Stanley Ford McGregor

Call 254-840-2868 Directions

Catalytic Converter Replacement

Close up view of a vehicle's catalytic converter being checked out by a service tech

How to Know When Your Catalytic Converter Needs Service

If you’re focused on your vehicle’s performance, you’re probably spending a lot of time thinking about your engine. This is normally where you’ll want to focus, but other parts of your vehicle like your exhaust system can also play a large role. If you’ve never serviced your catalytic converter before and you’re experiencing a drop in performance, you’ll want to have it inspected by our mechanics at Stanley Ford McGregor.

Schedule Service
Service Specials

What the Catalytic Converter Does for Your Vehicle

Your catalytic converter is a small metal canister that sits inside your exhaust system. When your engine is running, it’s going to be putting out a wide variety of harmful gases as a byproduct, which pass through your exhaust system. You can think of your catalytic converter as a sort of filter, as its job is to convert these gases into less harmful compounds. Since almost every car is equipped with one of these, you’ll want to make sure that yours is working properly. You generally won’t see problems for quite some time, as they’re meant to last for years on end. If your car is reaching the 100,000-mile mark, or you’re noticing strange symptoms, it might be time to have it checked. If you’re near McGregor, Temple, or Waco, you can always bring your vehicle to Stanley Ford McGregor for quick service.

Noticing Possible Signs of Wear on Your Catalytic Converter

If your catalytic converter is broken, you shouldn’t expect to pass any EPA tests any time soon. Since this piece is a vital part of your exhaust system, you’ll notice a wide variety of symptoms when it’s damaged.

  • There’s a Rattling Sound: When the mesh inside your catalytic converter deteriorates, it might result in a rattling sound. This usually results from age, as the mesh will slowly wear away over time.
  • You Notice a Drop in Performance: When your exhaust system is compromised, you might notice a drop in efficiency, power, and acceleration.
  • There’s a Bad Smell in The Air: Your catalytic converter works like a filter, so if you smell sulfur in the air, it likely means that more gases are getting through. Some drivers liken this smell to rotting eggs.
  • You See the Check Engine Light: You’ll never want to ignore your check engine light when it pops up. If you can’t seem to find where the problem is coming from, it’s always best to visit the mechanic.

Repairing Your Damaged Exhaust System

Your exhaust system is complicated, and it’s also directly linked to the performance of your engine. This is why you won’t want to handle this repair at home, as if you mess something up, you might cause an exhaust leak, which can be extremely dangerous. When you need professional help, you’ll want to head to Stanley Ford McGregor. Our mechanics will be able to thoroughly inspect your system, so if there’s a problem with your catalytic converter or your oxygen sensors, they’ll find it. Your catalytic converter is often prone to clogging, so if this is the case, they’ll be able to clear it through specialized cleaning. If something is damaged or otherwise broken, you’ll be able to explore replacements with our parts department. We offer OEM parts, so you’ll have parts that are tailored to your specific model.

 When you need to repair your catalytic converter, you’ll want to schedule your next service with Stanley Ford McGregor.

Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Price does not include applicable tax, title, and license charges. ‡Vehicles shown at different locations are not currently in our inventory (Not in Stock) but can be made available to you at our location within a reasonable date from the time of your request, not to exceed one week.