The catalytic converter to the rescue of used cars

Buying a used car is never easy. Selling one is no easier. Depending on the age of the vehicle, it can be more or less complex to obtain. But above all, pollution is one of the reasons why vehicles are subject to inspection.

For urban cars, the phenomenon of clogging is very real. One of the most effective ways of reducing pollutant emissions is to replace the catalytic converter. An operation that generally does a lot of good and can greatly extend a vehicle's lifespan.

Why replace the catalytic converter ?

Introduced in 1993 on petrol-engined cars and then in 1997 on diesels, the catalytic converter neutralises a large proportion of the pollutants emitted by the engine. This equipment carries out chemical transformations that convert pollution particles into carbon dioxide and water.

Over time, the catalytic converter can become clogged. As a result, the vehicle can lose performance and increase fuel consumption. This often results in the vehicle being inspected at the roadworthiness test for excessive pollution. When a car is sold, this can be a real handicap, which can lead buyers to choose another vehicle.

A new catalytic converter will allow the engine to breathe more easily and evacuate pollutants more efficiently. This will reduce the concentration of pollutants leaving the catalytic converter and the particulate filter. As a result, the pollution problems identified during roadworthiness tests are likely to be reduced quite significantly.

The lifespan of a catalytic converter varies considerably. It depends mainly on the type of journey you make, but also on your driving style. So it's best not to wait for the catalytic converter to fail completely before replacing it. Your car's engine will be all the better for it..

Adding a new catalytic converter: a good investment

To sell a used car successfully, you need to put all the chances on your side. A car that runs well and whose engine seems to breathe well has every chance of reassuring the potential buyer. The catalytic converter plays an essential role in a car's operation. Its job is to improve fuel efficiency while actively helping to reduce pollutants.

However, it's a piece of equipment that generally gets little attention, except when it breaks down. Sometimes, it's the ceramic that makes up its internal structure that breaks down. In other cases, it is successive fouling that renders it incapable of carrying out its chemical transformations..

Replacing a mechanical part as a preventive measure can seem frustrating, especially as the car budget tends to increase over the years. However, knowing that the catalytic converter has been replaced can be reassuring for a buyer, as it shows that the vehicle has been maintained.

What's more, changing the catalytic converter is often perceived as a 'heavy' operation. Like a timing belt or a clutch, it's a reassuring operation. Secondly, having a catalytic converter generally allows the engine to breathe more easily and therefore deliver optimum performance. For the buyer, this is an additional argument that can weigh in the balance. 

The price of the catalyst? Choose wisely..

Price isn't always quality. Most car dealerships offer catalytic converter replacement at a relatively high price. However, these are not always high quality catalytic converters. In fact, it's the quality of manufacture that really counts.

When it comes to reducing pollution, it's important to choose the right equipment. A quality product will have a more effective and significant effect. In fact, there are a number of quality standards for such equipment.

For example, using a 409 stainless steel body is a guarantee against rust. But above all, it is the quality of the ceramic and precious metals that will drastically reduce pollution. To choose the right equipment, you need to refer to the information available, but don't buy into the hype.

Why is it good for the engine ?

For an engine to function at its best, whether petrol or diesel, it needs to be able to breathe properly. This means that the engine must be in good condition, but also that the exhaust system must not act as a 'brake' on the expulsion of exhaust gases.

Of course, a catalytic converter in good condition neutralises pollution particles such as carbon monoxide or nitrogen oxides, but it must also allow the engine gases to pass through to the exhaust outlet.

Without this, the engine risks suffocating little by little. This puts extra pressure on the pistons. Eventually, these additional mechanical stresses prematurely wear out the entire engine, which can hasten its breakdown. A healthy catalytic converter is therefore essential.

How can you tell if your catalytic converter is worn ?

Before deciding whether or not to replace a catalytic converter, you need to take the time to analyse a few points. The catalyst is encased in a metal body, so you can't see the signs of wear straight away! Here are a few things that may indicate that the catalytic converter is out of order:

• Power losses of varying degrees;
• More frequent stalling and the impression that the engine is choking at times;
• Greater difficulty in revving up;
• Abnormal exhaust smoke;
• Higher fuel consumption.

These are all warning signs that should alert you to the need to visit a garage or dealership for a diagnosis. However, the first sign that a catalytic converter has worn out is usually at the roadworthiness test, when the pollution reading is higher than normal.

In some cases, it may also be the ceramic that breaks down. However, the catalytic converter does not last forever. Although it is designed to last the life of a car, urban use can severely limit its life. But for a car that makes sufficiently long and mixed journeys, it can easily reach 300,000 kilometres.

Conclusion

When you want to part with a second-hand car, you need to do everything you can. Shining up the bodywork, carrying out a complete service and getting the cleanest possible roadworthiness test are all great classics.

Replacing the catalytic converter is a less common but just as important operation. It allows the engine to breathe more easily. And when a potential buyer takes the car for a test drive, they'll immediately get a better feel for it. It's all the more reassuring and convincing.

Today, you can find high-quality catalytic converters at very reasonable prices, provided you know where to look. So why deprive yourself? It's also an expense that will have a strong impact on your buyers and that will testify to your seriousness.

As long as your car is properly maintained, it could potentially have low pollution levels. The buyer will therefore be reassured that the engine is in good health. The catalytic converter is therefore a crucial point for used cars: it's an element that shouldn't be overlooked.

Image sources:
Karolina Osinska / Author: duallogic / License ID: M9D7VX2BUA - elements.envato.