clogged or broken converter can dramatically impact your engine's performance. Let's take a look at five indicators that it might be time to visit your local Chrysler dealer for a brand-new cat.
Rattling As You Drive
The complex honeycomb mesh inside a converter can occasionally come loose. Also, the cat itself can have its brackets loosened by an impact from a curb or pothole. In both cases, you're likely to hear clear metallic rattling from under your car.
If you hear rattling, you can first ensure that the brackets are fastened tightly. This might solve the problem. But if the rattling continues, and you can see the cat is dented or damaged, then you're most likely going to need a new converter.
A Sulfury Rotten-Egg Smell
One of the toxic emissions the converter is responsible for turning into harmless, mostly odorless gas is hydrogen sulfide. This particular gas has a very unpleasant smell which is similar to rotten eggs. If your cat stops working, you're very likely to smell it in your cabin. This gas is actually dangerous for your health, so it's unwise to ignore it.
Lower Gas Mileage
As previously mentioned, a malfunctioning cat impacts the performance of your engine. This is because a clogged converter backs up the airflow running through your whole engine and exhaust system.
When an engine has restricted airflow, it runs into all kinds of problems. With a less efficient fuel-combustion process, it struggles to take your car as far for each gallon of gas. As a result, you'll find yourself stopping for gas more often.
Sluggish Acceleration
As the oxygen-starved engine struggles to produce as much power, you're likely to notice reduced acceleration. When you step on the gas pedal, there might be a slight lag before you accelerate, and you won't be speeding up as quickly as before.
Rough Idling and Stalling
With restricted oxygen, the fuel-air mixture inside the engine's cylinders becomes fuel-heavy. The excess unburned fuel begins to create a sooty residue, which builds up on the spark plugs.
This sooty coating gradually reduces the ability of the spark plugs to ignite and fire the cylinders. You're likely to notice this while idling when you'll hear the engine sputtering and feel it jolting. Eventually, your car might even begin to stall.
Have Your Cat Inspected at Your Local Chrysler Dealer
You can take a look at your converter for signs of external damage. But without specialist equipment and know-how, it's hard to diagnose converter trouble.
A technician at your local dealership will use heat sensor tools, such as a pyrometer, to identify issues inside the cat. They can also take the entire exhaust system apart to investigate, locate, and fix the problem.
Have your converter checked, repaired, or replaced today at Ourisman Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram of Alexandria. We're a locally trusted dealership dedicated to serving the region's drivers with an exceptional customer experience, no matter your vehicle needs.
