If you smell rotten eggs in your car’s exhaust, your catalytic converter is dying. This crucial exhaust system part treats the harmful emissions so they can be safely released into the environment. Pit Shop Auto Repair can test your catalytic converter and replace it if necessary. If you drive a vehicle that is 10 years old, this is the average lifespan of the catalytic converter. Aside from smelling rotten eggs, you may also experience the following if your catalytic converter is going bad.

Acceleration Lag

One common problem with older catalytic converters is that they get clogged. They are clogged by carbon deposits resulting from your vehicle’s exhaust. Once the catalytic converter gets clogged, the exhaust is unable to flow through the exhaust system and out the tailpipe. Unfortunately, this clogs the combustion chamber. A clogged combustion chamber cannot produce engine combustion effectively, and, consequently, your vehicle’s acceleration will suffer.

Performance Lag

The acceleration isn’t the only thing that will lag. Your engine’s performance will also lag if the combustion chamber is filled with vehicle exhaust. The combustion chamber needs to be cleared so fresh air and fuel can be burned. If this isn’t happening, you will notice that your engine will sputter and struggle to run at high speeds. In severe cases, your engine will also sputter and struggle to run when you are driving slowly. You will also experience rough idling.

Dark Exhaust Smoke

Another sign that your catalytic converter is going out is dark exhaust smoke flowing out of the tailpipe. This is an indication that there is too much fuel in the combustion chamber. It can also suggest that the vehicle’s exhaust is not being treated by the catalytic converter as it flows through it. Unfortunately, you are releasing dangerous toxins into the environment. In addition, if you live in a state your emissions testing is required, your vehicle will fail the emissions test.

Excessive Heat

Finally, your catalytic converter will produce excessive heat if it is clogged or malfunctioning. This heat will be primarily underneath your automobile, as this is where the catalytic converter is located. Because heat rises, however, your engine will begin to run too hot, as well. In fact, if your catalytic converter is going bad, your engine may overheat every time you drive your automobile.

Call Pit Shop Auto Repair in Libertyville, IL, today if you suspect that your catalytic converter is going bad. We will inspect the converter and replacement if necessary.