It can be confusing if you take your car to the auto repair shop and they tell you that you need a new catalytic converter. This guide will provide information about this vital part of your engine.
What is a Catalytic Converter?
A catalytic converter is an emissions control device in a vehicle’s exhaust system. It converts toxic gases into less harmful ones; this reduces air pollution from vehicle exhaust fumes.
How Does It Work?
The catalyst that powers the converter is usually made of all costly metals: platinum, palladium, or rhodium. Inside the converter, these catalyst metals act on pollutants like carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides and convert them into compounds like water vapor and nitrogen gas, which are much less harmful to our environment. The catalysts also reduce smog formation by converting unburned fuel into carbon dioxide (CO2) rather than leaving it in its original form as unburned hydrocarbons (HC).
A damaged or failing catalytic converter can lead to a decrease in engine performance and an increase in emissions. Replacing the catalytic converter can improve fuel economy and engine power. Without a working catalytic converter, vehicles can produce up to four times more pollutants than federal standards! If your car has been diagnosed with a bad catalytic converter, don’t wait too long to replace it!
Catalytic converters reduce air pollution created by motor vehicles. They turn toxic gases into harmless ones before entering our atmosphere. Understanding how these devices work is critical to keeping your car running smoothly and efficiently while protecting our environment! If your vehicle has been diagnosed with a faulty or failing catalytic converter, replace it ASAP for optimal performance and reduced emissions!
