Why Maintain Your Catalytic Converter?

The maintenance of any vehicle is a task that must be carried out on a routine basis if it is to guarantee its proper functioning. During its use, several of the parts that comprise it begins to wear out and cause a greater deterioration in the car’s condition; For this reason, it is best to check that each item is in good condition or change it if necessary. 

Among the parts that require more attention apart from decanning and refining catalytic converters is the catalytic converter. This is responsible for cleaning or purifying the harmful gases from the car’s combustion, for the engine’s proper functioning, and reducing the impact of pollution on the environment. Here are the effects of vehicles if they are not given the required maintenance or if a replacement catalytic converter is not sought.

Why Is It Important To Maintain It?

Decreases Performance

A vehicle is likely to degrade performance due to a lack of catalytic converter maintenance. This has to do with the distance it can travel in proportion to the amount of fuel it uses. 

Increase in gasoline consumption

Based on the above, the poor condition of the catalytic converter could cause the engine to burn more gasoline, so it will also increase the expense we invest in it. 

A Higher Number Of Pollutants

If a catalytic converter is not working properly, it cannot break down the harmful gases that the engine generates. So, it is likely that more pollutants are being released through the exhaust. 

Engine Damage

As there is an increase in gasoline consumption, the engine can overheat and present irreversible damage, which decreases the vehicle’s power. 

What To Take Into Account For Maintenance?

Useful Life

A catalytic converter can last between 120,000 km and 160,000 km, depending on the general conditions of the vehicle. Some of the reasons why it may fail are as follows:

The engine is either burning too much oil or not burning properly, so the catalyst is likely saturating or getting fuel without being burned. The sensor is not properly measuring the amount of oxygen in the gases, so excess fuel is reaching the catalyst. 

The exhaust is impregnated with traces of oil, creating a layer that makes it impossible for the catalyst to expel the gases. This causes excess pressure. If the spark plugs are faulty, gasoline combustion cannot be carried out, which causes it to go unburned towards the catalyst.

Cleaning Or Replacement

If there are only traces of fuel or oil, the catalytic converter can be serviced with pressurized water. If this does not eliminate the residues, it is necessary to use a product to start oil. On the contrary, if you already have mesh fractures, it will be required to look for a replacement catalytic converter. This does not continue to affect the reduction of pollutants or the passage of emissions through the exhaust pipe. Undoubtedly, maintaining this part will be necessary for the vehicles to perform adequately and to have a correct management of fuel consumption. At the same time, this will help make the emission of gases less harmful to the environment and pass the vehicular filters that will allow you to continue driving.