The Catalytic Converter and Your Car’s Check Engine Light
Let’s Talk Conversion
New vehicles sold in the US since 1975 almost always include a catalytic converter as part of the exhaust system. It sounds complicated, but it’s actually simpler than you might think. Breaking down the term can help. Think of it this way. A catalyst is a chemical term for something that accelerates the rate of change of a substance. It’s also derived from the same root as catalytic. As you likely already know, a converter changes matter into something else. Thus, your car’s catalytic converter transforms combustion’s toxic by-products into substances that aren’t lethal into the air. You typically won’t need to repair or replace the catalytic converter very often, but we’re here for you when the need arises. You can entrust your vehicle to the ASE-certified technicians at Dynamic Automotive in Urbana, MD, the shop where customers leave as friends.
Component Function
Americans rely heavily on their cars to get from place to place. Not surprisingly, this plunged us headlong into a significant pollution problem. All machinery contributed to the rise of airborne toxins, but it was our love affair with the automobile that did a hefty amount of the damage, especially around large cities where smog could be seen hanging over the metropolis. That’s why the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) strengthened emissions regulations. One such requirement was the catalytic converter.
Invented by John Mooney, this component works by cleaning exhaust before it reaches the air. Less toxic carbon dioxide, water, and Nitrogen are released in place of the more dangerous carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides. The catalytic converter does this by using Platinum plus Palladium and Rhodium. These are all precious (noble) metals, especially Platinum. That’s why thieves target these components, selling them for scrap metal. When exhaust leaves the engine following combustion, the heated fumes pass through the converter. The metals work on the exhaust, reducing toxicity. As stated above, this part doesn’t need mechanical attention very often. It is, however, the reason you can’t use leaded gas in modern cars. The lead destroys the metal surfaces inside the catalytic converter, so unleaded gasoline is required. While this part is durable, you may find that you need repair. This could be caused by damage from defective spark plugs or from oil, antifreeze, or another fluid getting into the exhaust.
Your One-Stop Shop for Catalytic Converter Replacement and Check Engine Light Service
Although you shouldn’t worry about your car’s catalytic converter often, it’s important to address issues that arise in a timely manner. You want your car to pass inspection, so you’ll need to be sure the catalytic converter is compliant. For check engine repair, entrust your transportation to Dynamic Automotive in Urbana, MD.
