What is a Catalytic Converter?

Catalytic converters are now fitted to all cars.  A catalytic converter removes the harmful pollution that is omitted with the exhaust gases.  The converter can be an expensive and high-tech component that fits in the exhaust system.

A catalytic converter is a critical part of the engine performance system which sensors and controls the gases entering and leaving the system, these are controlled by the engine management system.  The catalytic converter effectiveness is measured by testing the exhaust gas emissions – as recorded on an MOT Test.  The catalytic converter can be damaged if the engine is not properly tuned and excess fuel or oils enter the component.  The Cat man sells a wide range of catalytic converts, we also speacilise in selling reconditioned catalytic converters and we also repair catalytic converters.

Prolonging the life of your Catalytic Converter

There are several things you can do to ensure your Catalytic Converter has a long and healthy life:

1. Always use the correct fuel in your car.

2. Do not attempt to bump start your car.  This causes unburned fuel to be injected into the Catalytic Converter, which causes the monolith to overheat and melt.

3. Do not use a fuel additive without first reading the instructions to find out if it is suitable for use with a catalytic converter.  If in doubt, consult the manufacturer of the additive for advice.

4. Do not attempt to tow anything that is too heavy for your vehicle.  This can send unburned fuel into the exhaust system and can cause the monolith to melt.

5. Make sure your car is regularly serviced to your car manufacturers specifications.  In particular make sure the engine is running properly.  A poorly tuned engine can cause the monolith to break down or become covered in soot, which stops it working correctly.

6. Be carful where you park your car – for example, don’t park over long grass or anything similar.  As the cat operates at such a high temperature it could potentially set the grass on fire!

7. Drive slowly over speed bumps or very bumpy roads to reduce the chance of the exhaust system being grounded.  This could cause impact damage to the cat.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

1. Purchasing exhausts at wholesale prices should be taken into consideration when paying someone else to fit the part.  Refitting is at the customers expense if a part proves to be faulty.
2. It is important for owners of vehicles fitted with catalytic converters to understand that the catalyst is only one of a number of components which make up the emissions control system.  There are a number of reasons why vehicles fail the emissions test due to to high emissions.
3. Warranty claim Parts must be returned for inspection of warranty. Replacement parts must be paid for in full. Subject to warranty​ claim, a refund will be issued in full. Labour costs are not covered by the manufacturer or Catman.​​
4. The use of exhaust paste applied to the front of the cat is an automatic warranty failure. Exhaust paste becomes brittle when dry which causes cat blockage & cat damage. New gaskets must be fitted.
5. Catalytic converter warranty claims due to MOT failure will not be considered without 4gas failure report listing the 4 values of HC + CO + CO2 +O2.
6. ALL PARTS SUPPLIED CORRECTLY OR INCORRECTLY WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR RETURN / REFUND AFTER THE 10TH DAY OF PAYMENT (unless exchanged to the same value or greater value).
7. Diesel Particulate Filters. New DPF units are supplied with a 2 year warranty, however if the DPF unit is blocked, the warranty is void; this is not a fault of the DPF unit. A fault causing increased levels of particulates is not the fault of the DPF unit. DPF units do not produce soot particulates. Likely candidates include leaking intake pipework, leaky injectors, a sticking EGR valve or a faulty MAF sensor. Whatever the cause a blocked DPF is a symptom rather than the cause. Make sure original fault is rectified or you’ll be back in the same position sooner than later.

INTERNATIONAL RETURNS
Parts supplied correctly / incorrectly or faulty to be returned by customer strictly within 10 days of arrival. Over 10 days returns are not accepted for refund
(we do not arrange collections or refund delivery charges).

History

The Introduction of Catalytic converters on motor vehicles was introduced in the U.K. in the early 1990’s to cut down on air pollution caused by exhaust fumes.  It was hoped that the use of catalytic converters on cars would improve the overall air quality, especially in big cities where smog can be a problem.

Catalytic converters also have other environmental and health benefits.  They cut down the amount of the poisonous gas carbon monoxide leaving the exhaust pipe.  Catalytic converters also cut down on the amount of nitrous oxides that enter the atmosphere.  Nitrous oxides are the primary cause of smog and acid rain.  It should be remembered that while catalytic converters filter out the most harmful substances they still release gases that are harmful to the atmosphere, like carbon dioxide.

Since January 1993, all new petrol-driven cars sold in the European Union have been fitted with a catalytic converter.  This is made up of a very thin layer of platinum group metals on a honeycomb structure.  The surface area of a typical 3-way catalytic converter covers the equivalent of two football pitches. As exhaust gasses pass through the catalyst a chemical reaction occurs which converts carbon monoxide (CO), volatile organic compounds (VOCs, including hydrocarbons) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) to less harmful compounds (water, nitrogen and carbon dioxide).  To work most effectively, a catalytic converter needs to reach an optimum temperature.  It may not reach this in a short journey.  Devices to pre-warm the catalyst are being developed which improve the overall performance of catalytic converters.