What are the disadvantages of aftermarket three-way catalytic converters?

[DiChloe]

Aftermarket three-way catalytic converters may not perform as effectively as the original ones, leading to non-compliant exhaust emissions. Unlike original equipment manufacturer (OEM) catalytic converters produced by car manufacturers, aftermarket versions may lack relevant certification or quality assurance. The quality of aftermarket three-way catalytic converters varies widely, and they may have a shorter lifespan. Below is additional information: 1. Three-way catalytic converter: A three-way catalytic converter is the most important external purification device installed in a vehicle's exhaust system. It converts harmful gases such as carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emitted from vehicle exhaust into harmless carbon dioxide, water, and nitrogen through oxidation and reduction reactions. Because this catalytic converter can simultaneously transform the three major harmful substances in exhaust gases into harmless substances, it is called a three-way catalytic converter. 2. Working principle: When high-temperature vehicle exhaust passes through the purification device, the purifying agent in the three-way catalytic converter enhances the activity of CO, HC, and NOx gases, promoting specific oxidation-reduction chemical reactions. CO oxidizes at high temperatures into colorless, non-toxic carbon dioxide gas; HC compounds oxidize at high temperatures into water (H2O) and carbon dioxide; and NOx is reduced into nitrogen and oxygen. The three harmful gases are transformed into harmless gases, thereby purifying the vehicle exhaust.