Catalytic Converters 

Catalytic converters solves the problem of the black, noxious fumes coming out of your vehicle. This type of smoke fouls the air and is poisoning you and your loved ones. Solve this problem by installing one into your vehicle. A catalytic converter (aka catcon or cat) is a device that turns harmful exhaust gases (nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and unburned fuel) into basic molecules like nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide and water. "Cats" reduce the toxicity of these emissions from your internal combustion engine. This process makes these gas emissions less harmless to your health and the environment.

Motor engines try to regulate the air to fuel ratio to 1:14.7. Meaning, for every 1 lb. of fuel to be burned, the engine needs 14.7 pounds of air to do the job. But in reality, when driving, the air to fuel ratio in most engines vary from lean (a ratio higher than 14.7) to rich (below 14.7). Because of these types of conditions, the fuel being burnt can produce other kinds of harmful emissions such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides.

Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that is colorless and odorless. Hydrocarbons or volatile organic compounds are the product from unburned fuel that evaporates. Sunlight breaks down these emissions forming oxidants. These oxidants react with oxides of nitrogen to cause ground level ozone (O3), a major component of smog. Nitrogen oxides contribute to smog and acid rain, and also causes irritation to human mucus membranes. Installing a catalytic converter would help to breakdown the nitrogen oxides into more harmless nitrogen and oxygen gases, as well as oxidate carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide and the unburnt carcinogenic hydrocarbons to carbon dioxide and water.

Several components make up a standard converter. These are the core, the washcoat and the catalyst.

Core or substrate - made up of a ceramic honeycomb and provides support to the catalyst.

Washcoat - a mixture of silicon and aluminum. This forms with the core, a rough, irregular surface which has a large surface area allowing the catalyst to bind. The catalyst is first suspended to the washcoat before being applied to the core.

Catalyst - usually a precious metal (platinum, palladium or rhodium). Platinum is most widely used, but is the most expensive. Platinum and rhodium are used as reduction catalysts, while palladium and platinum act as the oxidation catalysts.

While it offers its benefits, the downside of catalytic converters is that it becomes ineffective in the presence of lead. This can lead to catalyst poisoning. Poisoning can occur when a substance in the engine exhaust coats the surface of the catalyst, preventing further exhaust access to the catalytic materials. In order to avoid this problem, vehicles with these converters are run using unleaded fuel.

Catalytic converters help lessen the emissions caused by the burning of fossil fuels. Having one installed in your vehicle helps to protect ourselves, our loved ones and the world around us. Find the latest coupons from Auto Parts and Supplies dealers below.