How will I know when my catalytic converter needs to be replaced?

Question

Silly girly question probably, so please be patient lads!

Part of my car's exhaust had to be replaced recently and the mechanic said that the cat would also need to be replaced in the next 4-6 months. How will I know when the work needs to be done? Is it going to suddenly go bang or shoot out clouds of smoke from the exhaust pipe?

Also, my MOT is due in September - should I get the cat replaced before then?

Answer 1

All that will happen is that the car emissions will be alot higher. If the Cat has gone it will fail an emissions test. you wont notice if it has broken yourself

Catalytic converter rarely break unless there is a problem with the engine.

It could be that the mechanic is just trying to make some money out of you

Just put it through its mot and see what the results are

Answer 2

No take your car in for the mot and get them test the cat.Its part of the mot and the tester will tell you if its shot.Sounds like the mechanic may have been hoping to get more money out of you.TIP before going for the mot give the car a good run of at least 5 miles and blow out the cobwebs and this will get the cat warm and should help it through the test.

Answer 3

on cars 1996 or newer when the cat goes bad it will signal a code and turn on the check engine light other signs for a new cat would be leaking from a rust hole, broken up catalyst inside which will rattle when thumped on also worst case would be a plugged cat which would cause a loss of power when driving especially uphill and a sulfur (rotten egg) smell if you are not experiencing any of these problems get a second opinion before replacing it

Answer 4

Please Year Make Model and mileage engine size? Hey Doctor I want you to work on this Animal I don't know what it is? After 1996 car will turn on a check engine light if there is a P0420 or a P0430 cat converter under efficiency code present. Wait see if it passes inspection Muffler shops like to sell extra parts.

Answer 5

Usually your catalytic converter goes bad in one of two ways either the 'check engine' light comes on alerting you that it is no longer able to meet the emission standards it is designed for or if the substrate inside breaks up you will hear a rattling noise when you drive the vehicle.

Answer 6

Many would have the converter changed on the same date as the MOT test

Answer 7

See in case you will get rid of the converter your self. Then detect a metallic pipe approximately 3 ft long which you will ram in the process the converter. attempt and ruin up the interior and unclog it. save doing it till you have thoroughly hollowed out the interior. you could want a small sledge hammer to assist pound the pipe or metallic rod which you utilize. as quickly as you have unclogged it, reinstall it. you would be superb. i've got executed this technique many circumstances. it works super.

Answer 8

With most moder cars an amber warning comes up on the dash.

Answer 9

IF YOUR GARAGE DOES THE MOT, TELL THEM TO REPLACE IT ,IF NEEDED, AT THE TIME. CAT,CONS ARE VERY DANGEROUS TO USE THEY GET WHITE HOT AND CAN IGNITE PETROL FUMES IN GARAGES,OR CAUSE FIRES WHEN PARKED ON DRY GRASS OR UNDERGROWTH.ON SHORT JOURNEYS TO THE SHOPS OR WORK THEY DON,T WORK BECAUSE THEY DON,T GET HOT ENOUGH.

Answer 10

is your mech. a fortune teller you don't know when the cat will fail