Catalytic converters were invented in the 1950s and are essential to lowering the environmental impact of vehicles. Unfortunately, these parts are often stolen, and catalytic converter scrap prices are high.
What Does A Catalytic Converter Do To Car Performance?
Cars release three types of harmful emissions into the environment from the engine. The catalytic converter reduces these emissions by converting the dangerous chemicals into less harmful ones. The harmful products of the vehicle engine are:
Carbon Monoxide
Gasoline is made up of molecules called hydrocarbons. Hydrocarbons are molecules made up of only carbon and hydrogen atoms. When hydrocarbons from the gasoline go through the engine, they encounter oxygen molecules.
If all went well, these two molecules would react (a process called combustion) and form carbon dioxide and water.
However, combustion in a vehicle engine is not perfect, and incomplete reactions can occur. The result of this is the production of carbon monoxide. This chemical is dangerous both to our bodies and the environment.
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Hydrocarbons
Hydrocarbons themselves are dangerous to our bodies. For example, if gasoline is not entirely burned when moving through the engine, it will come out of the exhaust as hydrocarbon molecules.
Nitric Oxide
Nitric oxide is toxic and can cause a build-up of fluid in the lungs when inhaled. Nitrogen and oxygen are two types of atoms found naturally in the air. When these atoms go through the engine, they react, forming compounds called nitric oxide.
Catalytic converters take these harmful chemicals from the engine and convert them into less dangerous compounds before releasing them out of the exhaust and into the environment.
How Do Catalytic Converters Work?
Catalytic converters contain ceramic that heats up to allow some chemical reactions to occur. Additionally, catalytic converters contain rare metals—platinum, palladium, and rhodium- reacting with the three engine emissions.
Catalytic Converters Work in Two Steps:
Reduction
Platinum and rhodium in the catalytic converter pull the oxygen atoms (O) off the nitrogen atoms (N) from the nitric oxide. The lone N then pairs up with each other and leaves the converter as N2, which is not harmful to the environment.
Oxidation
Platinum and palladium use the O from the first stage for two separate reactions. First, the O is bound to the carbon monoxide, forming carbon dioxide, then the remaining O is added to any unburned hydrocarbons.
Can I Drive With A Catalytic Converter Problem?
Technically yes, but here are some reasons you shouldn’t:
Environmental Damage
Cars are bad for the environment. They let off harmful gases, and catalytic converters reduce these emissions.
Vehicle Damage
Although most catalytic converter problems do not affect the immediate running of the car, they may cause damage to the vehicle further down the road.
It is illegal to remove or damage a catalytic converter. If your car was originally manufactured with a catalytic converter, then your vehicle needs a catalytic converter. Additionally, many counties in Tennessee require you to get smog testing for your car. Such areas include Rutherford County including the city of Murfreesboro, TN.
Everything You Need To Know About Replacing A Catalytic Converter
Replacing a catalytic converter can be an expensive job. It is also difficult, as most catalytic converters are welded into place, requiring specialized tools and experience to remove and replace them.
Although the catalytic converter price varies with the type and model of cars, a general estimate for the Dodge Charger and Dodge Challenger is anywhere between $350-$1500.
Why Preorder Your Catalytic Converter With Franklin Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram?
Preordering your catalytic converter with Franklin Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram will ensure you get the right catalytic converter for your vehicle. Catalytic converter scrap prices are high, and by preordering here, you can get a quote to ensure you are getting the best price.
Driving without a catalytic converter is not recommended. Preorder with Franklin Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Franklin, Tennessee, to get your catalytic converter replacement today.
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