How To Make Your Catalytic Converter Last
April 4, 2022
How can you make your catalytic converter last?
- Regularly check your EGR valve
- Avoid overheating your engine
- Don’t use silicone products on your exhaust
It’s no secret that cars produce gases that can harm people’s health and the environment. The solution to this is catalytic converters. The catalytic converter is a small, metal box with pipes attached to the underside of your vehicle. It cleans up the toxic compounds in the exhaust like hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen monoxide. This part is attached to all cars today to combat their contributions to air pollution. Given that they are important vehicle parts, you should know how to make your catalytic converter last.
Since catalytic converters are made to convert bad chemicals to relatively neutral ones, they have quite a delicate structure that could easily be damaged. Here, we provide you with tips to follow if you want your catalytic converter to have a longer lifespan. Keep reading to learn more!
Regularly check your EGR valve
The exhaust gas recirculation valve, or EGR valve, is the part of the exhaust that returns some of the exhaust fumes back to the engine. This increases fuel efficiency as it uses up any unburned fuel. It also helps the car regulate its temperature as it promotes lower combustion temperatures.
However, if the EGR fails, there is a very high chance that temperatures go higher than normal. And if placed near the exhaust, it could end up melting the inside of your catalytic converter.
To avoid this, always check your EGR valve and make sure it’s still functioning properly. Any exhaust leaks can also affect the valve’s performance, so avoid them as well.
Avoid overheating your engine
Even with the help of an EGR valve, irresponsible use can still cause the overheating of an engine. Overheating will shorten your engine’s lifespan and can cause fuel detonation. All of these events happening within the engine can easily melt the ceramic parts of your catalytic converter and cause the entire part to fail.
Many drivers make the mistake of assuming that their engine is just hotter than others. In truth, there might be a cooling issue that needs to be resolved. Left unresolved, other vehicle parks, like the catalytic converter, will get damaged.
Don’t use silicone products on your exhaust
Silicone sealants are commonly used in cars because they are durable and easy to install. However, if you use these sealants for exhaust manifolds, headers, or O2 sensor threads, they will burn at high temperatures.
Outgassing can happen when the resulting gas from the burning silicone coats the O2 sensor, giving it inaccurate readings of the air-to-fuel ratio in the engine. This will result in having abnormally high exhaust temperatures. As a result, parts of the catalytic converter will melt.
Key Takeaway
The catalytic converter makes your car more environment-friendly, and it is a requirement if you want to keep driving on public roads. By learning how to make your catalytic converter last, you avoid any expensive part replacements or visits to the mechanic. It’s so much easier to just take care of your catalytic converter by following the tips above.
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