Everything You Need to Know About Catalytic Converter

A catalytic converter is a special device that is installed in the exhaust system of a car to clean gasses and minimize the negative impact of harmful substances on the environment.

The exhaust gasses enter the catalysts and undergo various chemical reactions with the noble metals that form the internal honeycombs, causing the poisonous substances to become less harmful and safe for the atmosphere.

Since car exhausts must meet strict environmental standards, every vehicle comes off the assembly line with catalytic converters already installed. Their use is a requirement, and failure to comply risks serious penalties.

Therefore, when the catalytic converter becomes clogged, it should be immediately replaced with a new device. Let’s go over all the fundamentals about catalyst converters that every driver should be aware of.

Catalyst Work and Service Life Features

Catalytic converters are installed in the exhaust pipe between the engine and the muffler. Because the appliance is heated to extremely high temperatures, it is usually closed with an additional protective screen from below.

Catalysts don’t activate immediately after starting the engine, but rather when the car is heated. Along with the fume filters and neutralizers, oxygen sensors also operate in the system.

The last ones monitor the composition, particularly the air and gasoline ratio, of the fuel mixture. Signals from sensors that are placed at the entrance and exit of the device are constantly read by a car computer, which helps optimize the fuel mixture.

The service lives of catalytic neutralizers may have significant differences, depending on the type of device, the quality of the fuel used, the mileage, and the operating conditions.

As a rule, for used and salvage cars most catalysts begin to fail every 100,000–130,000 kilometers of mileage, but expensive devices can serve effectively throughout the car.

Reasons and Signs of the Catalytic Converter Failure

It should be taken into account that catalytic converters cannot fail without reason. In most cases, their breakdown is a sign of the following problems:

■ Irregularities in the ignition system. In this case, the fuel cannot be burned completely and enters the exhaust system. As a result, the heated catalysts are forced to burn a large additional volume of hydrocarbons. This causes the catalyst to overheat to an extremely high temperature and wear out.

■ Incomplete combustion of the fuel mixture in the cylinders due to the malfunction of the cylinder-piston group elements.

■ Heavy engine wear.

■ Long-term use of low-quality fuel, as a result of which the catalyst becomes clogged with suspended particles.

■ External mechanical influence that can damage the catalyst system.

All these factors lead to the clogging and premature wear of catalysts. If this appliance fails, you need to replace it with a new one.

You can install the original neutralizer, which has the highest work efficiency but at the same time has a high cost, or buy a universal device that costs much less.

It’s very important to choose the right catalyst for a specific car model in order to preserve the factory warranty and extend the engine service life.

When Do You Need to Change the Catalytic Converter?

In modern cars, one or two catalysts are usually installed, but as not every vehicle owner can afford to replace the catalyst, they use a cheaper muffler plate most often.

How do you determine when it’s time to change the catalyst, or is it still able to perform the functions assigned to the appliance? It’s worthwhile to consider replacement if:

■ you feel a noticeable vibration of the exhaust system transmitted to the body;

■ significant losses in the power of the car are observed;

■ there are floating movements of the tachometer arrow at idle speeds;

■ the car works with interruptions.

All these signs signal the rapid destruction of the catalyst and its unfitness. As a rule, car service station specialists refer to a special standard according to which the catalyst is subject to replacement if the car has driven around 62,000 miles (100,000 kilometers).

How a Catalyst Repair Usually Performed

Although many indicate the impossibility of repairing the catalyst, some car owners are resolved on taking such a step. In this case, the following actions are usually carried out:

■ Knocking out the clogged catalyst honeycombs. This will extend its service life, but eventually the catalyst can fall apart.

■ Changing the catalyst to a piece of ordinary pipe. It typically causes wear and tear on other parts of the system that are intended to work in tandem with a catalyst.

■ Replacing the catalyst with its simpler and cheaper version that allows you to maintain the proper performance of the system and reduce the cost of car maintenance.

If the catalyst is installed by the manufacturer, it’s better not to dismantle it at all after breakage but to install a new one. The work of the exhaust system and the engine depends on its presence, not to mention the problem of environmental pollution, which this appliance helps solve.

In the End

The catalytic converter is a key element of the car exhaust system. That’s why you need to pay attention to any malfunction of the mentioned appliances and know how to check the catalyst’s technical condition if any problem in the car history report occured.

Remember to check the compatibility of the catalyst when installing a new one because it affects the overall functioning of the car exhaust system and can lead to more serious problems later.

In any case, don’t neglect the car service specialist’s opinion and visit it to get a consultation or proper catalyst maintenance.

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