Today’s concerns about our environment pertaining to vehicle emissions were actually also a huge concern about 50 years ago. As more and more cars were being manufactured during the 1970s, the US government and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) implemented vehicle emission regulations to stem the rise of air pollution. All vehicles were equipped with a device called the catalytic converter, which was designed to convert toxic exhaust fumes into less harmful gases before they were emitted into the air. Without proper vehicle care, you will need to have catalytic converter repair work done. This is expensive.
Fifty years later, vehicles continue to use a catalytic converter as one way to mitigate pollution from cars. Unless you own a fully electric car that does not operate with a fuel source, your vehicle has a catalytic converter. Many non-motor vehicle engines that use combustible fuel for power also use a type of catalytic converter. So, how does a catalytic converter work and what type of issues should the typical driver expect? Let’s first review how a catalytic converter works.
How a Catalytic Converter Functions
Your vehicle’s catalytic converter is a type of purifying component within the car’s exhaust system. The catalytic converter is made up of a honeycomb structure or beads that are coated with platinum and palladium. The coating acts as the “catalyst” as exhaust fumes move through the honeycomb or beads. This process oxidizes or reduces the harmful by-products of nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons, and carbon monoxide. Once passed through the catalytic converter, these substances are converted to less hazardous gases or liquids and expelled from your vehicle’s tailpipe.
How to Maintain Your Catalytic Converter
When it comes to maintenance of your catalytic converter, proactive servicing of other components of your vehicle is an important step in keeping your catalytic converter doing its job. Many times, a bad catalytic converter is the result of downstream problems from other areas of your vehicle such as the cooling system or spark plugs.
- Make sure to regularly maintain your vehicle’s cooling system and get tune-ups to check plugs and timing. These two general maintenance items are vital and can help you avoid catalytic converter repair.
- Our vehicle warning indicators are always a red flag to have the vehicle serviced. Don’t ignore warning signals like CHECK ENGINE. Get your vehicle in to a service professional if you are unable to determine the cause of the warning.
What About Catalytic Converter Cleaners?
There are also products on the market that you can put into your gas tank to clean your catalytic converter. These fuel treatments are designed to clean out the buildup of carbon in your engine and exhaust system. Too much carbon build-up over time can damage your catalytic converter and affect its functioning.
How to Know When Catalytic Converter Repair is Needed
When your catalytic converter does become damaged, you will notice specific types of issues with your vehicle. Some of these issues might include:
- Dark smoke emitted from the tailpipe
- A smell of “rotten eggs” while the engine is running
- Reduced gas mileage
- Rattling sounds underneath the vehicle
- Check Engine lights or vehicle misfires during ignition
If you notice any of the above signals that catalytic converter repair is needed or just want to be proactive with maintaining your catalytic converter, contact Colonial Service Station in Staten Island, NY, today to schedule a full inspection with one of our service professionals. You may not only prevent a costly replacement of your catalytic converter, but you will be doing your part to ensure our air is clean for years to come.