Do China IV vehicles have a three-way catalytic converter?
2 Answers
China IV vehicles are equipped with a three-way catalytic converter. Only vehicles produced in earlier years that did not meet the China II emission standards lacked a three-way catalytic converter. Composition of the three-way catalytic converter: The three-way catalytic converter generally consists of four parts: the shell, vibration damping layer, carrier, and catalyst coating. The shell is made of stainless steel to prevent oxide scale from falling off, which could clog the carrier. The vibration damping layer is composed of padding or wire mesh pads, serving to seal, insulate, and secure the carrier. To protect the carrier from damage caused by vibration, thermal deformation, and other factors, the padding is made of expanded mica and aluminum silicate fibers, bonded together with adhesive. The carrier is made of honeycomb-shaped ceramic material, though many also use metal (including stainless steel) materials. The catalyst consists of precious metals such as platinum, rhodium, and palladium, sprayed onto the carrier to form the purifying agent. Lifespan of the three-way catalytic converter: 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, as well as the quality of the fuel used and the driving environment.
As a seasoned driver with decades of experience who often tinkers with cars, I can tell you that most China IV emission standard vehicles are equipped with catalytic converters—a core component designed to meet emission regulations. In China, the China IV standards were implemented around 2011, mandating these vehicles to install this device to control carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides in exhaust emissions; otherwise, they wouldn’t pass environmental inspections. I’ve worked on many China IV cars like older Volkswagen Santana or Toyota Corolla models, all of which come with it. If it fails, the car may emit black smoke and risk failing annual inspections. Many used cars on the market today still comply with China IV standards—buyers should check the converter’s condition. Well-maintained ones can last until the car’s end-of-life. Though replacement is costly, neglecting repairs risks fines, so owners must prioritize this.
