LP & Sons Auto Care can help if your catalytic converter was stolen, but there are a few things you need to do first. The first thing you should do is call the police so you can file a theft report. The second thing you should do is call your auto insurance company to see if your policy covers the cost to replace the stolen catalytic converter. The third thing you should do is call our shop to set up an appointment so we can replace the converter and inspect the exhaust system for additional damage.
Loud and Roaring Engine
You must realize that the catalytic converter has been stolen before any of the above can happen. Don’t worry. Your automobile is going to react in such a way that you will be able to figure it out. The first thing that will happen is your engine will roar loudly when you start the automobile. You will think that you have a hole in your muffler because the engine will remain loud, especially when you accelerate.
Check Engine Warning Light
The next thing that is going to happen is the check engine warning light will stay illuminated on the dashboard rather than turning off. This is because the exhaust system is experiencing a series of malfunctions that the sensors are picking up. These malfunctions have specific error codes that the sensors report to the engine control unit. The unit then turns on the check engine light.
Jerky/Punchy Acceleration
After those two things, you will notice that your acceleration is jerky and punchy. This is because the exhaust manifold is shoving the exhaust into the space for the catalytic converter once was. Normally, the converter would absorb the force of this exhaust transfer. Because it’s not there, your vehicle will lurch forward every time the exhaust is pushed out of the exhaust manifold.
Sputtering at Slow Speeds
You are also going to experience a sputtering engine when you are driving at slow speeds. These engine performance issues alone should be reason enough to avoid driving your automobile. It’s much better to have the vehicle towed to our shop than to drive it.
Exhaust Odors in the Cabin
The reason why is that the exhaust can easily make its way inside your vehicle, especially if you have one or more of the windows down. You don’t need us to tell you that inhaling automobile exhaust is deadly.
LP & Sons Auto Care is the best auto shop in DeLand, FL, so call us today to discuss replacing your stolen catalytic converter.