Clogging of the netralizer occurs due to low-quality fuel, improper engine operation and aggressive driving style. Dirty fuel leaves deposits that gradually clog the honeycomb of the cleaning element. At the same time, if your old neutralizer is no longer able to cope with its task, it is not necessary to take it to the dump – you can find out the actual catalytic converter scrap price and sell it for recycling through the Autocatalyst service.
Some drivers do not pay attention to the quality of the fuel used, which leads to rapid wear of the cleaning system. Refueling at untested stations can cause serious problems. Low-quality fuel contains a greater amount of sulfur and other harmful impurities that settle on the walls of the cleaning element.
The main signs of contamination
The first sign of problems is a drop in engine power and an increase in fuel consumption. This happens because the clogged neutralizer creates additional resistance to the flow of gases. The engine has to work with an increased load, which leads to overconsumption of gasoline and a decrease in the dynamics of the car.
The second important signal is extraneous sounds when the engine is running, especially at idle. They can signal the destruction of the internal structure of the cleaning element. If you hear rattling or knocking from under the bottom – this is a reason for immediate diagnosis.
It is also worth paying attention to the behavior of the car when accelerating. If the car began to gain speed worse, there are jerks or dips when pressing the gas pedal – this may indicate problems with the cleaning system. Often drivers write off these symptoms to other malfunctions, wasting valuable time.
Contamination prevention
To prevent premature failure of the purge system, follow these rules of thumb:
- Use quality fuel from trusted gas stations. Saving money on gasoline often turns into costly repairs. Low-quality fuel leaves more deposits and destroys the internal structure of the cleaning system faster. It is recommended to keep a record of fuel consumption and write down at which gas stations you refueled.
- Carry out maintenance in a timely manner. Regular diagnostics and replacement of oil, filters and spark plugs helps prevent harmful substances from entering the purification system. It is especially important to keep an eye on the condition of the air filter. When driving on dusty roads, it should be checked more often than usual.
- Avoid frequent short-distance driving. Short journeys do not allow the cleaning system to warm up to operating temperature, which contributes to the formation of deposits. Try to combine short trips into one long trip. After starting a cold engine, let it idle for 2-3 minutes.
- Watch the operation of the oxygen sensors and ignition system. Improper operation of these components leads to enrichment of the fuel mixture and increased load on the cleaning system. Regularly check the readings of the on-board computer and do not ignore the inclusion of the “Check Engine” indicator.
Proper use of the vehicle and regular maintenance will significantly extend the service life of the exhaust gas cleaning system. At the first signs of malfunction, contact a specialist for diagnosis and timely repair. Remember that replacement of the purification system is an expensive procedure, so prevention is always more favorable than treatment.
Regular diagnostics will help to identify problems at an early stage, when they can still be eliminated without serious costs. Modern car services have special equipment to check the efficiency of the cleaning system. Such diagnostics allows to determine the degree of contamination and take necessary measures before the problem becomes critical.
