It’s an unfortunate fact that people steal catalytic converters right out from underneath automobiles. The thing that motivates this type of theft is the metal out of which the converter is made. Catalytic converters are made out of a combination of palladium, platinum, and rhodium. JA Motors can replace your catalytic converter if it is missing. If it is, here are the problems the theft will cause.
Noise Issues
The minute you start your engine, you will notice that it is much louder than it normally is. Unfortunately, the only way to muffle the loud noise is to install a new catalytic converter. The sound that the engine makes is a roaring sound that gets even louder when you depress the accelerator. You may not want to drive your automobile when the engine is this loud.
CEL Warning
In addition, you will be reminded constantly that something is wrong because the engine control unit will turn on the check engine light. This light will not turn off. It will remain on until a new catalytic converter is installed. It’s unsettling to drive your automobile with the CEL on because you know this warning light is telling you something isn’t right.
Performance Problems
Your vehicle is also going to suffer from performance problems caused directly by the catalytic converter theft. When you press down on the accelerator, your automobile will lurch forward in spurts. It will no longer be able to accelerate smoothly. This can make picking up speed or starting from a stop completely unpredictable. Not to mention unnerving.
The engine is also going to struggle when you drive slowly. The engine will have a difficult time producing enough power to run smoothly at slower speeds. The power that is produced at slow speeds is called low-end torque. You will notice that when the engine switches to producing high-end torque at faster speeds, its performance will smooth out.
Exhaust Odors
All of this said, driving your automobile without a catalytic converter can be a dangerous venture. The exhaust is expelled from the exhaust manifold and into an open space where the catalytic converter used to be. This means the exhaust can easily float upward and into your passenger cabin. Consequently, you may get sick while driving your vehicle because you are breathing in the exhaust. It’s better to have your automobile towed to our shop.
JA Motors in Peachtree City, GA, would be happy to help if your catalytic converter was taken. Give us a call today.