What are the effects of not having a three-way catalytic converter?
3 Answers
It will increase the vehicle's exhaust emissions, reduce the car's power, and increase fuel consumption. Below is more information about the three-way catalytic converter: 1. Introduction: The three-way catalytic converter is the most important external purification device installed in the vehicle's exhaust system. It converts harmful gases such as CO, HC, and NOx emitted from the vehicle's exhaust into harmless carbon dioxide, water, and nitrogen through oxidation and reduction. 2. Structure: The exterior of the three-way catalytic converter is made of double-layer stainless steel plates formed into a cylindrical shape. Between the double-layer thin plates, there is an insulating material, asbestos fiber felt. Inside, there is a purifying agent placed between the mesh partitions. The purifying agent consists of a carrier and a catalyst.
As someone deeply concerned about environmental protection, I believe the absence of a catalytic converter has a significant impact. Firstly, it releases large amounts of harmful gases, such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides, which severely pollute the air, leading to more smoggy days in cities. Breathing becomes difficult, and over time, this accelerates global warming. In my neighborhood, due to the prevalence of such modified cars, plants and flowers have withered. I'm also worried about the environmental issues for the next generation—cars shouldn't just be for personal convenience. Engine performance is also affected, with poor exhaust flow, increased fuel consumption, and noticeable bumpiness while driving. Even worse, it will definitely fail the annual inspection, and the police may pull you over and issue fines. I always remind my friends not to tamper with it—for the sake of the planet, keeping it stock is the best choice.
In my days of tinkering with cars, I often saw people removing the catalytic converter, thinking it would boost performance. But the truth is, without it, the exhaust system loses balance, backpressure decreases, and the engine actually underperforms. When driving, the check engine light will trigger fault codes like P0420, and fixing it is time-consuming and costly—replacing the entire system can cost hundreds or even thousands. Exhaust fumes can also backflow into the cabin, creating unpleasant odors and ruining driving comfort. Fuel consumption increases, making long trips even more expensive. Failing emissions tests leads to fines and penalties, which is even more frustrating. My advice? Don’t mess with this part—regular inspections save time and money.
