Any vehicle’s catalytic converter is a very important component. Because a catalytic converter is an expensive auto part, every vehicle owner is anxious about it lasting as long as feasible.
A new catalytic converter should last about ten years, although, like most other car components, the exact lifespan depends on the driving style and how the vehicle has been taken care of. Because mileage and engine tuning can affect its lifespan, it’s important to check with the mechanic.
In most cases, a vehicle’s catalytic converter will need to be replaced at least once during its lifetime.
What is a Catalytic Converter?
Catalytic converters, which have been required in the United States since 1975 due to environmental concern, include catalytic elements that neutralize nearly 90% of the hazardous gases in engine exhaust that contribute to smog. It is an exhaust emission control device that catalysis a redox reaction to transform hazardous gases and pollutants in exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine into less dangerous pollutants.
When a car is running, it emits a lot of fumes and gases. These emissions contribute to pollution in the air.
Modern vehicle exhaust systems have a variety of components that help to regulate pollutants and make them more ecologically friendly.
What Catalytic Converters Look Like?
The catalytic converter is a huge metal box that is positioned on the underside of a car. It has two pipes protruding from it. During the process of making the gases safe to be released, the convertor makes use of these two pipelines as well as the catalyst.
A catalytic converter’s catalyst is usually constructed of platinum or a related metal like rhodium or palladium. Within the cat housing, gases pass via a ceramic honeycomb structure.
How Catalytic Converter Cleans the Emission?
Gases are introduced through the “input” pipe, which is connected to the vehicle’s engine. These are blasted over the catalyst, causing a chemical reaction that breaks the contaminants apart. The less-harmful gases now pass through the “output” pipe, which is attached to a car’s tailpipe.
Carbon monoxide is converted to carbon dioxide with the help of the catalyst. Then, the hydrocarbons are converted to carbon dioxide and water. The nitrogen oxides are also converted back into nitrogen and oxygen.
Will I be able to tell when a catalytic converter needs to be replaced?
Not all of the time. Sometimes, what appears to be a failing catalytic converter is actually a problem with the engine management system, so replacing the item may not be enough to fix the problem. In this case, you should take your car to an expert mechanic to have the component and related parts inspected.
What are the Signs of a Malfunctioning Catalytic Converter?
Stainless steel is used to encase almost all catalytic converters. However, due to exposure to harsh environmental conditions, a shell composed of a weaker metal could readily fail.
Weaker metals are more prone to corrosion and can lead to exhaust leaks, which would defeat the catalytic converter’s purpose.
The inside components of a converter are more vulnerable than the exterior due to their design. However, many aspects of a catalytic converter’s interior and exterior design can help it last as long as it should.
Replace the catalytic converter as soon as it begins to exhibit signs of failure to guarantee that it is performing properly. Keep an eye out for the following signs and symptoms:
- Check engine light
- Engine stalling and power loss
- Rotten eggs or sulphur smell from the exhaust system
- Not being able to start the engine
- Emissions test failure
- Excessive heat coming out under the vehicle
- Reduced acceleration
Because other elements of the emissions system might produce some of those symptoms, a mechanic should evaluate the car’s whole exhaust system before replacing the catalytic converter itself.
What Are the Causes of Catalytic Converter Failure?
It’s crucial to remember that a catalytic converter doesn’t always fail on its own. Instead, there are a number of things that might cause it to break down. The following are a few of the most common:
Corrosion and rust.
If you often travel in harsh environments like icy or salty weather or water crossings, riverbeds, etc., your catalytic converter may certainly fail due to rust and corrosion.
The converter has a lot of unburned fuel.
Misfiring or defective spark plugs, leaky exhaust valves, a damaged head gasket, or a high fuel mixture can all contribute to this. All of these variables tend to overheat the converter, causing the catalysts to melt or causing a clog.
The air/fuel mixture
The converter may overheat, fall apart, and finally fail if the engine’s air/fuel mixture is knocked off.
Engine oil or Collant Entrance
The entrance of engine oil or coolant can also contaminate the catalytic converter resulting in its failure.
Service is overdue on the engine.
Ignoring engine-related issues or missing normal maintenance can lead to the issues listed above, which can all lead to a catalytic converter failure.
What Can I Do To Extend The Life Of My Car’s Catalytic Converter?
- Drive cautiously over speed bumps or uneven terrain. This may prevent the converter from being damaged or dented.
- Avoid using lead-containing fuel additives. Instead, stick to the owner’s manual instructions about leaded or unleaded gasoline in the tank.
- Resolve any engine issues as soon as possible. If you discover a problem with your engine, get it examined and repaired.
Sell Your Bad Catalytic Converter Car with Adrians Metal Recyclers
If you have a car with a faulty catalytic converter, it is best to sell it to Adrians for top cash. This is because the catalytic converter loses its useful life after around 70,000 miles driven. And a car with more than 70,000 mileage is not more than a scrap.
So, instead of spending your fortune on repairs, best to sell your car to the best Scrap Metal Recyclers.
With Adrian’s Scrap metal Gold Coast service, you get free car valuation regardless of vehicle make, model and condition.
Contact us today and get cash for cars near me on the spot.
