If you care about the air pollution your car emits, then you need a fully functioning catalytic converter. The converter sits under your car between the engine and the muffler, converting dangerous engine exhaust into harmless gases. If your converter becomes clogged, overheated, contaminated, or cracked, then it’ll begin causing problems and will need to be repaired or replaced promptly.
Let’s take a look at seven clear signs you should visit your local Mini dealer for a new converter.
Does Your Mini Need a New Catalytic Converter?
Reduced Engine Performance
Your converter cleverly converts pollutants like nitrogen oxide and unburned gas into harmless emissions using precious metals and ceramic-coded beads, which are known as the catalysts. If any of this process becomes hindered by damage or age, the performance of your engine suffers.
One clear result of a damaged converter is sluggish engine performance. If a faulty converter is restricting the outflow of exhaust gases then the engine’s inflow of air will also be reduced. You’ll first notice this in lessened engine power and acceleration. You’ll also start hearing your engine sputter and misfire.
Lessened Fuel Mileage
Restricted airflow through an engine causes the fuel-air mixture in the combustion chambers to become unbalanced. In this case, your engine will be struggling to function, no longer able to turn fuel into power as efficiently. You’ll notice this in more frequent stops for gas. So if you’re getting less bang for your buck at the gas station, your converter might well be to blame.
Black Exhaust Smoke
In the case of catalyst failure and restricted airflow combined, the unbalanced fuel-air mixture leads to excess fuel in the engine’s combustion chambers. This excess, unburned fuel needs to escape and you’ll notice thickened exhaust or black smoke pouring from your tailpipe. Sometimes, you’ll even see flames as the unburned fuel ignites on the way out.
Rattling Noises From Below
If your converter is very old or impacted by a bump over a pothole, then parts of it might come loose. This most commonly happens with the meshes inside it, which can begin to collapse or come apart. If this occurs, you’ll hear a rattling sound from below.
Overheating Engine
With some converter faults, exhaust emissions can no longer exit the engine at all. This builds up enormous pressure inside the engine and can lead to overheating. You might notice this as smoke or steam coming from under your hood, a hood that’s hot to touch, loud ticking sounds, or various other kinds of engine malfunctions.
If you suspect overheating, pull over immediately and call a technician to help you out. Few things destroy an engine quicker than overheating. If your engine’s cooling system is still working well, then the culprit might be your converter.
Your Mini Dealer Finds Damage
The engine damage that a faulty converter causes can often be averted by identifying the damage early on. This is one important purpose of regular service checkups at your local dealership. A full inspection always includes examining the converter for early signs of trouble.
Your “Check Engine” Light Blinks On
This final indicator is the one you’re most likely to notice first in the case of a malfunctioning converter. If the “check engine” flashes on your dashboard, never ignore it. You might have any number of problems, including a faulty converter.
To have your exhaust system inspected and repaired by certified technicians, visit Tom Bush MINI. We’ve been providing the region’s Mini drivers with outstanding vehicles and service for over twenty years, and look forward to doing the same for you.
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