Loss of engine power is a problem that every car owner faces sooner or later. Many drivers do not suspect that the cause may be the emission neutralization system, which loses its effectiveness over time. This problem is especially common among owners of cars older than 5 years.
When a car begins to lose dynamics and fuel consumption increases, it is worth paying attention to the condition of the cleaning system. By the way, if you decide to replace the old neutralizer, do not rush to throw it away – scrap price for catalytic converter on ACM on the Avtokatalist website can pleasantly surprise you, because the device contains valuable metals. This is especially true for owners of premium cars, where the concentration of precious metals is much higher.
Signs of a faulty neutralizer
You can determine a problem with the cleaning system by several characteristic symptoms:
- When accelerating, the car behaves sluggishly, this becomes especially noticeable when driving uphill or overtaking. The engine seems to choke, cannot gain speed, and the gas pedal has to be pressed harder than usual. This behavior is often associated with clogging of the honeycomb structure of the neutralizer with combustion products.
- An increase in fuel consumption by 15-20% with the same driving style indicates that the engine has to work under increased load due to resistance in the exhaust tract. This is a direct consequence of a clogged neutralization system.
- The appearance of a characteristic smell of hydrogen sulfide (rotten eggs) from under the hood, especially after prolonged engine idling. This symptom indicates a violation of chemical processes in the cleaning system.
It is important to note that these signs can appear both individually and in combination. If at least one of them is detected, it is recommended to immediately contact a service center for diagnostics. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to complete destruction of the internal structure of the cleaning element.
Causes of failure
Premature failure of the neutralization system can be caused by several factors. Low-quality fuel leads to the formation of an excessive amount of deposits, which gradually clog the honeycomb of the cleaning element. Using fuel from unverified suppliers significantly reduces the service life of the entire system.
Incorrect operation of the ignition or fuel injection system can lead to unburned gasoline entering the cleaning system. At high temperatures, this causes the internal structure of the device to melt. In addition, mechanical damage from impacts with road obstacles can also cause the system to malfunction.
Malfunction prevention
Use only high-quality fuel from trusted gas stations. Saving on fuel can result in expensive repairs. Regularly diagnose and service the fuel system, including replacing filters and checking the operation of injectors. Timely detection of problems will help prevent serious breakdowns.
Do not ignore the first signs of a malfunction of the cleaning system. The sooner the problem is detected, the greater the chances of solving it with minimal costs. If any suspicious symptoms appear, contact specialists for diagnostics.
Following these simple rules will help significantly extend the service life of the exhaust gas cleaning system and save on expensive repairs. Remember that prevention is always cheaper than eliminating serious breakdowns. Regular car maintenance and timely diagnostics will help avoid unpleasant surprises on the road and keep your car in excellent condition for many years.
