Your car’s catalytic converter is an important emission control device, and it needs to be in good working order for your car to run properly. Unfortunately, converters can fail, and when they do, you’ll need to take your car in for catalytic converter repair. Here’s a look at some of the most common reasons for converter failure.
Intentional Tampering
One of the most common reasons for catalytic converter failure is intentional tampering. In some cases, people remove the converter in order to increase engine power. In other cases, thieves steal converters because they contain precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium. If your converter has been tampered with, you’ll need to have it repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
Exhaust Leaks
Another common reason for converter failure is exhaust leaks. If your car has a hole in the exhaust system upstream of the converter, unburned fuel can enter the converter and cause it to overheat and fail. You’ll need to have your exhaust system repaired before you can have your catalytic converter fixed.
Misfiring Engine
A third reason why catalytic converters fail is because of misfiring engines. When an engine misfires, it doesn’t burn all of the fuel in the cylinders. That unburned fuel can enter the converter and cause it to overheat. If your engine is misfiring, you’ll need to have it repaired before you can fix the catalytic converter.
If your catalytic converter needs repair, it’s important to take care of the problem as soon as possible. A failed converter can cause all sorts of problems with your car, so it’s best to nip the problem in the bud before it gets out of hand. If you think your catalytic converter might be having problems, bring your car to one of our certified mechanics for diagnosis and repair.
