A catalytic converter is an exhaust emissions device used to lower a vehicle's exhaust emissions output. Similar in size and shape to an exhaust muffler, a catalytic converter is attached directly to a vehicle's exhaust system. What follows is a brief description outlining the main purposes of catalytic converter use.
The main function of a catalytic converter is to burn unburned exhaust gases that exit a vehicle's engine. By burning these unburned exhaust gases, a catalytic converter lowers the emissions output of a vehicle's exhaust.
A catalytic converter creates exhaust system impedance, which causes the exhaust exiting a vehicle's engine to slow down, a process that gives the catalytic converter more time to act upon the exhaust gases.
Hydrocarbon emissions, which are created when air and gas is burned inside of a vehicle engine, are significantly reduced by the burning action of a catalytic converter.
All vehicles equipped with catalytic converters require the use of unleaded gasoline, which is a cleaner-burning type of gasoline that results in lower exhaust emissions. Leaded gasolines and/or racing gasolines are highly damaging to a catalytic converter and cannot be used in cars equipped with one.
Carbon monoxide exhaust emissions are significantly reduced by the burning actions of a catalytic converter. Carbon monoxide gases are natural by-products of engine combustion, and catalytic converters help to lower these emissions by re-burning exiting engine exhaust gases.
