Skip to main content

How Do I Know If My Catalytic Converter Needs To Be Replaced?

For most of your car's life, you will hardly even know you have a catalytic converter. That's because this vital component of the exhaust system works quietly and efficiently as it keeps your car's exhaust as clean as possible. In fact, catalytic converters are crucial to the clean air and water of the nation and to the world. Every year, they prevent thousands of tons of dangerous substances from ever entering the atmosphere. Eventually, though, if you have your vehicle long enough, the unit will show signs of wear and tear. The surest sign is when the check engine light comes on. At this point, you want to go to your mechanic or your neighborhood auto parts store to have the code deciphered. The code will tell you if it is time for a replacement.


Signs You Need To Replace Your Catalytic Converter

In addition to the precision of diagnostic codes, there will be a number of signs that indicate your converter is failing. These will grow more pronounced over time. The following signs are warnings that your unit is compromised:

       Dark exhaust coming out of the tailpipe

       A rotten egg odor permeating the vehicle

       Frequent stalling of the engine

       Decreasing gas mileage

       Rattling sounds near the tailpipe when idling

Once you know your unit needs to be replaced, it is time to think about catalytic converter cost. Like much of your exhaust system, this sophisticated piece of equipment is not inexpensive. You can expect to pay between $950 to $2500 for a new converter. If you install the system yourself, you can probably shave off several hundred dollars in labor costs. A direct fit unit will be easier to install than a universal fit unit. If the unit is clogged, you might be able to clean the converter and buy yourself some more time. It is not recommended to wait too long or to try and bypass the warning systems of a failed converter.

How To Tell Your Catalytic Converter Has Gone Bad

While you might be able to drive for a while on a compromised converter, the signs of failure will progressively worsen. Engine performance will gradually degrade and the check engine light will remain lit. You might even be unable to use cruise control. If you push it too far, there might come a time when you cause engine damage to your vehicle or even total engine failure.

When you do decide to replace your catalytic converter, you will have a number of options of what type to buy. You can use a VIN decoder to match your car make and model to converters that will work with your vehicle. This is a failsafe way to make sure you get the ideal product for your replacement part. In fact, whenever you buy parts to upgrade your vehicle, it is smart to use the VIN code as a starting point to find a perfect match. Whether you are looking for new brakes, headlights or windshield wipers, depending on your local store puts you in contact with great value and automotive expertise.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Three Hours City Tour At Ensenada, Mexico

A THREE HOURS CITY TOUR when we embarked in Mexico on the second morning.   My sister booked the three hours city tour in Ensenada, Mexico, a van came to pick us up from the port.  Ensenada is the border of Mexico and it reminds me of Hatyai, a border town too between Malaysia and Thailand.  We were taken to a shopping area where we must haggle for the goods.  LOL.. Yes, something common in my own country... Anyway, we did not buy anything for ourselves... just a wooden handmade truck for my grandson which cost $8usd.   Nothing much to shout about on this three hours excursion, I was so sleepy on the way back to the ship that I dozed off and only awaken when we were driven through the town.  All in all, I just wanted to step onto Mexican soil and I would give this a miss if I were to go on this Mexico cruise again.  LOL... At the open area shopping walking towards the Blowhole... This is La Bufadora Blowhole, an amazing natural marine geyser that is capable of shooting water over 60 fe

Exploring The Sea Cruise Royal Caribbean

CRUISING ALONG.... Once we deposited our bags in our cabins, we had our buffet meal at the Hammerjack restaurant and exactly at 4pm, we heard a loud Horn signal...  ITS TIME TO SAIL ALONG THE PACIFIC OCEAN! And while the ship started to sail, we humans started to walk and explore.... to familarize ourselves inside the ship....  Elevators on each side of the ship....  Making my mark....  On another side....  We walked along to check out our food outlets... This Promenade Cafe  had became our regular joint .... We like to sit there enjoying our hot drinks and desserts... Free flow of food day and night.... Passing through the bars to the casino... The casino will open only when the ship is in international waters...  At one of the jackpot machines... I wonder if they are real?? But they are only $1 bundles... Then we went up to the highest floor.... The swimming deck.... Taken against the sun.... Nice sunset in the evening.... The Happy Trio!

First Day In The Royal Caribbean Cruise To Mexico

ROW ROW ROW YOUR BOAT.... gently down the sea....  Royal Caribbean, it is my second time following this giant vessel, the first time was from Singapore to Phuket, that was a very nice cruise.  So when my son mentioned that he found a good deal online, this time to Mexico, I agreed without hesitation.  Let's Go! A three nights stay with food and lodging only cost around $250 per person with at least one senior in per room.  Meals were either buffet style or fine dining, we can choose and cafes were opened 24 hours for us to rest and relax.  How not to resist... LOL...  And so here we are... just one week after landing in US, I was on the sea....  Looks small from afar...  It was a giant vessel with at least 14 floors.... On the way to embarking after Custom Clearance...  Our room for the next three nights....  Small and cosy.... And adjoining to my son's family room through a door...  The one with balcony cost a bit more...  A short briefing about safety after we checked in....