What are the repair methods for excessive exhaust emissions?
3 Answers
Excessive exhaust emissions can be repaired by: replacing the three-way catalytic converter. The three-way catalytic converter has a usage cycle, and its lifespan is closely related to fuel quality. If the fuel quality is poor and combustion is incomplete, a large amount of compounds will adhere to the surface of the three-way catalytic converter, which over time will cause the three-way catalytic converter to become poisoned and lose its purification function. Faults in the ignition system, such as spark plugs and ignition coils, can also cause excessive vehicle emissions. Spark plugs are wear-prone components, and poor spark plug conditions can lead to increased emission pollution. Spark plugs are also prone to carbon buildup, which can be cleaned with sandpaper or cleaning agents to restore their activity, and the ignition gap can also be adjusted.
My car failed the annual emission test a while ago, but it's fixed now. Common causes include a dirty air filter, worn-out spark plugs, faulty oxygen sensors, or a broken catalytic converter. For repairs, start with the simple stuff: check the air filter—if it's clogged, replace it immediately, as it affects the engine's air-fuel mixture. Also inspect the spark plugs; if they're burnt or heavily carbon-fouled, they can cause incomplete combustion, and replacing them isn't expensive. Next, check the oxygen sensors—inaccurate readings can lead to emission failures, so clean or replace them if needed. The trickiest issue is the catalytic converter—if it's broken, it's useless and must be replaced entirely. For daily driving, remember to use high-quality gasoline and maintain these components regularly to prevent future failures. Don't delay—severe emission violations can result in fines and affect your vehicle inspection.
I've been driving an old car for twenty years and have encountered excessive exhaust emissions a few times. The solution is to take it step by step. First, test to see which part is causing the issue. For example, if the air filter is dirty, spend a few dozen bucks to replace it with a new one. If the spark plugs are worn out, that's also easy to fix. The key is the catalytic converter—once it's clogged or fails, the exhaust emissions will definitely be problematic, and you'll need to replace it, but it's expensive. I suggest starting with cheaper parts when doing DIY repairs: try replacing the oxygen sensor or cleaning the fuel injectors. Always check the car's condition before long trips, avoid overloading the engine, and don't rev it too high. The money-saving trick is to regularly perform exhaust emission tests and address small issues as they arise, so you don't get caught off guard during the annual inspection.
