What Will Happen If A Vehicle Has A Clogged Three-way Catalytic Converter?

A customer we have worked with for many years once shared with us a car owner whose three-way catalytic converter was almost completely clogged after a year and a half and 80,000 kilometers! In fact, when this car had 60,000 kilometers, it reported that the three-way catalytic converter was faulty, but the owner thought that the three-way catalytic converter was an accessory that could be used for a long time, so he ignored it until the exhaust gas test exceeded the standard during the annual inspection. Realize that the problem with the three-way catalytic converter is so serious.

In fact, the car will have a series of symptoms after the three-way catalytic converter is clogged.

First of all, the most obvious symptom is that the engine fault light comes on. This is because the three-way catalytic converter is blocked and the oxygen sensor cannot work properly, which affects the combustion efficiency of the engine.

Secondly, the power performance of the car will be significantly reduced and the acceleration will be weak. This is because when high-pressure exhaust is required, the three-way catalytic converter is clogged, resulting in poor exhaust, which affects the air intake volume, which in turn causes the engine power to drop and the running speed to decrease. There is always a feeling of inadequacy.

In addition, the car's fuel consumption will also increase because the engine cannot work at its best.

Finally, the three-way catalytic converter cannot convert harmful substances into harmless substances, and it will also cause harmful gases such as CO, HC and NOx in the exhaust to be effectively converted, and the emissions will seriously exceed the standard.

In fact, it is not difficult to identify the reasons for the clogging of the three-way catalytic converter. On the one hand, the precious metal catalyst on the carrier of the three-way catalytic converter can easily oxidize and polymerize incomplete combustion products. Over time, colloidal carbon deposits are formed, ultimately causing three-way catalytic converters. The catalytic converter is clogged. On the other hand, long-term use of gasoline and engine oil with high sulfur content will also form chemical complexes and cause blockage.

The blockage of the three-way catalytic converter is gradually formed. Once the following stages occur, it is necessary to pay attention to the maintenance of the three-way catalytic converter!

The first stage is slight blockage, which is manifested by reduced exhaust purification function and excessive exhaust emissions. At this stage, many car owners may not be able to easily detect it. The second stage is moderate congestion. At this time, the vehicle's fuel consumption increases significantly, and the owner can directly feel the decrease in power. The third stage is the severe blockage stage. At this time, you will find that the vehicle has a serious lack of power, often stalls, and even the exhaust pipe will occasionally burn red.

In order to ensure the normal operation of the three-way catalytic converter and prevent the vehicle from being affected or even malfunctioning, car enthusiasts must pay attention to the following points:

1. Regular cleaning: Regular cleaning of the three-way catalytic converter is an important step to maintain its performance. The use of special cleaning agents can effectively remove carbon deposits and impurities on the surface of the three-way catalytic converter and restore its activity. Generally speaking, it is recommended to clean the three-way catalytic converter every 20,000 kilometers.

2. Avoid long-term idling: Long-term idling will cause the engine to produce incomplete combustion and produce a large amount of carbon deposits and impurities, which will adhere to the surface of the three-way catalytic converter and affect its performance. Therefore, try to avoid idling for a long time, which will reduce colloid carbon deposits.

3. Use high-quality fuel: Using high-quality fuel can reduce sulfur, phosphorus and other impurities in the fuel, thereby reducing damage to the three-way catalytic converter. It is also very important to choose a regular gas station and use the fuel with the corresponding label in accordance with the vehicle requirements.

4. Regular inspection: Regular inspection of the appearance and performance of the three-way catalytic converter is necessary. If the three-way catalytic converter is found to be damaged, deformed or seriously blocked, it should be replaced or repaired in time. At the same time, you should also pay attention to check the working condition of the oxygen sensor, because the oxygen sensor is closely related to the normal operation of the three-way catalytic converter.

It is worth emphasizing that the above actions can only extend the life of the three-way catalytic converter. With the accumulation of time and normal use of the vehicle, the three-way catalytic converter will become clogged or damaged under the influence of internal and external factors. Therefore, the safest approach is Regular replacement of the three-way catalytic converter can effectively avoid more serious vehicle failures and reduce environmental pollution.