Will the Three-Way Catalytic Converter Be Damaged When a Vehicle Goes Through Water?
2 Answers
After a car goes through water, the three-way catalytic converter may be damaged. Therefore, it is advisable to press the accelerator a few times to expel water from the exhaust pipe, thereby protecting the exhaust pipe and the internal three-way catalytic converter. Lifespan of the Three-Way Catalytic Converter: The service life of a three-way catalytic converter ranges between 80,000 to 100,000 kilometers. The specific lifespan depends on the vehicle's usage conditions and is also related to the quality of fuel used and the driving environment. Components of the Three-Way Catalytic Converter: The three-way catalytic converter generally consists of four parts: the shell, vibration damping layer, substrate, and catalyst coating. The shell is made of stainless steel to prevent oxide scale from falling off, which could block the substrate. The vibration damping layer is composed of padding or wire mesh pads, serving to seal, insulate, and secure the substrate. To protect the substrate from damage caused by vibration, thermal deformation, and other factors, the padding is made of expanded mica and aluminum silicate fibers, bonded together with adhesive. The substrate is made of honeycomb-shaped ceramic materials, though many are also made of metal (including stainless steel). The catalyst consists of precious metals such as platinum, rhodium, and palladium, which are sprayed onto the substrate to form the purifying agent.
I've been driving for over 20 years and have seen many cases where the catalytic converter gets completely ruined after driving through water. I remember once after heavy rain, a friend insisted on driving through deep water that reached halfway up the doors. After getting through, the engine started knocking and blue smoke came from the exhaust. When taken for repairs, we found the ceramic inside the catalytic converter had cracked from water impact and the catalyst coating had peeled off. This component's core function is high-temperature catalytic conversion of exhaust gases - rapid contraction when meeting cold water causes damage, and the repair costs are shockingly high. My advice is never force your way through water after rain. If water depth exceeds the wheel hub center, don't take the risk. Regularly check the exhaust system's seals to prevent water leakage. Replacing a catalytic converter isn't just expensive but also time-consuming, affects driving safety, and causes excessive emissions which are environmentally unfriendly. It's always better to be cautious.
