Everything You Need to Know About Catalytic Converters

You’ve seen the attachment to your exhaust; you might even have installed a catalytic converter anti-theft device, but what does a catalytic converter do?

A catalytic converter is a device fitted to the exhaust pipe. It filters out carbon monoxide, unburnt and partially burnt fuel, nitric oxide, and nitric dioxide. It then turns these into harmless byproducts such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water.

Suppose you’ve seen an old diesel van driving around Smyrna or Spring Hill with a cloud of black smoke behind it or a plume of dark exhaust fumes rising over a traffic jam in Murfreesboro. In that case, the cause is probably a vehicle lacking a functional catalytic converter or additional exhaust treatment devices.

How Does The Catalytic Converter Work?

Catalytic converters have a structure inside them known as a honeycomb. These are primarily ceramic and coated with a very thin layer of platinum, rhodium, or palladium.

As the exhaust passes through the honeycomb, the metals convert pollutants into CO2 and water. The metals aren’t changed in the process, though they will wear away over time.

Can I Drive With A Catalytic Converter Problem?

You might have noticed the mention of expensive precious metals and started thinking about what the catalytic converter scrap price might be. But, unfortunately, you’re not the only one.

Catalytic converter theft is on the rise. While things can be done to prevent this, such as installing a catalytic converter shield, here’s what to do if you are caught with a missing or failing catalytic converter.

If The Catalytic Converter Has Been Removed

You won’t damage your vehicle by running without a catalytic converter—the original Dodge Charger certainly didn’t have one.

While it is possible to drive without a catalytic converter, it is illegal. If you look at how much a catalytic converter costs, you’ll see it’s not worth the potential thousands of dollars in fines.

It will also be evident if there’s no catalytic converter installed because your car will be incredibly noisy. We love the roar of a Dodge Challenger but removing the catalytic converter will make your car sound more like a tractor.

If The Catalytic Converter Has Been Damaged

You’ll notice symptoms like difficulty starting the engine, losing fuel efficiency, sluggish acceleration, and overheating.

If you suspect your catalytic converter is broken, check it as soon as possible. It’s a bit embarrassing to have to explain that you’re late to pick up the kids because the Chrysler Voyager wouldn’t start, and no, it’s not on fire; it just smells that way.

If The Catalytic Converter Has Worn Out

A worn-out converter will result in increasing amounts of smoke in your exhaust, bad fuel efficiency, slow acceleration, and sometimes a smell of rotten eggs.

It won’t damage your engine, but it will fail emissions tests. This may not be an issue for you as some areas, such as Nashville, has ended emissions testing.

How Often Do Catalytic Converters Need To Be Replaced?

Catalytic converters are expected to last around ten years. However, they can be worn out sooner by poor engine maintenance. In addition, a cleaner can be used to improve performance for catalytic converters with only a minor buildup of soot.

If you’re not sure how your converter is doing, come see us at Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat of Columbia in Columbia, Tennessee. We’ll be able to tell you exactly how your converter is fairing and if there are any signs that it needs to be replaced.  If you have any questions about the health or performance of your converter, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We would love to help!

Tags: catalytic converter scrap price, catalytic converter thieves, Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat, cleaning the catalytic converter, price of a catalytic converter, replacing catalytic converter
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