Does Your VW Need a New Catalytic Converter?

The catalytic converter is an important part of your Volkswagen exhaust system and helps reduce harmful emissions by catalyzing a series of chemical reactions. These reactions also increase the car’s performance and efficiency. Here are a few ways to know when you might have to head to your VW dealer for a replacement cat converter. 

From Your VW Dealer: Signs That Your VW Needs a New Catalytic Converter 

Sulfur/Rotten Egg Smell

If there’s an odor that smells like rotten eggs coming from your car’s exhaust, chances are that there’s a problem with the cat converter. Normally, gasoline contains small amounts of sulfur and nitrogen oxide that get broken down by the converter into odorless gases. If a faulty converter is failing to break down these molecules, the exhaust system will produce a strong and unpleasant smell. 

In this case, the converter could be damaged due to excessive carbon buildup, overheating, or severe road bumps.

Rattling Sound

Inside the cat converter is a ceramic honeycomb structure that provides a large surface area where chemical reactions can take place. If the converter isn’t replaced when needed or experiences premature wear, this structure will deteriorate to the point that it breaks apart. Its broken pieces will start to bounce around within its housing while the car is in motion, which you’ll hear as a rattling noise. 

At first, the sound might only be noticeable when starting the car, but it’s certain to get worse over time, becoming constant as the converter’s honeycomb breaks into even more pieces. 

Decreased Fuel Economy

Cat converters should allow exhaust gases to exit the vehicle freely. If it becomes too damaged or clogged, it will trap those gases, which prevents outside air from coming into the engine. When the engine can’t take in enough fresh air needed for good combustion, more fuel will be brought in to make up for that deficiency. This leads to greatly reduced gas mileage and more frequent trips to the pump.

Car Fails to Pass Smog Testing

Oftentimes, drivers won’t find out that their cat converter has gone bad until their car is taken to an emissions test and fails. Without a properly functioning converter, the number of toxic gases emitted from a vehicle’s exhaust system skyrockets, so there’s little hope of passing a smog test. Besides the cat converter, you’ll also want a mechanic to inspect the fuel injection system, mass air flow sensor, and oxygen sensor.

Though you don’t need to replace the cat converter right away when experiencing these signs, your car will be suffering from degraded performance and contributing much more air pollution. Schedule an appointment with our service department at Tom Bush Volkswagen today and we’ll help ensure that your car is running at its best!

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