What are the symptoms of a bad car catalytic converter?
2 Answers
The symptoms of a bad car catalytic converter include: 1. Decreased engine power performance and increased fuel consumption; 2. Increased exhaust channel resistance and worsened emissions; 3. Disordered engine air-fuel mixture concentration; 4. Difficulty in ignition or incomplete combustion; 5. Engine overheating and lack of power; 6. Unpleasant exhaust odor. The catalytic converter is an important external purification device installed in the car's exhaust system, which converts harmful gases such as CO, HC, and NOx emitted from the car exhaust into harmless carbon dioxide, water, and nitrogen through oxidation and reduction reactions. When high-temperature car exhaust passes through the purification device, the purifying agent in the catalytic converter enhances the activity of CO, HC, and NOx gases, promoting certain oxidation-reduction chemical reactions.
After years of driving, I've noticed clear symptoms when the catalytic converter fails. First, acceleration becomes sluggish, feeling like the car is being held back, making overtaking difficult. The engine light shines as bright as a little sun, warning of an emission system malfunction. Fuel consumption also increases - previously a full tank could cover 500 km, now it barely reaches 400 km before refueling. The exhaust smell changes significantly, sometimes resembling sulfur or rotten eggs, which is very unpleasant. I've also noticed the exhaust pipe becomes extremely hot to touch after parking, indicating potential overheating risks. The cause might be using low-quality gasoline or unresolved engine misfires. I recommend immediate inspection at a professional shop, as further deterioration could lead to exhaust blockage, resulting in higher repair costs and potentially affecting engine lifespan.
