Is the Three-Way Catalytic Converter Cleaner Useful?
2 Answers
Cleaning the three-way catalytic converter with a cleaner is effective. The three-way catalytic cleaner is a transparent liquid used to remove surface complexes from the three-way catalytic converter in motor vehicles. It effectively eliminates sulfur, phosphorus, and other chemical substances from the surface of the converter, unclogs exhaust pipe blockages, restores the catalytic activity, and extends the service life of the converter. The three-way catalytic converter is the most important external purification device installed in a vehicle's exhaust system. It converts harmful gases such as CO, HC, and NOx emitted from vehicle exhaust into harmless carbon dioxide, water, and nitrogen through oxidation and reduction reactions. Since this converter can simultaneously transform three major harmful pollutants in exhaust gases into harmless substances, it is called a three-way catalytic converter. The three-way catalytic converter resembles a muffler, with an outer shell made of double-layer stainless steel sheets forming a cylindrical shape. Between the double-layer sheets, there is an insulating material—asbestos fiber felt. Inside, a purifying agent is placed within a mesh partition.
I've been driving for nearly twenty years and have used various catalytic converter cleaners. This stuff really works, especially when you feel your car lacks power, fuel consumption increases significantly, or it fails emission tests. For mild clogging, adding a bottle of cleaner and taking a highway run can wash away much of the carbon buildup in the converter. But don't expect it to solve severe clogging issues—those require physical cleaning by removal. Always choose reputable major gas stations for fuel, as small stations' gas has more impurities that can clog the converter. Using a cleaner once a year is sufficient. After using it, I noticed the throttle feels lighter, and the exhaust smell has diminished.
