Catalytic Converter: A Car Owner's Answer to a Healthier Environment

Car companies are now in a race to becoming the first one to provide environmentally-friendly vehicles to the mainstream in the next few years. This is in response to the common people’s growing need for affordably priced vehicles of this kind. But until these are made available to ordinary car owners, they would have to settle for alternatives in the meantime.

There are a number of alternatives readily available at hundreds of car parts shops. One of the most effective is the catalytic converter. It is a device that works by helping the engine to lower its emissions that can be harmful to the environment. These include gases like carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides. To do its function effectively, the catalytic converter makes use of two types of catalysts known as the reduction catalyst and oxidation catalyst. The reduction catalyst is considered as the first stage of the catalytic converter, which is tasked to minimize nitrogen oxides emissions with the use of platinum and rhodium. The second stage is the oxidation that effectively reduces unburned carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons by burning them with platinum and palladium. The third stage of the catalytic converter is known as the control system, which oversees the flow of exhaust emissions to effectively manage the operation of the fuel injection system. Aside from the catalytic converter’s main function of making a car friendlier to the environment, it can also improve the fuel economy and engine performance of a vehicle. 

Once the catalytic converter gets damaged, it loses its ability to fulfill its functions like preventing harmful exhaust emissions. To detect if one’s catalytic converter is on the verge of failing, one must carefully observe symptoms like a failed emissions test, frequent engine overheating, poor fuel economy, and deteriorating engine performance. If any of these signs is present, it is time to have the catalytic converter checked by a professional mechanic. If damage is confirmed, it is best to replace it as soon as possible to prevent further engine complications.