Fuel quality is the biggest threat to the catalyst
One of the main reasons why a catalytic converter loses its effectiveness is poor quality fuel. Low quality fuel often contains too much sulfur, metal additives or other impurities, which can accumulate inside the catalytic converter during combustion and gradually reduce its permeability.
- Lead and heavy metals – old or poor-quality fuel may contain lead compounds that deposit on the surface of the catalyst and reduce its efficiency.
- Biodiesel and poor quality diesel – if poor quality or poorly filtered biodiesel is used, soot is formed that clogs the catalyst channels.
- Excessive ethanol content – Ethanol additives popular in some regions can cause chemical reactions that promote catalyst corrosion.
Using only certified fuels can avoid these problems and extend the life of the catalyst.
A faulty ignition system is a source of malfunctions
The condition of the catalytic converter directly affects engine performance. If the combustion system is not properly tuned, problems may arise that can lead to catalytic converter failure in a short time.
- Uneven fuel combustion – if the engine burns too much fuel or it is not completely burned, unprocessed combustion residues enter the catalytic converter, causing overheating or clogging.
- Too rich a fuel mixture – if too much fuel enters the cylinders (due to a faulty air flow meter or a malfunctioning fuel injector), the catalytic converter can overheat and lose its catalytic properties.
- Engine oil or coolant leak – If engine oil or coolant gets into the exhaust system, the surface of the catalytic converter can become contaminated, which reduces its efficiency and can cause it to completely clog.
Even minor engine failures can have long-term consequences for parts of the exhaust system. If you notice that your car's traction is decreasing or the exhaust gases have become blacker than usual, do not delay in having it checked.
Mechanical damage – the silent death of the catalyst
The catalytic converter is sensitive to mechanical damage, especially if the car is driven on bad roads or if the exhaust system has been repaired incorrectly.
- Shock and vibration – if the exhaust system is not properly secured or the vehicle is frequently exposed to bumps in the road, the ceramics inside the catalytic converter can crack, leading to its failure.
- Improper installation – when replacing or repairing the exhaust system, it is necessary to ensure that the catalytic converter is properly secured and does not experience excessive loads.
- Aggressive driving and sudden braking – sudden changes in temperature can lead to cracks in the internal structure of the catalytic converter.
Although mechanical damage cannot always be avoided, careful driving and proper car maintenance can help preserve the functionality of the catalytic converter.
Overheating – an inevitable failure scenario
An overheated catalytic converter can lose its chemical properties and become ineffective. This phenomenon usually occurs due to a malfunctioning combustion system, soot buildup, or improper cooling system maintenance.
- Clogged air filter – if the engine lacks air, unburned fuel residues enter the catalyst, causing overheating.
- Reduced gas permeability – if the catalyst is partially clogged, the engine has to work at a higher load, which can lead to temperature spikes.
- Too many short trips – if the car is often driven only short distances and does not have time to reach operating temperature, unburned fuel residues can accumulate inside, increasing the risk of overheating.
Each of these problems can cause the catalyst to lose its effectiveness or even become completely inoperable.
When is catalytic converter repair necessary?
If you notice that your car's fuel consumption has increased, the engine has become sluggish, or an unpleasant odor has started to be felt in the cabin, it is possible that the catalytic converter needs to be checked. In some cases, chemical cleaning or minor repairs may be sufficient, but often professional services such as catalytic converter restoration are required.
Properly performed restoration allows you to restore the efficiency of the catalytic converter and extend its service life without the need to replace the entire system. This is not only an economical but also an environmentally friendly solution that reduces vehicle emissions.
If the first signs of catalytic converter failure are ignored, not only the catalytic converter may need to be repaired, but also the entire exhaust system may need to be repaired, which can be much more expensive.
The durability of the catalytic converter depends on driving style, fuel quality, and car maintenance. Timely diagnostics and proper maintenance measures allow you to avoid serious breakdowns and save significant costs.