5 Reasons Your Audi Catalytic Converter Might Be Clogged

The catalytic converter is one of the critical components in your Audi when it comes to controlling the emission of toxic gases produced during the combustion process. As vehicular emission norms across the world are getting stringent day by day you can ill afford to ignore the problems affecting your catalytic converter.

There are several factors that can cause your catalytic converter to clog up & here in this article, we will discuss the 5 leading problems in your Audi that lead to clogged up catalytic converter issues.

Improper Air-Fuel Mixture

One of the leading reasons behind the catalytic converter in your Audi getting clogged up is related to the air/fuel mixture of your vehicle. Often, a rich fuel mixture is the cause behind the catalytic converter getting blocked with fuel residues.

The engine requires air/fuel mixture in proper proportion for its efficient functioning, however, if the ratio is skewed in favor of fuel then it adversely affects the combustion process of your car leading to excessive emissions. Most of the time due to the engine running rich, the unburned fuel starts accumulating on the surface of the catalytic converter.

The catalytic converter is made up of precious metals and the fuel residue latches on to these metals thus clogging up the catalytic converter. One of the major reasons behind your engine running rich is tied to faulty oxygen sensors and bad fuel injectors that need to be addressed immediately.

Misfiring Engine

Often the functioning of the engine can also have an adverse effect on the catalytic converter in your high-end car. You might be surprised to hear that engine misfires can also contribute to clogged catalytic converter in Audi. Due to the misfiring engine, the half-burned fuel gets inside the catalytic converter and affects its functioning adversely.

The hydrocarbons present in the unburned fuel gather up inside the catalytic converter and when this problem continues for a long time without being addressed then it eventually clogs up your catalytic converter. There might be several underlying issues in your car that is causing your engine to misfire.

From problems with your ignition system like fouled spark plugs to malfunctioning ignition coil and fuel injector failure all of these can lead to engine misfires which eventually block your catalytic converter. Until the engine misfiring issue is tackled, you cannot expect your catalytic converter to function smoothly.

Oil or Coolant Spoliation

The oil and coolant are some of the most important fluids for your engine that ensure it performs at its peak efficiency. However, they can also spell trouble for your catalytic converter when they come in contact with the converter because of a leak somewhere under the hood of your Audi.

The leaking coolant or engine oil finds its way into the exhaust gases coming out of the engine and along with the exhaust gases they are channeled into the catalytic converter and this is when the catalytic converter gets clogged up.

The engine oil and coolant get latched up to the surface of the catalytic converter and inhibit its ability to filter out the toxic gases produced during the combustion process. Now, detecting the source of oil & coolant leaks in your Audi is a challenge & this is where you need to rope in a certified mechanic equipped with the latest tools to diagnose & fix the source of the leaks.

Damaged Catalytic Converter

Well, sometimes the fault might lie with the catalytic converter itself because, like other mechanical parts in your vehicle, the catalytic converter is also prone to dents and cracks after years of functioning. Now, whenever the internal housing of the catalytic converter gets damaged then the bits & pieces tend to block the converter.

The damage to your catalytic converter can also be caused due to presence of road debris, collisions, or haphazard installations. Now, if your catalytic converter is damaged beyond repair then you must get it replaced by a new one.

Rough Idling

The majority of Audi drivers might not be aware of the fact that excessive rough idling of their luxury car tends to create problems for the catalytic converter. The continuous rough idling of your vehicle prevents the catalytic converter from reaching its optimal temperature range & affects its efficiency.

As the temperature remains low, the unburned fuel & contaminants tend to get deposited on the converter thus clogging up the converter.

Bimmer Performance: Audi’s Go-To Repair Shop

Audi is a very sophisticated luxury car and without adequate knowledge about the vehicle it will become a challenge to fix it. That is why when you encounter catalytic converter failure, you must straight away head to Bimmer performance located in Houston, TX.

At Bimmer Performance, we have years of experience in looking after luxury European cars and also serve the drivers of nearby areas like Sugar Land, Mission Bend, Cinco Ranch, and Katy. Call us to schedule an appointment and get your Audi fixed without any fuss.