HOW A FAILING CATALYTIC CONVERTER AFFECTS VEHICLE PERFORMANCE
                     HOW A FAILING CATALYTIC CONVERTER AFFECTS 
VEHICLE PERFORMANCE
Paul Norman Jasper
Writer  whose topics include, 
replacement auto parts reviews at autopartsu.com 
and replacement car parts reviews at autopartsu.com
.
Check under your car and you’ll notice what looks like multiple mufflers 
underneath. The one closest to your car’s engine is the catalytic converter, 
tasked with neutralizing the harmful pollutants found in exhaust gases before 
passing them through the rest of the exhaust It’s a silent, thankless job, but 
also one that results in cleaner air and improved overall performance.
Despite being intended to last for the life of the vehicle, catalytic converters 
can suffer early failure for a variety of reasons. Multiple misfires, physical 
damage, and the failure of other emissions-related systems can cut your 
catalytic converter’s lifespan short. The resulting aftermath of a failed 
catalytic converter can also hurt your vehicle’s overall performance in a 
variety of ways.
EMISSIONS TEST FAILURE
If you live in a region that requires annual emissions testing, a failed test will 
likely be your first sign of a failed catalytic converter. An ailing catalytic 
converter will allow harmful pollutants to pass through the exhaust system 
unscathed, putting your vehicle outside the allowable limits for most 
emissions tests. A bad catalytic converter will almost always guarantee a 
failed emissions test.
An ailing catalytic converter can also be a roadblock to renewed registration, 
as most states won’t allow you to register a vehicle or renew existing 
registration without a clean bill of health from your nearest emissions testing 
center.
LACK OF POWER
With a failing catalytic converter, you might notice that your car doesn’t have 
the same verve it used to. Acceleration is a bit more sluggish, and it takes 
longer to reach safe cruising speeds. You’ll also notice it takes longer to safely 
overtake other vehicles, which could prove a dangerous disadvantage on 
two-lane roads. That’s because catalytic converters usually become clogged 
as they fail, preventing gases from freely passing through the exhaust system.
The unexpected obstruction also adds back pressure to the engine, throwing 
off its air/fuel ratio and making it run poorly. A clogged catalytic converter 
can even cause your vehicle to stall. If you value your vehicle’s performance, 
then you should have your catalytic converter replaced as soon as possible.
POOR FUEL ECONOMY
A bad catalytic converter can also cause you to lose out when it comes to fuel 
economy. Your car’s engine will work harder to overcome the symptoms of a 
bad catalytic converter and use more fuel in the process. As a result, you’ll 
notice a steady decline in your vehicle’s average fuel economy the longer you 
drive your vehicle with a bad catalytic converter.
NO START CONDITION
Under extreme cases, a failed catalytic converter can become so clogged up 
that the resulting exhaust backpressure prevents your engine from starting. 
You may encounter this issue if you drive your vehicle with a bad catalytic 
converter long enough.
In short, a bad catalytic converter can do more than just smell like rotten 
eggs. You’ll also lose the performance and fuel efficiency that you’re used to 
getting, and it can even leave you stranded on the side of the road.
About Autopartsu.com
Autopartsu.com is the website of Auto Parts University. This site provides 
information on various car parts with detailed reviews to help visitors. Site 
content helps the visitors to find right solution for auto parts. This site 
provides articles that cover detailed information of auto parts, features, 
general information, financing information and technical advice articles. 
Replacement auto parts reviews at autopartsu.com are popular. 
Replacement car parts reviews at autopartsu.com are known for their 
credibility. It offers information on a wide variety of auto parts. For more 
details on the auto parts please visit https://autopartsu.com/