Audi is popular among car lovers because it combines comfort, beauty, reliability, and good service with the latest car technology. Every component in the Audi brand is designed to endure. However, some external factors may cause some of these parts to become worse over time. If you desire your Audi to last for years, you need to pay attention to your vehicle and make routine maintenance a priority.
The catalytic converters help to reduce air pollution caused by the emission of harmful gases from the vehicle. It is usually found in the exhaust system. You will find it between the muffler and the engine.
The catalytic converter contains ceramic-coated beads and catalysts made from different precious metals. It works to convert harmful pollutants, such as nitrogen oxide and unburned gas, into harmless gases which can be released through the exhaust pipe into the environment.
Although the catalytic converter was designed to last for the full life cycle of a vehicle, it may become damaged and eventually fail.
Causes of Catalytic Converters Failure
- Bad spark plugs or spark plug wires: Bad spark plugs cause unburned fuel to enter into the exhaust system. The unburned fuel ignites in the hot catalytic converter and melts the catalysts inside the converter.
- Improper maintenance: When the engine of your Audi needs servicing but it is delayed, the by-product produced may spoil the catalytic converter. The wear and tear of the catalytic converter and the engine, as a result of the engine working outside its capacity, may cause the catalytic converter to fail.
- Malfunctioning Oxygen Sensor: Sometimes the oxygen sensor of your Audi may send inaccurate readings of the exhaust gases. This could cause the fuel mixture in your car to become either too lean or too rich. When it is too rich, the catalyst may melt because fuel is burning inside the converter. If it is too lean, the converter may be unable to convert hydrocarbons into harmless gases.
- Road / Structural Damage: Bad roads, road debris, and driving over speed bumps may have bad impacts underneath your car. This can affect the catalytic converter, causing the unit to crack. This would lead to restricted flow in the exhaust, causing an increase in backpressure in the exhaust system. Subsequently, heat is built up in the exhaust system which can also harm its parts.
- Driving short distances: When driving only short distances, the catalytic converter of your Audi might not get hot enough to burn the entire hydrocarbons inside it. This may lead to build-up, which eventually would clog the catalytic converter.
Catalytic Converter Failure Symptoms
There are several symptoms in a bad catalytic converter, and some of them are:
- Reduced performance of the engine
- Poor acceleration of the vehicle
- Emission of dark smoke from the exhaust, which smells like sulfur or bad eggs
- Excessive heating of the engine
- Engine’s warning illuminates
- Bad fuel efficiency
It is important that you don’t wait until you notice these problems before taking your Audi for routine maintenance. Regular maintenance can make the catalytic converter of your Audi last as long as it should, usually more than 10 years. It is also important that the exhaust and combustion systems of your Audi are working properly so that the catalytic converter would not fail before the normal time.
Where to get Help for a Bad Catalytic Converter in Your Audi
If the catalytic converter of your Audi is malfunctioning, then you will have to replace it. Bring your Audi to Turning Wrenches. We are experts in 
fixing European vehicles, like your Audi. We also help preserve the performance of European vehicles through regular maintenance.
We have customers from all over the Louisville, KY area. At Turning wrenches, we are known for using the latest and best equipment to provide the best service. One of the services we provide is a full initial inspection. This includes preventative measures to ensure your car is the best it can be.
We also provide our customers with a 3-year/36,000-miles warranty on our repairs. Please call or visit our shop today to schedule your next appointment. We look forward to earning your respect and taking care of all your Audi’s future needs.