Repair And Fix it

A failed catalytic converter that has not clogged can contribute to an increase in hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide exiting the car tailpipe. Normally, the catalytic converter will reduce the amount of these pollutants to extremely low levels. An increase in these pollutants in the car exhaust can also be caused by a faulty air pump, pulse air system or another component of the car air supply.

A catalytic converter that has plugged up will create excessive back pressure in the car exhaust system. This back pressure increase can affect the car fuel mileage, meaning the car will not be able to drive as far under the same conditions with the same amount of gas. The plugged catalytic converter causes the car to work harder to maintain performance, meaning the car engine will burn more fuel than it would if it had a properly functioning catalytic converter.

A plugged catalytic converter can also reduce the car power at high speeds, such as when the car is driving on the freeway. The driver may notice the car cannot pass other vehicles on the road at freeway speeds as it once did. A driver may also notice that, once the car hits a certain speed, its acceleration becomes sluggish. A plugged converter can also cause the car to idle rough, meaning the engine will sputter or fluctuate in its RPMs. The failed catalytic converter can also cause the car to have trouble starting, causing the engine to stumble or stall upon starting.

Starting a car requires a good deal of electrical power. At start-up the battery must power the starter, fuel injection system and other components. A battery that is not being properly charged by the alternator will at some point fail to start the vehicle.

While a car will operate for some time on battery power alone, the battery will eventually lose power and the driver may become stranded along the road. Driving at night when more power is needed for headlights, instrument lights, etc., makes becoming stranded more likely.

A bad alternator may seize and stop turning. The alternators drive belt with then attempt to turn on an immobile pulley and likely break. When the belt breaks other components driven by the belt will also lose power which may damage the car or make driving difficult.