The tsunami of catalytic converter theft has subsided, so the pace of catalytic converter replacements has returned to normal. However, from time to time a catalytic converter can fail, and replacement will become a necessity. A failing catalytic converter can negatively impact your car's performance, decrease gas mileage, cause the check engine light to be illuminated, produce rotten egg smell, rattling noises, and of course, negatively impact the environment. But all of these are only a preview of the coming “attractions”. If you do not get the “cat” replaced in a timely manner, your vehicle may experience stalling or no-start condition, expensive engine damage, and in extreme cases, the overheated catalytic converter may spark a vehicle fire.
At South Denver Automotive we have extensive experience diagnosing and fixing catalytic converter issues. When you bring your vehicle to our Denver auto repair shop, our nationally ASE-certified technicians will diagnose the main cause of the problems your vehicle exhibits – be it a no-start condition, check engine light, loss of power or rattling noises. If the diagnosis is that the catalytic converter needs replacement, we will obtain and install a catalytic converter that matches your vehicle, and all repairs are covered by our 4 years / 40,000 miles warranty.
Your catalytic converter plays a critical role in reducing emissions by converting harmful exhaust gases into less harmful compounds before they exit the tailpipe. So what causes catalytic converter failure? Over time, it can become clogged, damaged, or contaminated—often due to underlying engine issues such as misfires, a rich air-fuel mixture (possibly due to a failed oxygen sensor), leaky fuel injectors, or oil and coolant leaks. Contamination (aka catalyst poisoning) involves chemical coat, generated by burning excess or foreign liquids, covering the precious metals that catalyze the reactions, resulting in the metals no longer being able to do their job. Another cause of a contamination can be a coolant leak. One more danger, particularly in our climate, is the thermal shock – driving through a deep puddle or snow, when the converter is really hot, can cause the metal housing to contract very quickly, which in turn can cause internal ceramic structure to crack and shatter.
One of the most common warning signs of catalytic converter failure is a rattling noise coming from underneath your car, especially when starting the engine. If you hear this sound, whether the check engine light is illuminated or not, it’s time to call your friendly “mechanic near me” – and naturally we highly recommend South Denver Automotive. Our friendly staff will take care of you and your vehicle. Whatever the cause of the symptoms, we will get your car fixed and get you back on the road.