The catalyst is part of the vehicle’s exhaust system. Its function is to reduce the pollution produced by the gas leak. Hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide must be changed over into carbon dioxide and water fume before being expelled by the fumes pipe. The exhaust system finishes this. A part that you may not have focused on but whose poor condition can affect the performance of your car.
We must pay attention to these signs to predict failures in the catalyst:
First, we may be facing a clogged catalyst if we notice engine performance failures, idling during acceleration, see that power is missing. Also, the engine stalls repeatedly. If this is not the reason, know what to do to improve the performance of your vehicle and that it works correctly.
Secondly, If we hear noises at the bottom of our car, the catalyst could have broken. Furthermore, if we see dense smoke from the exhaust of the vehicle with an unusual smell, it could indicate that the catalyst is very dirty.
Carrying a dirty catalyst in our car can have dire consequences for us as well as lack of engine power, damage to the vehicle, and possible risk of fire. A malfunction of this piece will favor contamination and the purification process of incomplete toxic gases, which could become the cause of suffocation and poisoning in closed spaces such as garages. It is essential to carry out frequent reviews in which a professional checks your catalyst. However, we cannot take care of keeping it clean ourselves and thus improve the car’s performance and extend its life.
Catalyst Cleaning Options
Although the majority of workshops are directly committed to replacing the catalyst, especially if it is severely clogged or damaged. There are specialized workshops that also offer or subcontract component cleaning services.
One of the methods used to clean the catalyst of a car is to use specialized machines for this function. These machines clean it by circulating hot water under pressure mixed with cleaning additives in different washing cycles. This is programmable according to the clogging values. Typically, these devices also include a high-temperature drying pump to prevent the remaining moisture inside the catalyst from damaging the internal metal components of the catalyst. Moreover, This type of machine facilitates the extraction of the filter values before and after cleaning that verifies the recovery of the catalyst.
Cleaning through sonocatalysis is another catalyst clearing technique. It consists of an ultrasonic cleaning that allows the decomposition of the clogged particles, however small they may be. The decomposed particles are subsequently removed, in the catalytic cycles, with the regular operation of the vehicle.
Another of the most common techniques used to clean a car catalyst is the use of particular products, such as catalytic converter cleaner additives. This method facilitates the removal of soot particles, improving the circulation of gases. One of the best examples of these cleaners is OXICAT – Oxygen Sensor & Catalytic Converter Cleaner. This product has been proven to reduce the clogged in your Catalytic Converter. It is easy to use; only tap it into the fuel tank. After 30 minutes of using the car, it would start to make an effect. Moreover, it works in both gasoline and hybrid cars.
So while it is true that most shops choose to replace it, cleaning the vehicle’s catalyst may also be an option. Some specialized workshops claim that the catalyst can regain up to 98% of its effectiveness after a thorough cleaning using a catalytic converter cleaner additive.
