Keeping your Audi at the reliable level you’ve come to enjoy is all about proper maintenance. Failing to keep your vehicle up to date can lead to detrimental car issues that may affect the long term performance of your vehicle. With that in mind, stay vigilant for any signs of problems under the hood and try to resolve them as soon as they appear.
On that note, problems with your catalytic converter should be taken seriously. Your catalytic converter is an important piece of machinery that keeps your vehicle functioning properly, and if damaged or malfunctioning, it can cause unforeseen issues to your vehicle.
If you notice any key signs that something is wrong with your catalytic converter, don’t hesitate to take your vehicle to a professional right away. Let’s look closer at this issue, its common causes, and where to go for help.
What does the catalytic converter do?
Unbeknownst to many, the catalytic converter is an imperative system under the hood of your car. Understanding why it is required will prompt you to have it repaired quickly, should problems arise.
The catalytic converter is responsible for converting harmful toxins to harmless gas that may emerge while your car is running. As your engine burns through the fuel and air mixture, it is possible that dangerous chemicals could be formed as a byproduct. However, the catalytic converter is a metal box underneath the car that stops these byproducts from releasing into the air.
On your average vehicle, a catalytic converter has two tubes. One tube connects to the engine bay, and the other connects to the exhaust. This system is the only way for gas to escape the vehicle.
As gas travels through the tube to the catalytic converter, the metal inside the box stimulates a chemical reaction that converts any harmful gas to harmless gas. From there, it can then travel through to the exhaust and be expelled as clean fumes.
Over time, your catalytic converter can become clogged as particulates and other matter begins to build up in the system. When this happens, your catalytic converter may become less effective and stop cleaning the air that comes through. This can lead you to fail an emissions test among other negatives, which shows just how important it is to fix this equipment when you see the signs that it may be clogged.
Signs of a Clogged Catalytic Converter
As mentioned, ensuring the maintenance of your catalytic converter is extremely important as a vehicle owner. Not doing so can damage the performance you love in your Audi. Keep a vigilant eye for the following common signs of a clogged catalytic converter and take your car in immediately upon noticing any of them.
Problems Starting Your Audi
When your catalytic converter is clogged, all the exhaust may be trapped within your car and make starting the vehicle difficult. This is due to the increased exhaust pressure within the pipes, forcing the engine to struggle just to turn over.
Bad Fuel Efficiency
As you may know, clean exhaust and a proper gas mileage go hand in hand. If your catalytic converter is clogged, you may notice your vehicle’s performance decrease dramatically. It can even cause you to visit the gas pumps more often. Both of these are signs that your catalytic converter may be clogged and are reasons to take your car into a trusted shop.
Poor Acceleration
If you notice that your vehicle seems to have problems accelerating when you put your foot on the pedal, you may be witnessing evidence of a clogged catalytic converter. As the exhaust gets trapped within the pipes, the pressure buildup may make it difficult for the car to accelerate.
Trust Escondido German Auto
At Escondido German Auto, we know the intricate systems of Audi vehicles and can diagnose a clogged catalytic converter with ease. This is directly 
due to our experience servicing non-domestic vehicles ranging from Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, MINI, Porsche, Sprinter, and Volkswagen. We have extensive experience working with clients from Escondido, Rancho Bernardo, and Valley Center, CA, meaning we have the knowledge needed to help solve your Audi issue.
Come in and see for yourself today why we are the best in the business. Alternatively, feel free to give us a call and schedule an appointment. We hope you choose Escondido German Auto as your vehicle solution and look forward to working with you.