Suspect your catalytic converter is failing? Avoid interrupting your summer fun by taking care of car repair issues as soon as they happen. The catalytic converter is an integral part of vehicle exhaust systems that help reduce the effect of vehicle emissions.
Without a properly functioning catalytic converter, your car can release harmful emissions gasses. Keep reading for three symptoms of a bad or failing catalytic converter.
Symptom #1. - Check Engine Light Flashing
The check engine light is a yellow light on your dashboard that provides critical alerts about your vehicle and engine performance.When your vehicle's check engine light flashes yellow or stays illuminated for extended periods, this can be a sign of a declining catalytic converter or poor fuel economy.
Vehicle manufacturers equipped most of today's cars with computerized diagnostics systems. These systems have warning indicators that alert drivers to potential issues under the hood. A rapidly blinking check engine light shows poor fuel economy or serious engine issues. Flashing check engine lights should be checked out by a certified mechanic as soon as possible.
Symptom #2 - Reduced Fuel System Performance
Noticing poor gas mileage without changing your fueling habits? If you're suddenly seeing a drastic reduction in the number of miles you're able to drive, this can be a sign of a potential catalytic converter problem. Other signs that your catalytic converter is affecting your fuel system include sudden surges while driving, leaking fuel, or odd noises coming from your fuel system.
Symptom #3. - Unusual Sounds from Under the Hood
If you hear rattling noises every time your car engine starts, this is a definite sign that something isn't right under the hood. A certified auto mechanic should immediately address rattling or knocking sounds in engines to prevent long-term engine damage.
Do you hear strange sounds coming from underneath the hood of your car or is your check engine light flashing? Trained automotive mechanics can read vehicle trouble codes to diagnose catalytic converter problems. If you need catalytic converter repair, give Happy Wallet Quality Auto Repair a call today!