What does a catalytic converter do and how can I tell if mine needs service?

Catalytic Converter: The Heart of Your Hyundai’s Emission Control System

The catalytic converter is a key player in reducing your Hyundai’s environmental footprint by transforming harmful exhaust emissions into less harmful gases. At Hiley Hyundai of Fort Worth, we believe in empowering our customers with knowledge about their vehicle’s key systems. Learn how your catalytic converter works, its impact on your driving experience, and the signs that might indicate it’s time for a check-up.

The Function of a Catalytic Converter in a Hyundai

Catalytic Converter by Ernesto Andrade is licensed with CC BY-ND 2.0 Catalytic converters were invented in the 1970s. They were designed to take gases like carbon monoxide, which can be dangerous to both humans and the environment, and convert them into gases that could leave the exhaust systems in vehicles without doing any harm to people or the planet. Without catalytic converters, vehicles would have an even bigger impact on the Earth than they already do. Here is a brief breakdown of how the catalytic converter in your Hyundai works:

1. Harmful gases from a vehicle’s engine travel to a catalytic converter through an input pipe.
2. A catalytic converter blows these harmful gases over the catalyst situated inside of it.
3. The catalyst in a catalytic converter splits up the dangerous molecules found in these gases.
4. The less harmful gases created by a catalytic converter’s catalyst leave through an output pipe.
5. A vehicle’s tailpipe allows the less harmful gases from its catalytic converter to exit.

As long as your Hyundai’s catalytic converter is working properly, you won’t have to worry about your vehicle producing harmful gases that can impact its carbon footprint.

Signs Your Catalytic Converter May Need Service

Some Hyundai owners drive around in their vehicles for well over a decade without experiencing any catalytic converter issues. However, the average catalytic converter has a lifespan of about 10 years or 100,000 miles. If your catalytic converter is getting up there in age, you may need to consider scheduling service for it. There are also a handful of signs that suggest it’s time for you to service your Hyundai’s catalytic converter. Take a look at a few surefire signs:

• Decreased engine performance.
• Lack of acceleration.
• Reduced fuel efficiency.
• Sulfuric smell, similar to the odor associated with rotten eggs, emanating from the exhaust system.
• Illuminated check engine light.

You may also experience extreme heat coming from underneath your Hyundai when your catalytic converter needs service. Keep an eye out for these signs and arrange to have your Hyundai’s catalytic converter serviced as soon as possible if you notice any of them. It may help you steer clear of other issues that can start to pop up when your catalytic converter can’t do its job effectively.

Diagnosing Issues with Your Catalytic Converter

If you suspect you might be experiencing issues with your Hyundai’s catalytic converter, don’t assume the cause of the problem. The only reliable way to have your catalytic converter diagnosed is by turning to professionals for help. A reputable Hyundai service center will be able to carry out tests that will let you know whether or not your catalytic converter needs to be serviced. If, for example, your Hyundai’s check engine light has turned on and you believe a bad catalytic converter might be to blame, a specialist from a Hyundai service center can use an OBD-II scanner to find fault codes connected to the specific issue you’re having. They can also perform exhaust system backpressure tests to assess the condition of your car’s catalytic converter.

Common Causes of Catalytic Converter Damage

Something as simple as age can affect your Hyundai’s catalytic converter and force you to consider replacing it. If it’s over a decade old, all the wear and tear put on it over time can lead to a need for catalytic converter service or replacement. But this is just one of the potential causes of catalytic converter damage. Here are a few other common causes of catalytic converter damage that should be on your radar:

• Putting the wrong fuel into your Hyundai.
• Failing to address a misfiring engine in your Hyundai.
• Allowing coolant or oil leaks to plague your Hyundai’s exhaust system.
• Hitting something with your Hyundai that leads to external damage.

Catalytic converter thefts have also been on the rise in Fort Worth and the surrounding areas in recent years. If your catalytic converter is ever stolen, you’ll need to report the theft to local police immediately and work on replacing it right away. You may also need to service or replace your catalytic converter if it has been tampered with by would-be thieves.

Preventative Maintenance for Catalytic Converter Health

After hearing about how important your Hyundai’s catalytic converter is to it, you might be wondering, “What can I do to protect my catalytic converter from now on?” By taking several key steps to maintain your catalytic converter, you can keep it in good health. Get into the habit of:

• Performing routine oil changes on your Hyundai.
• Tuning your Hyundai’s engine correctly.
• Choosing the right fuel for your Hyundai.

Additionally, adhere to all of Hyundai’s recommended fuel and oil specifications. By bringing your Hyundai to an established service center, you can ensure that the proper preventative maintenance is being done. It’ll keep your car’s catalytic converter and all the other parts in it working how they should.

Schedule Service for Your Hyundai’s Catalytic Converter Today

Have you spotted any signs that might show that you need to have your catalytic converter serviced? Is your catalytic converter on the older side and causing you to worry every time you get behind the wheel of your Hyundai? Or has your catalytic converter been stolen or damaged during an attempted theft? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, Hiley Hyundai of Fort Worth would love to help you by setting you up with the catalytic converter service you need. Schedule an appointment with our talented service team today.