Does the Three-Way Catalytic Converter Need to Be Replaced?
1 Answers
If it is damaged, it needs to be replaced; if it is only clogged, replacement is unnecessary. For an original three-way catalytic converter, it generally does not need replacement within 300,000 kilometers and can be cleaned and restored using appropriate methods. Composition of the Three-Way Catalytic Converter: The three-way catalytic converter is typically composed of four parts: the shell, damping layer, substrate, and catalyst coating. Shell: Made of stainless steel to prevent oxidation scale from falling off, which could clog the substrate. Damping Layer: Composed of padding or wire mesh pads, it serves to seal, insulate, and secure the substrate. To protect the substrate 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. Substrate: 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 substrate to form the purifying agent. Lifespan of the Three-Way Catalytic Converter: The lifespan of a three-way catalytic converter is generally between 80,000 to 100,000 kilometers. The specific lifespan depends on the vehicle's usage conditions, as well as the quality of the fuel used and the driving environment.
