The reason why someone would steal your car’s catalytic converter is that this exhaust system part is made out of precious metal that is in demand on the black market. McCurley’s Shell would be happy to install a new catalytic converter if you have been the unfortunate victim of a theft. Before you head to our shop, make sure to call the local authorities and your auto insurance company to let both of them know that the catalytic converter was stolen from underneath your automobile.
Check Engine Warning
Let’s talk about how you can tell that you no longer have a catalytic converter. The first thing that will happen when you start your vehicle is the check engine light will turn on on the dashboard. Your vehicle’s system sensors will begin to detect problems immediately because the catalytic converter is gone. This will cause the engine control module to illuminate the check engine light.
Excessively Loud Engine
Another thing you will notice is that your engine is excessively loud all of a sudden. The catalytic converter is not a muffler but it helps to muffle the engine noise and the noise of the exhaust being pushed out of the engine. When the converter is missing, your engine will roar loudly, especially when you accelerate.
Acceleration That Jerks
Speaking of acceleration, the force with which the engine pushes the exhaust into the catalytic converter suddenly has nowhere to go if the catalytic converter is gone. Consequently, your acceleration will jerk heavily when you press down on the accelerator to pick up speed.
Difficulty Driving Slow
You will also find it difficult to operate your automobile at slower speeds because the engine cannot produce low-end torque. This is the power production that the engine generates when you drive on city streets instead of at faster speeds on highways.
Overbearing Exhaust Odors
With the catalytic converter gone, your exhaust is no longer being treated. In other words, it is filled with dangerous hydrocarbons that can make their way into your automobile, especially if you have the windows rolled down. The exhaust odor will be overbearing.
Feeling Sick/Headaches
Inhaling the exhaust will also make you feel sick and give you a headache. We strongly recommend that you do not drive your automobile if you are a victim of catalytic converter theft. Rather have your vehicle towed to our shop so that you don’t inhale carbon monoxide while you are driving.
McCurley’s Shell in Atlanta, GA, is here to help, so call us today so we can check your vehicle’s exhaust system for damage and install a new catalytic converter.