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The first symptoms of problems with the exhaust gas converter often go unnoticed by the driver. The engine may run a little louder, fuel consumption increases slightly, and the dynamics of the car gradually deteriorate. Over time, these signs become more noticeable, and the Check Engine indicator may light up on the dashboard. If the converter malfunction is detected, you should not hurry to throw it away – the Autocatalyst service offers favorable conditions for buying back used components.
Consequences Of Using A Defective Converter
Continued driving with a damaged neutralizer can lead to serious problems. Many car owners, before deciding to repair, check Ford catalytic converter number lookup to estimate the cost of replacement and possible proceeds from the sale of the old part. Ignoring the problem leads to the gradual destruction of the internal filler, particles of which can enter the engine and cause mechanical damage.
Impact On Engine Components
A destroyed converter creates excessive pressure in the system, which leads to the following problems:
- Increased load on the piston group causes premature ring wear and loss of compression in the cylinders.
- Violation of the fuel combustion process leads to increased formation of carbon deposits and clogging of injectors.
- Improper operation of lambda probes causes inaccurate determination of the fuel mixture composition.
- Overheating of the engine due to violation of the thermal regime can cause deformation of the cylinder head.
- Increased back pressure in the system can lead to burnout of exhaust valves.
Timely detection of malfunctions can prevent most of these problems and preserve engine life. It is especially important to monitor the condition of the cleaning system when operating the car in the urban cycle, where the load on the converter is maximum.
Legal Consequences
A defective neutralizer becomes the cause of an increased content of harmful substances in the exhaust gasses. The following sanctions are provided for this:
- Penalty for exceeding toxicity standards when passing technical inspection.
- Prohibition to operate the vehicle until the malfunction is corrected.
- Additional costs for repeated technical inspection.
- Administrative liability for violation of environmental norms.
- Restrictions on entry to ecological zones of large cities.
Saving on timely repairs often turns into significant costs in the future. Operation of a car with a defective converter creates risks not only for the environment, but also for the owner’s wallet.
Recommendations For Prevention
Maintaining the performance of the neutralizer requires compliance with a few simple rules. Regular maintenance, the use of quality fuel and timely diagnostics will help avoid costly repairs. Special attention should be paid to the quality of oil and timely replacement of the air filter, since these factors directly affect the composition of exhaust gasses and the load on the purification system.
