Is it necessary to clean the catalytic converter of the New Transit?
4 Answers
Generally, it is not necessary to clean the catalytic converter of the New Transit, as the operating temperature of the catalytic converter is around 350 degrees Celsius, so it is best to avoid any residual liquid water inside, making cleaning unfavorable. Composition of the catalytic converter: The catalytic converter typically consists of four parts: the shell, the vibration damping layer, the substrate, and the catalyst coating. Shell: Made of stainless steel to prevent the shedding of oxide scales, which could clog the substrate. Vibration damping layer: Composed of gaskets 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 gasket is made of expanded mica and aluminum silicate fibers, bonded with adhesive. Substrate: Made of honeycomb-shaped ceramic materials, though many also use metal (including stainless steel) materials. Catalyst: Composed of precious metals such as platinum, rhodium, and palladium, sprayed onto the substrate to form the purifying agent. Lifespan of the catalytic converter: The lifespan of a 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.
Having driven trucks for many years, with models like the New Transit, cleaning the three-way catalytic converter isn't actually a mandatory periodic maintenance item. You need to assess the specific condition of the vehicle. If after tens of thousands of kilometers you notice a significant increase in fuel consumption, unusual exhaust odors, or the engine warning light comes on, then it might be clogged and require cleaning. A cleaning typically costs around three to five hundred yuan, which can restore the converter's efficiency and prevent more serious emission issues. However, if your New Transit has only run ten or twenty thousand kilometers with no abnormal symptoms, there's absolutely no need to clean it—it would just be a waste of money. Usually, paying attention to using higher-quality gasoline and avoiding aggressive acceleration can reduce carbon buildup. I recommend that owners have the exhaust system checked by a mechanic during each maintenance service, addressing any issues promptly, which is far better than blindly opting for cleaning.
As someone who frequently deals with car maintenance, I believe that cleaning the three-way catalytic converter on the New Transit isn't necessary to do frequently unless there are obvious symptoms. The three-way catalytic converter is responsible for purifying exhaust gases, and after prolonged use, carbon buildup can clog it, affecting power and fuel consumption. The cleaning cost isn't high—just a few hundred yuan per session—but for a new car with low mileage, such as within tens of thousands of kilometers, it's generally unnecessary. The key is to observe the car's performance: if acceleration becomes sluggish or the emissions light comes on, it's time to consider cleaning; otherwise, regular inspections are sufficient. Driving habits also play a crucial role—avoid prolonged idling or short-distance driving, as these habits can easily lead to carbon buildup. Overall, cleaning is a reactive measure rather than a preventive one, so don't be fooled into wasting money.
From my experience, whether to clean the catalytic converter of the New Transit depends on usage. A clogged catalytic converter can lead to emission failures or increased fuel consumption, and cleaning can remove carbon deposits to restore performance. General advice: If the vehicle has driven over 50,000 kilometers or been used for three to four years, and you notice a lack of power, it's worth spending a few hundred yuan to clean it and extend the component's lifespan. If there are no issues during the new car phase, cleaning isn't necessary. Prevention is key—using high-quality fuel and regular emission tests are more practical. Cleaning isn't a cure-all, but it's effective when needed.
