What is a key symptom of a blocked catalytic converter?

A key symptom of a blocked catalytic converter is the loss of power and increased engine temperature. When the catalytic converter becomes blocked, it restricts the flow of exhaust gases from the engine. This restriction can lead to a buildup of back pressure in the exhaust system, which negatively affects engine performance. As the engine struggles to expel exhaust gases, it may experience a noticeable loss of power, making acceleration sluggish and less responsive.

Additionally, the increased back pressure can cause the engine to run hotter than normal. This increase in temperature is due to the exhaust gases not being released efficiently, which can lead to overheating and potential damage to engine components over time.

In contrast, increased fuel efficiency, smooth vehicle performance, and reduced exhaust noise are not symptoms associated with a blocked catalytic converter. In fact, a blocked converter typically leads to poorer fuel efficiency and may also result in rough running conditions.