Catalytic Converter

Cars with internal combustion engines (ICEs) emit harmful hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide into the atmosphere. Although there have been significant improvements in ICE efficiency, these dangers still exist in the exhaust. Automakers searched for a means to significantly minimize the number of pollutants released by their vehicles as environmental laws tightened each year. 

At this point, the catalytic converter’s utility becomes apparent.

What are Catalytic Converters?

Catalytic converters usually referred to as “cats,” are a component of your car’s exhaust system. It is located between the car’s muffler and exhaust manifold.

Nowadays, many automobiles only come equipped with one catalytic converter. However, some cars have two, depending on their system of pipes. These days, there are also more expensive cars with two catalytic inverters connected in series.

Your car’s catalytic converters assist in preventing carbon monoxide from contaminating the air we breathe. For increased effectiveness, other harmful gasses are also removed. It seldom breaks down, and the possibility that it ever needs repair is very slim. But if it does fail, it may show very clear symptoms.

Your car’s catalytic converter traps hazardous gases so they don’t escape into the atmosphere. These dangerous gases might include nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, and unburned hydrocarbons, among others.

There is no doubt that these hazardous fumes must be eliminated. These dangerous fumes were to blame for ending the era of vintage cars in the 1970s. Smog, a mixture of smoke and fog, was then obscuring cities.

How catalytic converter work?

The two primary phases of a catalytic converter’s operation are as follows. The reduction catalyst comes first, followed by the oxidation catalyst. The reduction catalyst is in charge of eliminating the nitrogen oxides, and it accomplishes this by dissolving the compound’s nitrogen atoms to create the inert gases of nitrogen and oxygen. 

On the other side, the oxidation catalyst oxidizes carbon monoxide and turns it into carbon dioxide.

An additional oxygen sensor that measures the amount of oxygen in exhaust gases is included with modern catalytic converters. The sensor then modifies the engine’s air intake to maintain the ideal fuel-to-oxygen ratio and guarantee that there is sufficient oxygen for the catalytic converter to function effectively.

Catalytic converters not only lower hazardous emissions but also make the engine operate quieter by muffling them.

Catalytic converters have a drawback in that they only function at high temperatures and require 10 to 15 minutes to warm up properly. This implies that during the initial minutes after starting your engine, your car is actually emitting dangerous substances into the atmosphere. An excellent piece of advice to keep in mind when your vehicle needs to pass emissions testing.

What leads to the failure of a catalytic converter?

As we previously stated, catalytic converters typically don’t break or require repairs. However, there are several instances where they will require either replacement or repair. A connected engine issue is the cause of the majority of catalytic converter issues.

It typically results from a variety of factors. First of all, the fuel and air mixture may be off. Spark plugs that are ineffective or malfunctioning oxygen sensors may also be at blame for this.

Your car’s catalytic converter may become overheated when these problems arise. If that takes place, the catalytic converter’s interior components may begin to melt.

Even the essential honeycomb inside can be destroyed. You ultimately receive a faulty catalytic converter. If this continues for a long enough period of time, the carbon buildup may clog the catalytic converter.

The worst-case situation is that if it is clogged, it won’t be able to execute its function well. The exhaust is entirely obstructed. Backpressure then increases in the direction of the engine. The engine will then overheat as a result, leading to issues.

Even after that, the catalytic converter may sustain physical harm. Driving over potholes, rocks, and other road debris is another unusual (but potential) way to harm this.

These can cause cracks in the catalytic converters’ outer shells and even damage to the hangers that serve as supports. Your catalytic converter may have internal ceramic catalyst damage if it has dents. As a result, the catalytic converter’s efficiency is significantly decreased.

Choosing A Catalytic Converter: What To Consider

Catalytic converters play a crucial function in converting hazardous emissions that could affect the environment and human health. Catalytic converters are known to require little care, however, they do wear out over time.

In the Philippines, consider the following suggestions when selecting a catalytic converter:

Verify Your Car

Checking your car and writing down its year, make, and model is the first step. This will assist in confirming that the catalytic converter is appropriate for your vehicle. In addition, you should examine the exhaust system, which can help you choose which catalytic converter you require.

Learn Your Options

In the Philippines, there are two different kinds of catalytic converters. The universal converter and the direct-fit catalytic converter are the two types.

Because these are constructed utilizing the features particular to the car, a direct-fit catalytic converter can be installed into the vehicle without the need for modifications. However, they call for system modifications. In contrast, universal catalytic converters are made to meet a variety of applications.

Locate A Reliable Vendor

Finding a trustworthy source is one of the most crucial things you should do if you’re looking for a catalytic converter in the Philippines. Select a reputable provider with extensive industry knowledge if you want to get durable parts. Don’t forget to look for a guarantee and good after-sales service, which might provide you peace of mind.

Why do they cost so much?

Catalytic converters cost a lot of money for a part of a car that resembles a regular exhaust pipe. They can even be as expensive as a perfectly nice used automobile. This is because the converter needs precious metals like palladium, rhodium, and/or platinum to function properly. Due to their scarcity, these metals raise the cost of the catalytic converter.

Fortunately, catalytic converters are frequently well-made, so unless a serious auto accident results in assembly damage, you won’t need to replace yours within the lifespan of your vehicle.

Please read: USING ANOTHER CAR TO RECHARGE THE CAR’S BATTERY

Conclusion

The catalytic converter is without a doubt one of the most crucial components of a car, and for several good reasons. By converting 90% of toxic emissions into less harmful gasses, the catalytic converter contributes to the reduction of airborne pollutants that may be damaging to both people and the environment. 

Your car’s efficiency, which has a direct impact on the health and performance of the entire vehicle, is enhanced by a properly maintained catalytic converter. Your mechanic can advise you on whether or not you ought to think about changing your catalytic converter. Although expensive, car repairs don’t have to slow you down.