Does a Faulty Catalytic Converter Increase Fuel Consumption?

[McNora]

A damaged catalytic converter can indeed lead to increased fuel consumption. Here are the specific details about the catalytic converter: 1. Function: The catalytic converter is an emission control device in the engine. Its proper operation directly affects the engine's fuel consumption, power output, and emission levels. 2. Symptoms of failure: If it becomes clogged or malfunctions, it will cause excessive exhaust emissions and impair engine performance. Common symptoms include increased fuel consumption, poor acceleration, unusual noises from the exhaust pipe, and foul-smelling exhaust. 3. Maintenance interval: Generally, the catalytic converter should be cleaned every 30,000 kilometers. It's also advisable to clean it before annual vehicle inspections to ensure passing the emissions test smoothly.

[LeJulia]

Last time my old car had a bad catalytic converter, and I suddenly noticed much higher fuel consumption. It used to be 8 liters per 100km on the highway, but then it jumped straight to 10 liters, and the car had no power even when I floored the accelerator. The mechanic said that when this thing gets clogged, the engine's exhaust can't flow smoothly—it's like a person struggling to breathe. The computer automatically injects more fuel to maintain power, so of course it guzzles gas. Plus, the exhaust smelled terrible, and the check engine light was on. After I replaced the catalytic converter, the fuel consumption immediately dropped back to normal. So my advice to all car owners: if you notice unexplained fuel consumption increases, don't delay—check the condition of your catalytic converter right away.

[SanAddyson]

Our auto repair shop frequently encounters car owners reporting a sudden surge in fuel consumption due to faulty catalytic converters. When this component is clogged, the exhaust resistance increases dramatically, forcing the engine to work harder to expel exhaust gases. As a result, combustion efficiency deteriorates, power output weakens, and the engine control unit is compelled to increase fuel injection to compensate for the loss of power, often leading to an extra one or two liters of fuel consumed per 100 kilometers. What's more troublesome is that a clogged catalytic converter can raise exhaust temperatures, even causing oxygen sensors to report incorrect data, creating a vicious cycle. I generally advise owners who experience a sharp increase in fuel consumption accompanied by sluggish acceleration to prioritize checking the exhaust system.

[DelEdward]

Friends who are into car modifications all know that a faulty catalytic converter definitely affects fuel consumption. Last week, my buddy's modified Civic fell victim to this—the honeycomb ceramic core of the catalytic converter shattered and clogged, causing exhaust backpressure to skyrocket. As a result, the fuel consumption surged from 9L/100km to 13L/100km, and the exhaust pipe even turned red. The principle is simple: blocked exhaust leads to increased residual exhaust gas in the cylinders, reducing the amount of fresh air-fuel mixture and causing combustion efficiency to plummet. In this situation, the ECU has no choice but to increase fuel injection to maintain engine speed. That's why performance enthusiasts regularly inspect their exhaust systems—after all, this issue not only wastes fuel but can also cause engine overheating and damage piston rings.