Is the Three-Way Catalytic Converter Cleaner Useful?
4 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.
Having worked in a repair shop for eight years, I often encounter car owners inquiring about cleaning agents. The use of ternary catalytic cleaners to decompose carbon deposits through special chemical components is scientifically grounded and quite effective for minor blockages. It's important to choose professional brands when using them, as inferior cleaners may corrode the oxygen sensor. During operation, it's recommended to add the cleaner after the engine is warmed up, followed by a half-hour high-speed drive to allow the exhaust system to reach its optimal working temperature for the best effect. If the malfunction indicator light comes on or there's a sulfur smell in the exhaust, relying solely on the cleaner might not be sufficient, and a combined drip cleaning method may be necessary. For regular maintenance, avoid using cheap engine oil to reduce carbon deposit formation, which can extend the lifespan of the catalytic converter.
As a post-95 generation, I'm particularly passionate about car maintenance and have tried two or three types of cleaners. Last time I used a certain brand's product, the most noticeable effect after adding it to the fuel tank and driving on the highway was that the engine noise became quieter and acceleration felt much smoother. Now I basically use a cleaner every 20,000 kilometers to prevent clogging. It's worth noting that the effect may not be obvious if used right after buying a new car, but it's more pronounced for cars over 3 years old. Right after adding the cleaner, the exhaust smell can be quite strong, but it returns to normal after a while. I'm hesitant to try some of the cheaper cleaners online for fear of damaging the car. I think using higher-quality engine oil regularly is more beneficial, and cleaners are more of a supplementary maintenance measure.
