Posted on 4/28/2025
Your catalytic converter is part of your car’s emissions system, but its job goes far beyond just reducing pollutants. When it starts to clog, you might notice your engine struggling, your fuel efficiency dropping, or strange smells from the exhaust. These symptoms are easy to overlook at first, but letting the issue go too long can lead to bigger performance problems or even damage to other parts of your vehicle. So, how do you know if your catalytic converter is starting to fail? Slow Acceleration or Loss of Power One of the earliest signs of a clogged catalytic converter is a noticeable loss of power—especially during acceleration or uphill driving. If the converter is blocked, it creates excessive backpressure in the exhaust system, restricting your engine’s ability to “breathe.” That restriction can lead to sluggish throttle response and poor overall performance. If your car feels like it’s working harder than usual but going ... read more