Can the Three-Way Catalytic Converter Fail?
2 Answers
Generally, it is not prone to failure, mainly depending on the fuel quality used by the vehicle and the engine operating conditions. More information about the three-way catalytic converter is as follows: 1. Overview: The three-way catalytic converter is the most important external purification device installed in the automotive exhaust system. It converts harmful gases such as CO, HC, and NOx emitted from vehicle exhaust into harmless carbon dioxide, water, and nitrogen through oxidation and reduction reactions. 2. Other: When high-temperature vehicle exhaust passes through the purification device, the purifying agent in the three-way catalytic converter enhances the activity of CO, HC, and NOx gases, promoting their oxidation-reduction chemical reactions. Because this catalytic converter can simultaneously convert the three main harmful substances in the exhaust into harmless substances, it is called a three-way catalytic converter.
I've been driving for over a decade and have encountered two instances of catalytic converter failure. The first time was after filling up with substandard gasoline from a shady gas station. Within two weeks, the engine warning light lit up like a Christmas tree, and the exhaust smelled extremely pungent. When we took it apart later, the entire catalytic converter had turned white. The second time was when the undercarriage got dented by a rock. At first, it just made the exhaust louder, but within a few months, it became completely clogged—the car wouldn't move even with the accelerator floored. Repairing this thing is genuinely painful; the dealership's quote was equivalent to three months' worth of my fuel expenses. I've learned my lesson now: I only use 95-octane fuel from reputable gas stations, crawl slowly over rough roads, and make sure to ask the mechanic to check the exhaust pipe bracket screws during every maintenance check. Honestly, the catalytic converter is like the kidneys of a car—neglect its care, and it will really go on strike.
