What are the impacts of a failed small car catalytic converter?
2 Answers
The catalytic converter, as the most crucial component in the gasoline vehicle exhaust purification system, transforms exhaust emissions to meet environmental standards. The impacts of a failed small car catalytic converter are as follows: 1. Increased exhaust pollution: Without the catalytic converter's ability to catalytically reduce harmful gases in the exhaust, vehicle emissions will significantly worsen. 2. Engine warning light activation: When the engine's electronic control unit (ECU) fails to detect or detects abnormal signals from the oxygen sensor, the engine warning light will illuminate. 3. Increased fuel consumption and reduced power: Damage to the catalytic converter will affect the normal signal from the oxygen sensor, leading to inaccurate fuel injection control by the engine, resulting in higher fuel consumption and decreased power. 4. Carbon buildup: As the air-fuel ratio of the combustible mixture in the cylinders becomes severely imbalanced, incomplete combustion will cause excessive carbon deposits to accumulate in the cylinders, increasing the risk of chronic engine issues.
A faulty catalytic converter can cause significant issues. I usually drive to and from work, and last time when the converter failed, the car felt noticeably sluggish, accelerating as slowly as a turtle climbing a hill. Fuel consumption skyrocketed, draining my wallet. The noise was as loud as a tractor, making it unbearable. The exhaust fumes were particularly strong, especially in traffic, making it hard to breathe. What's worse, the check engine light came on, and the repair cost me several thousand yuan. Environmentally, it's even worse—emissions exceed standards, polluting the city's air. Driving with it for a long time might also trigger other component problems. It's best to get it checked by a professional as soon as you notice any abnormalities—don't delay.
