3 Signs Your Chevy Needs a New Catalytic Converter

January 13, 2023 · 3 min read

Combustion produces the energy that moves your car, but it also produces dangerous chemicals in the process. Your catalytic converter is designed to convert these chemicals into harmless ones. Age or damage can cause problems for the converter, and even cause it to fail. As your Chevy dealer, we can repair or replace your converter for you. These are some of the signs your converter could be damaged.

3 Signs You Need a New Catalytic Converter From Your Chevy Dealer

Acceleration Lag

When you step on the gas pedal, you expect your Chevy to almost leap forward. If your car feels more like it's lurching than leaping, you could have a converter problem. The reduced acceleration is due to back pressure created in the engine by a blocked converter. As the converter works, carbon will slowly build up and partially or completely block the converter. If the exit from the converter is blocked, the converted gases will be forced back into your engine. These gases increase the pressure in the engine, which reduces your engine power. To overcome this pressure, you'll need to increase your speed, and this increases fuel consumption. Our technicians will examine your converter and clear any blockage we find. Your acceleration lag will then disappear.

Strong Sulfur Smell

A foul rotten egg smell from your exhaust means that your converter has failed. The sulfur smell comes from hydrogen sulfide, a corrosive and toxic chemical created during combustion. When your converter works correctly, hydrogen sulfide is changed into odorless and harmless sulfur dioxide. Your exhaust smoke will turn black due to the presence of unburnt and unconverted fuel molecules. The converter can fail for several reasons, including age, damage from a blocked air filter, or a failed sensor. If you continue driving when your converter is damaged, you could receive a citation for the excessive amount of pollution from your exhaust. Our technicians will need to examine your engine and the converter to find the cause of the problem.

Check Engine Light

An illuminated check engine light has often been used as a joke in TV shows, but it's no laughing matter. This light only comes on when a problem is detected in your engine. The lights connect to a network of sensors in your car that monitor every important component. If any of these sensors notice a problem with their component, the light will illuminate. A converter problem can trigger this light due to its failure to convert the engine gases. Your computer will generate an error code, and our technicians will check the error code to find the cause of the problem. A damaged or blocked converter could damage your engine. Call us today at Randy Wise Chevrolet, and we'll fix the problem.

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Jun 30, 2023 in Flint

Just Down the Road: 3 Favorite Bookstores Near Flint, MI

Literature enthusiasts will find a lot of reasons to love Flint, MI because it has some of the finest independent bookstores in the state. Whether you're looking for that particular comic collection or want to get your hands on some of the best BIPOC new literature, Flint has it. Your sassy and smart 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is an excellent way to get around town in style, and with parking assistance, finding a parking spot is a breeze. 1. Totem Books Totem Books, at 620 W. Court St, is both an excellent bookshop and cafe. It's got a welcoming, cozy vibe that invites you to come on in and stay for a while, and you'll meet plenty of fellow book lovers when you visit. Plus, everyone on staff is super amiable and eager to help you find that perfect book. There's also a crystal, incense, and music section to browse. Since it's easy to browse the racks and enjoy a fresh, delicious cup of coffee and a sandwich, it's a good idea to allocate a few hours of your day to visit this favorite Flint bookshop. more 2. Comma Bookstore & Social Hub If you're looking for both a bookshop and a community, Comma Bookstore & Social Hub, at 132 W. 2nd St, is a great option. Owned and operated by Egypt Otis, it's one of only a handful of Black-owned literature shops. Comma Bookstore & Social Hub specializes in bringing BIPOC writers' work to the forefront and featuring artists and non-profits. The community aspect of Comma Bookstore & Social Hub is one of the store's biggest draws. The shop offers a book club for youth, book readings, music, and Juneteenth celebrations. Drive on down and check out the social calendar of events to truly plug into the Flint community. 3. The Amazing Book-Store The Amazing Book-Store, at 3718 Richfield Rd, is a legacy comic bookshop in Genesee County selling a variety of new and old comics from DC, Marvel, Dark Horse, and Image. No matter what you're searching for, The Amazing Book-Store is likely to either have it or help you figure out where to find it. The staff is super knowledgeable and friendly and will make you feel like part of the family the second you step inside. If you're looking for the next great read, want to pick up some rare comic books, or are looking for an excellent gift for a loved one, Flint has what you need in terms of literature. Swing by and see us at Randy Wise Chevrolet to test drive a great vehicle that can get you everywhere you need to go in Flint. Image via Pixabay

Jun 23, 2023 in Flint

3 Fantastic Weekend Getaways in Driving Distance of Flint, MI

19th century as one of the key stops along the historic Saginaw Trail. Thanks to its privileged location, this city is an excellent gateway to explore Michigan in your 2023 Chevrolet Bolt. If you are searching for new places to discover, here are three popular weekend getaways in the area. more 3 Unforgettable Weekend Escapes within a Short Drive of Flint, MI 1. Detroit Known for its historical automotive background, its diverse population, and its vibrant music scene, the city of Detroit is, without a doubt, the best local destination for a weekend escape if you like big urban areas with plenty of activities going on throughout the year. Home to more than four million inhabitants in its metropolitan area, Detroit sits right along the Canadian border and can be reached in about one hour's drive from Flint via route I-75. Whether you are looking for museums, famous landmarks, great restaurants, or beautiful urban parks, Detroit is a place where you will always find a great new spot to visit. Some of the main tourist attractions you can find in the state's most populous city include Belle Isle, Comerica Park, the Ambassador Bridge, Renaissance Center, and the Washington Boulevard Historic District. 2. Ann Arbor Home to a sizeable student population and the central campus of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor has become a popular tourist destination among visitors from all over the country thanks to its beautiful architecture and local landmarks. Located about 55 miles south of Flint, this city can also be reached in a little under one hour by car via route US-23. Although heading to the city's downtown area and just walking around is a great way to start exploring Ann Arbor, there are plenty of nearby tourist attractions you should not miss. Some of the main local landmarks include the University of Michigan Museum of Art, the Kerrytown neighborhood, Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum, Hudson Hills Metropark, and the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History. 3. Island Lake Recreation Area Covering an area of more than 4,000 acres and welcoming over one million visitors every year, Island Lake Recreation Area is another excellent destination for a weekend getaway. A beautiful nature reserve on the banks of the Huron River and the shores of Kent Lake, this place is an excellent spot for boating, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities. If you are looking for a used or brand-new Chevrolet vehicle to take your friends and family on unforgettable trips, you´ve come to the right spot! Hit the road and visit us today at Randy Wise Chevrolet to check out the extensive inventory of cars, trucks, and SUVs we have available for you. Image via Pixabay

Jun 16, 2023 in Flint

Trim Levels of the 2023 Chevy Blazer

The 2023 Chevy Blazer is well-built and roomy, with up to 64.2 cubic feet of cargo space and a max towing capacity of 4,500 pounds. The Blazer isn't just practical; it's stylish and sophisticated with a sporty edge. With four models to choose from, ranging from the capable 2LT and 3LT to the sporty RS to the all-encompassing Premium, there's a Blazer to fit everyone's style and needs. So why not take a closer look at this versatile and impressive SUV? more Trim Levels of the 2023 Chevy Blazer 2LT 2023 Chevy Blazer The Blazer 2LT is the perfect combination of stylish and sporty. This model comes equipped with a 2.0L Turbo engine and a 9-speed transmission. The exterior boasts a circular dual-outlet exhaust, 18-inch silver-painted aluminum wheels, and a signature black grille with a bright chrome header bar. Inside, you'll enjoy added comforts with an 8-way power driver seat, keyless open and start, Chevy Safety Assist, a Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Plus system, a remote vehicle starter system, and dual automatic climate control. 3LT The Blazer 3LT includes added features like a convenient programmable liftgate, Universal Home Remote, Auto-dimming rearview mirror, perforated leather-appointed seats, and Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert for additional safety. The 3LT model showcases sleek black roof rails and is available in two distinct editions: the Midnight/Sport Edition and the Redline Edition; both are guaranteed to turn heads on the road. RS With a 3.6L V6 engine, tuned dampers, and an RS-specific steering wheel, the Blazer RS is ready to conquer the road. The exterior boasts a custom black mesh grille with a hexagonal design, a black chrome header bar, a black bowtie emblem, black RS badging, rectangular dual-outlet exhaust, 20-inch gray-painted aluminum wheels, and an available two-tone roof. The RS also features Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Premium system with Navigation, a hands-free power liftgate, and available red-accented or Nightshift Blue-accented interior options. Premier The Blazer Premier offers affordable luxury and comfort. The exterior showcases silver-painted roof rails, integrated rectangular dual-outlet exhaust, chrome-accented body-color door handles, bright front sill plates, Premier-specific 20-inch aluminum wheels, and a signature bright chrome-accented grille with a chrome header bar. The cabin boasts luxurious perforated leather-appointed seats with suede microfiber accents and the option of a sleek full jet black or jet black and modern maple sugar color scheme interior. The Blazer is a stylish SUV that is a trendsetter among its peers. The sporty midsized SUV that can set up to five has space throughout for all your needs. Whether you're traveling with family or need extra room for your stuff, the Blazer's spacious cabin will ensure everyone is comfortable. Visit Randy Wise Chevrolet today to test drive this incredible trailblazing SUV for yourself! The innovative and adventurous Blazer is ready to take you on all of life's journeys in comfort and style.