AHHHH....take a deep breath and smell the air!  Hi, Brandy here today. When I go for walks or take a car ride, I love to smell the air.  I learn a lot about what is going on around me.  All of us want the air we breathe to be clean and free of pollution.  So today, we will bark about keeping the air clean with our vehicles.  Let's take a deep breath and start barkin'!

So, back in the 1970s, automakers started equipping vehicles with a device that reduces harmful emissions before they even go out the tailpipe.  They’re called catalytic converters, and while they will likely last you years on your vehicle, they do wear out and eventually need to be replaced.  Catalytic converters are used not only in gasoline engines but also in many diesel vehicles.  

But how do you know when your catalytic converter is having problems? One sign is an odor coming out of your tailpipe that smells like rotten eggs (that’s sulfur).  You may see your exhaust smoke is darker than you remember.  A failing catalytic converter can also reduce your engine’s power, causing sluggish acceleration and lousy fuel economy.  You may hear rattles coming from under your vehicle.  Another sign is that your Check Engine light may come on.

If you notice one or more of those symptoms, bring it in so we can have a technician go through your exhaust system. The first thing they’ll check is that it’s not something else causing the problem, such as faulty oxygen sensors, coolant leaks, or a fuel mixture that's too rich. There are computer codes we can check that will also help confirm whether the catalytic converter is the culprit.

Often, older exhaust systems are rusty, and sometimes removing the old converter may require cutting and welding tools.  It’s also important to remove oxygen sensors so they’re not damaged.

When the old converter’s out, a replacement will be installed using new hardware and gaskets.  Then, the old oxygen sensors will be put back in and the technician will test the system for leaks, noises and warning lights.  

We’ll also check to make sure your failed catalytic converter wasn’t caused by bad spark plugs or burning oil.  Otherwise, your new converter might fail prematurely.  Once you’re back on the road, you should have the performance, fuel efficiency, and cleaner exhaust you used to have.

I leave you with my air quote,

"Fresh air is good if you do not take too much of it; most of the achievements and pleasures of life are in bad air." — Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.

Brandy

Sovel's Auto Service
41425 W. 10 Mile Rd.
Novi, Michigan 48375
248-348-7337

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