What are the effects of not having a three-way catalytic converter on a car?
2 Answers
Without a catalytic converter, the chemical reaction rates between the three harmful gases in automobile exhaust are extremely slow, and some reactions may not even occur. As a result, these harmful gases are almost entirely emitted into the atmosphere, significantly increasing air pollution. Below is a detailed introduction about it: 1. Introduction One: Generally, the material of the three-way catalytic converter is ceramic, and the internal catalyst mainly consists of three rare precious metals—platinum, rhodium, and palladium. These metals enable the harmful gases produced by engine combustion to undergo oxidation and reduction, ultimately transforming into harmless carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and water, thereby filtering the exhaust. 2. Introduction Two: Once the three-way catalytic converter is damaged, the most noticeable symptom is a very pungent odor emitted from the rear of the car, as harmful substances like sulfur dioxide cannot be filtered. Most importantly, this causes irreversible pollution to the air.
The most immediate consequence of not having a catalytic converter is significantly exceeding pollution standards. This device specifically treats carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides in the exhaust. Without it, these toxins are directly released into the air, and you can even smell the pungent odor while walking on the street. Over time, this causes severe damage to the respiratory system, especially for the elderly and children. The car itself will also develop issues—the oxygen sensor data will go haywire, the dashboard will constantly show a malfunction light, and the engine may over-fuel, leading to a 20% surge in fuel consumption. I once saw a neighbor remove theirs, and within three months, the exhaust pipe corroded and started leaking, costing over 3,000 yuan to repair. Most critically, with increasingly strict environmental regulations, the car will definitely fail the annual inspection, and if caught on the road, it could be impounded with fines imposed.
