Yes, catalytic converters are made out of rhodium, palladium, and platinum. These are precious metals that fetch quite a price on the black market. Ashton Automotive & Performance can install a new catalytic converter underneath your automobile if the original one was taken. Before you call us, however, we recommend that you notify the authorities in your auto insurance company of the theft.
Extremely Loud Engine
You may jump when you first start the engine after the catalytic converter has been stolen. Although the catalytic converter is technically not a muffler, the engine’s noise will increase substantially after the converter has been taken. The engine will get even noisier when you press down on the accelerator. This can be a shock to the system at first if you’re expecting your engine to be quieter.
Check Engine Warning
Aside from the loud engine, the engine control unit is going to turn on the check engine light and leave it on. Your exhaust system is now malfunctioning and the exhaust is not being treated. Consequently, the engine control unit will be inundated with malfunctioning codes from the sensors that are found in the exhaust system. It will illuminate the check engine light to alert you.
Acceleration Trouble
If the catalytic converter were there, it would be able to absorb the force of the exhaust being pushed out of the exhaust manifold. Because it is gone, your vehicle will lurch forward when you press down on the accelerator. In fact, it may lurch forward several times. This can be unsettling because you cannot count on your acceleration to be smooth and efficient.
Slow-Speed Problems
You also cannot count on your engine to produce power at slower speeds. For some reason, when the catalytic converter is missing, the engine has a difficult time operating when you are driving slowly. It will operate better when you drive faster.
Strong Exhaust Odors
This being said, we strongly discourage you from driving your automobile if the catalytic converter was removed from the exhaust system. The exhaust manifold has nowhere to push the exhaust, so it releases it into the open air. Consequently, you might end up with your vehicle’s exhaust inside your car, truck, or utility vehicle. This makes driving the automobile dangerous. As you know, if you inhale the exhaust, it cannot only make you sick but can also be deadly.
Call Ashton Automotive & Performance in Killeen, TX, today to set up a service visit if you need to have a new catalytic converter installed in your automobile.
