Posted on 10/31/2022
What does a catalytic converter do? A catalytic converter (often referred to as a "cat") is part of your car's exhaust system, a metal canister that measures between 10-14" long, generally located near the exhaust outlet. Vehicles with combustion engines emit ‘smog,' which is composed predominantly of hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide. Catalytic converters can reduce up to 90% of a vehicle's harmful emissions and convert them to carbon dioxide, water vapor, nitrogen and oxygen, which are less harmful gasses. How do catalytic converters work? Catalytic converters work by filtering vehicle emissions through a chamber containing two catalysts, ceramic substrates coated in three rare earth metals: palladium, platinum and rhodium. The substrates, which look like a honeycomb, maximize the surface area available for conversion and help retain the high temperature (at least 400°F) required for conversion to take place. As exhaust passes t ... read more