Do These 4 Things if Your Car Breaks Down on the Road

Posted on July 15, 2022 by admin

Emergency roadside problems can be scary, mostly because they are almost always unanticipated and because many drivers don’t retain the proper knowledge needed to approach these situations carefully and responsibly. If your car just broke down on you unexpectedly, rely on these four steps to get you through the process, safely and efficiently.

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4 Steps to Take After Your Car Breaks Down

Keep Calm

Although the “keep calm” slogan can sound unoriginal, staying calm and refraining from panicking are important parts of managing your roadside emergency safely. By maintaining composure, you can maintain control of the situation and therefore make better decisions moving forward. This also allows you to better protect any passengers in tow, especially children and pets.

Get Clear of Danger

While remaining relaxed, slowly coast your vehicle to the side of the road or into a parking lot if possible. If your car suddenly stops and will no longer drive, stay where you are at and refer to the next steps.

Once you come to a stop, or if you’re already at a stop, turn your ignition off and engage the emergency parking brake. If you are on a busy highway or similar dangerous location, it may be safer for you and your passengers to remain inside of the vehicle.

If you are on a road that is safe to navigate outside of your car, your next step here is to make your car as visible as possible. Put on your hazard lights and interior cabin lights. If you have them, place traffic cones or reflective triangles around the perimeter of your vehicle. This is especially important at night or in poor visibility conditions like rain or fog.

Call a 24 Hour Roadside Assistance Service

Assuming that you have a working phone with you, your next step is to contact a local twenty-four hour roadside assistance service. Most roadside emergency companies can respond within the hour to your location. Just be sure to choose your Indianapolis roadside assistance company wisely.

If your car broke down because the battery died or you have run out of gas or some other important automotive fluid, the roadside assistance operator can likely resolve these issues on site. For more serious automotive malfunctions, they can provide towing service and transport your vehicle to your local auto repair shop or location of your choice.

Reflect While You Wait

As you wait for your roadside emergency operator to arrive, use the time to reflect on your memories of the breakdown. Did you hear any strange noises or smell any odors? Did your car shake or vibrate? Was it a sudden or gradual breakdown? Recount any details you remember when your car started to breakdown. These details can help the roadside assistance operator determine the underlying problem and apposite solution faster.

Are you wondering which Indy-based roadside assistance company can offer you the fastest and most affordable emergency service after a car breakdown? Contact Zore’s Indy at 317-247-8484 for fast tow truck roadside assistance in Indianapolis, Indiana. We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, including all National holidays.

How to Tell if You Need New Car Tires

Posted on June 21, 2022 by admin

Tire maintenance is important for overall safety and performance of your vehicle. But even with the best care and intentions, car and truck tires eventually need to be replaced. Fortunately, you don’t have to be a trained mechanic to know when it’s time to replace your vehicle’s tires. Continue below to learn what you need to know about car tire inspection and replacement, plus a bonus tip on where to find top-quality, slightly used tires for cheap!

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Tire Tread

When tire tread wears down below 2/23 of an inch, they are no longer considered safe for driving. But how do you know where your tire tread is at in terms of measurement? Just perform the Tire Tread Penny Test! All you need is a penny. With a single penny, you can tell of you need to replace your car tires as a result of low tire tread. Of course, there are other factors aside from tread that can bring cause for tire replacement, but we will get to that next.

For now, here is how to measure your tire tread using nothing but a penny: Position the penny in your fingers so that Lincoln’s head is upside down and facing out. Now, just insert the penny into the groove of your tire. Do you see Lincoln’s head? If you do see his head, it means that your tire tread has worn down to the 2/23 inch recommendation. In this case, you would need to replace your bald tires with some tires that have nominal tread.

Tire Damage

Another reason why you might need to replace the tires on your vehicle is if one or more are damaged. Running over a nail can often be repaired with a store-bought or mechanic tire patching kit. But if more than one tire has damage to the wall or outer lane, replacement might be your best option. You don’t have to replace all tires; you can just replace the ones that are damaged.

Where to Get Cheap Tires

When you need to replace your car tires, consider buying used. That’s right; used tires are still perfectly good. Slightly used tires still retain a good amount of tire tread, plus with routine maintenance, they can last you until you are ready to buy a whole new set. Where can you get cheap used tires in Indianapolis? Start with a reputable and licensed used auto parts store. Not only can you purchase gently used car tires at a fraction of the cost, but you can also make a buck or two by selling your old tires and auto parts!

Are you looking to purchase a new or used catalytic converters in the Indy area? Contact Zore’s Indy at 317-247-8484 to learn more about our auto parts store in Indianapolis, and how to get started with car part delivery, locally and nationwide!

Towing Options for Transporting a Broke Down Car

Posted on May 26, 2022 by admin

When your ride breaks down, all you can think about is how much it’s going to cost you, not just in terms of money spent, but also money lost. Not having your car or truck can cause you to miss out on work and similar income-generating opportunities. Plus, the longer your car is broken down, the higher the risk of costlier auto shop work.

When your car breaks down, it is in your best interest to have it safely transported to your choice of auto repair shop or to your insurance carrier claim lot. You do not want to abandon it on the side of the road, nor do you want to leave it like a sitting duck in your driveway. This is especially true if your car is totaled, in which case, you may consider having it towed directly to a scrap yard.

In either case, you have a few options for towing service. The option you need will depend on your situation and the type of vehicle you have.

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Towing Services for Broken-Down Vehicles

Roadside Assistance Towing

If your car or truck broke down unexpectedly, whether at home in the garage, in a parking lot, or on the side of the street, you may just need some roadside assistance. Often times, cars breakdown without notice due to engine overheating, low coolant, low motor oil, dead car battery, and similar, easy-to-fix automotive issues.

An Indianapolis roadside assistance company can visit your location to give you a fluid refill, jump start, or battery replacement. In the case that your car broke down, but you don’t know why, the roadside assistance service can tow your vehicle to the nearest auto repair shop for inspection.

Light Duty Towing

If your compact or small car is broken down and needs to be repaired or scrapped, you will need light duty towing service. In most cases, light duty towing utilizes dolly towing or dingy towing techniques, which suit compact to small cars well. If your car is a luxury or exotic model, you will need to request low boy towing services, which protect sports cars that are very low to the ground.

Medium Duty Towing

If your medium-sized car needs to be transported to an auto shop or scrap yard, you will want to request medium duty towing service. Vehicles like sedans, 4-doors, jeeps, vans, SUVs, trucks, and all other vehicles up to 10 tons are best-suited for medium duty tow trucks. Companies utilize a wide range of tow trucks for medium duty tows, including conventional, flatbeds, and low boys.

Heavy Duty Towing

The largest, heaviest vehicles on the road will require heavy duty towing service. This includes buses, semi-trucks, garbage trucks, concrete trucks, motorcoaches, recreational vehicles, and all other vehicles up to 50 tons.

Looking for professional 24 hour towing assistance in Indy? Contact Zore’s Indy at 317-247-8484 for fast and affordable roadside assistance and towing service in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve all of Central Indiana with light to heavy towing, plus heavy equipment transport and much more!

Can I Drive My Car After the Engine Overheats?

Posted on May 12, 2022 by admin

Many people assume that if you let the engine cool down, you can drive a car after it’s done overheating. But this is not always a good idea. In some cases, it’s not possible at all. Continue reading to learn what you should do if your car engine begins to overheat, including whether or not you can drive it home or to the auto shop.

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Overheating Car Engine Causes

Whether it is safe or not to drive a car after it has overheated largely depends on the underlying cause of the malfunction. Although there are several things that can go wrong within a vehicle that can cause the engine to overheat, there seems to be some more common reasons, like low coolant, clogged car radiator, faulty thermostat, broken fan belt, and defective cooling fan.

Low Coolant

A car can experience low coolant if the coolant has run out or the vehicle has a coolant leak. If you’re coolant simply runs out, it can cause your engine to overheat. If you have an extra bottle of radiator fluid or antifreeze in your car with you, you can simply fill your coolant backup and hit the road once again. Needing a refill on coolant is the only circumstance in which it is okay to drive your car after it has just overheated. In fact, it is recommended to always keep an extra bottle of radiator fluid, also known as coolant or antifreeze, in your car in case you ever run low, especially in the summer when the temperatures are higher, and engines run hotter.

If your car is experiencing a coolant leak, it is not recommended to simply top off the radiator fluid and continue driving. This can cause further damage to the internal components within your vehicle and engine. In this case, it would be recommended to have your vehicle towed home or to the automotive repair shop of your choice.

Defective Cooling Fan

The defective or faulty cooling fan is another common reason why car engines overheat. When a coolant fan isn’t working, it is typically because of a faulty electric fan or a bad radiator switch. Either way, it is not safe to drive a vehicle that is having problems with the cooling fan because it will continue to cause the engine to overheat.

Clogged Radiator

A clogged radiator is another common cause for an overheating car engine. However, this is typically common in older cars or cars with more than 50,000 miles driven.

Broken Fan Belt

A broken fan belt will also cause an engine to overheat in a vehicle. In most cases of a broken fan belt, there are other internal damages happening simultaneously. For this reason, it is not wise to drive a vehicle in this condition. Instead, have it towed home or to an auto repair shop for service.

Faulty Thermostat

A faulty thermostat is another common cause for overheating car engines. But engine gets hot, the thermostat is supposed to open in order to allow more coolant to flow through. If the thermostat is failing to open, the coolant cannot flow through the engine, and will eventually cause the engine to overheat. In this condition, it is not safe to drive a vehicle. You would need to have a towing service transport your vehicle to an auto repair shop of your choice.

Are you currently stuck on the side of the road with an overheating car engine in central Indiana? If so, contact Zore’s Indy at 317-247-8484 for prompt and affordable tow truck assistance in Indianapolis, Indiana. We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, including all National holidays.

Which Car Parts are Okay to Buy Used?

Posted on March 17, 2022 by admin

When you buy a used car, you make a point to take extra precaution so that you don’t end up with a lemon. As for buying used car parts, not only does the same principle apply, but it is amplified. You see, many car owners are hesitant about buying used auto parts out of fear that the parts are poor quality and unreliable, and therefore, simply not worth the discounted cost. However, there are some used car parts out there that are wise and reliable purchases.

Continue reading to find out which car parts are located by used, and where you can get the best deals on refurbished OEM automotive parts in central Indiana.

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Buy These Used Car Parts

Wheels and Tires

Rims are one of the safest used car parts to buy. You can tell just by looking at them whether they meet your standards for quality. So long as they fit your vehicle, rims and wheels are a wise used car part purchase. In addition to rims and wheels, tires and spare tires are great to buy used. You can inspect the tread of the tire before purchase and get a massive discount on a new set.

Mirrors and Windows

Although you wouldn’t expect it to be so, mirrors and windows are perfectly suitable to buy used. Cracked and shattered windows or sunroofs can be replaced with used pieces, while broken or missing side mirrors and rear view mirrors can be reinstalled with a used part.

Transmissions and Alternators

Transmissions are excellent candidates for refurbishing, making them good used car parts to buy. Best of all, you can get a used transmission at a fraction of the cost of a new one. This is wise for older cars or cars with ongoing mechanical problems. Like transmissions, alternators make good used car parts. You can get a used or rebuilt alternator for much less than you would a new one.

Are you ready to purchase top quality used auto parts near you? Contact Zore’s Indy at 317-247-8484 to learn more about our auto parts store in Indianapolis, and how to get started with car part delivery, locally and nationwide!

Safe Driving Tips to Prevent Hydroplaning

Posted on February 28, 2022 by admin

Like a rock skipping on the surface of a pond or an Olympian ice skater gliding across the ice, hydroplaning is much similar in terms of physics, but incredibly more dangerous. To hydroplane in a vehicle while driving is a scary experience that makes drivers feel out of control. During times of heavy or constant precipitation, like snow and rain, the formation is ice and puddling on the road can cause seriously hazardous driving conditions. One of the most common driving mishaps during these times of year is hydroplaning.

Continue reading to learn more about hydroplaning, most importantly, how to prevent it from happening to you and your loved ones.

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Aquaplaning

Hydroplaning is also referred to as aquaplaning. It is something you might have already experienced before. A vehicle hydroplanes when the tires make contact with only the top layer of a water puddle and skids across. A driver then loses all traction and control over the car. You see, the grooves in your car tires that make up the tread pattern are specially designed to divert water away from them, thus maintaining perfect traction on the road. But when there is too much water to divert, the tire tread can become engulfed, causing a wedge of water to build at the front of the tire. As a result, the tire drives onto the wedge of water, disconnecting contact with the road, and then aquaplaning.

Hydroplaning Prevention is Possible

Hydroplaning is incredibly dangerous, especially if you are on the road with a lot of other vehicles, or surrounding by caverns, ditches, and bodies of water. Although road conditions and inclement weather are not things you can control, there are several things you can do as a driver and car owner to lessen the likelihood of experiencing a traffic accident that results from hydroplaning.

From routine car maintenance and car care to best driving practices, road awareness, and more, you can help yourself and others from hydroplaning on the road with these tips:

Tire Care

Tire care is the ultimate way to prepare your vehicle for safe driving. After all, they are the point of contact with the road. On a regular basis, and always, before leaving on a long trip, be sure to check your tire pressure and the condition of your tire tread. Have you ever heard of the penny test? Using a just a penny, you can measure your tire tread to ensure that there is plenty left for safe driving. Place the penny inside a tire groove, headfirst, then check if Lincoln’s head is visible. If you can see Lincoln’s head, your tire tread is too low, so you will need to replace the tire.

In addition to tire tread, maintaining proper tire pressure is a critical step to preventing hydroplaning on the road. In the colder seasons, tire pressure can decrease by 1 PSI a month. Check that your tires are properly inflated using a tire pressure gauge. Refer to your owners’ manual for tire pressure measurement recommendations for your make and model vehicle. If you have a newer car, you can look for a manufacturer sticker on the inside of the door that should have tire pressure information. For most passenger cars, the general rule of thumb is 32 PSI to 35 PSI.

Safe Driving Practices

Aside from regular tire car and car maintenance, practicing safe driving and road awareness are more effective strategies for preventing hydroplaning and emergency roadside situations. One of the most common combinations that causes hydroplaning is speeding and wet roads. The first way to prevent hydroplaning is to not speed. When it’s wet outside or raining heavily, it is encouraged to slow your speed even lower than what the recommended speed limit is for the road.

Another common cause of hydroplaning in terms of driving practices is using the cruise control feature. It is not recommended to use cruise control when conditions are wet and icy. It is important for you to have complete control over your vehicle at all times, especially when it is wet or slippery outside.

When the roads are covered in deep puddles, hydroplaning is more likely to occur. So, it is important to pay attention to the road and where you drive to avoid the deeper puddles of water. When road conditions are bad like this, it is strongly encouraged to avoid driving at night.

How to React to Hydroplaning:

If you begin to hydroplane, do not slam on the brakes. Instead, gently release your foot from the gas pedal. This will initiate your car to slow down.

If you are using the cruise control feature, immediately turn it off, but by hand. Do not tap the brakes to turn it off.

Try not to turn the wheel until your car tires have regained traction. If your car begins to spin, slowly turn the wheel in the opposite direction.

Once you regain traction and control, use the brakes to come to a stop.

If you ever find yourself stranded out there on the road after a hydroplaning accident, no need to worry. Contact Zore’s Indy at 317-247-8484 for prompt and affordable tow truck and roadside assistance in Indianapolis, Indiana. We operate 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, including all National holidays. We are known for the fastest response times around.

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Top 3 Things You Need to Know About Your Car Battery

Posted on February 16, 2022 by admin

Your vehicle’s car battery plays an important role in its overall driving ability and performance. After all, the car battery is in charge of powering all sorts of electrical systems within your vehicle. From the taillights and headlights to the interior cabin lights, stereo system, windshield wipers, onboard computer systems, and of course, the engine, the car battery is a vital component that should be maintained according to manufacturer’s instructions. However, car battery malfunctions happen from time to time. With the proper knowledge, you can resolve car battery problems on your own and in no time at all.

Continue reading to learn the top three things you need to know about your car battery that can help you in situations just like that.

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3 Car Battery Facts You Should Be Aware Of

Cold Weather Can Affect a Car Battery

It is common knowledge that cold weather can negatively affect a car battery. In fact, freezing temperatures can drain a car battery anywhere from 30% to 60%. Oppositely, extreme heat and hot temperatures can also cause parasitic draw in a battery. Car batteries use an electrochemical reaction to send power signals to the terminal ends. When temperatures drop, this electrochemical reaction is significantly slowed. As a result, your car battery can die. Fortunately, a handy set of jumper cables will solve this problem on the go. This brings us to our next important car battery fact that you should know!

Jumper Cables Can Fix a Dead Battery

All drivers are strongly encouraged to keep an emergency roadside assistance kit inside of their vehicle at all times. Part of this emergency roadside kit should be a quality set of jumper cables. Jumper cables are used to jump start a dead car battery. All you need is another car and their engine power to get the job done. Refer to your owner’s manual for instructions on how to jump start the car battery or ask your trusted mechanic for a quick lesson next time you take your car in for routine service. It is something simple and even a teenager can do it!

Car Batteries Can Be Recycled

Car batteries must be replaced every 3 to 4 years, so it is inevitable that you will be faced with the duty at some point in your driving career. But when the time comes to replace your old car battery with a new one, do not just toss your old one in the trash. Car batteries can be, and should always be, recycled. Simply contact your local scrap metal recycling center or auto salvage yard, and they will give you instructions on how to complete the process. They will even pay you cash for the scrap metal!

Are you stuck in a parking lot or on the side of the road with a dead car battery? Perhaps you have an old or used car battery you want to dispose of? Maybe you are looking for an affordable replacement car battery? If so, Zore’s Indy can help! Contact us at 317-247-8484 for emergency roadside assistance for dead car batteries in Indianapolis, Indiana. We also buy, sell, and trade new auto parts and used auto parts at the best prices in town! Fill out an auto parts request form, today!

Can I Drive My Car if it is Leaking Fluid?

Posted on January 19, 2022 by admin

Whether you are walking out of the store after a quick grocery run or preparing to leave your house for work, if you see that your car is leaking a mystery fluid, it is best not to drive. Continue reading to learn the common types of car leaks, how to identify them, and what to do if your car is experiencing one.

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Common Types of Automotive Leaks

There are seven vital automotive fluids your car uses, so you can bet that one of them is the mystery liquid leaking from your vehicle. These fluids are motor oil, transmission fluid, radiator fluid (coolant/antifreeze), power steering fluid, brake fluid, battery fluid, and windshield wiper fluid. Of these automotive fluids, the ones that most commonly leak out of vehicles include motor oil, transmission fluid, and radiator fluid. Vehicles can also leak water and gasoline, both of which are common car leaks.

▷ Water Leak – If your car is leaking water, it could just be condensation buildup in the AC, or beneath the shell, fender, or bumper of the vehicle. This is common in hot, summer months.

▷ Transmission Fluid Leak – If you notice a red or brown-like liquid leaking from the front-end of your vehicle, it could be transmission fluid.

▷ Power Steering Fluid Leak – Power steering fluid can also be red or brown in color. But unlike transmission fluid, which is thinner than motor oil, power steering fluid is quite oily. Many people describe the smell as being similar to burnt marshmallows.

▷ Coolant Leak – Radiator fluid, or coolant, is green or yellow in color. Sometimes it comes in pink or red hues. Coolant is a slimy liquid that smells sweet.

▷ Windshield Washer Fluid Leak – If your car is leaking a thin, watery liquid that looks blue or clear in color, it is likely windshield washer fluid. It also smells like soap or glass cleaner.

▷ Brake Fluid Leak – Brake fluid is typically yellow in color and very oily to the touch. It also smells similar to fish oil.

▷ Gas Leak – Gas leaks are the most obvious because of their noxious, distinctive odor.

▷ Motor Oil Leak – Motor oil leaks are dark brown or black in color. This fluid is thick and runs slowly.

Do Not Drive a Car With a Leak

Under no circumstances should you drive your vehicle after noticing a leak. This is especially important if your car is leaking brake fluid, gasoline, or motor oil. In the hot months, you do not want to operate your vehicle with an active coolant leak.

In all cases of automotive leaks, it is strongly encouraged to not drive. Instead, have your car towed to your choice of auto shop for inspection and repair. Contact a local and trusted Indianapolis tow truck company for affordable and prompt service.

Does your car or truck need a lift to the auto repair shop? Contact Zore’s Indy at 317-247-8484 for fast and affordable Indianapolis towing services you can trust. We operate throughout all of Central Indiana, offering full-service tow truck and roadside assistance solutions, around the clock.

Avoid Hitting Potholes With These Driving Tactics

Posted on December 20, 2021 by admin

Potholes are the worst; aren’t they? Especially the ones that seem to creep up out of nowhere. BANG! Your front tire hits the crater with no warning and your whole car feels like it suspends out of its structural boundaries. What follows is an anxiety-ridden drive to the side of the road, or home, to see if any damage has been done.

In the worst scenarios, vehicles experience immediate damage after suddenly diving into a pothole, from tire punctures and warped rims to exhaust system damage, suspension damage, and even engine damage. And now that the freeze-thaw cycles are in effect and potholes will continue to form all season, it is the right time to review your safe driving habits, and possible even a adopt a few more.

This strategy, plus the ones listed below, can help you avoid hitting potholes until the city repairs them again come spring!

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Safer Driving Habits Can Prevent Pothole Accidents

Stay Alert and Keep Your Eyes on the Road at All Times

Potholes seem to get us the most when we are least expecting it, which is why driving alertness is such a critical habit this time of year. By keeping your eyes on the road, and not on your phone, in your purse, or under the back seat, you can better dodge potholes and prevent serious vehicular damage.

Part of staying alert on the road is avoiding drowsy or fatigued driving. Be careful taking certain medications that can cause sleepiness, as this can reduce your alertness and awareness while driving. Impaired driving is another bad decision that can lead to serious vehicle damage or worse, bodily injury.

Keep a Safe Distance Between You and the Car in Front of You

In drivers’ education, they teach students to keep at least one car lengths distance between you and the car in front of you. Well, this principal teaching point remains pertinent no matter how many years you have been a licensed driver.

During peak pothole season, one car lengths distance is the least amount of distance you should be keeping around you while driving. To divert potholes, you must be able to see them well in advance. If the cars in front of you are too close, you will not have enough time to defensively react to a pothole.

Maintain a Reasonable Speed

Many people will tell you that swerving to hit a pothole is a dangerous reaction, and they would be telling you the truth. Swerving to miss a pothole can put you and your passengers, as well as other drivers on the road, at risk of a serious collision. It can also cause you to lose control of the vehicle, especially in slick or wet conditions.

In order to avoid swerving when attempting to avoid potholes, maintain a reasonable driving speed at all times. Not only should you obey the set speed limit, but you should also slow down a bit more on roads that are known to be bumpy or old.

Has a pothole caused you some tire or suspension damage, and now you are stuck on the side of the road? Not to worry! Just contact Zore’s Indy at 317-247-8484 for 24 hour roadside assistance and towing in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve all of Central Indiana with prompt service.

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3 Signs That Indicate a Failing Catalytic Converter

Posted on November 22, 2021 by admin

Catalytic converter replacement is one of the top services offered at automotive mechanic shops. Although they are designed to last for several years, catalytic converters often experience performance issues that require repairs or premature replacement. Not sure if your catalytic converter is on the fritz or not?

Continue reading to learn the top three signs that suggest your catalytic converter is in decline, as well the average cost to replace a catalytic converter and where you can find one at a more affordable price in the Indy area.

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Catalytic Converters Decrease Harmful Exhaust Emissions

Catalytic converters are very special automotive components. They are vital for all vehicles because they are designed to reduce the harmful emissions and pollutants generated by the burning fuel within your vehicle. They worked alongside your exhaust system to convert harmful emissions into non-harmful gasses, which ensures that harmful automotive fumes are mitigated as much as possible.

So, when your catalytic converter begins to act up, it is important to have it repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Not only is it hazardous to the other components within your vehicle to drive with a broken catalytic converter, but it is also harmful to the surrounding environment.

Here are the top 3 signs that suggest your catalytic converter requires an immediate mechanical attention:

1) Weakening Engine Performance

If you have noticed that your engine performance is less powerful or efficient than it used to be, it could be due to a failing catalytic converter. The reason why this may be happening is because your catalytic converter has an obstruction or clog that is blocking the exhaust flow and reducing the power of acceleration. It could also be due to a catalytic converter crack and subsequent leak. If you feel like your vehicle is sluggish when you press the gas pedal, or the car is burning up fuel at a faster rate than normal, the culprit may be a catalytic converter blockage.

2) Your Check Engine Light is On

If your check engine light, also known as a malfunctioning indicator lamp (MIL), is illuminated on your car’s dashboard, the underlying problem could be your catalytic converter. The vehicle’s oxygen and air-fuel ratio sensors can detect if your catalytic converter is having problems catalyzing the exhaust gases. Upon detection, it’ll trigger your check engine light to illuminate. This is something that needs to be repaired as soon as possible.

3) You Hear Clinking Noises When You Drive

If you hear rattling or clinking noises when you drive, it could be due to a loosen mesh components within the catalytic converter. If your catalytic converter sustains any type of damage, the internal mesh components can deteriorate, and therefore corrode and fall apart. When you hit bombs or take turns, you can hear the mesh components rolling around inside.

The Cost to Replace a Catalytic Converter

Catalytic converters are composed of rare precious metals like titanium, rhodium, and platinum. As a result of their high economic value and rarity, catalytic converters are one of the most expensive automotive parts. In fact, many cars are declared total losses by insurance companies because the cost to replace the catalytic converter exceeds the vehicle’s actual cash value, also known as fair market value.

You can expect to pay anywhere between $900 and $2000 for the cattle converter, including labor. You can however purchase a cheaper cattle converter by opting for used auto part. Used auto parts are properly refurbished to perform just as efficiently as your catalytic converter did before it began to break down. Although it won’t last as long as a brand new one, a used catalytic converter is a practical strategy for those who cannot afford to replace one out of pocket.