Do you ever wonder what happens to the emissions from your car? A catalytic converter is an essential part of a car’s exhaust system that plays an important role in reducing the pollutants created during vehicle operation. If you’re curious to learn more about this device, then this article is your guide! Here, you’ll get a better understanding of what a catalytic converter is, how it works, and why it is so crucial for modern cars.
What Is a Catalytic Converter?
A catalytic converter is a device that is placed in the exhaust system of a vehicle. It is a small, cylindrical component that is typically made of metal and contains a ceramic material known as a catalyst.
It helps reduce air pollution by converting harmful pollutants like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide and hydrocarbons into less harmful emissions.
Where does it located?
This part can typically be found near the front of the car and close to the engine block. It looks like a box-like metal cylinder with two pipes coming out from either side, one from the engine and one leading into the muffler. The location may vary slightly depending on your specific make and model, so if you're not sure where this part is located you should consult your owner's manual or a professional auto mechanic.
How many catalytic converters does a car have？
The answer depends on the make and model of the vehicle, as well as the requirements set by local emissions standards.
In most cases, cars have either one or two catalytic converters. Depending on its design, some vehicles may also feature three. This is usually in cars with higher engine displacement that require more power to run at optimal levels. Additionally, some vehicles may have additional catalytic converters installed for additional emission control capabilities.
What Is a Catalytic Converter Made of?
The catalytic converter is made of several key materials, each of which play a crucial role in helping to reduce harmful emissions from the car.
The main component in a catalytic converter is usually platinum or palladium, both of which act as catalysts to help speed up the chemical reaction that turns the toxic gases into relatively harmless ones.
Additionally, ceramic monoliths are also used inside the converter to provide additional surface area for this reaction to take place on.
Finally, aluminium oxide and other metals may be added as well, depending on the type and design of catalyst being used in order to further improve its efficiency.
How Does Catalytic Converter Work?
A catalytic converter is made up of two metal chambers separated by a ceramic honeycomb core. Inside the core, noble metals such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium act as a catalyst to turn pollutants into less harmful substances.
As exhaust enters one chamber, it passes through the honeycomb which exposes it to the noble metals and starts the conversion process.
The now-converted pollutants travel through to second chamber where they are further broken down before being released out of your vehicle's tailpipe as harmless gases such as nitrogen and oxygen.
The catalytic converter works by converting harmful gases into less toxic ones, and it can get quite hot in the process. But how hot does it actually get?
Under normal operating conditions, temperatures inside a catalytic converter can reach between 500 and 800°F. Depending on the situation, catalytic converters can reach temperatures of up to 1200°F when the vehicle is running under heavy load.
Why Are Catalytic Converters Important?
Catalytic converters are an essential component of modern vehicles because they help to reduce the harmful emissions that come from internal combustion engines. Vehicles that do not have catalytic converters emit significantly higher levels of pollutants into the atmosphere, contributing to air pollution and public health problems.
In addition to reducing emissions, catalytic converters also play a critical role in helping to meet increasingly strict emissions standards set by government agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Automakers must meet these standards in order to be able to sell their vehicles in the United States and other countries.
Do Catalytic Converters Go Bad?
The answer is yes. Catalytic converters are an important part of the emissions system on cars, and they can fail over time. As the converter begins to deteriorate, its ability to reduce pollutants in exhaust fumes becomes increasingly reduced. Consequently, this could lead to decreased fuel economy and poor engine performance.
Generally speaking, catalytic converters have a lifespan of around 10 years. However, there are several factors that can cause them to fail sooner than expected including age wear-and-tear and physical damage due to extreme heat or vibrations from the road surface. It is also worth noting that certain types of fuel additives or engine oils may also cause damage to the converter and reduce its lifespan significantly.
Shop a New Catalytic Converter Today
SuncentAuto offers a good selection of catalytic converters at unbeatable prices. What’s more, we offer free shipping on all orders to ensure that customers get their parts as quickly and conveniently as possible.
Whether you are in need of a direct-fit or universal fit catalytic converter, SuncentAuto’s selection has something for you. All of our catalytic converters are made with only the most reliable materials and are designed to meet or exceed OE standards – ensuring years of efficient performance even under heavy use. Customers can also rest assured knowing that all products come with a 90-day warranty against manufacturer defects.
