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Dear Car Talk: My car has no energy. I have a 2011 Chevy Aveo, and the mechanic says it’s because the engine is not getting enough air. He says I need a new catalytic converter. Is this correct? I thought they were for the exhaust not the air intake. — Susan
You’re right, Susan. The catalytic converter treats your exhaust, to remove combustion byproducts that are harmful to humans. But exhaust and intake are very closely related.
Try this experiment: Take a really deep breath and hold it. Now, try to breathe in some more. You can’t. You can’t breathe in new air until you exhaust the old air. And that’s exactly what’s happening to your Chevy Aveo.
Air and fuel are drawn into the cylinders, burned, and then exhausted through your tailpipe. But if the tailpipe is blocked, the exhaust can’t get out. Then, there’s no room for fresh air and gasoline to get in.
When we were kids, a well-known prank was to stick a potato in someone’s exhaust pipe. Why a potato? Well, it was cheap, and we could steal one from our mothers’ kitchen. And it was pliable enough to really stop up a tail pipe.
When the unknowing driver would try to start his car, he’d crank it and crank it, and get more and more frustrated, while we’d be nearby snickering. Then he’d figure it out, pull out the potato, and lay a beating on us. And tell our mothers.
Your catalytic converter is acting like that potato, Susan. Over time, the internal parts of the converter — the catalysts and baffles — disintegrate. And eventually, they clog up the air passage, so not enough exhaust can get through.
Nothing out, nothing in. No energy, as you describe it. So if your mechanic has already tested your car and determined that your converter is partially clogged, you need a new one.
Given the age of your car, ask your mechanic about an aftermarket converter. They don’t last as long, in my experience, But he might not advise you to make a long-term bet on a 2011 Aveo, either. Good luck, Susan.
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