The Catalyst in the Car: Structure, Function and Problem Detection

The catalytic converter is part of the exhaust system. It ensures that toxic substances are filtered out of the exhaust gas and is therefore an absolute must for environmental friendliness. For this reason, catalytic converters in cars are also required by law, because they are responsible for exhaust gas aftertreatment and reduce the emissions that occur when the engine burns fuel. The catalytic converter is installed directly in the exhaust.

This is what the catalytic converter looks like in the car

The interior of the catalytic converter is honeycomb-shaped and mostly consists of ceramic. The honeycomb structure increases the surface through several small channels in the catalytic converter, which means that more exhaust gases can be filtered out of the engine. A special coating of platinum, rhodium and palladium is used.

These high-quality metals ensure that harmful substances are bound and converted into non-toxic gases. Nitrogen, oxygen and water vapor are also produced as by-products. This prevents the majority of the three harmful components (carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and unburned fuel) from being released into the environment. For this reason, one speaks of a three-way catalytic converter.

How the catalyst works

The combustion of the fuel-air mixture creates harmful substances such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides. In addition, some of the fuel goes unburned to the exhaust system. The catalytic converter is responsible for converting the toxic carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides into nitrogen. This process significantly reduces the harmful exhaust gases that come out of the car through the exhaust. This is how the catalytic converter got its name, because this process is known as catalysis of the exhaust gases.

The chemical conversion from toxic to non-toxic substances is also known as oxidation or reduction. With optimal performance of the catalyst, 100% of the toxic substances can be bound. Without catalysts, it would no longer be possible today to comply with the strict nitrogen oxide and exhaust gas standards and not to exceed them.

The requirements for the catalytic converters became higher and higher. It is therefore particularly important that they work properly. Otherwise there may be a problem during the main inspection. There is also a risk of toxic gases entering your car's interior. In many modern cars there is therefore a warning about problems or defects in the exhaust system. If you find that something is wrong with your car's exhaust system, you should immediately ask a workshop to check out and, if necessary, to repair it.

This is how you recognize problems with the catalytic converter

As the catalytic converter is required by law, you should definitely check whether the catalytic converter works properly in your car before the next emission test, otherwise you will not make it through the emission test on the first try. There are some signs that may indicate problems with the catalyst.

If your car often misfires and misfires, this can damage the catalytic converter. If you hear rattling noises from the catalytic converter, this is also a sign of a defect. These noises can be caused by the defective ceramic weaves that make up a catalytic converter. In addition, a loss of power when starting and an irregular engine idling indicate a problem with the catalytic converter. If you find these problems, the engine fault lamp should already be on and signal a defect.

If you have any problems with the exhaust system, you can simply submit a repair request to Autobutler and receive 3 offers from workshops in your area. Use the reviews of other car owners to find the optimal workshop for you.