During the process of engine internal combustion, exhaust gases are emitted. This results in the fuel and air mixture being ignited and released. With these very toxic gases being released, there is a risk and a danger of various pollutants finding their way into the atmosphere.
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Fortunately, vehicles are now manufactured with a catalytic converter –a component that helps to reduce the toxicity levels of these poisonous gases before their release out of a vehicle’s tailpipe. Thanks to a special chemical reaction, this can take place once the metals of the converter interact with the gases.
Unfortunately, catalytic converters can become dirty. While not surprising, significant dirt on a converter can accumulate from years of operation. Dirty catalytic converters can become problematic catalytic converters. There may be an issue that stems from the internal combustion process when there’s too much of a fuel mixture and it fails to burn properly. That extra fuel that fails to burn can end up damaging the catalytic converter. There are cleaners that are specifically made for catalytic converters.
Do Catalytic Converter Cleaners Actually Work?
Since specially formulated catalytic converter cleaners can remove the carbon build up that is located in an exhaust system and an engine, the answer is YES, they do actually work. While they are effective, you cannot count on your cleaner to remove decades of carbon build up with just one use and application. Therefore, for effective cleaning– several applications will be required. In fact, you may need to use a catalytic converter cleaner a few times a year, to effectively break down the carbon deposits.
How Should I Clean a Catalytic Converter?
Many catalytic converter cleaner solutions are sold in 16-ounce cans designed for one primary way for use. For optimum performance of your catalytic converter, you want to pour the contents of the cleaner into your fuel or gas tank. Then you want to drive your vehicle till you arrive close to the empty mark. This will ensure that your catalytic converter cleaner has been used up. Check out these basic steps for usage of a catalytic converter cleaner:
- Pour your bottle of catalytic converter into your fuel tank.
- Drive your vehicle till your fuel tank is just about empty.
- Then, refill your gas tank.
- Do some highway and side street driving till you arrive at the 50-mile mark. This will allow for successful re-calibration with an OBDII or an on-board computer.
What Are Some of the Causes of Catalytic Converter Problems?
Over the course of you owning and driving your vehicle, your catalytic converter has the potential to become clogged with layered carbon buildup. This carbon buildup is one of the most common issues that just about all catalytic converters endure on a regular basis.
That buildup also prevents your converter from removing the toxic emissions that are located in the vehicle’s exhaust. When the catalytic converter’s performance starts to suffer, the OBD2 or the on-board diagnostic system that is located in your vehicle will illuminate the “service engine soon” or “check engine” lights that are located on your vehicle’s dash. Most of the time, the warning light can include the P0430 or the P0420 trouble codes. These codes are warnings that indicate the that the catalytic converter is performing at a substandard emission threshold.
How Does All Of This Carbon Buildup Happen in the First Place?
The excessive carbon buildup that’s within your catalytic converter may be a sign that your vehicle is operating or “running rich”. The term “running rich” is another way of stating that the fuel-air ratio is less than ideal. It also means that your engine isn’t burning all of the fuel that it is using. There may be a lot of reasons that your vehicle may be “running rich”; so, it is to your benefit to remedy the problem. You may opt to look at your spark plugs and replace them. This is a great place to start for a vehicle that is “running rich”. Are you able to remember the last time that your spark plugs were replaced? If you cannot, then it may be time to replace them. After you replace your spark plugs, you want to purchase and then use a quality catalytic converter for your vehicle.
Can I Drive My Car if my Catalytic Converter is Clogged?
A plugged or a clogged catalytic converter may prevent you from operating your vehicle. Most folks can drive a car that has a clogged converter. But if you decide to continue driving that vehicle with the plugged catalytic converter, you will soon begin to notice a dip in performance. You may find that your converter becomes completely fused. Then you have to pay for your catalytic converter to be replaced.
What are the Signs That my Catalytic Converter is Bad?
Check out these warning signs that your catalytic converter is clogged or simply not operating as it should:
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- Your car fails an emissions test– one of the surest ways that you will know you have a bad catalytic converter is when you fail an emissions test. For many states, emissions testing is mandatory. If your catalytic converter isn’t working as it should, then your vehicle will be emitting far more exhaust gases than it should be.
- Your “check engine light” illuminates on your dash– Should you have a faulty catalytic converter, the O2 or the oxygen sensor that’s located in your exhaust stream may be sending a signal to your engine control unit or your ECU – telling it that there is a problem. This can result in your check engine light coming on.
- You smell a “rotten egg” smell – Although there may be a small amount of sulfur that is located in the fuel your vehicle uses, there may be a huge smell of “rotten eggs”. That smell is the result of a compound that’s called hydrogen sulfide. Generally, this compound is converted into sulfur dioxide –an odorless gas. However, when a catalytic converter isn’t working as it should, the conversion is not successful, resulting in that “rotten egg” smell.
- Your car fails to accelerate as it should– a poor performing catalytic converter will result in your vehicle not having the acceleration power that it should. In order for an internal combustion engine to operate efficiently, they rely on airflow, ignition and fuel to operate. When a catalytic is plugged or clogged, there is a lack of backpressure in the exhaust system –which then compromises airflow.
Who Makes the Best Catalytic Converter Cleaner for 2021?
As you can imagine, there are many catalytic converter cleaners on the market. Let’s examine a few that will allow you to choose the best for your particular vehicle.
Thenxin Engine Cleaner Catalytic Converter Cleaner Powerful Booster Cleaner 120 ml
As a top-rated catalytic converter cleaner, Thenxin gets high marks all around. Not only is this cleaner safe for gasoline engines, but it can also be used in hybrid, diesel and even flex-fuel vehicles. The cleaner will not alter the fuel and it not for use in 2-stroke gas/oil mix engines. Additional benefits of Thenxin include:
- A deep cleaning of the catalytic converter.
- Better engine performance.
- Stellar cleaning of the fuel injection system as well as the cylinders.
- A reduction in hydrocarbon emissions – 50 percent.
- Protection of the vehicle’s engine- the cleaner allows for the engine to run smoother, cleaner and better.
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OXICAT Oxygen Sensor & Catalytic Converter Cleaner
OXICAT is another high-ranking catalytic converter cleaner that keeps a car running optimally. In order to get the most from this catalytic converter cleaner, the vehicle must reach and sustain the catalytic converter’s working temperature. With regular use, the OXICAT an assist in preventing buildup of residue that can cause a vehicle to fail emissions tests. Additional features of this cleaner include:
- A specially engineered and crafted blend of cleaners that meet or even exceed various environmental standards.
- Optimal protection of both the environment and the vehicle that utilizes it.
- It’s effective as well as safe for all effective for all diesel and gasoline vehicles.
- Capable of cleaning the entire exhaust system–if used regularly.
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DURA LUBE Severe Catalytic and Exhaust Treatment Emissions Test Catalytic Cleaner
Dura Lube Severe Catalytic & Exhaust Treatment has a proven formula that can treat as well as protect a vehicle’s catalytic converter & exhaust system from oil toxins and poisons. Thanks to this protection, you can help to reduce the carbon footprint your vehicle leaves behind. With regular use of this product, you will also see and feel better handling and performance from your vehicle. Another added benefit of the Dura Lube Severe Catalytic & Exhaust Treatment system is better or increased fuel efficiency too! additional bonuses of this cleaner include:
- A reduction in zinc and phosphorus levels at catalyst inlet.
- Lower tailpipe emissions.
- Protection of the catalytic system from oil toxins and poisons.
- Ready for use once warning light is activated.
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Solder-It (CAT-1) Catalytic Converter Cleaner – 16 oz.
The Solder-it CAT-1 16 oz Catalytic Converter Cleaner offers users quality performance after usage. Thanks to its exclusive formula, that “rotten egg” smell will be a thing of the past. The cleaner also has the ability to extend the lifespan of the catalytic converter while helping your vehicle pass its emission control tests. Additional features of this cleaner include:
- Ability to clean other car components such as the oxygen sensor, EGR valve and the combustion chamber.
- Users can add all 16 ounces into the fuel tank for optimum performance.
- The time between vehicle tune-ups is extended.
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What Are Some Ways To Save My Catalytic Converter?
Check out some ways that you can help to preserve your catalytic converter.
- Bypass that fuel that is low-grade– did you know that low-grade fuels can cause lead poisoning and even lead to a reduction in converter efficiency? When you fill up your vehicle, always use the grade that complements your vehicle. Sure, you save a few pennies at the pump with a lower grade, but you risk paying large vehicle repair bills later.
- Use fuel additives and lubricants that have approval ratings– when you use non-approved lubricants and additives in your vehicle, you run the risk of using compounds that may damage your catalytic converter. If what you want to add to your car has an approval rating from the manufacturer, then use it. If not, don’t.
- Watch those uneven roads– If you can avoid driving on uneven roads, try to do so. We all live in regions where some of the driving we do has to be on unbalanced streets. In order to ensure that your vehicle’s catalytic converter doesn’t hit the group during the bumps, opt to drive on even pavement. The center of a catalytic converter is crafted of ceramic –a compound that’s known to shatter upon immediate impact.
- Inspect your injector nozzles– You want to check your injector nozzles and see if there are clogs in them. Any clogs can lead to misfiring. The unburnt fuel can reach the catalytic converter, burn and then cause tremendous damage to the catalytic converter. This could even lead to a vehicle fire.
- Avoid the puddles – Since catalytic converters operate during high temperatures –contact with a puddle can cool it and contract it. This can result in your catalytic converter breaking.
- Preventive maintenance is a must- if your vehicle is not accelerating as it should, or you hear noises, then you want to visit a mechanic ASAP. Preventive maintenance can help keep large repair bills at bay.
Looking To Sell A Car with a Bad Catalytic Converter?
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