The invention of the catalytic converter made it possible for us to reduce the number of harmful emissions we release while still enjoying the benefits of car ownership, and these days the device is an expected inclusion in your fuel system. If your converter has become aged or damaged, you’re sure to see some negative side effects. Check this list for the common signs before visiting your Toyota dealer for an upgrade.
3 Signs Your Toyota Needs a New Catalytic Converter
1. Spending Too Much Money on Gas
Nobody likes having to spend money at the pump to refill their tank, but it’s even worse when you find yourself filling up more and more often while running out of fuel at a faster rate. If your catalytic’s filtration layer has become clogged, that’s just the situation you could find yourself in.
During normal use, the converter’s inner film can become coated in deposits and not allow proper air passage. This results in improper combustion of fuel, meaning some of the gas is wasted each time you press down on the pedal. A quick visit to a dealer can let you know whether it’s time to have the device cleaned or replaced.
2. Reduction in Expected Horsepower
We like our vehicles to speed up nicely when overtaking in a lane or merging onto the highway, and it’s horribly unsatisfying when you’re pressing on the gas but getting no reaction from the engine. This is yet another potential result of a clogged converter.
As we discussed earlier, when the converter isn’t working properly the fuel-to-air ratio isn’t able to reach the proper mixture level and gas is wasted. When discussing acceleration, the lack of proper combustion means you will experience a delay between when you wanted to speed up and when it actually happens.
3. Roaring and Rattling
A damaged or absent converter can result in all sorts of strange noises from your vehicle. If you’re hearing a metallic rattling when you turn the ignition key, and maybe even while you’re driving, that could be a sign that an inner component of the catalytic has broken loose and is clanging about from the vibration of the engine.
Roaring, on the other hand, only occurs when the device is completely gone. If your converter is missing, the engine will become obnoxiously loud, especially when accelerating. Even when left idle, a vehicle without a catalytic will reach a volume that most find unpleasant.
Wanting to keep the air breathable and the environment clean is a no-brainer, and keeping your converter functional is an easy way to ensure you’re contributing to the safety of your community. Come to Cloninger Toyota today to have your catalytic assessment and receive an upgrade that brings you all the benefits of a healthy fuel system.
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