Does Your Ford Need a New Catalytic Converter?

The catalytic converter in your Ford vehicle plays a significant role in maintaining its engine’s efficiency and reducing air pollution. Like most automotive parts, repair or replacement is sometimes necessary, and your car’s converter is no different. The only question is, how do you know when it’s time to replace it? Here are some reasons you may need to bring your vehicle to your local Ford dealer for a new converter.

Bring Your Car to Your Local Ford Dealer If:

Your Catalytic Converter Was Stolen

Your converter is essential in minimizing environmental pollution. Without it, your car will release harmful chemicals and will no longer follow the US Clean Air Act, which requires all cars manufactured after 1975 to have a converter installed. If it is stolen, which is quite common given the valuable metals it is made from, you need to replace it.

There’s a Bad Odor From the Exhaust

One of the converter’s purposes is to convert the chemicals in the exhaust system to safe compounds. However, when it is not functioning properly, it may release a bad odor that resembles rotten eggs or sulfur from the vehicle’s exhaust. If this is the case, you likely need a new converter.

There’s a Rattling Sound Coming From Underneath Your Car

When a converter is damaged, it sometimes makes a rattling sound. Whether it be from age or the use of certain fuel mixtures, this sound happens when the mesh inside the converter begins to deteriorate, becoming more distinguishable when the engine is first turned on. The most effective way to eliminate that annoying noise is to have your converter replaced.

Your Car Shows Signs of Slow Engine Performance

Have you noticed a change in your car’s engine performance? Because the converter is directly related to the engine, when it fails, it can lead to exhaust back pressure which lessens the engine’s functionality. For best results, this should immediately be looked at, and the converter may need to be replaced.

Your Engine Is Misfiring

If your engine misfires, this is a sign you may need a new converter. When an engine misfires, it is typically due to incomplete fuel combustion, a consequence of the converter not working correctly. This can impact your car’s engine efficiency and prevent it from starting.

Whether it be that pesky rattling noise or the declining performance of your engine, there are many reasons to replace your car’s converter. Your Ford vehicle does a lot, so why let something as simple as needing a new converter prevent you from owning a car that functions the way it’s meant to? Come visit us at Chestatee Ford, where we have highly trained technicians who are certified to work on your vehicle, to determine if you need a new converter today.

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