Can a Car Run Without a Catalytic Converter?

[VonJake]

A car can operate normally without a catalytic converter. Definition of a Catalytic Converter: A catalytic converter is the most important external purification device installed in a vehicle's exhaust system. It converts harmful gases such as CO, HC, and NOx emitted from the vehicle's exhaust into harmless carbon dioxide, water, and nitrogen through oxidation and reduction reactions. Components of a Catalytic Converter: A catalytic converter generally consists of four parts: the shell, damping layer, substrate, and catalyst coating. The shell is made of stainless steel to prevent oxide scale from falling off, which could clog the substrate. The damping layer is composed of gaskets or wire mesh pads, serving to seal, insulate, and secure the substrate. To protect the substrate from damage caused by vibration, thermal deformation, and other factors, the gasket is made of expanded mica and aluminum silicate fibers, bonded together with adhesive. The substrate is made of honeycomb-shaped ceramic materials, though many are also made of metal (including stainless steel). The catalyst consists of precious metals such as platinum, rhodium, and palladium, which are sprayed onto the substrate to form the purifying agent.