Is your Audi struggling to breathe? If your Audi does not drive like it used to or you see a decrease in the fuel economy, it might be the catalytic converter. This is an important component of your car’s exhaust system as it lowers dangerous emissions and ensures optimum performance. However, similar to any component it has the possibility to degrade over time and require a replacement. Let’s look at what a catalytic converter is, why it may fail, and why it’s important for your Audi to have it replaced as soon as possible.
What is a Catalytic Converter?
The catalytic converter is one of the components of your Audi’s exhaust system mounted between the engine and the outlet. Its main purpose is to reduce noxious gases including carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides and turn them into less harmful products including carbon dioxide and water vapor.
This process goes a long way in helping reduce pollution of the environment and also making sure that your Audi is compliant with emissions. But, catalytic converters are not immortal. They can be blocked, deteriorated, or eroded and in the process cause issues that would hamper the performance of your car and your driving.
Why Does a Catalytic Converter Fail?
- Clogging from Debris: Unfortunately, in the course of time, carbon deposits and debris may accumulate on the inner surface of a catalytic converter hindering the flow of air through it. This clogging reduces the efficiency of the converter and consequently the performance of your Audis engine.
- Physical Damage: A catalytic converter can be physically damaged by driving over a rough surface or by hitting a solid object. A tiny crack is enough to make it fail to work as it should.
- Contaminants in the Fuel System: Another cause of early failure of the catalytic converter is using the wrong fuel or poor-quality additives that deposit contaminants on the catalytic converter.
How to Change Catalytic Converter in Your Audi
- Accurate Diagnosis: The first stage of the process of catalytic converter replacement is to identify the problem. An experienced mechanic will diagnose the car by using scanners to look for codes concerning the exhaust system. They will also make a visual check on the converter to see if it has been damaged or choked and determine if the problem lies in the converter alone.
- Selecting the Correct Replacement Part: Audis need a catalytic converter that will perform to certain specifications and that has an acceptable level of emissions. Original equipment manufacturer or a good quality compatible part makes your vehicle operate optimally and meet emission standards. A poor quality or a wrong part could lead to loss of performance, emission test failure, or even other mechanical problems.
- Removing Faulty Catalytic Converter: Once the problem is diagnosed, and the new part is available, the mechanic will then pull out the old converter. Removing the converter from the exhaust system can be very difficult if the nuts are rusted or if the converter is fixed at a hard-to-access position.
- Installing New Catalytic Converter: Once the old section is cut off the new catalytic converter is fit perfectly and then bolted into the exhaust system. Proper alignment is important when installing the system to avoid cases where they leak, rattle, or even perform poorly. The mechanic will also make sure that the new part that is fitted into your car meets the specifications of your Audi to enhance its functionality.
- Testing and Final Inspection: After it has been installed the mechanic will ensure the exhaust system is put through extensive testing. There may also be a need for a road test to ascertain that the new catalytic converter is in place and that the car’s optimal performance has been regained.
Contact The Certified Technicians At Autohaus Sales and Service For Audi Repairs
Autohaus Sales and Service in Royal Oak has been in the industry for many years, dealing with prestigious German cars such as Audi. The highly trained technicians on our team are armed with the best equipment and information to identify as well as solve catalytic converter problems within a short span. It doesn’t matter if it’s a simple swap or a more comprehensive fix – we’ll make sure that the work is done properly. We are excited to render our services to European vehicle drivers from nearby areas such as Birmingham, Troy, Pleasant Ridge, Huntington Woods, and Bloomfield Hills MI. Contact us today.
The post Where to Replace Audi’s Catalytic Converter in Royal Oak appeared first on Autohaus Service And Sales.
