Posted on 12/19/2025
A clogged catalytic converter can sneak up on you. At first, the car might just feel a little sluggish or “heavier” than normal. Over time, it may struggle on hills, hesitate when you accelerate, or even stall. By the time most drivers suspect the converter, it has usually been restricted for a while, and the engine has been working much harder than it should. Why the Catalytic Converter Matters The catalytic converter sits in the exhaust system and cleans up harmful gases before they leave the tailpipe. Inside, there is a honeycomb structure coated with precious metals that help turn unburned fuel and pollutants into less harmful emissions. For that to work, exhaust has to flow through it freely. When the converter is healthy, gases pass through with minimal restriction, and the engine can breathe. If that honeycomb melts, breaks apart, or gets coated with deposits, it becomes a bottleneck. The engine has to push exhaust out against a plugged passage, w ... read more