What are the symptoms of a clogged catalytic converter?
2 Answers
A catalytic converter is an important device used to control harmful gas emissions, primarily employed in gasoline engines. The symptoms of a clogged catalytic converter can be categorized into three stages based on severity: 1. The first stage is the mild clogging stage, where chemical complexes adsorb onto the catalyst surface, manifesting only as reduced exhaust purification efficiency and excessive tailpipe emissions. Typically, colored smoke can be seen coming from the exhaust pipe; 2. The second stage is the moderate clogging stage, where chemical complexes have accumulated to a certain extent on the catalyst surface. At this stage, exhaust backpressure increases, fuel consumption rises, and engine power decreases. The engine warning light usually comes on; 3. The third stage is the severe clogging stage, where the catalytic converter's operating temperature rises due to significant blockage. Symptoms include a severe drop in power, frequent stalling, and in extreme cases, the exhaust pipe may glow red, produce abnormal noises, and emit foul odors.
After driving my car for 5 years, it started having issues. The acceleration became extremely sluggish, feeling slower than a snail when going from 0 to 60 km/h, and the fuel consumption inexplicably increased by nearly 20%. Every time I refueled, it was painfully expensive. There were often strange creaking or popping sounds under the car, especially when going uphill at high speeds. Later, at the repair shop, they found out that the three-way catalytic converter was clogged. The mechanic said this was due to poor exhaust flow, causing the engine to work overloaded, which could even lead to overheating and engine damage. I reflected on it and realized it might be because I used too much low-quality fuel or frequently drove short distances, leading to carbon buildup. After the repair, the car felt like new again, with much smoother acceleration. Regular maintenance and using good-quality fuel are really important—they can prevent clogs and save money.
