What is a Catalytic Converter?

Why Do I Need One?

Your Catalytic Converter

You’ve probably heard of a catalytic converter but might not be entirely sure what it does. Never fear. We’re here to explain! A catalytic converter is a device that’s used to reduce emissions from an internal combustion engine. It converts exhaust gases into less harmful gases before they’re released into the atmosphere.

Catalytic converters were first introduced in the 1970s as a way to meet stricter emission standards that were being put in place in the United States. Today, they’re used on almost all vehicles with an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE), including cars, trucks, buses, lawnmowers, and boats.

How Does a Catalytic Converter Work?

A catalytic converter contains a catalyst—usually platinum or palladium—that helps to convert harmful gasses into less harmful ones. The three main pollutants that a catalytic converter works to reduce are Carbon monoxide (CO), Hydrocarbons (HC), and Nitrogen oxides (NOx).

To understand how this works, it helps to know a little bit about how an ICE works. When you start your car, fuel is combusted in the engine cylinders to power the car. This combustion process creates hazardous gasses like CO and HC, which are released through the car’s exhaust system. A catalytic converter contains a catalyst that helps convert these harmful gasses into less harmful ones before they’re released into the atmosphere.

Some converters are “two-way” converters, which means they can help reduce both HC and CO emissions. Others are “three-way” converters, which also help to reduce NOx emissions. NOx is formed when oxygen and nitrogen from the air combine at high temperatures, like those found in an ICE. While NOx isn’t as harmful as CO or HC, it can still contribute to smog and other atmospheric issues.

A catalytic converter is a device attached to a vehicle’s exhaust system with an ICE. Its purpose is to help reduce emissions by converting them into less harmful gasses before they’re released into the atmosphere. Catalytic converters were first introduced in the 1970s, and today, they’re used on almost all vehicles with an ICE. If you have any further questions about your catalytic converter or think it might be time for a replacement, contact your trusted mechanic for further assistance.

By on August 20th, 2022 in Auto Repair