What is the purpose of cleaning a car's three-way catalytic converter?
3 Answers
Cleaning a car's three-way catalytic converter serves the following purposes: it helps improve the performance of the vehicle's engine and reduces frequent alarms from the exhaust system's oxygen sensor. It is particularly suitable for closed-loop fuel-injected vehicles, and for vehicles with good driving habits, cleaning can be performed every 10,000 to 20,000 kilometers. The three-way catalytic converter is an important external purification device installed in the car'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 reactions. When high-temperature exhaust gases pass through the purification device, the catalyst in the three-way catalytic converter enhances the activity of CO, HC, and NOx gases, promoting specific oxidation-reduction chemical reactions.
My car used to have frequent exhaust issues, with unpleasant odors and excessive emissions. Later, after cleaning the three-way catalytic converter, I realized its significant role. The cleaning mainly removes carbon deposits, sulfides, and other sediments, allowing the converter to function properly and transform harmful carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons in the exhaust into harmless water and carbon dioxide. As a result, emissions became much cleaner, the car passed the annual inspection in one go, ran more smoothly, and fuel consumption slightly decreased. If left uncleaned and clogged, the engine would struggle to breathe, potentially leading to power loss or even component damage, which would be extremely costly to repair. Therefore, I recommend checking the catalytic converter during every maintenance session. Timely cleaning can extend its lifespan, saving both hassle and money.
As an environmentally conscious driver, cleaning the three-way catalytic converter contributes significantly to environmental protection. Originally designed to purify exhaust gases, its efficiency declines over time due to carbon buildup, leading to increased emissions of pollutants. After cleaning, its conversion capability is restored, reducing the release of harmful substances like nitrogen oxide into the air, thereby helping to preserve the blue skies. Post-cleaning, I noticed a clear absence of exhaust odor, and my vehicle's emissions now comply with the China VI standard, avoiding penalties for exceeding limits. Plus, with simple maintenance and low costs, it's a win-win for both the planet and my wallet. Regular cleaning ensures every trip is an eco-friendly move.
