The service life of a three-way catalytic converter is approximately 80,000 to 100,000 kilometers for domestic standards in China, while it is generally 160,000 to 200,000 kilometers abroad. Maintenance of the three-way catalytic converter should typically be performed at a 4S shop or a reputable repair facility, and the maintenance interval should not be too long. Paying extra attention during daily vehicle use can help maintain your car's performance and reduce harmful emissions. Below are five key points to consider when using a three-way catalytic converter: 1. Vehicles equipped with a three-way catalytic converter must not use leaded gasoline. Lead particles expelled with the exhaust gases can coat the catalyst surface, reducing its effective area and significantly diminishing the converter's efficiency, leading to lead poisoning of the catalytic converter. 2. Prevent unburned fuel mixture from entering the catalytic converter. The three-way catalytic converter begins to function at around 200 degrees Celsius. However, when temperatures exceed 1,000 degrees Celsius, the precious metal components of the catalyst can undergo chemical changes, reducing the effective catalyst content and weakening its catalytic effect. Therefore, during vehicle operation, avoid the following conditions: prolonged idling, delayed ignition timing, misfiring in individual cylinders, difficulty starting, overly rich fuel mixture, engine oil burning, oxygen sensor failure, and overheating due to poor cooling. 3. The converter is prone to breakage after a collision, so extra caution is needed when driving on uneven roads, as most three-way catalytic converters contain a honeycomb ceramic catalyst carrier. 4. If abnormal operating conditions occur, promptly stop and inspect the vehicle, as these conditions can cause permanent damage to the catalytic converter. 5. Never turn off the ignition switch while the vehicle is in motion.
