Catalytic Converter Replacement

Many of us have become aware of how important it is to keep our planet’s air clean, and your vehicle has a key component that helps do just that: the catalytic converter. It’s in the exhaust system, and its job is to superheat unburned, harmful byproducts in the exhaust, so they don’t get spewed out into the atmosphere.

There’s another important purpose the catalytic converter has: it improves your vehicle’s efficiency.

Most of us don’t give the catalytic converter much thought until it breaks or someone steals yours, something that’s been happening much more frequently in recent years. The reason people steal them is that catalytic converters use precious metals such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium to do their job. So, they contain valuable materials thieves can sell.

The most likely reason you will have to replace your catalytic converter is age. The more distance your vehicle travels and the more hours your engine runs, it’s putting wear and tear on the converter. T

You can tell if your catalytic converter is failing by looking out for these signs:

Smell of rotten eggs inside your cabin or outside near the exhaust
Check Engine light is on
Vehicle power isn’t what it used to be, or fuel economy has plunged
Vehicle backfires

If you need a new catalytic converter, it can be replaced with an original equipment part if it’s available, or an aftermarket converter can be welded into the exhaust pipe. It’s not uncommon for oxygen sensors to need replacing as well. The technician will also check for other problems in your powertrain that may have contributed to your converter failing.

Check to see if an emissions test is required where you live. If it is, you will have to have a properly functioning catalytic converter to pass it.

Autotronics of St. Peter
111 Jefferson Avenue
St. Peter, MN 56082
507.934.9290
http://autotronicsstpeter.com

Steer Me Right! (Failing Power Steering Hose)

Most drivers love how easy it is to turn their vehicles, and they have power steering to thank. Engineers have figured out a way to take some of your engine’s power to help you turn. Without it, steering can be quite a chore. New power systems are electric, but there are still plenty of the older hydraulic power steering systems out there, and it’s wise to keep them working the way they should so you don’t find yourself stranded without power steering.

Those hydraulic power systems use a fluid under pressure that is pumped to a device that helps you turn your wheels more easily. It’s that pressure that presents the challenge. After your vehicle’s seen a few years on the road, you may find your steering isn’t quite as easy as it was. You may hear a groaning or humming sound when you turn.

One component that can fail is the pressure hose that carries that fluid from the power steering pump to that turning assist mechanism. The hose is made of rubber and can leak, crack, get damaged by heat and debris or just get too old. If yours is ten years old or older, it’s likely getting close to the end of its life.

If you think you can just wait until it fails completely, think of these possible consequences. If the hose or a coupling fails, power steering fluid can blow all over the hot engine. That fluid is flammable and can start a fire. Or if you’ve been driving for a few weeks with low power steering fluid, that could ruin your power steering pump. Replacing the pump is an extra expense you can probably live without.

A technician will replace the necessary parts and make sure air and contaminants are bled or flushed from the system. Then, he or she will check for leaks. Just think how important a properly working power steering system is for safe operation of your vehicle. Make sure you keep yours in top shape for your safety’s sake and the safety of others on the road around you.

Autotronics of St. Peter
111 Jefferson Avenue
St. Peter, MN 56082
507.934.9290
http://autotronicsstpeter.com

Restore Your Get-Up-and-Go (Fuel and Air Induction Cleaning)

You may have heard the old saying, “My get-up-and-go got up and went.” If your vehicle’s engine’s fuel economy is noticeably worse, your engine is idling roughly or stalling or your vehicle’s acceleration isn’t what it used to be, ask your service advisor if you might need your vehicle’s fuel and air induction systems cleaned.

As the hours pile up on your engine, carbon deposits can build up. It’s not unusual for some of the impurities and additives in fuel to leave behind a black residue that eventually will negatively affect your fuel economy and performance. Maybe you’re noticing your engine is harder to start, you hear knocking or pinging in your engine and your vehicle just doesn’t have the pep it used to.

While it’s a sophisticated process with a lot of components, a gasoline engine essentially produces power by drawing in air from the outside and mixing it with fuel in the cylinders where this blend of fuel and air is ignited by spark plugs in synchronized explosions.

The fuel and air enter your engine through the fuel induction system and air induction system. Because of things like high operating temperatures and impurities, carbon in the fuel can leave behind dark, sooty deposits in the fuel induction system such as the fuel injectors and the throttle body. These and other residue reduce your engine’s efficiency and performance. Our service center can use special fuel injector cleaners to remove those deposits from your engine.

The technician may manually clean some of the deposits and also put a fuel additive in the fuel tank that will get rid of other deposits that are still in the fuel system

Keeping the air induction system clean is also important. A technician can use a liquid cleaner specially designed for the job. Not only can this improve your fuel economy, it may also reduce exhaust emissions and help your engine last longer.

Most gasoline now contains detergents that help reduce or prevent these problems, but direct injection is now being used in more vehicles that are more susceptible to clogging. Ask your service advisor if your vehicle could benefit from fuel and air induction cleaning.

Autotronics of St. Peter
111 Jefferson Avenue
St. Peter, MN 56082
507.934.9290
http://autotronicsstpeter.com