Solutions for Audi Catalytic Converter Clogs in Marlborough

It goes without saying that part failure of any kind should always be avoided, but when it comes to the most expensive parts of your car, such as the  engine  and the  catalytic converter , this becomes essential. With this in mind, we will take a closer look at your catalytic converter, learn what it is, why clogs happen, and discuss the very best solution, should they occur.

Essential to any vehicle, the catalytic converter helps ensure that your Audi is always safe to drive by converting the  harmful gasses  released by  fuel combustion  into  safer emissions . The catalytic converter reduces harmful vehicle emissions and pollution, making the environment safer for everyone.

The catalytic converter is found inside the  exhaust system  and is usually out of reach from the outside of the car, due to the value of its parts, making it popular with thieves. The converter itself is a  metal canister  which is essentially a miniature science lab. Inside the container is valuable  platinum  and  palladium , which are used as catalysts for the reaction. They convert the  ignition gases  into safer emissions, which are able to exit the vehicle via the  exhaust pipe . Without this important component, even standing near a running car engine would be dangerous to your health.

Your  Audi’s catalytic converter can become clogged  for 2 reasons; either it is  blocked by contaminants  or it has  overheated . Blockages from contaminants occur over time due to a slow build up  debris  from the  gas  that enters the converter. This debis can include  engine oil  or  coolant , which in turn is typically caused by  damage to the cylinder head gasket  or  defective seals or rings . While the engine may continue to work with these issues, the contaminants can quickly build up inside the converter, clogging it and preventing its function.

Frequent misfiring as well as an engine running rich  can also cause clogs in your catalytic converter. An  engine runs rich  when there is more fuel than air inside the engine, which is often caused by faults of the  MAF sensor  or  O2 sensor . For optimal combustion, the air and fuel in the engine needs to be in perfect balance. If your engine runs too rich or  too lean , then the rate of  misfires  you are likely to experience will increase exponentially.

Misfires often cause  heat surges  as well as the engine to run hotter than usual. The catalytic converter has to try to deal with these  superheated gases , which can melt the catalysts found inside. This will not only lower performance but also cause the converter to become clogged.

Clogs can cause a catalytic converter to fail very quickly, and as previously mentioned, due to theft-prevention, accessing the converter can be difficult. This means it can be hard to tell if you have an issue. So being aware of some of the common symptoms can be a big help to detecting an overall problem. Therefore, if you notice any of the issues listed below, you should seek the aid of an  ASE certified mechanic  ASAP:

• Sluggish engine performance
• Reduction in acceleration or acceleration feels strained
• Dark or white exhaust smoke
• A rotten egg smell (sulphur) from your exhaust
• Larger amounts of heat from under your vehicle

Due to its expense and the complicated nature of the elements inside, when faced with a catalytic converter problem, your only solution is to  seek repairs from an expert mechanic  as soon as possible. Remember that your converter is in charge of safeguarding your health, the health of those around you, and the environment too, and therefore shouldn’t be ignored.

Drivers living in or around  Marlborough, MA , should make  Professional Automotive  their auto repair shop of choice. Every mechanic who works on your vehicle is an  ASE Certified Technician , and for complete peace of mind the dedicated team at  Professional Automotive  also offer a  24 month/24,000 mile warranty  on not only labor, but parts too!