When should you replace the catalyst?

“When is it necessary to replace the used catalyst“? This is a question that you often ask us on facebook as well as at our partner points. Today, we come to you with a complete answer.

The replacement of the catalyst can be extremely troublesome for all drivers. Why? Because the costs associated with the new part can be very high. Especially if we decide on an original catalyst, not the one that is universal. The investment, however, is quite profitable, because we are sure that it will serve us much longer. The costs also include the exchange itself, which is also not the cheapest one. In this situation, the question posed at the very beginning of the article – when to mention the catalyst – can help one of us sleep.

A few words about catalysts

The task of the catalyst, or actually the catalytic converter – because it is its correct name – is to clean car exhausts from harmful substances with the use of precious metals in the core, such as platinum, palladium and rhodium. These metals are actually the right catalyst in a chemical reaction. It is mounted in the exhaust system as its most important functional part.

What causes the need to cut the catalyst?

The catalyst, for the sake of the task being performed, is located in a quite specific place – near the engine. In order to do his job correctly, he must achieve a temperature of around 300-400 degrees Celsius. Thanks to the right location, achieving it is not a difficult task. In addition, some catalysts are specially heated. High temperatures cause that this part will not serve us forever.

For the short lifetime of the catalytic converter, the correct operation of the small part of the lambda probe is also affected, the problems with which we wrote here. It coordinates the proper operation of the catalyst.

When to cut out the old catalyst?

Let’s get to the bottom of the matter. Normally, manufacturers assume that the replacement of the catalyst should take place after driving around 80 – 100 thousand. kilometers. This does not mean, however, that even after passing this magical distance, we will have to cut the old catalyst. Often, drivers manage to beat up to twice the number.

What symptoms indicate the need to replace the catalyst?

The first signal we should pay attention to is lighting the check engine on the dashboard. At this point, if the lamp goes off after removing the error from the computer’s memory in the car workshop, it means that we are still going a little bit on the old catalytic converter. Such signals will appear more and more frequently over time.

It is worth checking the lambda probe in this situation, which may be the reason for lighting the lamp. In addition, the computer’s indications are not always correct. It often turns out that damage to the catalyst can be found only at the moment of cutting, which in itself causes the need for replacement.

What is the catalyst replacement?

The exchange process is so difficult and requires knowledge that not every mechanic will undertake this task. Everything also depends on where the catalyst is placed. The notch is much easier when it is under the vehicle. Much harder when the part is located in the exhaust manifold. It is worth choosing a good workshop, although the price in this case can knock us out of the legs.

What to do to delay the replacement of the catalyst?

It is important to remember about regular long distance rides. Driving with an improperly heated engine, in particular on an enriched fuel mixture, does not serve our catalyst. The unburnt fuel then reaches the exhaust system, including the catalyst, destroying it.

You should also take care of a properly adjusted LPG installation. The air-gas mixture, which is too enriched, can shorten the functioning of the catalyst.

How to save on replacing the catalyst?

The answer is simple – a used, old catalyst after replacing, you just need to sell for buying. We will earn money for a new one, and the recovered noble metals will return to the environment, which will be used, for example, in the production of a new catalyst. Clever, right?

The nearest collection point can always be found at: https://katalizatorychrzanow.pl/kontakt/ or use the mail order purchase