The catalytic converter is an important part of your vehicle that reduces the toxicity of the engine exhaust. When a catalytic converter needs repair or replacement, this can pose serious health risks for you and your passengers.
For catalytic converter repair and replacement in the Edmonton area, Park Muffler offers exceptional and comprehensive vehicle service. We guarantee the highest standard in repair and replacement work for all your engine needs! If you’re concerned about the current state of your catalytic converter, here are some signs you should watch out for as well as information about repair and replacement:
Signs of a Broken Catalytic Converter
Paying attention to your vehicle’s sounds, smell, and performance is key to determining if you are having an issue with your catalytic converter.
Here are some signs you should watch out for:
- Check Engine Light: The sudden appearance of your check engine light can mean many things, but it indicates an emissions issue. Have our professional technicians inspect your car right away if your check engine light comes on.
- Increased Emissions: When your catalytic converter isn’t doing its job, your car will emit too much carbon monoxide – which is dangerous and should be remedied right away.
- Strange Smells: If your exhaust smells like rotten eggs and burnt oil, your engine is emitting more fuel than necessary and not converting toxins into less harmful substances. Again, this needs to be dealt with immediately!
- Rattling Noises: Rattling or clinking sounds coming from under your hood can indicate that your catalytic converter is broken and metal has broken off on the inside, which can eventually damage other components of your vehicle.
- Holes: If you take a look at your catalytic converter and notice holes, it’s time to have it replaced. This is not a common sign of a broken converter but it can happen and your car won’t run properly with this problem.
A broken catalytic converter is not an issue you can put off for another day. If you notice any of these signs, book an appointment with Park Muffler right away!
Should I Repair or Replace My Catalytic Converter?
Simply put, if you notice any of the above signs when it comes to your catalytic converter, it will need to be replaced. However, replacing your catalytic converter does not have to be an expensive ordeal! Aftermarket replacement options are available and more cost-effective than stock/OEM – but work just as well. Plus, they are significantly less prone to catalytic converter theft.
Otherwise, it is possible to repair or clean a catalytic converter. This would be appropriate in cases where you are noticing decreased performance and gas mileage, poor acceleration, and a sluggish start. These issues are commonly caused by a clog in the catalytic converter.
How to Fix a Catalytic Converter
If your catalytic converter is showing signs of clogging, you have two options: Clean it yourself or visit a professional.
You know which one we recommend but to give you an idea of what fixing your catalytic converter entails, here are the steps:
- Lift your car up using a jack and locate the catalytic converter.
- Spray the front and rear bolts with WD-40 and let them soak overnight.
- Unscrew the bolts with a long socket arm and a standard wrench on the nut to hold it in place.
- Placing the converter upright, spray brake cleaner inside. Let it soak and shake out as much liquid as you can.
- Turn it around and repeat the process.
- Let it dry and bolt it back into place.
Because catalytic converters are prone to theft in the Edmonton area, they are notoriously difficult to remove. However, you can also try what is known as the “Italian Tune-Up” where you drive and keep the RPMs in the mid-to-high range for 10-30 minutes. This won’t harm the engine and may help clean out your catalytic converter.
