The Best Audi Shop in Decatur to Replace a Failed Catalytic Converter
Your Audi’s emissions system plays a big role in reducing your vehicle’s environmental footprint, which means that catalytic converter failure can lead to significant consequences. As such, it is important for Audi owners to understand the purpose of the catalytic converter, causes of catalytic converter problems, and symptoms of catalytic converter failure. To help you with this, here is everything you need to know about preventing, identifying, and fixing a malfunctioning catalytic converter:
The Purpose of the Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter is part of your Audi’s emissions system, which means that it helps limit the amount of pollutants your vehicle releases into the environment. More specifically, the catalytic converter uses a catalyst to change dangerous chemicals into less harmful substances, such as carbon dioxide and water vapor. Not only does this process help keep you, your passengers, and your environment safe, but it also significantly improves your vehicle’s performance, as it facilitates an efficient flow of chemicals into, through, and out of your engine.
Causes of Catalytic Converter Failure
Because the catalytic converter is such an important component, it is typically designed to last for the lifetime of the vehicle it inhabits. However, like all parts of a vehicle, it may sometimes fail unexpectedly.
One of the most common causes of catalytic converter failure is clogs in the emissions system. As chemicals filter through your Audi’s catalytic converter, they may leave behind bits of residue, which can build up over time. Similarly, if your vehicle begins to leak coolant or oil, these substances may seep into the catalytic converter and pool in the system. Eventually, this debris may build to the point that it clogs the system, preventing any more material from filtering through. This problem may cause the catalytic converter to fail entirely.
Additionally, another potential cause of catalytic converter failure is overheating. If one of your vehicle’s spark plugs misfires, or if one of its valves begins to leak, the catalytic converter may overheat. If this situation is ignored, unburned gases will start to build up in the catalytic converter, pressurizing it and causing significant damage to the system. If you suspect that your Audi’s catalytic converter is overheating, you should have it examined right away.
Diagnosing the Problem
Although catalytic converter problems are difficult for non-mechanics to fix on their own, they are usually quite easy to diagnose. The most common sign of catalytic converter failure is the illumination of the check engine light. Because your vehicle’s emissions system is controlled by the onboard computer, any issues within the system will cause the computer to turn on the check engine light. Therefore, if your Audi’s dashboard is lighting up, you may want to have its catalytic converter looked at by a professional.
In addition to check-engine light illumination, another common sign of catalytic converter failure is decreased engine performance. The catalytic converter allows for the proper flow of oxygen and other chemicals through the engine. If this component becomes clogged or otherwise inoperable, the entire engine may suffer from increased pressure. Not only will this greatly reduce your vehicle’s performance, but it may also lead to engine rattling, decreased fuel economy, and engine misfires.
Finally, a third potential symptom of catalytic converter problems is a failed emissions test. Without a functioning catalytic converter, your Audi will begin to emit noxious chemicals, which can easily be picked up on during an emissions test. Therefore, if your vehicle unexpectedly fails an emissions test, you should have the catalytic converter and the rest of the emissions system examined by an experienced technician.
We’re Here to Help
A failed catalytic converter can easily prevent a 
vehicle from being road legal, so if you suspect your Audi’s catalytic converter is broken, reach out to the experts at Munich West. Since 1976, our skilled mechanics have been dedicated to helping European vehicle owners in Decatur and Atlanta, GA.
We are well-known as Atlanta’s leading European service center, and we are proud to offer fast, accurate, and convenient service. So regardless of whether your Audi’s catalytic converter is malfunctioning or your vehicle just needs a tune-up, give us a call today to find out what we can do for you.
