Do small cars have catalytic converters?
2 Answers
Small cars basically all have catalytic converters. In fact, almost all cars are equipped with catalytic converters because they are the most important external purification device in automobiles. Composition of a catalytic converter: A catalytic converter is generally composed of four parts: the shell, the damping layer, the carrier, and the catalyst coating. Shell: Made of stainless steel to prevent oxide scale from falling off, which could clog the carrier. Damping layer: Consists of padding or wire mesh padding, which serves to seal, insulate, and secure the carrier. To prevent damage to the carrier from factors like vibration and thermal deformation, the padding is made of expanded mica and aluminum silicate fibers, bonded together with adhesive. Carrier: Made of honeycomb-shaped ceramic material, though many are also made of metal (including stainless steel). Catalyst: Composed of precious metals such as platinum, rhodium, and palladium, sprayed onto the carrier to form the purifying agent. Lifespan of a catalytic converter: The lifespan of a catalytic converter is generally between 80,000 to 100,000 kilometers. The actual lifespan depends on the car's usage conditions, as well as the quality of the fuel used and the driving environment.
Most small cars are indeed equipped with three-way catalytic converters because modern environmental regulations are strict, and new vehicles must install them to reduce exhaust pollution. As a veteran car owner with nearly twenty years of driving experience, I’ve witnessed the transition from cars without catalytic converters to their standard installation—now even compact models like the Fit or Polo come with them as standard. This device is installed on the exhaust pipe and converts harmful gases like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides into water and carbon dioxide. Small cars may be compact, but their high driving density means exhaust treatment can’t be taken lightly—otherwise, urban air quality worsens. To maintain the catalytic converter, avoid using low-quality fuel or prolonged low-speed driving, which can clog it. If it fails, it’s troublesome: you won’t pass the annual inspection and will have to spend a lot on repairs. In short, small cars, like larger vehicles, have catalytic converters to ensure environmental protection and health.
