Many car owners forget about the existence of such a car component as a catalytic converter. But in fact, it is an important and expensive part, which is valuable even after its failure. You can always sell the catalytic converter for a good price through AutoCatalystMarket.
Buyers accept exhaust converters of any car brand. After all, each used part contains precious platinum group metals. Let’s take a look at what a catalyst is, why it is necessary, and what are the signs of failure of this part.
Catalytic converter functions
The catalytic converter is an important part of the car exhaust system. The main purpose of this part is the conversion of toxic substances that are released during the operation of the internal combustion engine, into relatively harmless environmental microelements.
The most dangerous for the environment are the following:
- nitrogen oxide;
- hydrocarbon;
- carbon monoxide.
Under the influence of pressure and high temperatures (over 300 degrees Celsius), these elements are converted into water vapor, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen.
The purification takes place as a result of chemical reactions that appear due to the contact between the exhaust and the catalyst substances. The reagents applied to the surface of the honeycomb catalyst are:
- platinum;
- rhodium;
- palladium.
In this way, substances are emitted into the environment that are not harmful to the ecology. But the catalyst works only after warming up. When you cold start the engine, the exhaust gases are not cleaned.
Where the catalytic converter is located
The catalytic converter is located in such a way that it warms up quickly.
In most vehicles, the converter is located under the underbody of the vehicle just behind the intake pipe. The catalytic converter is controlled by oxygen sensors (lambda sensors), the number of which varies depending on the vehicle brand.
On some modern models, the catalytic converter is located even closer to the engine for faster warm-up. In such cases, the converter is placed in the under-hood between the exhaust manifold and the intake pipe.
This solution allows the catalytic converter to warm up faster, which increases the efficiency of this unit. After all, after the cold start of the engine, it takes much less time to activate chemical reactions.
But such a constructive solution has disadvantages as well. With mechanical damage, splinters are much easier to get into the engine. Therefore, at the slightest suspicion of a catalytic converter malfunction, it is worth immediately contacting a car repair shop and making a diagnosis.
Signs of catalytic converter malfunction
When the catalytic converter ceases to cope with its functions, this is indicated by a number of signs:
- check engine error that lights up on the onboard panel after the engine is started;
- increased fuel consumption during normal driving;
- decreased dynamics of the vehicle, slow acceleration;
- problems with starting the warmed-up engine;
- “metal” rattle under the bottom of the car when accelerating;
- the smell of “rotten eggs” in the exhaust.
The more of these factors appear simultaneously, the higher the probability of problems with a catalyst. But final conclusions can be made only after computer diagnostics in an automobile repair shop.