Experts Have Explained: The Impact Of Low & High Temperatures On The Car’s Catalytic Converter

The vehicle emissions converter is standard equipment in any modern car. Its performance is influenced by many factors, and it is responsible for purifying exhaust gases to meet emission standards. As a result, the device makes toxic elements less harmful. New car models may have multiple emission control device systems, effectively cleaning harmful gases from the engine and providing a less toxic exhaust.

Andrey Levashenk from AutoCatalystMarket (ACM) provided more detailed insights. Here you can find buyers for old Toyota catalyst or parts for other car models. The catalogue features current prices for this year.

Why is it necessary?

Several years ago, older exhaust catalyst designs restricted the exhaust gas flow, directly affecting the overall car’s performance. Fuel consumption could increase due to carburettors’ unable to precisely control the fuel mixture, leading to overheating and potentially causing materials under the car to ignite.

Misconceptions about vehicle emissions converter functionality led many car owners to consider getting rid of them, believing they impacted engine power and hindered normal vehicle operation. 

However, in practice, the emission control device is an essential element in any car, ensuring exhaust gas purification and providing a more comfortable drive for the driver. Toxic gas entering the car cabin can cause various negative symptoms and affect the health of both the driver and passengers.

What does it consist of?

The emission control device includes:

• Housing (metallic or ceramic);
• Cells (honeycomb structure) facilitating contact between exhaust gases and the working surface;
• Precious metal coating on the cell surfaces;
• Thermal-insulating metal casing.

The exhaust catalyst neutralizes harmful elements in the exhaust gases, which include:

• Hydrocarbons: CxHy;
• Carbon monoxide: CO;
• Nitrogen oxides: NOx.

The engine’s exhaust gases enter the emission control device’s blocks, filling the cells. The metals initiate the oxidation process, resulting in the formation of steam, converting carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide. Consequently, only treated substances are released into the environment. For diesel-fueled vehicles, an additional particulate filter is installed near the vehicle emissions converter.

The working temperature of the device plays a crucial role in how effectively it neutralizes toxic elements. Any disturbances in this process can gradually reduce the emission control device’s efficiency to zero. Therefore, the temperature regime is essential. Ceramic materials can withstand high temperatures well, but metal exhaust catalysts are more durable.

The influence of temperature on the catalytic converter’s operation

If the emission control device is subjected to external impacts such as shocks or moisture during operation, problems may occur. A broken exhaust catalyst will maintain an incorrect combustion temperature, with the normal range being between 400-800 degrees Celsius. 

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In this case, the car’s fuel injection system increases the fuel supply to raise the temperature. However, the fuel leaks out of the pipe without raising the temperature level. Temperature measurements are taken from exhaust gases located in front of the emission control device. The operating temperature should be within 500 degrees Celsius.