An automobile is an arrangement of various auto parts, each of which performs a definite function for proper functioning of the vehicle. Malfunctioning or failure of any auto part might result to a sudden breakdown and leave you in middle of the road. Among the various imperative parts, a catalytic converter plays an elemental part that facilitates the prime task of reducing the extent of automotive emission.
Catalytic Converters: In Brief
The catalytic converter is a metal canister, which scrubs the pollutants released during the combustion process and convert those into simpler compounds. Some of the harmful gases being released by the engine are:
• Hydrocarbons
• Carbon dioxide nitrogen oxides
• Sulfur dioxide phosphorous
• Lead and various other metals
These obnoxious exhaust gases are mainly converted into harmless substances by the performance catalytic converters to ensure minimal amount of auto emission is released into the atmosphere, thereby lessening the extent of environmental degradation. However, there are certain factors that need to be considered while buying the right one.
Identifying the Original Emission System
Before buying the right type, it is important to keep note of the emission equipment that the vehicle came with. To do that, you can check the emission sticker, which is generally located near the firewall area or under the hood behind the engine. Mostly, different states either follow the set of federal standards of environmental protection agencies or adopt certain strict board regulations.
Universal or Direct-Fit
In general, there are two types of catalytic converters: direct-fit and universal. The underlying difference is quite simple. The direct-fit catalytic converters have been designed to meet the specifications of the original cat it came with, ranging from the arrangement of O2 sensors to diameter of tubing. Compared to the former one, the universal catalytic converters come with a set of standardized features that can be welded to fit the place of the original cat the vehicle came with.
Installing the prime quality Performance catalytic converters to your vehicle certainly makes it more performing as it ensure better conversion of pollutants into harmless compounds. Being the solely responsible pollution reducing units in the automobile, these auto parts need to be properly maintained and keep in proper shape to ensure sound functioning of the vehicle.
