Does a Car's Three-Way Catalytic Converter Need Regular Cleaning?

[VonAshlyn]

Yes, a car's three-way catalytic converter requires regular cleaning. It is an external purification device installed in the vehicle's exhaust system, which converts harmful gases such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides emitted from the car's exhaust into harmless carbon dioxide, water, and nitrogen through oxidation and reduction reactions. The reasons for regular cleaning of the three-way catalytic converter are: 1. The gasoline used in cars contains high levels of sulfur and phosphorus, which can form chemical complexes on the surface of the oxygen sensor and the three-way catalytic converter; 2. The stop-and-go conditions of vehicles in congested traffic can lead to incomplete fuel combustion, causing deposits to adhere to the surface of the three-way catalytic converter; 3. Carbon deposits and particulate matter generated during maintenance tasks such as cleaning the fuel injectors, throttle body, and intake passages can contaminate the three-way catalytic converter.