Several states in the United States have been victims of the massive theft of catalytic converters. For weeks it was one of the most talked about topics, as drivers were afraid to go out on the street or park outside their home, knowing that the next day they could wake up without this piece.
Driving without a catalytic converter is illegal, therefore, it is listed as an element to be taken care of carefully. Therefore, the question arises as to when it should be replaced. Remember that it appears as important component of your car’s exhaust system.
Its function is to convert the pollutants present in exhaust gases into less harmful compounds before they are expelled into the environment. Nevertheless, as it is used, the catalytic converter wears and may need to be replaced.
The right time for a change
It is generally recommended to replace the catalytic converter every 100,000 miles or when the symptoms listed below occur, although it may also depend on the make and model of your car, as well as the conditions in which it has been used.
Several indicators come into play to indicate that your car’s catalytic converter needs to be replaced, with the engine performance one of the most commonsince if the car has difficulty accelerating or feels slower than normal, it can be interpreted as a sign that the part in question is obstructed or damaged.
Another sign lies in the sudden change in vehicle sound. Keep in mind that if your car starts to make a strange or “hissing” noise when you accelerate, we could be in the presence of a strong signal that could lead to problems with the catalytic converter.
On the other hand, if the vehicle fails emissions tests, the catalytic converter may need to be replaced since it does not meet state emissions standards. Remember that, as mentioned above, it is illegal to drive on the road without this element, or if it appears out of order.
In addition, another reason that can be added to the list is if your car has been exposed to excessive pollution or if poor quality fuel has been used, because although it may not seem like it, these two reasons can lead to damage to the catalytic converter.
Last conclusions
Remember, the catalytic converter of your car is essential and important because it transforms the pollutants present in the exhaust gases into less harmful compounds before they go out into the environment through the exhaust pipe.
If you have problems with it, it is recommended to take the vehicle to a specialist mechanic so that it can be diagnosed and repaired correctly.
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