Website design By BotEap.comGovernment automobile emissions control legislation requires that virtually all automobiles made or sold in the US be equipped with a catalytic converter. A smart device, catalytic converters help convert dangerous, polluting exhaust gases into less harmful carbon dioxide and water. As useful a device as it is, there are some dangers that come with using a catalytic converter. Read on to find out what you need to know about your vehicle’s catalytic converter.

Website design By BotEap.comMany consider a catalytic converter a blessing. With pollution levels constantly rising, the US government took action 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 the United States control pollution. Since 1975, virtually all passenger cars have been equipped with a catalytic converter.

Website design By BotEap.comAs useful as catalytic converters can be, they can be problematic. In addition to the failure, which usually goes undetected until your vehicle passes its next inspection, it is the intense heat of the unit that can cause problems.

Website design By BotEap.comIf you are working on your own vehicle, you should allow it to cool completely before working near the exhaust system. Catalytic converters get very hot, up to 1800 degrees, and any burns sustained from touching a hot converter can be very dangerous, even fatal.

Website design By BotEap.comMotorists have also learned that a catalytic converter can be a fire hazard. Over the past three decades, police and fire department reports have indicated that many car fires have been started because a motorist parked his car on dry leaves. Even when the engine is off, the hot converter can release a spark that can ignite the blades below. If that happens, your car can be engulfed and destroyed in the conflagration within minutes.

Website design By BotEap.comThere are also dangers that occur in the catalytic converter itself. Because the unit burns at such high temperatures, catalytic converters can undergo rapid thermal cutout. Some experts suggest switching to synthetic motor oil to help reduce phosphorus contaminants, a known contributor to misfires.

Website design By BotEap.comNo, you cannot legally remove your catalytic converter, as you may be subject to heavy fines and penalties. Yes, if your car was built before 1975, none of these concerns matter or enjoy your classic and let it run without being held back by pollution controls.