What is a catalytic converter? I get this type of question regularly. The catalytic converter is in the exhaust and has a catalyst that looks like a honeycomb. This converter takes the fumes from an engine which is Hydrocarbon (fuel) Carbon Monoxide, and Nitrogen Oxide gases (smog), and cleans them. It uses the catalyst to break apart the molecules of water, Carbon Dioxide, and Nitrogen. It cleans the fumes from the engine and makes them safer.
I also get questions about why they cost so much. Well, one of the main ingredients of a catalyst is platinum. Also, it depends on what emission standard your vehicle was built for. The year, make, model, and location have a lot to do with what type of catalytic converter you have. For example, a vehicle that is legal in California or New York has stricter regulations than the rest of the country. Japan and China have tighter regulations than California or Canada. If a Catalytic Converter drops 10% efficiency, it is no longer good and will cause the check engine light to come on. Universal converters are already more than 10% less efficient than the original. So, the check engine light comes on again with a universal converter even though it is new. On these vehicles, you must purchase a factory model converter which is more expensive.
So, pay attention to the check engine light coming on. The check engine light comes on when the vehicle is producing an excessive amount of pollution, and this damages the catalytic converter. If the check engine light starts flashing, it can damage the catalytic converter in less than five miles. So, keep maintenance up to date and repair the vehicle quickly so you are not faced with the repairs plus $1000 to $3000 depending on what brand Catalytic Converter replacement you get. Come see us at White’s Automotive Center if you have any questions. We’re here to help you! You can visit our website at whitesautomotive.com or call us at (706) 323-1060.
