What are the consequences of a clogged catalytic converter?
2 Answers
The consequences of a clogged catalytic converter are: 1. The car experiences difficulty in acceleration, with engine RPM and speed increasing with difficulty; 2. Automatic transmission vehicles frequently force downshifts; 3. There is a slight backfire phenomenon when the engine is suddenly accelerated; 4. Unusual noises can be heard from the exhaust system during sudden acceleration or sudden release of the throttle. The core component of the catalytic converter is a porous ceramic material, which is an external purification device installed in the car's exhaust system. It converts harmful gases such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides emitted from the car's exhaust into harmless carbon dioxide, water, and nitrogen through oxidation and reduction reactions.
I've experienced a clogged catalytic converter before, which caused a significant drop in power when driving. Accelerating felt like stepping on air with no response, and the throttle was sluggish when pressed. The exhaust pipe often emitted black smoke or a pungent odor. The most annoying part was the soaring fuel consumption—previously, a full tank could last 500 kilometers, but now the low-fuel warning light comes on at just 400 kilometers, wasting a lot of money. If not repaired promptly, the engine backpressure increases, potentially damaging other components like the turbocharger or oxygen sensors, leading to repair costs in the thousands. I recommend avoiding low-quality gasoline and regularly checking the emission system to prevent such blockages, as it affects both the car's health and safe driving.
