Normally, some evidence of impact is visible on the converter shield. Other conditions that may cause structural damage:Corrosion Thermal shock Metal fatigue Stress fractures Stripped O2 Sensor threads Flex pipe failure Air-gap pipe failure. If you suspect you have a failing catalytic converter it is advisable to take the car to your mechanic and have them diagnose the problem.
A catalytic converter is a vital part of the vehicle exhaust system. The catalytic converter is placed between the engine and the exhaust muffler on the underside of the car. It is not common for a catalytic converter to fail.
They are usually more subject to external damage like impact from debris or internal engine damage cause by overheating. Misfiring in the engine system can cause the catalyst to over heat.
Alternatively, an exceptionally rich fuel mixture will exhibit similar symptoms. When there is a presence of an extra rich fuel mixture raw fuel enters the catalytic converter and is ignited. This can cause the catalyst components to melt under such conditions. Exhaust becomes trapped in front of the catalyst and there is a latent reduction in performance. This is created by back pressure which affects the running of your engine and stops it breathing.
The sudden increase in back pressure can cause your engine to stall during your drive. It will act as though there is an air lock in your system. It will cause the car jerk or feel like there is no fuel reaching the engine when you push the accelerator. You will most certainly become aware of deterioration in the economy of your fuel. Your car will utilize a noticeable amount more gas than usual and this will cost you significantly if the only fault is caused by a failing converter.
Assessing the cause of a failing catalytic converter can sometimes be traced back to an error in the fuel system. A distinctive sign of this is a restriction in the performance of the exhaust system. It is indicative of the melting of catalyst materials inside. Some of the main symptoms of an ineffective converter are:.
These symptoms can be the result of other issues, however, you should take your car to be checked as soon as possible so that the cause can be diagnosed. By ensuring that your car undergoes regular maintenance checks, you can reduce the chance of any issues falling under the radar. At Kwik Fit, we offer a variety of services to ensure that your car is running smoothly and getting you where you need to be.
If you have spotted any of the previously mentioned symptoms of catalytic converter damage, or if you are concerned about the performance of your catalytic converter, please visit your local Kwik Fit centre for a free exhaust check. Find your nearest Kwik Fit Centre here. Keep your vehicle safe and roadworthy for longer, by ensuring that your tyres are maintained at all times. Here are 7 simple steps you should take to keep your tyres in tip top condition.
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Kwik Fit has over centres across the UK including Northern Ireland, many of which are open 7 days a week for your convenience. We endeavour to ensure we are displaying the correct tyres for your vehicle. However, we recommend all customers check the tyre size printed on the side wall of their tyres before proceeding with a tyre purchase as occasionally discrepancies do occur. By selecting the tyre sizes above and clicking 'Continue', you are indicating that you have checked your tyre sizes.
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Your tyre size can be found on the sidewall of your current tyre and is a sequence of numbers and letters. The first three digits. This displays the width of the tyre in millimetres. A tyre marked will measure mm across the tread from sidewall to sidewall. The fourth and fifth digits of the tyre code that immediately follow the tyre width.
The aspect ratio or profile height of the tyre sidewall is expressed as a percentage of the tyre width. In the main, it remains older cars that are targeted because advances in efficiency and technology mean the latest generations of Toyota catalytic converters contain vastly lower amounts of precious metals, while still doing their job just as well or even better - this means their value for recycling is very low and they are not attractive to thieves.
It's a serious problem then and while manufacturers are doing something about it, it will take these changes some time to filter down to the cars you're buying. There's still plenty you can do to prevent yourself becoming a victim though so keep reading for our top ten tips to stop your catalytic convertor getting stolen.
In order to steal the parts, thieves need to slide under the vehicle and use cutting tools to detach the box from the pipes around it. This means how you park you car matters. Parking close to walls or fences can help, but remember not to block pedestrian access, especially for wheelchair users. Some garages will etch a unique serial number onto your catalytic converter so it can be easily identified if it is stolen.
You'll also be provided with a sticker to be displayed in your window that indicates your catalytic converter is marked - which prevents offenders from targeting your vehicle.
If your catalytic converter is bolted on, you can ask for your local garage to weld the bolts to make it more difficult to remove. You can purchase devices that lock in around the converter to make it more difficult to remove. Toyota has its own device, called a Catloc.
The Catloc has over 45 bespoke fitments, so the device should fit quite a few models in the range. Hybrid models like the Toyota Prius , which contain a higher percentage of precious metals, are also particularly at risk. The Catloc can't guarantee theft prevention but it does make cutting the cat converter out more difficult. Unfortunately, if you don't park on your driveway then this can be significantly more difficult to implement.
There are alternative options to keep an eye on your car when you park it up, like wildlife trail cameras - but realistically it's best to park in areas where there's possible CCTV filming anyway - like well-lit, well-traversed streets if you can't park off-street. With the cost of CCTV systems falling an becoming an easy job to intall not requiring specialist services , it's never been simpler to keep an eye on your car.
It's worth considering for peace of mind generally, not just for catalytic converter theft. This is another one that's more to do with common sense and lowering the chances of a crime being committed generally - it's not specific to catalytic converter theft. Thieves are often opportunistic and the equipment required to cut out a cat converter is pretty heavy-duty, but once a vehicle is targeted - thieves tend to wait for an opportunity to strike as the theft itself takes a matter of minutes.
If you park in an area that's well lit, which people regularly walk past, you're less likely to come back to find your catalytic converter has been pinched. If your vehicle doesn't have an alarm and you live in an area where cat converter thefts are on the rise big cities like London , it's definitely time to invest in one.
The noise of the alarm should be enough to scare off any thieves. The CatClamp 'clamps' to the exhaust pipes, not the converter, allowing different sized and shaped converters to be protected.
This eliminates the risk of damaging the converter, heat shield or oxygen sensors. If you don't have a garage you can access, try to park alongside other vehicles or in designated parking areas - i. If you operate a small fleet, consider obstructing access to vehicles with high ground clearance by parking lower vehicles close by. Also, keep an eye out for anyone who seems to be working underneath cars nearby, they could very well be scouting out their next target vehicle.
Catalytic converters have been fitted to car exhausts as standard for almost 30 years to reduce harmful emissions of hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere. The metals act as catalysts as the name suggests and convert the harmful gases into water vapour and less harmful emissions. Before the arrival of catalytic converters, exhaust fumes would exit the exhaust pipe with no filtering at all.
The motor insurer Admiral reports a recent increase in catalytic converter thefts with thieves looking for good quality parts from Japanese models such as the Honda Jazz , Toyota Prius , Toyota Auris and Lexus RX of all generations and ages.
Hybrids are at particular risk, because their catalytic converters contain a higher concentration of precious metals and are generally less corroded. As long as you have a policy that covers against theft, yes. Though this may vary between insurers, so you should check your policy.
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