Is it necessary to clean the three-way catalytic converter?

[Colin]

The three-way catalytic converter needs cleaning. Here are the relevant details: 1. As a crucial component for vehicle exhaust treatment, the three-way catalytic converter significantly reduces pollutants in the exhaust gases. Since all exhaust gases must pass through it, it plays a vital role. If the catalytic converter is damaged or clogged, it's akin to blocking the car's exhaust pipe—resulting in noticeable power loss, increased fuel consumption, and severe exhaust pollution. 2. The three-way catalytic converter is the most important external purification device installed in a vehicle's exhaust system. It converts harmful gases like CO, HC, and NOx from the exhaust into harmless carbon dioxide, water, and nitrogen through oxidation and reduction reactions. 3. When high-temperature exhaust gases pass through the purification device, the catalyst in the three-way catalytic converter enhances the activity of CO, HC, and NOx, promoting specific oxidation-reduction chemical reactions. CO oxidizes into colorless, non-toxic carbon dioxide gas at high temperatures; HC compounds oxidize into water (H2O) and carbon dioxide; and NOx reduces into nitrogen and oxygen. These three harmful gases are thus transformed into harmless substances, purifying the vehicle's exhaust. 4. The three-way catalytic converter, installed as the most critical external purification device in the exhaust system, converts harmful gases emitted from the vehicle—such as carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), and nitrogen oxides (NOx)—into harmless carbon dioxide, water, and nitrogen via oxidation and reduction processes.

[GraceDella]

My car, which has just run 100,000 kilometers, has been experiencing sluggish acceleration and high fuel consumption. After taking it to the repair shop, they found that the catalytic converter was clogged. The mechanic removed and cleaned it, and the performance improved significantly. After all, this part is like a mask for the engine—if it’s clogged, exhaust gases can’t flow smoothly. Driving frequently at low speeds in the city makes it especially prone to carbon buildup, so cleaning it every 50,000 to 60,000 kilometers is necessary. However, the approach depends on the severity—minor blockages can be handled with cleaning agents, while severe cases require disassembly and cleaning. After the cleaning, my car regained its power and became more fuel-efficient, which is much more cost-effective than replacing the part entirely.

[VanRosalie]

With over 20 years of car repair experience, I've encountered numerous cases of excessive exhaust emissions, with clogged catalytic converters accounting for the majority. This component is responsible for purifying exhaust gases, and carbon buildup can obstruct it like rust in a water pipe. I advise car owners to pay attention to symptoms such as the engine warning light and sluggish acceleration. If your vehicle fails the annual emissions test, don't rush to replace parts immediately. A professional cleaning service costing 300-500 yuan can often resolve the issue, and a thorough disassembly cleaning can effectively remove carbon deposits from the ceramic substrate. Remember, prevention is key—regular highway driving helps minimize carbon buildup.

[MacAdrian]

I've compared the costs of cleaning and replacement, with OEM catalytic converters starting at a few thousand. Cleaning is a cost-effective maintenance solution, especially for blockages caused by fuel impurities or oil burning. But a reminder: cleaning won't help with completely shattered or lead-poisoned catalytic converters. My experience suggests checking exhaust backpressure every 40,000 km. For minor blockages, use no-disassembly cleaning agents to save money and extend part lifespan. Don't wait until it's completely clogged to act, as cleaning effectiveness diminishes in such cases.