If you see black exhaust flowing out of your tailpipe, this can be an indication that your engine is burning too much fuel. It can also signal a problem with the catalytic converter. If your vehicle is older than 10 years old, your catalytic converter has lived its lifespan. Trojan Auto Care advises that you may need to replace the catalytic converter in order to prevent the black exhaust smoke that is flowing out of your tailpipe. Here are other signs your catalytic converter has gone bad.
Sluggish Engine Performance
If your engine performance is sluggish, it’s possible that the catalytic converter is clogged. When this happens, the engine’s exhaust is unable to exit through the tailpipe. Rather it gets blocked by the clogged catalytic converter and wafts back into the combustion chamber. When this happens, it prevents the firing of fresh air and fuel. Consequently, your engine performance will suffer as a result.
Reduction in Vehicle Acceleration
You will also notice a significant reduction in your vehicle’s ability to accelerate. The reason is the same as the cause of the sluggish engine performance. The exhaust must exit the combustion chamber in order for fresh air and fuel to be ignited. If the combustion chamber is clogged, you will end up with problems accelerating your vehicle from a stop and to pick up speed.
Burning Sulfur/Rotten Egg Odors
Another sign that your catalytic converter needs to be replaced is burning sulfur odors in your vehicle’s exhaust. This odor is easy to detect because burning sulfur smells like rotten eggs. You may also smell burning sulfur coming from the engine and underneath your vehicle. This rancid odor means that your catalytic converter is malfunctioning, overheating, and needs to be replaced as soon as possible.
Excessive Heat Under the Car
Finally, you may also end up with too much heat underneath your car, truck, or utility vehicle if the catalytic converter is overheating. This happens when the catalytic converter goes bad. You may not realize the underside of your automobile is too hot until your engine overheats. The heat coming from the catalytic converter can also make your engine overheat every time you drive your automobile.
Call Trojan Auto Care in Troy, OH, today if your vehicle is experiencing any of the symptoms listed above. We will inspect your catalytic converter and replace it if necessary. If the catalytic converter isn’t the problem, we will find the problem and fix it.
