Automotive concerns were aware that it was necessary to reduce their number. Initially, technical means were used for this purpose, whose operation was regulated by legal norms. One of the solutions used was the afterburning process. Thermal reactors have been located behind the outlet valves in which oxidation of hydrocarbons and carbon oxides took place.

In later years, the ecological awareness of people gradually increased. It began to be noticed that the solutions used were not sufficient. Therefore, catalysts have been introduced.

Catalysts have a very important function in the exhaust system. Their task is to clean car exhausts from toxic substances such as carbon oxides, nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons.

In order to be able to carry out this task, precious metals contained in them are necessary – platinum, palladium and rhodium. It is they who perform the correct catalytic function. Due to their presence, the chemical composition of the exhaust gases that escape from the combustion chamber differs from those that escape from the exhaust pipe.

How are they built?

Catalysts consist of the following layers:

A metal casing, which is the first, outer layer; mesh / lagging, whose task is to protect the monolith; and the ceramic monolith itself.

The cross-section of the catalyst can be illustrated on the example of the Fiat model.

Operation of catalysts

Harmful combustion products are reacted by the oxygen present in the exhaust. This creates pure nitrogen, water vapor and carbon dioxide, which is less dangerous than its oxide. Oxidation depends to a large extent on the appropriate temperature. The time, which is available for natural oxidation, without any external support is extremely short. Not all toxins will burn.

That is why it is necessary to mount catalysts. Their role is to guarantee conditions that will increase the intensity of reactions neutralizing toxic substances.

There are two types of reactions resulting in the purification of exhaust gases: oxidation and reduction reactions. As a result of oxidation, hydrocarbons and oxides of carbon react with oxygen, thanks to which we get CO2 and water vapor. On reduction, nitrogen and carbon oxides enter a reaction that produces nitrogen and carbon dioxide.

Types of catalysts

There are basically two main types of catalysts on the market – metal and ceramic catalysts. The latter are much more common.

The metal catalyst is made of extremely thin, metal tape, made of heat-resistant, chromium-nickel steel. Aluminum admixtures are also used in their production. The tape is covered with a corrugated ribbon containing a layer of precious metals. In the production of 1 catalyst, about 1.5 g of the alloy is used.

Benefits:

+ faster temperature reaching appropriate for the cleaning process

+ high mechanical strength

+ resistance to large temperature changes

+ longer life of parts

+ lower flow resistance

Disadvantages :

– higher price

It is for this reason that these catalysts are assembled less often and usually in more expensive cars than catalysts with a ceramic insert.

Catalysts with a ceramic insert, in turn, are built of block ceramic core – so-called monolith. It has a structure resembling a honeycomb. This structure is formed by channels covered with noble elements.

It is worth emphasizing here that the purification requires not only gas combustion products, but also produced solid particles. A big problem with self-ignition engines is the soot particles that are dangerous to our health. In this case, you do not need chemical and mechanical filtration. Solid settle on porous fibers, thanks to which they can be “burned” in it.

Due to the way they work, they are susceptible to clogging, and thus require frequent regeneration or – if it is impossible – replacement.

Very often it is possible to find combined devices in which the particulate filter is mounted together with the catalyst. This allows simultaneous purification of gas fumes and solid contaminants.

At DS AUTO we buy not only complete catalysts. We also accept the insert itself (metal or ceramic), and a monolith in any form – whole, in pieces or in powder.

Regardless of the character, thanks to the fact that we have experienced staff, professional machine park and our own laboratory, we are able to make a precise analysis of the precious metal content in the delivered material, properly priced and processed.

It is also our responsibility to properly prepare the monolith for testing. Weigh and describe, grind in ball mills and bring to a uniform, homogenized form and take a sample for testing.

The test is carried out using spectrometers. In our everyday work, we use the ICP MS device and Olympus spectrometers.

As you can see, in the case of purchase of the metal cartridge itself, ceramic monolith in pieces, powder or DPF filters, recognition and valuation require appropriate equipment as well as specialist knowledge and experience.

We invite you to use our services. How to sell a monolith?

Make an appointment and free monolith quote – over 100 kg

Tel. +48 604 611 917
E-mail: dsautospzoo@wp.pl

For smaller quantities, we invite you to our partner retail purchases.

Artykuł Construction and types of catalysts: metal, ceramic and DPF filters pochodzi z serwisu Katalizatory Chrzanów.

Diversity on the catalyst market

Cars depending on the make, model and even country for which they are designed differ in terms of the catalysts installed, and more precisely in terms of the amount of precious metals contained in them – platinum, palladium and rhodium. You have probably heard about the exhaust cleanliness standards. These are the regulations specifying the amount of exhaust gas released from the exhaust system. In different countries and for different periods of time, these rules were shaped in a different way. The more demanding the standard, the more precious metals were used in the production of catalysts. They are responsible for the purification of exhaust gases from toxic substances. So much for theory.

Where does the catalyst price come from?

In practice, even a used catalyst can be worth a lot. Prices range from a few dozen zlotys if a substitute is involved, up to 11 thousand zlotys for the most expensive catalytic converters from Mercedes. The price difference is of course dependent on the amount of precious metals. The more they are, the more valuable the catalyst is. There are also changes in exchange rates here.

As you know, the price of precious metals, in which many people invest, is variable. The process of determining their value is quite complicated. The price is influenced by various political, economic, and sometimes social factors. However, everything comes down to the demand for a given ore. The greater the demand for a given metal, the higher its price.

One of the situations that has recently had a significant impact on the precious metal prices and, consequently, the prices of used catalysts, is the Dieselgate scandal into which well-known automotive concerns were involved. In September 2015, what many of us had expected for a long time came to light. The results from the exhaust measurements were misrepresented. Special software was installed in the cars whose task was to manipulate the obtained results. People have become aware of the fact that cars burn more fuel and emit more harmful fumes than the producers claimed. Fraud took place all over the world. Since then, cars with a diesel engine have been assigned the greatest responsibility for the state of the air we breathe. In view of the changes adopted by the European Parliament, the concerns have therefore decided to stop producing diesel, in favor of gasoline, hybrid and electric cars. However, for the last two variants we are reluctant to decide. Despite their environmental performance, it turns out that they do not break the popularity records. This applies not only to Poland but also to other European countries. There are plenty of reasons – high purchase and operating costs, too slow development of infrastructure or various prejudices that can be read about on internet forums. It is also worth paying attention to the fact that theoretically ecological cars use electricity. To produce it and then send it over the net, it is necessary to burn non-organic fossil fuels.

The result is that the eyes of consumers turned towards cars with a well-known gasoline engine.

World trends and the price of the catalyst

It is worth knowing that for the catalysts used in petrol, palladium and rhodium are used in particular. In turn, platinum is used for diesels. As you might have guessed, the “automotive revolution” has strongly influenced the prices of the above metals, and so, for several months, we can see a gradual increase in the palladium and rhodium rate, and in the case of palladium, the price of an ounce has reached historical record high several times. we noted on March 21 and amounted to PLN 1 576.60 / ounce.

Source: bankier.pl

The results of changes in the quotations can be easily seen in our catalog. Palladium catalysts grow in strength and become more and more expensive. Prices can often exceed the value of the car.

An example is the catalyst GM16/90467875/3093 B1 from the Opel Corsa. Its value has recently increased strongly. Currently, the retail price is PLN 1727.80.

Where did its high price come from? From the elemental composition. The monolithic laboratory analysis carried out by us using the XRF method showed that 12 2890 ppm of this element was used for the production of this catalyst, that is 12,289 g of palladium per kilogram. Why we used so much palladium in the GM16 catalysts here.

What is important when selling catalysts?

You can legally sell the used catalyst at the point of purchase. As you can see, you can earn a lot on it and save on buying a new device. However, in order to get the most out of it and get the best possible price, it is necessary to choose the appropriate purchase. The best in which it takes place comprehensively: purchase, analysis and valuation and conversion of the catalyst. In this way, you avoid intermediaries. In addition, the price of the consumed part is calculated on the basis of the precious metal content in the model and their current rates. A purchasing company, in order to offer you the real price, must have its own laboratory. The laboratory, which is equipped with modern spectrometers to conduct the analysis and which create people with appropriate knowledge and experience. Without this, it is impossible to reliably determine the value of catalysts.

In DS AUTO, all of the stages listed above are held on-site. We buy from you catalysts, which we mark, weigh, recover a monolith and grind the material to obtain a uniform test. We analyze it and make a fair valuation. In addition, with wholesale quantities, we can offer our own means of transport, which will enable us to supply up to 24 tons of catalysts. We have our own laboratory with qualified staff. Why is it so important? Because it happens that the numbers of catalysts, after which we identify them are invisible, the catalyst sold is rare, or you sell us the monolith itself. Then, only chemical analysis allows to determine the value of the good. The whole process is open and legal.

We have all the permits and entries required for BDO (Registration number: 000037545)

Thanks to the CatCatalog application created by us, all our partner stores have a tool for conducting a professional quote. There are over 70 of our partner points across Poland, where you can sell individual items without any problem. However, if the nearest purchase is too far away and you do not want to move out of the garage, take advantage of the mail order purchase. Choose any courier company and send the used catalyst to one of them. Remember, however, to make an appointment with the selected purchase in advance.

In case you run a vehicle dismantling station or purchase catalysts, contact us and take a permanent cooperation that pays off. You get a quote tool, free advertising as a partner point and substantive help.

How do you check our catalyst prices? Take a look at the catalog.

Tel. +48604611917 

dsautospzoo@wp.pl

Welcome!

Artykuł Catalyst more expensive than the car pochodzi z serwisu Katalizatory Chrzanów.

Together with Unimetal Recycling, the largest recycler of car catalysts in the country, we are gaining an ever stronger position on the European market. All thanks to constantly meeting the needs of the market.

One of the most important sentences that have been guiding us for years is that of Henry Ford, who believed that “Companies that grow thanks to development and improvements will not die, but when a company ceases to be creative when it thinks it has achieved perfection and now it only has to be to produce – after it. ”

All improvements are always developed for our contractors. This is also this time. We have heard many times that some companies are afraid of establishing cooperation with recipients of other countries due to the lack of their own transport, which they could provide with waste. In connection with the increasing number of purchases from Western Europe, which establish cooperation with us, we decided to provide them with another means of transport that will receive the largest supplies of catalysts.

Thanks to the transport that you offer, you are able to deliver to us a batch of catalysts weighing up to 24 tons!

We transport waste with codes 16 08 01 and 16 08 03. These are waste from group B 1130 according to the Basel Convention. Thanks to this lack of own transport does not constitute any barrier to fruitful cooperation.

We are extremely pleased with your trust and we know that we have fully earned it and built our position by providing services at the highest level. Our mission is to create the image of a Polish company all over the world, as a company with potential that is able to achieve every goal set with perseverance and a reliable approach to clients.

What Western European companies often use when choosing DS Auto and Unimetal for cooperation is their own laboratory. Laboratory in which only people with specialized chemical education work.

It is equipped with the best possible spectrometers for measuring the content of precious metals in catalysts. We use here valued in the ICP MS environment and Olympus brand devices. Using precise methods of measurement by people with appropriate knowledge and experience, gives our clients the certainty that they receive real results of measuring the content of platinum, palladium or rhodium in the delivered lot, and thus the amount they receive is fair.

Thanks to the fact that we have our own laboratory and machinery park, you avoid the participation of intermediaries in the whole cooperation. Our offer is comprehensive, and this makes us get the highest possible price for the goods.

How to establish permanent cooperation?

Contact us and delivery contracts – only wholesale quantities (over 100 items)

Phone number : +48 604 611 917

dsautospzoo@wp.pl

Artykuł The transport of catalysts is not a problem for us! pochodzi z serwisu Katalizatory Chrzanów.

Each dismantling station, after demolition of vehicles, obtains used catalysts for which it takes responsibility. These catalysts must be recycled as a result of which precious metals will be recovered. Thanks to our cooperation with Unimetal Recycling – the largest recycler of this car part in Poland, both purchase and processing as well as laboratory analysis take place on site. As you probably already guessed, it saves both time and money.

Today in the morning we received a large part of catalysts from one of the major dismantling stations. The delivery weight is approximately 8,000 kg.

This delivery has already been agreed 10 days ago. The catalysts came to us properly marked with the help of stickers with numbers, which simplified the preparation of documentation.

Our role s in converting catalysts and analyzing the content ofnow lie noble elements in the supplied devices. They will be dismantled by means of hydraulic shears, then the monolith recovered from them will go to ball mills where the material will be thoroughly ground.

In the meantime, our Contractors receive an advance payment from us. On the other hand, the monolith goes to the laboratory in which we analyze using the ICP MS spectrometer. This indicates precisely the amount of platinum, palladium and rhodium. The final price is obtained on the basis of the results of the analysis, as well as the current metal prices on the global stock exchange (kitco). However, we anticipate that today the party will be worth around PLN 400,000 – PLN 600,000. You must wait a bit longer for the final quote as you can see.

Such quantities of Dodaj formularz used parts bring the best and largest dismantling stations. With such large supplies, they must choose the best recipients who will take care of their recycling and offer the best prices. The more catalysts, the more important is the selection of a proven purchase and recycler.

Why? Imagine that on each of the catalysts they would get even a few zlotys a smaller rate and multiply it by the amount of catalysts you see in the pictures below. The difference in the final amount would therefore be colossal.

That is why we meet every day with such dependence: the best are always looking for the best.

That is why our contractors paid off to come to us. Because they are aware that only in such a large and developed company that not only buys, but also processes and analyzes with the help of its own laboratory, they will receive the best possible conditions. The success lies not only in avoiding brokers, but also in the healthy business relations that we place on. Both our Contractors from cassation and we are satisfied with cooperation. Can you want more in running a business?

Artykuł Healthy business relationships in the practice of receiving catalysts pochodzi z serwisu Katalizatory Chrzanów.

These catalysts are used by the Renault brand in the production of such well-known cars as Clio and Kangoo. C162 was installed in vehicles with petrol drive and engine versions 1.2 and 1.4 mainly in 2001.

Do you want to learn more about the above models? We invite you to the rest of the article.

Renault Clio is a popular urban model from the French Renault group. The first generation was created in 1990 and was created to replace the Renault 5 version, produced from 72 ‘year. The car quickly gained a good reputation and became the favorite of automotive magazines, which, a few months after the premiere, called him “Car of the Year”.

In the first years of production only engines with very low capacity were offered – 1.1, 1.2 or 1.4. Only later, at the end of the decade, a larger selection was introduced and the unit 2.0 (F7R). The second generation was introduced to the car market in 1998 – eight years after the first, successful entry. The car appeared in a completely new visual style. The second generation had more streamlined and modern shapes. A lot of charm was added to the new headlights and shortened front. Like the first generation, this was also divided into the so-called “Phase”. The later, the more streamlined and tasteful shapes the model adopted. It is worth mentioning here in 2001, when the V6 version was created, to which the engine from the Laguna model was borrowed. The vehicle was characterized by 230 hp and 6.4-second acceleration “up to a hundred”. Generation III appeared in 2005, and at the moment of its presentation, the well-known Frankfurt motor show was chosen. The Nissan floorboard was used for its construction. First a version of the hatchback body was created, later joined by a station wagon, which they called the most-known name “Grandtour“. In 2007, the sports version of the F1 Team R27 saw the light of day.

The car had 197 hp and a specific appearance – yellow and black body shades.

Two years later, the second phase of this generation was modernized, making it similar to the Renault Megane. 19 equipment versions were created. The third generation project focused on safety. All the knowledge of French engineers about safety solutions has been used to ensure that the model has the highest possible category in crash tests. Renault Clio IV entered the market in 2012 and was shown to the world at the Paris trade fair. It was designed by Laurens van der Acker, who gave it a sensual shape thanks to appropriately placed notches in the car body. In 2018, the latest, fifth generation Clio appeared on the roads.

Where did this name come from? Well, the creators of the name were inspired by the beautiful Greek muse of history named Clio.

Renault Kangoo – this French passenger car known for all has been produced by Renault since 1998. Although the automotive market has been operating for 21 years, so far only two generations have been produced until now, although now only on the South American market. Belonged to the kombivan segment.

The car premiered in 1997 in Geneva. It was created to be the equivalent of Citroen Berlingo and Peugeot Partner. Its biggest advantage, which determines its functionality, is a large space and loading volume, which ranges from 600 to 3 500 l (Express).

The functionality and convenience of use also increases the possibility of a simple disassembly of seats or any modification of the location of the protective grille by the loaded loading. Also its payload is satisfactory as for a delivery truck – it ranges from 625 kg to 800 kg in the case of a reinforced version. It also has a large number of storage spaces and a version with doors that can be opened sideways (at a 180-degree angle).

It is undoubtedly the best-selling personal-delivery compact. The car is really suitable not only for running a business but also for family trips with lots of luggage.

The biggest advantages of the model are a lot of functionality, a large range of engines to choose from and good visibility. The most frequently mentioned defects, in turn, include quite a lot of noise due to the lack of adequate damping, the need for frequent pump and starter exchanges and poor quality of finish.

At the end, quite nice advertisement of the Kangoo model, in which characters from the fairytale characters, Wallace & Gromit, took part.

Are you curious about the cost of other Renault models?

Be sure to visit our price list

Artykuł C162 catalyst pochodzi z serwisu Katalizatory Chrzanów.

Very often we meet with the conviction of station owners with whom we start cooperation, that in order to transport waste that they created during the demolition of vehicles, they must have appropriate authorization for such transport. They often use the services of transport companies for this purpose and unnecessarily pay for the transport of such waste (number 160801 and 160803) to the entity that will manage the waste in an appropriate manner.

Nothing could be more wrong. Relying on Article 51 para. 2 points 4 of the Waste Act, they are not subject to entry into the transport register of waste generated by them.

So if you run a vehicle dismantling station and as a result of the process of dismantling the vehicle you have recovered the waste, then you do not have to have an entry in department VII of the BDO register, which is a transport permit.

Remember that if, however, you collect waste – that is, you buy individual car parts that are in the light of the law waste, then you are required to have an entry in Chapter VII of the BDO register.

It is therefore worth having it to fully develop its dismantling station and to accept, apart from entire vehicles, also individual parts removed by car owners. Obtaining such an entry does not last long (usually about a week) and is completely free. All you have to do is complete the relevant application or update your BDO entry.

Also, remember to sign a contract only with professional waste recipients who will guarantee you fair and attractive settlement conditions.

We invite you in the “Healthy Business Relations” program to all vehicle dismantling stations and cassation for cooperation in the field of professional catalyst collection – we also offer you our own transport.

You can find our entry in the BDO here.

Artykuł Waste generation and transportation permit – is it required? pochodzi z serwisu Katalizatory Chrzanów.

In January, there are two promotions – one of the most popular models – GM20 catalyst, about which you can learn more from our blog, and the catalyst 045178ACB presented in this article. The promotion applies to all models whose initial designation is 045178ACB.

Catalysts 045178ACB, from January 1-31, 2019, will be worth as much as PLN 500. The model number is easy to find and indicated in the picture above. Their weight, depending on the specific model, ranges from 1.17 kg to 1.5 kg. The length is on average about half a meter. Its characteristics are the round shape of the lid and the long, longitudinal outlet. The rust likes to settle on the convexity in the lid. Next to the number of the catalyst, we can often meet such manufacturer’s as “dd”, “jd” or “Germany”. These catalysts are used in such vehicles as VW Sharan and Ford Galaxy 1.9, in the years 1998-2002.

Volkswagen Sharan was really a response to the needs of the then market. In the 90’s of the last century, there was a fashion for family cars of large sizes. Vany fits very well into this climate. Although Renault was ahead of the competition and was the first to introduce such a model – Renault Espace, Sharan made a real sensation in the automotive market. The car was the result of cooperation with the Ford brand, which also used the catalyst model described here, and Galaxy can be considered as its twin brother.

The Ford Motor Company was responsible for the construction of the bodywork, Volkswagen in turn for the design of the drive shaft. Interestingly, Sharan turned out to be unrivaled even for the new Golf III. Its success can be demonstrated by the fact that it was produced until 2010, ie for 15 years, which is not often found. For almost all this period, the first version of the model was in effect. It was only after five years that it was decided to carry out a body lift. Front and rear headlamps were replaced and a new bumper was used. In 2005, it was decided to introduce a diesel version of the TDI with a capacity of 2 liters in the range of engines. The second version was released in 2010. The design was made by Italian designer Walter de Silva, who previously worked for Fiat and even designed a dashboard for our Polish Fiat 125p. The new generation is reminiscent of its Polo V and Golf VI design.

The second generation of Sharana has been equipped with many technical innovations, such as the Front Assist system, a blind spot monitoring system, and the little-known Rear Trafffic Alert, which warns us against a collision while reversing. The new engines have been designed to meet the Euro 6 standard. What Sharany is known for is the enormity of space inside. All seats are adjustable, the front is equipped with wide armrests, and in addition, two additional seats are mounted in the trunk. What drivers complain about most is the poor quality of the plastic that creates the finish of the car. We can also read an aged copy easily from the dashboard and creak. The drivers are also troubled by minor defects, of which there are a lot, which makes driving in the long run difficult.

As you can see, the model can be used in an unusual way

The second vehicle that uses 045178ACB catalysts is the Ford Galaxy.

Ford Galaxy is a car “almost perfect” according to the opinion of many experts. Its biggest advantage is low operating costs and high flexibility of seating. His biggest competitors are the above-mentioned Sharan, Seat Alhambra and Ford S-Max, which suits more fans of sportsmanship. Galaxy is primarily a multifunction vehicle, produced since 1995 (debuted in the same year as Sharan). When it comes to the engine, there are several versions of EcoBoost available, but the most praised version is the 2.0 diesel. The first generation of Galaxy was the work of both Ford and the Volkswagen Group. She was formed in the AutoEuropa production plant in the Portuguese city of Palmela. For its production, the VR6 2.8-liter engine was used. The car accommodates seven adults thanks to the flexibility of the rear seats, which can be moved comfortably in one move. Armchairs can move in 10 directions, which gives you a lot of possibilities. To further serve large families, it was designed to have an impressive trunk. Designers did their best to make the car, despite its size and practical solutions, look elegant and neat. It was not a simple task, if we take into account its size – its weight is less than 2 tons, and the length is about 5 meters. With what effect did they succeed? each of you must evaluate it alone. In Ford, it was thought of such practical additions as folding table tops or sunblinds.

In 1999, the vehicle was submitted to the Top Gear automotive magazine survey. At the time, it was rated as the least satisfactory car in the whole of Great Britain, which would somehow contradict the statistics, which showed that even a year earlier, as many as 12,233 copies were sold, overtaking the model’s rival twice. The second generation started to be produced only in 2006. The third – the Ford S-Max was released on the market in 2014, and was presented to the world for the first time during the Paris Motor Show.

In addition to VW Sharan and Ford Galaxy, the catalysts with the starting number 045178ACB, were monotoned in other models with the 1.9 TDI engine as, for example: Golf IV, Audi A3, Seat Leon, Seat Toledo II, Skoda Octavia I.

Artykuł Catalyst 045178ACB – January promotion pochodzi z serwisu Katalizatory Chrzanów.

GM28/90573211/2888F9 catalysts are used in the Opel Astra model, and more precisely in the G version with a 1.6-liter gasoline engine. This type of catalysts were installed in 1995-2000. Let’s take a closer look at Astra.

The Astra is a compact model and at the same time a small, family car produced under the German brand Opel, but by an American company known as General Motors. The first Astra debuted in 1991 as Opel Astra F. Its production ended in 2002. Meanwhile, a new version – G was launched, in which the catalyst presented in the article was mounted. It is often known better under the name Opel Astra Classic II. It was released on the market as early as 1998. Before the end of production of the G version (in 2009), Opel has already introduced another Astra – H (or Classic III). Its production years were in 2004 – 2014. The last two versions are J and K, which has been on the market for three years. As you can see, the next cars were marked with Latin alphabet letters. In Great Britain known as Vauxhall Astra, in China as Buick Excelle XT, and in Australia and New Zealand in turn as Holden Astra, which was withdrawn from circulation after major changes in exchange rates, and the model was then replaced by Holden Cruze. After the turmoil, Opel returned to the southern market for favors, but already labeled under the standard name Opel.

Remembering the story of Astra, it is impossible not to mention the Opel Kadett model from 1936, which entered the market to compete with the Volkswagen Beetle. When World War II came about, production stopped, but after that the company produced as many as three new models, one of which – Opel Kadett D was named Vauxhall Astra, which gained extraordinary popularity in Great Britain. Initially it was produced in West Germany, but it turned out that it would be more profitable to transfer production to the British factory Ellesmere.

The most difficult period for the model was the 80’s. The market abounded in successful versions of competitors that beat the hearts of Europeans, including Golf GTI, Peugeot 205 or Ford Escort XR3. At that time, Astra had to give in to the automotive spurt. Astra GTE entered the market. The revamped version had a 1.8 – liter engine with 115 hp, which was later changed to 124 hp. The new version already had an electronic instrument panel and speedometer.

In the 1990’s, the production of the right Astra, the emphasis was on safety. It was a global trend, thanks to which elements such as seat belts with pre-tensioners or airbags became standard also for Astra, which crash tests proved that this model is safer than competing vehicles.

The fifth generation can boast the greatest success. It was on him that the company focused its attention on its time to be different from the previous lines. In fact, it has become so, the design of the car has changed dramatically, driving was much better and it was much more secure thanks to the use of the latest solutions. The convertible version with a metal, foldable roof, so-called Twin Top, as well as the Astra VXR, with a 2-liter engine with 240 hp. It was undoubtedly the most successful generation of the vehicle, which in the rankings gave way only to Focus.

Artykuł Catalyst GM28/90573211/2888F9 from Opel Astra pochodzi z serwisu Katalizatory Chrzanów.

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

Artykuł When should you replace the catalyst? pochodzi z serwisu Katalizatory Chrzanów.