Can a car pass the emissions test without a catalytic converter?

[JoshuaLee]

Without a catalytic converter, the emissions test will definitely not be passed. If the catalytic converter is missing, the engine emission warning light on the instrument panel will illuminate, and the vehicle's exhaust emissions will significantly exceed the legal limits. Driving such a vehicle on the road may result in traffic violations being recorded, leading to fines and other penalties. Additionally, if the vehicle is due for its annual inspection, it will certainly fail the test without a catalytic converter. Components of a catalytic converter: A catalytic converter typically consists of four main parts: the shell, the vibration damping layer, the substrate, and the catalyst coating. Shell: Made of stainless steel to prevent oxidation and flaking, which could clog the substrate. Vibration damping layer: Composed of padding or wire mesh, it serves to seal, insulate, and secure the substrate. To protect the substrate from damage due to vibration or thermal deformation, the padding is made of expanded mica and aluminum silicate fibers, bonded together with adhesive. Substrate: Constructed from honeycomb-shaped ceramic materials, though many are also made of metal (including stainless steel). Catalyst: Composed of precious metals such as platinum, rhodium, and palladium, sprayed onto the substrate to form the purifying agent. Lifespan of a catalytic converter: The lifespan of a catalytic converter generally ranges between 80,000 to 100,000 kilometers. The actual lifespan depends on the vehicle's usage, fuel quality, and driving conditions.

[ZacharyLynn]

The other day I ran into a fellow car enthusiast whose old car had its catalytic converter stolen, and later failed the emissions test directly. I told him, the catalytic converter is there to process harmful gases in the exhaust, like carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons. Without it, the engine emits a huge amount of pollutants, completely failing to meet the testing standards. I suggested he replace it as soon as possible and not try to cheat the system. The testing station uses professional equipment to measure the values, and if they exceed the limits, you'll either have to redo it or scrap the car, wasting more money. I remember a friend of mine who removed it for modifications to save trouble, only to get stuck during the annual inspection and cause delays. Always check for unusual noises under the car to prevent theft and avoid emissions issues.

[KarterRose]

As someone who has repaired dozens of cars, I'll be straight with you. Without the catalytic converter, you absolutely won't pass emissions testing. Its core function is to convert exhaust pollutants, and if it's missing, CO, HC, and NOx emissions will skyrocket, instantly exceeding limits when the tester reads them. The inspectors aren't fools—they'll notice abnormal data curves, and simple modifications won't fool them. I've seen owners try to be clever by replacing exhaust pipes to reduce weight, only to end up with unbearably foul emissions, failing the test and getting fined. My advice: buy an OEM part and install it ASAP—don't skimp here. If you're not knowledgeable, take it to a professional shop to scan for related damage (e.g., oxygen sensor errors) that could affect overall performance. Stick to the factory design for peace of mind.

[DeAniyah]

Without a catalytic converter, you'll definitely fail the emissions test. This thing reduces pollution and protects the air. Living in the city, I feel like crying when the air is bad—it's all because of car exhaust. Without the catalytic converter, pollutants spew out unchecked, and the tester will show exceedances, resulting in an instant fail. Environmental regulations are getting stricter, like the China VI standards, which are even more stringent. Hurry up and install one to avoid fines and protect everyone's health. Pay more attention to this component when driving, and don't skimp on maintenance to save a few bucks.