Your vehicle’s catalytic converter is an essential emissions control device that reduces harmful gases like carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides into less toxic compounds before they exit the exhaust system. However, catalytic converters can develop holes, cracks, or leaks that severely compromise their effectiveness over time. A catalytic converter leak can damage does more than increase pollution – it can also negatively impact your car’s performance and fuel economy and even pose potential safety hazards.
Understanding the causes behind catalytic converter failures, the warning signs to watch for, and the various repair and prevention methods is crucial. Repairing a leaky catalytic converter promptly can help avoid costly replacements. Properly maintaining yours can maximize its lifespan, preventing issues leading to failed emissions tests and potential fines or legal penalties in many areas.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the causes of common catalytic converter holes and leaks, identify the signs and symptoms, and explore your repair options—DIY and professional. We’ll compare each solution’s pros, cons, and costs so you can decide the right path for your vehicle’s specific situation. You’ll also learn prevention tips to get the most life out of this emissions-busting workhorse.
Following the advice, you can prevent catalytic converter issues before they spiral into an expensive headache. You’ll maximize catalytic converter lifespan, keep your vehicle running cleanly and efficiently, and avoid the legal hassles of excessive pollution.
Key Takeaways On Catalytic Converter Leak
- Regular maintenance, such as tune-ups, air filter changes, and fuel system services, helps prevent catalytic converter damage from issues like engine misfires and rich air/fuel mixtures.
- Physical impact damage from road debris, speed bumps, or accidents is a leading cause of exterior cracks, holes, and leaks in catalytic converters.
- Internal meltdown from excessive heat caused by engine problems such as misfires, exhaust leaks, and faulty sensors can destroy a catalytic converter’s internal substrate and catalyst materials.
- Warning signs include loud exhaust noises, decreased performance, the smell of fumes, checking engine lights for codes like P0420/P0430, visible damage or soot, and failed emissions tests.
- DIY repairs like sealants, epoxies, or repair kits may temporarily fix small leaks. Still, severe internal damage usually requires professional welding, metalwork, or full replacement.
- When deciding between attempting repairs or outright catalytic converter replacement, factor in the vehicle’s age, mileage, repair costs, and whether you plan to keep it long-term.
- Preventing damage involves sticking to maintenance schedules, avoiding rough roads and debris, fixing exhaust leaks promptly, and considering protective shielding.
- OEM replacement is ideal for newer vehicles you plan to keep. At the same time, aftermarket universal-fit catalytic converters can save costs on older, higher-mileage vehicles.
- Never ignore a damaged catalytic converter, as it increases emissions, risks failing inspections/fines, hurts performance, wastes fuel, and can potentially create fire hazards.
- Proper identification, repairs, and preventative care allow you to maximize your vehicle’s catalytic converter lifespan for clean air and efficient performance.
The Importance of a Fully Sealed Catalytic Converter
A properly functioning, fully sealed catalytic converter is critical for minimizing your vehicle’s environmental impact and complying with emissions regulations. Even small holes or cracks can allow partially converted or raw exhaust gases to escape before completing the catalytic process. This increases pollution levels and can trigger a check engine light, lead to emissions test failures, and potentially even result in fines in some regions.
Why Do Catalytic Converters Develop Holes and Leaks?
While catalytic converters are designed to withstand the intense heat and constant flow of exhaust gases, they aren’t indestructible. Several common culprits can cause these emissions control devices to develop holes, cracks, or leaks over time, including:
- Physical damage from road debris, speed bumps, or accidents
- Internal overheating and meltdown from engine issues
- General wear and corrosion from age and high operating temperatures
- Potential manufacturing defects in rare cases
The key is to know the causes and warning signs to detect any catalytic converter damage early. Catching issues like holes or leaks promptly can help avoid even more expensive exhaust system repairs.
Causes of Catalytic Converter Damage
Physical Impact and Damage
One of the most common ways catalytic converters can sustain damage is from physical impacts or collisions. Since this component is located underneath your vehicle, often behind the wheel well or hanging relatively low, it’s susceptible to strikes from road debris like rocks, sticks, or even just rough terrain. Bottoming out over parking lot entrances or tall speed bumps can also bend, dent, crack, or puncture a catalytic converter’s exterior casing.
In addition to dents and holes from direct impacts, the catalytic converter is vulnerable to rust, corrosion, and erosion from exposure to water, road salt, anti-freeze leaks, and even the constant battering of exhaust gases and vibrations.
Signs of Physical Catalytic Converter Damage:
- Visible dents, cracks, holes, or severely rusted areas on the exterior
- Rattling or clanking noises as loose pieces make contact
- Exhaust leaks or soot buildup around the damaged area
Internal Meltdown from Engine Issues
While physical damage is easier to spot visually, perhaps an even more common culprit behind catalytic converter failures is excessive internal heat and “meltdown” of the fragile substrate and catalyst materials. A properly operating catalytic converter can withstand incredibly high temperatures of 1200-1600°F. However, certain engine issues can cause temperature spikes that push it beyond those limits.
Some of the key internal triggers for catalytic converter overheating include:
- Engine misfires or incomplete combustion injecting extra unburnt fuel
- Rich fuel/air mixture running too much fuel
- Exhaust leaks feed extra oxygen into the hot exhaust stream
- Faulty air/fuel ratio sensors throwing the mixture out of whack
- Excessive oil consumption or leaks introduce extra hydrocarbons
When the converter’s internal substrate and catalytic coatings get overloaded and overheat to the melting point, cracks and holes can form, destroying it from the inside out.
Signs of an Overheated/Melted Catalytic Converter:
- Loss of engine power or acceleration performance
- The glowing red or orange underside of the vehicle
- Severe heat discoloration on the converter’s exterior
- Potential rattling from broken honeycomb material
Manufacturing Defects
While much less common than the other causes, there’s always a chance your vehicle could have a catalytic converter with a factory defect that leads to premature failure. Some potential manufacturing issues include:
- Cracks, pinholes, or faulty welding during construction
- Internal ceramic defects allow leaks or breakdowns
- Incorrect materials or catalyst loadings used
- General quality control issues at the factory
If your catalytic converter develops a leak or hole very early in its service life with low mileage, a manufacturing defect may be the culprit, especially if there’s no obvious sign of impact damage.
What to Do About a Suspected Manufacturing Defect
If you suspect your catalytic converter may have a factory defect, your first step should be to inspect it by a professional mechanic or an authorized dealer service center for your vehicle’s make. Be sure to provide full documentation about when the issue started occurring.
Read More: 7 Simple Steps to Extend the Life of Your Catalytic Converter
If the problem is traced to a manufacturing flaw, and your vehicle is still under warranty, the catalytic converter replacement should be covered under the manufacturer’s defective parts warranty. However, those warranties are often limited to just a few years, so act quickly.
The Most Common Types of Catalytic Converter Holes and Leaks
Erosion Holes and Pinholes
Over the operating life of a catalytic converter, the constant flow of hot exhaust gases can eventually slowly start to erode the delicate honeycomb substrate material inside. As this erosion progresses, it can create small pinholes that allow partially converted gases to escape before completing the full catalytic process.
While erosion holes tend to be smaller, they can eventually deteriorate into larger openings if left unchecked for too long. Taking prompt action at the first signs of erosion or pinholes is key.
Cracks and Major Impact Fractures
When a rock, curb, or other road debris hits a catalytic converter more severely, it can develop larger cracks or fractures in the exterior metal casing. Major impacts have even been known to completely shatter or break a catalytic converter apart, rendering it useless.
While smaller cracks may not necessarily be an immediate emergency, they create a pathway for exhaust gases to escape and for continued corrosion and erosion to occur. Having them repaired promptly helps prevent the condition from worsening.
Loose or Damaged Converter-to-Exhaust Welds
The catalytic converter is connected and “welded” to the rest of the exhaust system – often the exhaust manifold on one end and a section of piping on the other. Over time, these weld points can become compromised or loosened from the constant vibrations and extreme temperatures involved. As they degrade, gaps and openings form, allowing exhaust leaks to develop.
Exhaust Flange Leaks
At the connection points or “flanges” between the catalytic converter and other exhaust components like the manifold or pipes, gaskets, and clamped joints are designed to create tight seals. However, these gaskets and clamps can fail, become loose, or get dislodged from vibration or heat cycles. When this happens, exhaust gases can leak out at the flanges before reaching the catalytic converter.
Gasket and Seal Leaks
In addition to those flange gaskets, other gaskets and seals throughout the exhaust system are designed to keep everything tightly sealed together.
Over time, the high heat causes these gaskets to dry out, crack, deform, or fail, allowing exhaust gases to escape through these leak paths before ever reaching the catalytic converter.
Identifying a Leaking or Damaged Catalytic Converter
Now that we’ve covered the common types and causes of catalytic converter holes and leaks, how can you identify if yours has developed an issue? There are several key warning signs to watch out for:
Loud Exhaust Noises
One of the most obvious indicators of an exhaust leak, including a bad catalytic converter, is loud rumbling, hissing, or rattling noises coming from under the vehicle – especially noticeable when accelerating. This abnormal noise is caused by exhaust gases escaping through holes or cracks before reaching the muffler.
Exhaust Odors Inside the Cabin
If you start to smell strong exhaust odors like rotten eggs (from sulfur) inside your vehicle’s cabin when driving, it’s a surefire sign that exhaust is leaking somewhere and potentially entering through gaps in the firewall or floor. This is not only unpleasant but can be dangerous if exposed to high concentrations of carbon monoxide.
Decreased Engine Performance
A leaking catalytic converter can restrict the exhaust flow and create backpressure issues that rob your engine of power during acceleration. You may notice sluggish performance, frequent stalling, rough idling, or even a drastic fuel economy drop if there is a major leak.
Failed Emissions Tests
Since the catalytic converter reduces harmful emissions, a leak would cause your vehicle to produce increased pollution levels. Depending on local regulations, this can lead to failing an emissions test and potentially fines.
Visual Signs of Leaks or Damage
Though it is not always easy to inspect yourself, you may be able to identify catalytic converter damage during an under-vehicle inspection visually. Look for signs of soot buildup around the converter, heat discoloration, obvious holes or cracks in the exterior casing, or even coolant stains if there is an internal failure.
Check Engine Light or OBD Codes
While not a definitive indicator on its own, a glowing check engine light accompanied by OBD trouble codes like P0420 (Catalytic Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 1) or P0430 (Catalyst System Low Efficiency Bank 2) can signal a problem with the catalytic converter’s operation, which may be due to an internal or external leak.
Consequences of Driving With a Damaged Catalytic Converter
Ignoring the problem and operating your vehicle with a leaking or damaged catalytic converter is never a good idea. Doing so can lead to a cascading series of potential issues:
Legal Penalties
Driving a vehicle that fails emissions tests due to a faulty catalytic converter is illegal in most regions. It can result in fines, failed inspections, or even having your vehicle impounded until the issue is resolved. Excess pollution contributes directly to smog and environmental damage, which these laws aim to minimize.
Increased Emissions and Environmental Impact
A damaged catalytic converter releases raw, unfiltered exhaust gases into the atmosphere, eliminating virtually all emissions controls on particulates like carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides. This excessive pollution negatively impacts air quality and environmental health.
Loss of Engine Performance and Fuel Economy
When a catalytic converter is compromised and leaking, it disrupts the entire system’s finely tuned exhaust flow dynamics. The resulting backpressure and turbulence can rob the engine of power during acceleration and reduce fuel economy by as much as 2-4 MPG in some cases.
Oxygen Sensor Contamination Due To Cat Leak
The exhaust oxygen sensors, located upstream and downstream of the catalytic converter, are important in monitoring its efficiency. When unfiltered exhaust gases reach the downstream sensors, they can contaminate and degrade the oxygen sensor, creating a vicious cycle of further performance issues.
Potential Fire Hazard
In extreme cases where a catastrophic failure occurs internally, hot exhaust gases and pieces of the overheated converter may be expelled onto the ground, creating a risk of fires, especially around dry grass or vegetation.
Having covered the importance, causes, types, and consequences, let’s examine how to repair a leaking or damaged catalytic converter properly.
DIY Repair Options for Catalytic Converter Holes and Leaks
Several DIY options are available for temporarily or permanently addressing catalytic converter holes and leaks for those willing to get their hands dirty and attempt some at-home repairs. However, it’s important to understand the limitations of each approach.
Patching with Epoxy or High-Temp Silicone
One of the quickest and cheapest DIY catalytic converter repair methods is to try sealing up small holes or cracks from the outside using an epoxy or high-temperature silicone designed to withstand the conditions inside an exhaust system.
Read More: Clogged Catalytic Converter Cleaning Methods, When to Replace
This patching tactic can provide a short-term, budget-friendly fix to reduce leaks temporarily. However, it does have limitations and shouldn’t be viewed as a permanent solution, especially for more severe internal damage. The extreme heat cycles will often cause these patch materials to deteriorate and allow new leaks to form over time.
Using a Catalytic Converter Leak Repair Kit
Many manufacturers offer “repair kits” for catalytic converter holes and leaks for a more robust DIY repair option. These typically include:
- Stainless steel mesh patching material designed to clamp over holes
- A proprietary high-heat resistant sealant or epoxy to secure the mesh
- Exhaust leak clamping tools to access tight areas
While more expensive than epoxy, these kits provide a more comprehensive repair by adding the mesh reinforcement layer. When installed properly, they can effectively cover larger holes or cracks. However, they may not be a suitable permanent fix for extreme cases like internal meltdowns.
Welding or Soldering Exterior Holes
If you possess the proper welding equipment and skills to handle high ambient temperatures, you can weld or solder relatively small holes shut from the outside of a catalytic converter. This method melds new metal into the hole to seal it.
However, access to the damaged area and the ability to properly prep and weld the catalytic converter exterior material are required. This repair is rarely a good option for internal substrate damage. Attempting to weld on a catalytic converter carries fire risks from the residual combustible material inside unless you have professional welding experience.
Replacing Exhaust Gaskets and Seals
For instances where the Leak stems specifically from deteriorated gaskets or seal failure around flanges, inlet/outlet pipes, etc., you can resolve the issue by simply replacing those gaskets and seals with new components during your next exhaust system service.
This is generally easy to do with basic tools and affordable replacement gaskets. However, it only fixes external seal leaks and doesn’t address holes or damage to the catalytic converter’s core structure.
Catalytic Converter Stop Leak Additives
One of the easiest DIY leak remedies involves pouring a “stop leak” additive product directly into your gas tank. These chemical products are designed to work through the fuel system and combustion process, leaving behind an exhaust sealant material inside the catalytic converter aimed at plugging holes and leaks from the inside.
While incredibly simple, these stop-leak additives have very mixed results. Some report they can temporarily reduce smaller leaks, while others find they make no difference, especially for larger holes or core meltdown issues. At best, they provide a short-term band-aid and don’t repair the underlying damage.
Professional Exhaust Repair Solutions For Hole In Catalytic Converter
For most catalytic converter holes, cracks, or heavy leak situations, seeking professional repair assistance from an exhaust shop or qualified mechanic is highly recommended. They have the specialized tools, equipment, and expertise to properly diagnose and repair catalytic converter damage through methods such as:
External Catalytic Converter Repair For Leak
For damage isolated to just the exterior casing and components, many exhaust repair garages can surgically repair just that area by welding new metal sections, re-attaching loose components, or replacing external gaskets and seals. This preserves the inner catalytic core when it hasn’t sustained internal damage.
Full Catalytic Converter Replacement
When the internal catalytic substrate has experienced heavy erosion, meltdown, or extreme damage, the only solution is often to fully replace the catalytic converter entirely with a new or rebuilt unit.
Shops have access to both OEM-quality catalytic converters made by your vehicle’s manufacturer and more affordable aftermarket replacements that need to meet EPA standards. Many offer a range of pricing options and installation labor.
Exhaust Leak Repair Sleeves or Wraps
An effective exhaust leak repair solution can involve installing a surrounding metal repair sleeve or wrap for catalytic converters with multiple holes, cracks, or weld failures causing leaks. These heavy-duty sleeves are designed to fit over the entire length of the catalytic converter, clamping down and sealing any leaks from the exterior.
Repair sleeves provide an affordable way to address catalytic converters that have succumbed to general erosion, cracking, and weld failures without requiring a complete unit replacement. The sleeves create a new exterior shell around the existing converter.
However, they are not a viable fix for situations where the internal catalyst substrate has experienced a full meltdown or extreme damage. The sleeve won’t be able to contain those failed internal components effectively.
Catalytic Converter Gut & Repack Service
Some exhaust repair facilities offer a “gut and repack” service to restore the internal working components for cars where the catalytic converter casing remains intact. This involves:
- Cutting open the catalytic converter housing
- Removing and disposing of the deteriorated catalyst substrate material
- Repacking the housing with a fresh, professionally prepared catalytic material
This service can be a more economical repair option than full replacement as long as the external casing is still in good condition. The downside is that it doesn’t include a new warranty like you’d get with an OEM replacement converter.
The Importance of Professional Diagnosis For Catalytic Converter Leak
No matter which type of catalytic converter repair you pursue, it’s critical to have the issue properly diagnosed by an exhaust system professional first. They can use specialized tools and scanning equipment to inspect the system and pinpoint the root cause.
Attempting to Band-Aid repair the wrong component can lead to continued issues and throwing good money after bad. An experienced mechanic can also identify any adjacent exhaust system damage that may need to be addressed, such as exhaust manifold leaks or broken hangers or mounts.
Check this table for a comparison:
| Option | Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY Catalytic Converter Repair | $10 – $100 for materials |
|
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| Professional Catalytic Converter Repair/Replacement | $200 – $1,000+ depending on repair type and vehicle |
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|
When Is Catalytic Converter Replacement Necessary?
Replacing the entire catalytic converter with a fresh unit is the most prudent and cost-effective repair in some severe situations. Professional mechanics will recommend a catalytic converter replacement if:
- The internal catalyst substrate has fully melted down or disintegrated
- There is excessive exterior heat damage and warping to the casing
- Erosion or corrosion has heavily deteriorated the internal structure
- The cost of removing and repairing the existing unit exceeds the replacement cost
Depending on the vehicle’s age, owners can choose between OEM replacement catalytic converters purchased directly from the original manufacturer or more affordable aftermarket/universal replacements that adhere to EPA standards.
Weighing Leak Catalytic Converter Repair
Costs Determining whether to attempt DIY repairs, pursue professional repair options, or replace a catalytic converter often comes down to weighing the relative costs. Here are some typical cost estimates:
DIY Repair Costs For Catalytic Converter Leak
- Epoxy/Sealant Patching: $20-50 for materials
- Catalytic Converter Repair Kit: $50-150
- Stop Leak Additive: $10-30
Professional Exhaust Shop Estimates For Hole In Catalytic Converter
- Catalytic Converter Replacement (Aftermarket): $300-800 including labor
- OEM Catalytic Converter Replacement: $800-$2,500 depending on vehicle
- Catalytic Converter Repair Sleeve/Wrap: $300-600 including labor
- Gut & Repack Service: $300-800 depending on the vehicle
While DIY options are appealing from a cost perspective, the tradeoff is they often provide only temporary solutions that degrade much faster than professional repairs or replacements. Age, mileage, and whether you plan to keep the vehicle long-term also factor into the repair-or-replace decision.
Preventing Future Catalytic Converter Leak/Damage
While catalytic converter damage may be inevitable for some vehicles due to age and mileage, you can follow several maintenance and driving practices to help extend their operational lifespan as long as possible.
Follow All Recommended Maintenance
Adhering to your vehicle’s manufacturer service schedule for air filter replacements, tune-ups, fuel system cleaning, and coolant flushes is critical. These services help ensure optimal fuel/air mixture operations and prevent issues like misfires that can overheat and damage catalytic converters.
Avoid Rough Driving Conditions and Hazards
Take it easy over speed bumps and park at angles to avoid bottoming out. Steer clear of areas with excessive debris on the road that could impact your catalytic converter. And go slowly through areas with high pedestrian or animal traffic that could force an emergency maneuver.
Fix Exhaust Leaks
Early Having any exhaust manifold leaks or cracked piping repaired promptly prevents inadvertently overloading the catalytic converter with excess hot air that can melt the internals.
Consider Additional Shielding
For areas with particularly rough roads or hazards, invest in an aftermarket catalytic converter protector or impact shield designed to provide an additional barrier against road debris strikes. These affordable shields are installed with straps or clamps to create a sacrificial layer, preventing direct impacts on the catalytic converter.
While they won’t completely prevent all damage in serious impacts, skid plates, and guards can deflect many smaller rocks and reduce the frequency of dents, punctures, and casing cracks over time.
Choose Exhaust System Upgrades Wisely
Performance enthusiasts considering exhaust system modifications like aftermarket headers or high-flow catalytic converters should be cautious about removing or opening up emissions controls. In most regions, this is illegal for street-driven vehicles and can quickly lead to exhaust sensors detecting issues.
Not only will this likely trigger check engine lights, but constantly running an overly rich air/fuel ratio will dramatically shorten the lifespan of any catalytic converter through excessive heat and fuel saturation. Any modifications should still retain proper emissions controls.
Maintain Fuel System Components
Issues like faulty fuel injectors, pumps, pressure regulators, or air/fuel ratio sensors that can’t maintain the ideal air/fuel mixture greatly strain the catalytic converter’s ability to process those imbalanced exhaust gases. Make sure to replace any failing components.
Keep Your Garage Exhaust Evacuated
When operating any vehicle inside an enclosed garage, it’s critical to have a proper ventilation system or exhaust evacuation fan running to prevent catalytic converter overheating and saturated emissions from building up in the space. Don’t allow exhaust gases to recirculate.
FAQs Related To Catalytic Converter Leak
What Causes Holes or Leaks in a Catalytic Converter?
The most common causes of holes or leaks are physical impact damage (debris strikes, accidents), internal overheating/meltdown from engine issues like misfires, corrosion/erosion from age and high heat, and manufacturing defects.
How Can I Tell if My Catalytic Converter Has a Hole or Leak?
Signs include:
- Loud exhaust rumbling noises.
- Decreased engine performance.
- The smell of exhaust fumes.
- A glowing red-hot converter.
- Soot around the area.
- The check engine light comes on for codes like P0420 or P0430.
What Happens if I Don’t Fix a Leaking Catalytic Converter?
Ignoring it can lead to increased pollution and failed emissions tests, reduced engine performance and fuel economy, potential contamination of other components, and even fire hazards from leaking combustible gases.
Can I Repair a Small Hole in My Catalytic Converter’s Housing?
Potentially. For minor exterior casing holes, exhaust repair shops may be able to weld it shut or install a repair sleeve or bandage. However, internal substrate damage usually requires full replacement.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Leaky Catalytic Converter?
Costs can range from $50-150 for DIY repair kits to $300-800 for professional exhaust shop repairs using welding or sleeves, up to $800-2500 for an OEM replacement catalytic converter.
Can I Use a Universal-Fit Aftermarket Catalytic Converter?
A more affordable aftermarket or universal-fit catalytic converter is generally acceptable for older, higher-mileage vehicles if the OEM replacement is cost-prohibitive.
How Can I Prevent Catalytic Converter Holes and Leaks?
Proper maintenance, avoiding rough driving conditions, fixing exhaust leaks early, having damage repaired promptly, and adding protective shielding can all extend the life of your catalytic converter.
Will a Bad Catalytic Converter Damage My Engine?
While not causing direct internal engine damage, leaks can contaminate downstream oxygen sensors, leading to further drivability issues. It can also increase pollution and strain the engine.
Are Leaks Around the Exhaust Flange or Gaskets a Converter Issue?
Yes, leaks at the gaskets or flanges where the catalytic converter connects to the exhaust manifold/piping means exhaust is escaping before being treated by the catalytic converter.
Do All Catalytic Converter Failures Require Full Replacement?
Not necessarily. Sometimes, exterior casing damage may be repairable with welding or exhaust sleeves. However, significant internal meltdown usually warrants full catalytic converter replacement.
Conclusion On Hole In Catalytic Converter
Your vehicle’s catalytic converter is an essential emissions control workhorse, laboring tirelessly to reduce the amount of harmful pollutants expelled into our environment. However, this critical component faces endless punishment from hot exhaust gases, corrosive combustion byproducts, dirt, and debris below.
Unsurprisingly, catalytic converters can develop holes, leaks, cracks, and general deterioration from external impacts and internal overheating. Addressing any catalytic converter damage promptly is critical for emissions compliance and avoiding larger issues like engine performance problems.
While various DIY repair options using sealants, epoxies, or patches can provide potentially short-term fixes in some cases, larger holes or severe internal melting typically necessitate professional exhaust system repair or outright catalytic converter replacement.
By understanding the causes behind common catalytic converter failures, the warning signs to watch for, and proper repair and prevention methods, you can maximize the service life of this emissions-busting device. Don’t ignore that check engine light or exhaust leak – get it inspected promptly to breathe easier and cleaner for miles to come.
