Catalytic Converter cleaning
Mobile or off-car factory cleaning
Catalytic Converters on Petrol and Diesel vehicles are prone to blockage by carbon byproducts in exhause gases. Your CAT likely needs cleaning if you experience sluggish acceleration, a loss of power, a Check Engine light (such as code P0420), a sulphur or “rotten egg” smell, or rattling noises. These symptoms can point to a future MOT failure.
On-Car CAT cleaning
On-car CAT cleaning is now available for most vehicles, petrol and diesel. We use specialist chemical cleaning equipment to dislodge the blockages, while avoiding damage to the internal structure of the unit. Our cleaning service offers a huge saving compared to the purchase of a new unit, yet provides a comparable result.
Off-Car (Factory) CAT cleaning
Off-car cleaning is done at our headquarters. Our no-hassle service includes courier pick-up and return of the unit, which is delivered ready for reinstallation on the vehicle.
Key Signs of a Clogged Converter
●Noticeable Power Loss: Your car struggles to accelerate, especially when trying to pass other vehicles at higher speeds.
●Foul Exhaust Odour: Unburnt fuel creates a distinct sulphur smell as it passes through a failing or dirty converter.
●Dashboard Warning: An illuminated Check Engine Light typically flags an inefficient or blocked converter.
●Excessive Heat: A blocked exhaust flow can cause abnormal, high temperatures radiating from under the vehicle’s floorboard
Catalytic converter engine code
Catalytic converters need cleaning to remove carbon, soot, and fluid contaminants that clog the honeycomb structure of the exhaust. Cleaning restores exhaust flow, improves engine efficiency, and resolves the P0420 efficiency code, which helps vehicles pass emissions tests.
Professional Diagnostics
If you suspect a blockage, we use the following methods to confirm the issue before recommending a clean or replacement:
●Backpressure Test: Measuring the exhaust pressure before the converter. A reading above 3 PSI usually indicates a severe clog.
●Infrared Temperature Check: Comparing the temperature at the inlet and outlet. A properly functioning converter will have a noticeably hotter outlet temperature; identical temperatures or a hotter inlet indicate an internal obstruction
Why Deposits Form
The catalytic converter’s primary job is to process harmful gases into less toxic emissions. Over time, it can become blocked due to:
●Incomplete Combustion:
Short trips and stop-and-go driving prevent the converter from getting hot enough to naturally burn off soot and carbon.
●Contamination: Leaking engine coolant or motor oil can seep into the exhaust, coating and “poisoning” the internal honeycomb surfaces.
●Rich Fuel Mixtures: Unburned fuel due to faulty spark plugs or leaky valves can enter the exhaust, causing deposits and overheating.
Signs Your Converter Needs Cleaning
If the honeycomb structure gets restricted, exhaust gets trapped in the engine, leading to:
●Sluggish acceleration and reduced fuel economy.
●A glowing-red converter or excessive underbody heat.
●A strong smell of sulphur (rotten eggs).
●An illuminated check engine light.
CAT cleaning enquiry form
For assistance with booking or any other enquiries, please call us on 0333 366 1404.
Our lines are open 7.30am to 6.30pm Mon-Fri, and 7.30am to 5.30pm Fridays.
