Is It Serious If the Catalytic Converter Is Broken?

[LilahLee]

The catalytic converter being broken is serious. The impacts of a damaged catalytic converter include: 1. Increased exhaust pollution: Without the catalytic converter's ability to catalyze and reduce harmful gases in the exhaust emissions, vehicle pollution will worsen. 2. Engine warning light on: When the engine's electronic control unit (ECU) cannot detect or detects abnormal signals from the oxygen sensor, the engine warning light will illuminate. 3. Increased fuel consumption and reduced power: A damaged catalytic converter will affect the normal signal of the oxygen sensor, leading to the engine's inability to precisely control the fuel injection amount, resulting in increased fuel consumption and reduced power. 4. Carbon buildup, increasing the engine's 'chronic diseases': As the air-fuel ratio of the combustible mixture in the cylinder becomes severely imbalanced, incomplete combustion will produce large amounts of carbon deposits accumulating in the cylinder, thereby increasing the engine's 'chronic diseases.'

[McElliana]

A broken catalytic converter is absolutely serious. From my years of driving experience, this is no small issue. Once the converter is shattered, the exhaust noise becomes extremely loud, causing a constant buzzing sound inside the cabin while driving, which can easily distract you—especially at high speeds, where there's also a risk of flying debris causing harm. Even worse, the engine performance will be affected, leading to reduced power and potentially increased fuel consumption. If left untreated, engine wear accelerates over time. I recommend getting your car checked as soon as possible to see if there are any related issues, such as a damaged oxygen sensor. Repairs aren’t cheap, ranging from a few hundred to several thousand yuan on the market, but if delayed, you might fail the annual inspection and even face fines. It’s safer to have it handled at a reputable repair shop, where professionals can properly test and replace it using specialized tools. Before driving, always listen for unusual sounds—safety comes first.

[SanAnnie]

A broken catalytic converter is indeed a serious issue, especially from an environmental perspective. This component plays a crucial role in treating vehicle exhaust emissions. If damaged, harmful gases like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides will be directly released into the atmosphere, causing pollution. As someone who cares about ecology, I believe every driver has a responsibility to reduce emissions. Many cities conduct strict annual inspections that check catalytic converters, and vehicles failing these tests cannot be driven until repaired. Additionally, shattered ceramic fragments may clog the exhaust system, creating loud noises that affect driving experience. For repairs, I recommend choosing OEM or certified parts for durability and environmental friendliness. Costs vary by vehicle model - cheaper options may cost a few hundred dollars, but cutting corners isn't advisable. Addressing the issue promptly prevents bigger problems and contributes to protecting our planet. When driving, pay attention to warning lights and never ignore minor symptoms.

[LaElisa]

If the catalytic converter is broken, repair it immediately without delay. The exhaust noise will be very loud, like popping sounds, which is extremely annoying while driving. The engine response will slow down, the throttle will feel weak, and fuel consumption will be higher. It is recommended to stop using the car and first check for any loose fragments. Any unusual noise is a warning sign. Take it to a professional shop for diagnosis using fault codes and replace the catalytic converter. Small issues can be handled yourself, but avoid tampering with high-temperature components. Costs start from a few hundred, depending on the car model and ensuring the parts match. Passing the annual inspection is crucial—don’t lose big for small gains.