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Why Would Someone Go to the Trouble of Stealing a Catalytic Converter?

Criminals go to the trouble of stealing catalytic converters because there is money in the metal out of which they are made. Consequently, if your vehicle is parked in a public place, there is a possibility that the catalytic converter will get stolen. Hummel’s Automotive Diagnostics and Repair can replace your catalytic converter if it has been taken. Here are signs that it has.

Unusually Loud/Roaring Engine

After the catalytic converter has been stolen, you will notice that your engine is much louder when you first start your automobile. It will also make roaring noises as the exhaust is pushed out of the exhaust manifold. Although the catalytic converter is not your muffler, its presence muffles the loud and roaring sound that the exhaust makes when it is released from the engine.

Jerking Acceleration

It might seem as if this would be a smooth process, but the engine and exhaust manifold use great force to push the exhaust into the catalytic converter. Because the catalytic converter is no longer underneath your automobile to absorb this push, your acceleration will jerk every time exhaust is pushed out of the combustion chamber. The acceleration will not smooth out until you replace the converter.

Slow-Speed Sputtering

The engine is also going to struggle to produce power when you want to drive at slow speeds. Even though the catalytic converter only treats your exhaust, when it is missing, there are a lot of problems. One of those problems is the engine’s inability to produce low-end torque. This is the torque that is produced to power the vehicle when you are driving at slower speeds.

Check Engine Warning

When you first turn on your automobile after the catalytic converter has been taken, the check engine light is going to turn on and remain on. The exhaust system sensors will notice that there is something wrong with the system and the exhaust. Consequently, they will notify the engine control module of several errors that will cause it to turn on the check engine light.

Strong Exhaust Smells

Finally, even though we talked about how your automobile will handle after the catalytic converter is gone, we do not recommend that you drive your vehicle with a missing catalytic converter. If you operate the car, truck, or utility vehicle, you will notice strong exhaust odors in the passenger cabin. The converter is no longer there to push the exhaust through the exhaust system.

Hummel’s Automotive Diagnostics and Repair in St. George, UT, is here to help, so call us today if your catalytic converter is missing.

Photo by deepblue4you from getty images via Canva Pro
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