Testing Catalytic Converter efficiency

My car failed emissions test. My mechanic says it could be the catalytic converter, and there is no reliable way to test the catalytic converter. Is this so?



No! Converters consume oxygen in the catalytic process, which provides the basis for a simple (the test only takes a couple minutes) converter efficiency check referred to as an oxygen capture test. Using an exhaust gas analyzer the percentage of oxygen coming from the tailpipe of a fully warmed-up vehicle is measured at idle. Once the oxygen reading has stabilized the throttle is rapidly snapped open (full throttle) and then closed. Following the throttle snap there should be a slight increase in the amount of oxygen coming from the tailpipe. The allowable “slight increase” is typically 1.2%. If the oxygen increase exceeds the allowable limit the converter is almost always bad.

In a healthy converter the catalytic reaction consumes large quantities of oxygen. Therefore an excessive increase in oxygen at the tailpipe, following the snap test, indicates the converter has lost its ability to capture and use oxygen. Without capturing and consuming oxygen the catalytic reaction stalls and emissions climb. The oxygen capture test is quick, simple, and highly reliable.

Car Care Guide

I have heard that of all Drivers, 70 percent don’t winterize cars. Is this so
and where can I learn more about Winterizing and taking care of my car?

Yes! and it’s the sleigh and not your car that is supposed to dash through the snow, but if vehicles are not adequately prepared for winter, driving can be more stressful and treacherous. Many seem willing to take the chance, according to the Car Care Council that reports 70 percent of drivers don’t winterize their vehicles.

“Everyone is pressed for time, especially around the holidays, and the vehicle often gets neglected… until something happens. Winterizing is a proactive step that helps ensure safe and reliable driving during one of the busiest times of the year,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council.

Get a free copy, of the “CARE CARE GUIDE”, a free 56-page guide covering nine major service occasions and 12 component groups of your vehicle, plus service interval recommendations, a maintenance log and much more. at..

http://www.carcare.org/car_care_guide/consumer.asp

Expensive luxury car bumpers-Expensive to repair!

I have heard that the expensive luxury car bumpers are not made as you think, and don’t survive a low speed impact without major damage. Is this so?

Yes!. For example the hood of a Mercedes C-class(shown, left) caved in during an impact of a mere 6 mph, sustaining more then $5,000 in damage. Damage in the low 4 speed tests, totaled about $11,000 and the Mercedes was the third worst performer among the 11 luxury cars tested. The Acura TL was the second worst performer, sustaining more then $11,000 from bumper damage. The worst performer was the Infinity G35, which sustained an astounding $14,000 in the same 4 bumper tests.

See the video of low speed crash tests for midsize luxury cars at

http://www.iihs.org/video.aspx?f=releases/pr080207

Dashboard Fuel Pump Icon "Secret"

I have heard that if you look at your gas gauge, you will see a small icon of a gas pump. (see above) The handle of the gas pump will extend out on either the left or right side of the pump. If your fuel tank fill is on the left, the handle will be on the left. If it is on the right, the handle will be on the right. Is this so?

No!, The fuel pump icon handle quite often has no correlation with the location of the fuel filler. On some of the newer GM vehicles it might be so, but there are lots vehicles out there where this statement does not hold up!

Timing belt noises

I have heard that timing belts can develop a hard spot over time and can make noise when it passes over the pulleys. If so it should be replaced.

NO! Unlike tires timing belts do not develop an out of round or hard spot condition as they become worn. The belt tensioner can develop problems with the spring or bearing which can cause an annoying engine noise, but unlike tires the only way you know a timing belt is do for replacement is to keep track of the mileage and or years it's in use. A perfectly quiet and normal looking timing belt can strip out suddenly without any warning!