Do All Cars Have a Three-Way Catalytic Converter?
1 Answers
Modern vehicles are all equipped with three-way catalytic converters. Only older vehicles produced before the implementation of the China II emission standard lack this component. The service life of a three-way catalytic converter ranges between 80,000 to 100,000 kilometers. The exact lifespan depends on the vehicle's usage conditions, fuel quality, and driving environment. Composition of a Three-Way Catalytic Converter: A three-way catalytic converter typically consists of four main parts: the shell, damping layer, substrate, and catalyst coating. The shell is made of stainless steel to prevent oxide scale detachment, 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 or thermal deformation, the gasket is made of expanded mica and aluminum silicate fibers, bonded with adhesive. The substrate is constructed from honeycomb-shaped ceramic materials, though many also use metal (including stainless steel) materials. The catalyst consists of precious metals such as platinum, rhodium, and palladium, which are sprayed onto the substrate to form the purifying agent.