What is the purpose of cleaning a car's three-way catalytic converter?
3 Answers
The purpose of cleaning a car's three-way catalytic converter is: 1. To help improve the performance of the vehicle's engine; 2. To reduce frequent alarms from the exhaust system's oxygen sensor. The three-way catalytic converter is an important external purification device installed in the car's exhaust system, which can convert carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides emitted from the car's exhaust into harmless carbon dioxide, water, and nitrogen through oxidation and reduction. The steps for cleaning the three-way catalytic converter are: 1. Use a lift to raise the vehicle and remove the three-way catalytic converter; 2. Soak and clean the three-way catalytic converter with an oxalic acid solution, then rinse it with clean water; 3. Reinstall the cleaned three-way catalytic converter and start the vehicle for a test run.
After driving my car for a long time, the catalytic converter got clogged, but it made a real difference after cleaning. Previously, the acceleration was sluggish and fuel consumption was high, but after cleaning, the power improved significantly, the exhaust became smoother, and fuel consumption dropped by about 5%. Its core function is to reduce harmful emissions, such as nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons, which are catalytically converted into harmless substances. Cleaning can remove carbon deposits and restore efficiency. This also prevents the catalytic converter from completely failing and needing replacement, saving several thousand dollars. It's also good for the environment, making it easier to pass annual inspections and helping to reduce air pollution. I recommend regular cleaning for older car owners, especially for those who do a lot of city driving—cleaning every two years, combined with air filter maintenance, ensures longer-lasting effects. Simple maintenance can extend the overall lifespan of the vehicle.
I have some knowledge about cars, and the key to cleaning the three-way catalytic converter lies in maintaining exhaust purification performance. It relies on precious metal coatings to catalyze reactions, reducing emissions of pollutants such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides in the exhaust. However, carbon buildup can cause blockages. Cleaning can unclog and restore efficiency, leading to better engine performance, lower fuel consumption, and preventing false alarms from O2 sensors. It also extends the lifespan of the catalytic converter itself, avoiding replacement costs. The process is simple, usually involving specialized cleaners or disassembly for cleaning. It is particularly effective for high-speed driving vehicles, reducing up to 80% of potential emission exceedance risks. Maintenance costs are low, requiring only an annual cleaning, which is far more cost-effective than neglecting it and facing major repairs later.
