How Often Should the Three-Way Catalytic Converter Be Replaced?
2 Answers
The three-way catalytic converter should be replaced every 30,000 kilometers. The three-way catalytic converter is an important external purification device installed in the vehicle's exhaust system. It converts harmful gases such as CO and HC emitted from the vehicle's exhaust into harmless carbon dioxide, water, and nitrogen through oxidation and reduction reactions. Symptoms of a faulty three-way catalytic converter include: 1. The engine malfunction indicator light will illuminate when the engine control ECU fails to detect or detects abnormal signals from the oxygen sensor. 2. Increased fuel consumption and reduced power. 3. A clogged three-way catalytic converter can easily lead to excessive engine temperature. 4. Severe imbalance in the air-fuel ratio of the combustible mixture in the cylinders, resulting in incomplete combustion and a significant accumulation of carbon deposits in the cylinders, thereby increasing carbon buildup.
I've been driving for over a decade and dealt with all kinds of repairs. The catalytic converter is one component that really doesn't need regular replacement. It's designed to be extremely durable, typically lasting the entire lifespan of the vehicle—you're looking at at least 100,000 kilometers before issues arise. However, daily driving habits matter a lot. Using low-quality fuel or frequently crawling at low speeds can accelerate clogging and carbon buildup, triggering the check engine light or causing a spike in fuel consumption. When this happens, don't rush to replace it—first, use a diagnostic tool to check the error codes and confirm the issue. It might just be a minor sensor glitch. If replacement is truly necessary? The cost is outrageously high, so double-check everything before proceeding to avoid wasting money. The key to maintenance is using good-quality fuel and avoiding aggressive throttle inputs to prevent contaminating the converter. Regular emissions testing to ensure compliance can also help catch problems early.
