A car cat is designed to reduce the toxicity of exhaust fumes. In chemistry, a catalyst is a substance that accelerates or causes a chemical reaction. The role of such materials play, for example, copper, nickel, gold, palladium, rhodium, chromium. A vehicle catalyst uses some catalytic substances to accelerate chemical reactions at temperatures exceeding 300-400 °C (570-750 °F).
A catalyst with ceramic or metal honeycomb internal element is a very important part of almost all vehicles. Operating a car without this device is illegal almost worldwide. But there is one exception when a cat is not required. It is made only for old vehicles the design of which does not provide for a catalyst at all. But as this device was introduced in the 1970s and quickly became an essential part of most models, there are few vehicles without a catalyst now.
What Causes Malfunctions Of A Catalyst
Every catalyst has a short service life. As a rule, the device is useful until a vehicle runs approximately 100,000 km with it.
But some factors cause failures and early wear. A ceramic catalyst is more fragile. Thus, the following situations are the most typical for this device type:
- A blow damaging the internal element.
- Getting water (for example, from a puddle) on the boiling catalyst can also make the ceramic honeycomb to crumble.
- Failures in the ignition system. Multiple misfires quickly destroy and even melt the catalyst.
Both ceramic and metal catalysts can be damaged if:
- low-quality fuel is used;
- idling for too long;
- vapors, particles of unburned oil, antifreeze, and any other liquids reach the catalyst and clog its holes;
- too rich air-fuel mixture covers the catalyst with soot and clogs it.
As you can see, there are many factors potentially causing catalyst malfunctions. But even a damaged or clogged cat costs something due to catalytic substances contained inside. As a rule, palladium, rhodium, and platinum can be found in spent devices. If you are looking for used catalysts to recover precious metals it is a great idea to check out mercedes benz catalytic converter scrap price by https://autocatalystmarket.com/ and take advantage of the best offers.
Factors Influencing The Service Life
First of all, the fuel of low quality affects the cat condition the most. Many drivers do not know that it is unacceptable to use leaded gasoline to prevent early wear of a catalyst. Besides, driving with an almost empty tank causes malfunctions too.
But if you are looking for cats to recover more precious materials, such devices are the best variant.