The importance of vehicle catalytic converter
You may have heard the term Cat Converter or Catalytic Converter, but are you aware of just what this is referring to?
The Function of a Catalytic Converter:
The primary function of a Catalytic Converter, more communally referred to as a “Cat Converter” is to reduce the amount of harmful gases that are admitted by vehicle exhaust systems. As a result of this, the impact on the environment is significantly reduced.
Location of Catalytic Converter:
A vehicle’s Catalytic Converter is located underneath the vehicle, and part of the vehicle’s exhaust system. Most vehicles will have one catalytic converter, however vehicles with dual exhaust systems usually have two.
How does a Catalytic Converter work:
A Catalytic Convert is a large rectangle or cylindrical metal housing. Within this housing, there is a honeycomb structure that is covered in small particles of platinum, palladium, and rhodium. The honeycomb structure is the ideal design to filter the maximum surface area. Through a chemical reaction the platinum, palladium and rhodium covered honeycomb structure filters gases passing through it by breaking apart pollutant gases. Harmful particles such as Nitrogen Oxides, Carbon Monoxide, and Hydrocarbons are trapped within the honeycomb structure. As a result, the left-over gases are safe enough to pass through the exhaust system and blow out into the air.
Why Catalytic Converters are being stolen:
As you may have seen in the news, in the past 24 months there has been a significant increase in thefts of Catalytic Converters. The reason for this is due to the precious metals such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium that are found inside the Catalytic Converter.
Some of these metals can be worth up to eight times as much as gold. A used Catalytic Converter can sell for as much as $200. New hybrid vehicles are most sought after by thieves according to Police, as the Catalytic Converter will be in better condition due to reduced pollutant filtration needed by the vehicle.
To help prevent the theft of your Catalytic Converter Police suggest parking in a well-lit area where there is CCTV if possible.
