How Often Should a Car's Three-Way Catalytic Converter Be Cleaned?
2 Answers
How often a car's three-way catalytic converter should be cleaned depends on the situation: 1. Generally, the three-way catalytic converter should be cleaned every 30,000 kilometers driven; 2. When you notice increased fuel consumption or reduced power, the three-way catalytic converter should be inspected and cleaned as needed; 3. Whenever the fuel injectors, throttle valve, and intake tract are cleaned and maintained, it's best to clean the three-way catalytic converter as well; 4. Before the annual vehicle inspection, it's advisable to clean the three-way catalytic converter to ensure passing the emissions test smoothly. Relevant information about the three-way catalytic converter is as follows: 1. The three-way catalytic converter is prone to clogging due to its honeycomb structure. 2. Due to poor fuel quality in China, the use of manganese-containing anti-knock agents in fuel, sulfur- and phosphorus-containing antioxidants in lubricants, and traffic congestion, the three-way catalytic converter is highly susceptible to poisoning, failure, and clogging issues.
I've been driving for over a decade and found that you really don't need to obsess over cleaning the catalytic converter. Under normal conditions, this component has a self-cleaning function where high temperatures can burn off carbon deposits, so regular inspections are sufficient. My car has gone 50,000 kilometers without cleaning, and it's been perfectly fine. However, if you frequently drive short distances in congested urban areas or use low-quality gasoline, carbon buildup might be more significant—in such cases, checking every 3 to 5 years is reasonable. If the engine warning light comes on or you notice foul-smelling exhaust, take it to a repair shop immediately for professional cleaning to avoid affecting fuel efficiency or facing fines. Daily maintenance is more crucial—for example, ask the mechanic during oil changes and keep the engine healthy to extend its lifespan.
