Your catalytic converter is the last line of defense between your car and the environment. It breaks down harmful emissions, keeps your engine efficient, and helps you pass smog checks. But when it fails, performance drops, fuel economy tanks, and your check engine light refuses to turn off. At Precision Auto Care in San Leandro, we fix these problems fast. Our shop serves Hayward, San Lorenzo, and Castro Valley with expert repairs that keep vehicles compliant and running at peak performance. What are the most common catalytic converter issues, and how do we solve them?
1. Physical Damage: Dents, Cracks, and Leaks
Catalytic converters sit under your car, exposed to road hazards. One hard impact from a speed bump, pothole, or curb can dent or crack the outer shell. A damaged housing allows exhaust leaks, reducing efficiency and triggering the check engine light. If the internal honeycomb structure shatters, it blocks exhaust flow, choking engine performance.
At Precision Auto Care, we inspect for visible damage and check for leaks using exhaust pressure tests. If a crack or dent compromises the converter, we replace it with a high-quality OEM or CARB-compliant aftermarket unit. Our installation ensures a perfect seal, preventing harmful gases from escaping and restoring full efficiency.
2. Overheating: A Meltdown Waiting to Happen
Excessive heat is a catalytic converter’s worst enemy. When unburned fuel enters the exhaust system—often due to engine misfires, faulty oxygen sensors, or a stuck-open fuel injector—the extra hydrocarbons ignite inside the converter. Temperatures soar above 1,600°F, melting the ceramic honeycomb and turning it into a solid mass. When this happens, exhaust gases can’t pass through, and your engine loses power.
We diagnose the root cause with live data scans and infrared temperature readings. If a misfire, sensor failure, or fuel issue is to blame, we fix it first. Then, we test the converter for excessive back pressure. If it’s heat-damaged, we install a replacement to restore proper exhaust flow and engine efficiency.
3. Clogged Catalytic Converter: Why Your Car Feels Sluggish
A clogged catalytic converter strangles your engine. Instead of expelling exhaust smoothly, your vehicle struggles to breathe. Common causes include oil burning, coolant leaks, and prolonged idling. Internal deposits build up, restricting flow and leading to rough acceleration, poor fuel economy, and a rotten egg smell from the exhaust.
We perform a vacuum test, backpressure analysis, and exhaust gas readings to confirm a clog. If buildup is minimal, we use a professional-grade catalytic converter cleaner and a high-temperature regeneration process to burn off deposits. For severe blockages, we replace the unit and address oil or coolant leaks to prevent future damage.
4. Contamination: When the Converter Suffocates
Catalysts inside the converter—platinum, palladium, and rhodium—facilitate chemical reactions to break down emissions. However, over time, these metals become coated with oil, coolant, or fuel additives, reducing efficiency. A contaminated converter causes excessive emissions, failed smog tests, and an illuminated check engine light.
Our technicians use an emissions analyzer to measure converter performance. If contamination is detected, we pinpoint the source—whether it’s worn piston rings, leaky valve seals, or a faulty head gasket. We repair the root problem before replacing the converter to ensure lasting performance.
5. Age and Wear: The Slow Death of a Converter
A catalytic converter is built to last 100,000 miles or more, but after years of heat cycles, metal fatigue sets in. The internal catalyst materials degrade, reducing the efficiency of emission breakdown. Drivers notice sluggish acceleration, poor fuel mileage, and difficulty passing smog checks.
We measure catalytic efficiency with oxygen sensor voltage tests and emissions readings. If the converter fails to meet standards, we install a replacement that meets California Air Resources Board (CARB) regulations. This ensures compliance with strict emissions laws while keeping your vehicle performing like new.
Precision Auto Care doesn’t just replace parts—we solve problems. We diagnose the cause of catalytic converter failure, fix underlying engine issues, and install high-quality replacements that last. If your check engine light is on, your car feels sluggish, or your exhaust smells off, don’t ignore it. A bad catalytic converter only gets worse with time.
Our auto repair shop in San Leandro serves residents in Hayward, San Lorenzo, and Castro Valley with expert catalytic converter diagnostics and repair. Call today, get a real fix, and drive with confidence.