How do car services scam car owners? Exposing the story of the “killed” catalyst

In the event of a vehicle malfunction, drivers are often forced to contact service station specialists. Some car services use this to earn as much as possible.

When a car’s catalytic converter is on the verge of failure, drivers typically turn to a professional auto repair shop to diagnose and fix the problem. If they are competent, they will quickly identify the problem. But this is where the plot thickens. A reputable mechanic will tell you honestly about a failed catalyst, but such transparency does not always serve the financial interests of the service station. The standard solution, which involves replacing the catalyst and minor modifications to the engine, is not particularly profitable. This is when some service stations get creative and target the customer’s wallet.

One of the telltale signs of a dying catalytic converter is rough starting. It feels like the starter is acting up and the spark is not igniting the fuel mixture in the cylinders evenly. This is where the deception begins. Cunning service personnel begin to look for problems in the ignition system and electrical components of the car.

They start by replacing the old spark plugs with new ones, trying to solve the problem, although it lies elsewhere. When replacing spark plugs fails to solve the problem (which is inevitable since the catalytic converter is the real culprit), they are encouraged to invest in new ignition coils, pay for starter repairs, and undergo electrical diagnostics and repairs. And only when the driver has paid for everything possible, the dishonest masters talk about the real problem – the catalyst.