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By: Ikedi Ani-okoye.

Catalytic converter explained

An important part of your vehicle’s emission system is the catalytic converter. It is tasked with reducing harmful emissions that pollute the atmosphere and it has been a part of nearly every passenger vehicle built since the mid 1970s.

Unfortunately, the catalytic converter can also run very hot and, at the same time, spark ignition of anything that it comes into contact with. In Bob’s case, it was his 2005 Volvo that was parked directly over a small leaf pile that started the fire that destroyed his XC90.

Catalytic converter beginnings

The Environmental Protection Agency, established in 1970, began to require that cars come equipped with devices to reduce harmful emissions. Thus, the catalytic converter was born.

The Catalytic converter in your vehicle is installed in the exhaust line between the exhaust manifold and the muffler. Pellets inside the converter work to change the harmful gases into harmless gases before they leave the tailpipe and out into the open air. Thus, a properly functioning catalytic converter is essential toward maintaining good air quality.

Catalytic converter benefits

Many consider a catalytic converter to be a godsend. With pollution levels ever climbing, the U.S. government acted to reduce harmful pollutants in a step to clean up the environment. The Environmental Protection Agency was formed by the Nixon Administration and the agency was instrumental in passing the Clean Air Act to help America control pollution. Since 1975 virtually every passenger vehicle has come equipped with a catalytic converter.

CONCLUSION

Colloquially, a catalytic converter is known as "cat" or "catcon". It is a device that is used to reduce the toxicity of emissions from an internal combustion engine. It was first widely introduced on series-production automobiles in the US market for the 1975 model year to comply with tightening EPA regulations regarding auto exhaust. Car of today may have two or more depending on the engine configuration and manufacturer.