Can Somebody Please Explain The Catalytic Converter? -- West Automotive Group
New vehicles sold in the United States must meet federal Clean Air Act standards. Put in place in the 1970s, these regulations help protect our environment by controlling the emissions released into the air by our cars. An important component of the exhaust system is the catalytic converter, which changes some of the most hazardous substances left over after combustion into less harmful vapors that are released into the atmosphere. If you suspect you have an exhaust issue or if your check engine light has alerted you to this possibility, entrust your repairs to the certified technicians at West Automotive Group in Escondido, California.
Description of the Catalytic Converter
Americans have a love affair with their cars. Some of us love them for their appearance and power, while others find them to be the most convenient way to traverse increasingly long commutes or to reach vacation destinations. As much as we love our autos, however, we have to recognize our responsibility to limit the amount of pollution we're producing as we drive as well as our requirement to meet the EPA standards. These standards were developed to control smog and protect the environment. Therefore, we need help from the catalytic converter.
This component cleans car exhaust before it is released into the air. Carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxide--very hazardous by-products of combustion--are reduced to less harmful carbon dioxide, water, and Nitrogen. The catalytic converter does this by using platinum as well as palladium and rhodium. These metals do a great job of cleaning the potent exhaust as it makes the trip from the engine through the pipe toward the outside world. A catalytic converter lasts a long time and doesn't need attention very often. It is also the reason you can't use the once-popular leaded gasoline in modern cars. Lead can destroy the metal surfaces of the converter's interior, as can defective spark plugs or fluids such as antifreeze or oil if they get into the exhaust system.
Our Technicians Understand Your Car’s Catalytic Converter
Even though you won't need catalytic converter repair very often, it's essential to know where to get exhaust system service when you need it. A malfunctioning component not only pollutes the air, but it will also trigger the check engine light. Your car won't pass California's smog check at inspection until the problem is corrected. The certified technicians at West Automotive Group in Escondido, California, understand your auto's catalytic converter and the entire exhaust system. We're here to help you navigate the repair process, getting you back on the road with an emissions compliant car soon.
