When to Replace the Catalytic Converter in Your Audi
Vehicle care and maintenance is critical for the health of your car, especially if you own an Audi. Such procedures are important in order to: ensure your safety on the road, increase the reliability of your Audi, and protect your investment in your vehicle. Since automotive maintenance isn’t a priority for many of us drivers, repair work is how automotive shops tend to make the majority of their money. However, by properly caring for your Audi, you can avoid those costly repair jobs and stick with the minimal fees associated with routine care. Although, there are sometimes problems that you simply cannot avoid.
One common issue amongst some Audi models, including the Audi A4, is a failing catalytic converter. Since your car is a complex system of inter-working parts, if any one of the parts fails, it can cause a failure reaction in other systems. The catalytic converter is connected to the ignition coil, which has been recalled in the past. Sometimes the catalytic converter must be replaced due to the effects of a faulty ignition coil; however, catalytic converters naturally need to be replaced eventually—much like the other working parts of your Audi. Here is some more information about your Audi’s catalytic converter and when you might need to replace it:
What is a catalytic converter?
A catalytic converter is part of your Audi’s exhaust system. It is responsible for “converting” the gasses emitted from your engine into less harmful byproducts before it enters the atmosphere by way of your exhaust system. It does this through a complex process of oxidizing and reducing the chemical compounds of the gasses. When the catalytic converter isn’t functioning properly, you will likely run into performance issues like lowered fuel efficiency.
How does your Audi monitor the condition of the catalytic converter?
In more recent Audi models, the car runs off of an electronic fuel injection system. In this system, oxygen sensors monitor how oxygen-rich the exhaust is based upon it’s condition before and after it’s processed through the car’s catalytic converter. These sensors relay messages to the car’s control unit so that it can electronically modify the amount of fuel that’s injected into the engine based on the amount of oxygen it’s currently using. Furthermore, temperature sensors associated with the catalytic converter can let the driver know if the temperature is getting too high. These in-car diagnostic systems help to monitor and regulate the functioning of the catalytic converter.
Symptoms of a failing catalytic converter
There are a few telltale signs that your Audi’s catalytic converter is in need of replacement; however, many of these symptoms could be due to other issues that mimic the signs of catalytic converter failure, so performing accurate diagnoses is critical. Fuel efficiency is usually affected significantly, and you might even fail a smog test. Furthermore, you might experience problems starting your car or accelerating. All of these symptoms can be especially troubling for an Audi driver who expects more from their luxury import.
The importance of ongoing inspections and engine care
Finding the right specialized care for your Audi is the best way to prevent or address catalytic converter issues. Your automotive specialist should know the immediate location of the catalytic converter on the car, how to replace it, and what quality of parts to use. Additionally, they should be able to help the car owner follow the routine maintenance schedule set forth by the Audi manufacturer, which will designate when you should theoretically replace your catalytic converter. Frequent tune-ups, inspections, and preventive engine care can help your trusted automotive technician spot a problem before it creates a hole in your pocket.
Ronin Autowerks is known in the areas of Fullerton, Anaheim, and Yorba Linda, CA, for our attention to detail and incredible work ethic. We have a passion for German-engineered vehicles like Audi and have over two decades of experience and skill working with them. Our certified technicians hold themselves to the same high standard that our clients do, and we take our jobs seriously—after all, your safety may be on the line. If you think you need help following your Audi’s maintenance schedule or would like to schedule an inspection to check out the functionality of your catalytic converter, call us directly. It’s our job to keep your Audi performing its best at all times.