This week, an integral part of the vehicle exhaust system which shall be looked into is called the Catalytic Converter, popularly called *indomie* or *catalyst* in this part of the world. It’s purpose and signs of failure will be dealt with here.

An Overview:
Majority of car owners do not know what the catalysts does in a vehicle. For purpose of emphasis, the catalytic converter is a cylindrical shaped object found underneath the vehicle on the exhaust pipe, usually at the front end of the pipe. Some vehicles uses two while some uses a single Catalyst. And they are usually attached by the engine’s oxygen sensor. 

Purpose:
The catalyst is designed to remove poisonous gases and elements like carbon monoxide and nitrogen from the exhaust gases while the safe gases are released into the atmosphere via the exhaust pipe. It’s main function is to reduce excessive air pollution. It does this by reacting with the gases as it passes through the exhaust pipe. In other words, it facilitates the reaction, that’s why it’s called a catalyst. One of the end products of this is water, which might be seen dropping off the exhaust tip at times. The Catalytic Converter can be cleared internally and driven like that when damaged but this causes a loud engine sound as a corresponding effect. So against a popular belief that a working and efficient catalyst reduces fuel consumption. It does not! It only increases a bit as the  car has to do more work to push out its own gases.

What happens when the Catalyst fail?
If your Catalytic Converter begins to fail, Some issues can arise like poor acceleration and *more increased fuel consumption*. It means the internal special metals get broken and this blocks the whole unit, preventing the engine from properly disposing off used gases. Of course, the resultant effect will be poor acceleration, and poor acceleration will surely cause increased fuel economy just because of the extra work the engine has to do so as to breath properly. 
However, having it opened up and cleared will have the fuel economy improved but with a higher engine sound which may not be desirable.
Depending on your vehicle make and model, replacing a failed Catalyst can be very expensive, as most road side panel beaters usually advice the empty cylinder be stuffs with hazardous materials so as to reduce the noise. This is dangerous. Noise will definitely reduce but this will never last long as you are even exposed to fire hazards due to the extremely hot gases passing through. Best solution is to have it replaced as soon as possible when signs of a failing Catalytic Converter begins to manifest.
Signs includes: poor acceleration and high fuel economy, an unusual high pitched engine sound coming from underneath of the car or noise of broken particles emanating from that region are signs you need to check for a possible failing catalyst.
Simple maintenance for the catalyst includes:
– Avoid low grade fuel: This cause lead poisoning and could reduce car efficiency. 
– Service the fuel Injectors regularly, and:
– Avoid hitting the catalyst on hard surfaces especially when driving on bumpy and very rough roads. It’s impact could shatter the heart of the converter and damage is imminent.
Do not allow anyone advice you into stuffing any part of the exhaust system with unknown materials. The best solution to solve a failing Catalyst is to replace out rightly. Doing otherwise could cause a very expensive engine problem or even a fatal fire experience.
Next week, the whole aspect of the exhaust system will be looked into.

Thank you.

Written by Adeniyi Balogun