Car repairs can be a real headache, but if you value your car’s performance and longevity, it’s essential to maintain regular maintenance. One of the most critical parts of your vehicle is the catalytic converter, which keeps emissions under control and improves the air quality around us. If you’re curious about how your car works or are due for a maintenance check, keep reading to learn everything you need to know about catalytic converters.
What Is A Catalytic Converter?
In a nutshell, a catalytic converter uses a chemical reaction to convert harmful emissions that your car produces into less toxic substances. It’s usually located between the engine and the muffler, and it’s filled with a honeycomb-like structure made of precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium. When your car’s exhaust passes through the honeycomb, the metals react with the pollutants and convert them into less harmful exhaust gases, such as carbon dioxide and water vapor.
Why Is A Catalytic Converter Necessary?
Catalytic converters reduce pollution caused by exhaust gases and meet Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards for vehicle emissions. In addition to minimizing environmental harm, they help your car run more efficiently and maintain better fuel economy in the long term. Without a functioning catalytic converter, your vehicle would emit more harmful, toxic pollutants into the air and likely fail an emissions test.
How Do I Know If My Catalytic Converter Needs Replacing?
Catalytic converters are designed to last for thousands of miles before needing replacement, but they can still break down or get clogged due to excessive wear and tear, rust, or damage from road debris. Some of the most common signs that your catalytic converter may fail include a decrease in engine performance, the check engine light turning on, and a reduction in fuel efficiency. If you notice these symptoms, bring your car to a trusted mechanic who can diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of action.
How Can I Maintain My Catalytic Converter?
One of the best ways to ensure your catalytic converter stays in good shape is to keep up with regular maintenance on your car, including oil changes, tire rotations, and spark plug replacements. Additionally, avoid letting your car idle for long periods, which can cause your engine to run inefficiently and put undue stress on your catalytic converter. Finally, only put the recommended fuel type in your car, as using the wrong type can cause damage to the catalytic converter over time.
Catalytic converters are critical in keeping our air clean and our cars running smoothly. By understanding what they are, how they work, and how to maintain them, you can help keep your vehicle in top shape and ensure you’re doing your part to protect the environment. If you suspect your catalytic converter may be failing, bring your car to a qualified mechanic who can diagnose the problem and get you back on the road as soon as possible.