How Often Should a Car's Three-Way Catalytic Converter Be Cleaned?

[EmilianoDella]

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.

[SophiaMarie]

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.

[Remington]

As someone who frequently tinkers with cars, I don't consider catalytic converter cleaning a routine maintenance item. If you notice excessive exhaust emissions, sudden fuel consumption spikes, or severe engine vibrations, it might be time for cleaning. Normal driving, especially frequent highway runs, can naturally clean it; but with heavy city traffic, residue tends to accumulate. I recommend inspection every 60,000 kilometers—don't wait for problems to appear. Use specialized cleaning additives or remove it for high-pressure air treatment. Remember, prevention beats cure—regular engine and filter maintenance reduces cleaning needs.

[Carol]

From a cost-saving perspective, there's really no need to frequently clean the three-way catalytic converter. A single cleaning costs several hundred yuan, but if it fails due to neglect, replacement can cost thousands, which isn't economical. Normally, it can last five or six years without issues; only address it when the check engine light comes on or there's abnormal exhaust odor. My tip is to use high-quality gasoline and minimize idling to prevent carbon buildup. Regular highway driving also provides better automatic cleaning. Don't mess with it unnecessarily if there are no symptoms—save the money for other things.