Your car’s catalytic converter is an essential component that converts harmful emissions from your Toyota vehicle into a harmless gas. Several factors can cause your vehicle’s converter to fail, causing a host of issues. If you’re not quite sure how well your converter is holding up, the team at DARCARS 355 Toyota of Rockville has put together this list of things you can discuss with your Toyota dealer to determine whether or not you need a new converter.
How Old Is Your Catalytic Converter?
One of the first things to consider is the age of your vehicle’s converter. Over time, converters can suffer from many issues such as overheating, clogs, and damage from impacts. Most converters last for about 10 years before these issues get out of hand, so if you’ve had the same converter for 10 years or more, there’s a high chance that you need to replace the converter.
Is Your Car Performing Poorly?
The next thing to take note of when determining if your vehicle needs a new converter is a reduction in your vehicle’s performance. Sure, many issues can cause your vehicle to perform poorly, but converter issues usually have a direct impact on your vehicle’s engine. Your car’s engine depends on complete fuel combustion to perform well. However, a failing converter causes incomplete fuel combustion, which can lead to engine misfires.
In addition, a failing converter causes back pressure that can stress and wear away at your vehicle’s engine, eventually causing the engine to stall. If you notice any of these issues or a combination of them, there’s a good chance that your car’s converter has seen better days.
Does Your Car Give Off a Bad Exhaust Smell?
Last on our list of things to consider when determining if your Toyota needs a new converter is the smell of your vehicle’s exhaust. As we’ve mentioned, your vehicle’s converter is designed to convert harmful gas exhaust into harmless alternatives.
However, if this conversion process fails due to a faulty converter, these harmful gases may find their way into your vehicle’s exhaust. When that happens, your vehicle’s exhaust may begin to give off a rotten egg or sulfur smell. This smell is a sure sign that your Toyota needs a new converter.
How Your Toyota Dealer Can Help
Reaching out to your local team of Toyota specialists to help you resolve your converter issues is never a mistake. Whether you’re driving a Toyota GR86 or the ever-popular Toyota Camry, these professionals have the knowledge and expertise to pick out the signs associated with a faulty converter. These specialists also offer vehicle service and parts to help you get your Toyota back into tip-top condition.
As you can see, there are plenty of things to look out for to determine whether your converter is working properly or not. To get your converter fixed so that you can get back out on the road, schedule a service appointment at DARCARS 355 Toyota of Rockville. Keep learning more ways to keep your Toyota in great shape by checking out our related blogs today!
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