What a Faulty Catalytic Converter Does To Your Audi’s Emissions

The catalytic converter of an Audi uses a chemical reaction that transforms dangerous pollutants in the vehicle’s engine exhaust gases into safer substances as they pass along a structure coated with precious metals such as palladium, platinum, and rhodium that is shaped like a honeycomb. This cleans the exhaust before it can exit the car’s tailpipe.

At Paladin Automotive, we have state-of-the-art tools and equipment our experts will use to diagnose the problem and then repair the cause of your Audi’s faulty catalytic converter. Your Audi’s emissions will drastically increase if the catalytic converter is faulty. It’s important to get this issue handled because this can lead to fines and legal repercussions. Nevada is a state that has emission standards that are strictly enforced and can result in up to $2,500 in fines and the inability to register your vehicle. A faulty catalytic converter has the potential to cause severe damage to other engine components. This will result in much more expensive and profound repairs.

Learn How Your Audi’s Catalytic Converter Works

Looking to understand the catalytic converter and how it works in your car? At Paladin Automotive, we strive to be friendly, helpful, and professional. Allow us to explain the functions of the converter to you. We have created the points below to show the steps of how the converter works.

• Function: Toxic emissions are minimized by turning harmful gases into less toxic ones from the engine. This is done through a chemical reaction with the catalyst substance.
• Structure: The inside of the catalytic converter has a structure shaped like a honeycomb with a big surface area. This maximizes the contact between the catalyst and exhaust gases.
• Catalyst materials: The materials of the catalyst, such as palladium, rhodium, and platinum, are what make the chemical reactions possible. These materials are key in capturing harmful pollutants before they can escape through the tailpipe.
• Exhaust flow: Hot exhaust gases will enter the converter from the engine’s side and travel throughout the structure. It will then exit through the tailpipe as cleaner exhaust.

Why do I Smell a Sulfur Smell Around my Tailpipe?

These are signs to watch out for if you believe that your catalytic converter may be faulty:

• Check engine light: A proper diagnosis is needed; however, this is a likely culprit compared to other engine issues.
• Rattling noises: If internal components become seriously damaged and break. They will then rattle inside the converter.
• Sulfur smell from exhaust: A sulfur or rotten egg-like smell will indicate that unburnt fuel is escaping from the exhaust.
• Poor fuel economy: Fuel economy is impacted negatively due to reduced exhaust flow.
• Reduced engine performance: The engine will experience reduced power and decreased acceleration if the converter is clogged because it limits the exhaust flow.

Ignoring a Faulty Catalytic Converter Will Impact Your Audi’s Emissions

Severe consequences can await you if you ignore the signs of a faulty catalytic converter. You can be releasing large amounts of harmful gas into the environment, and this could lead to legal issues. Stop by our shop to get an emission test done and let us diagnose what may be going on with your Audi.

• Increased emissions: Emissions will increase if the converter is not running properly. If the converter is damaged or clogged, it is the most likely cause.
• Failed emissions test: A vehicle with a faulty catalytic converter is more likely to fail an emissions inspection or test.
• Increased pollutants: Harmful gases that are unfiltered, such as nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons, will be expelled in larger amounts if the converter isn’t able to break them down properly.

Specializing in luxury European vehicles like Audi, at Paladin Automotive we don’t overcharge or underservice your vehicle. Our location in Las Vegas, NV, understands that your vehicle needs custom-made service schedules and has specific maintenance requirements. We provide our clients with affordable and reliable service. Our highly qualified experts will get your Audi performing at its best before leaving our shop. We serve drivers in Las Vegas and in the nearby areas.

• Henderson, NV
• Paradise City, NV
• Spring Valley, NV
• Summerlin, NV

Come by our shop today, and we will fix up your Audi’s catalytic converter. You can contact us online at https://paladinautomotivelasvegas.com/contact-us/. To schedule an appointment, drop by the shop or call us at 702-368-2886.