Will a car be louder without a catalytic converter?
2 Answers
When a car does not have a catalytic converter, the exhaust sound will become significantly louder, especially during startup, when the exhaust pipe produces a noise similar to that of an old-fashioned tractor. Definition of a catalytic converter: A catalytic converter is the most important external purification device installed in a 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. Cleaning the catalytic converter: The cleaning method for a catalytic converter is known as "drip cleaning." This involves connecting a plastic hose to the engine's vacuum solenoid valve and using the air pressure in the hollow tube to draw the cleaning agent from the infusion bottle into the engine. As the cleaning agent exits through the exhaust pipe, it cleans the catalytic converter. Lifespan of a catalytic converter: The lifespan of a catalytic converter typically ranges between 80,000 to 100,000 kilometers. The exact lifespan depends on the car's usage conditions, as well as the quality of the fuel used and the driving environment.
I've been driving for decades and have encountered friends who removed their catalytic converters. The sound really became much louder. Previously, the exhaust had the catalytic converter blocking it, making the sound quieter and smoother as the airflow passed through. After removal, it felt like the exhaust system lost its buffer, making the sound louder and deeper, roaring noticeably on the highway and drawing a lot of attention. It's not just about the noise; emissions also skyrocketed, polluting the environment and definitely failing vehicle inspections. If caught, you could easily face fines. I suggest not messing with it just for a slight boost in acceleration. Safety first—if there's an issue, go to a repair shop immediately to have genuine parts reinstalled. It saves both hassle and worry.
