Catalytic Converter Cleaner

Do Catalytic Converter Cleaners Work Or Is It Just Snake Oil?

Do catalytic converter cleaners work for my car? Do they help in improving my vehicle’s emissions standard? We are here to help you find answers to these questions!

An efficient catalytic converter is essential to maintain a healthy level of emissions. Sometimes, they can get clogged and impact the efficiency of the device. 

This will lead to the release of more harmful gases into the atmosphere. It will impact the vehicle’s performance as well.

Catalytic converters are vital and expensive parts. Hence, they need fixing catalytic converter rather than replacing it. People may tell you to use a catalytic converter cleaner. However, do catalytic converter cleaners work?

Keep reading to find out answers to these questions and more. This article will try to help you clear all doubts about catalytic converter cleaners.

What Is A Catalytic Converter?

A catalytic converter is a technology that is present in virtually all four-wheelers. It is an integral part of the IC engine’s exhaust system. It controls and reduces the levels of emissions coming out of the exhaust pipe.

They clean harmful gases from the vehicle’s exhaust. Besides, they will further ensure the vehicle meets the emission standards.

What Does A Catalytic Converter Do?

Catalytic converters convert harmful substances in a vehicle’s exhaust into something less dangerous. For instance, it converts nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, and other hydrocarbons into carbon dioxide and water. They make this transition with a series of chemical reactions.

The catalytic converter contains an interior with many honeycomb structures. A chemical substance is applied to the forms. 

This chemical substance handles the reactions with exhaust gases. The substance contains a catalyst that can change the condition of the gas.

Some of the commonly used catalysts are metals like rhodium, palladium, and platinum. Also, these metals are expensive. Hence, people always salvage this device when recycling vehicle parts. 

Catalytic converters work at high temperatures. They need up to 400 degrees to get maximum efficiency. Further, they are found under the vehicle towards the outlet in modern cars. You should know how to fix a catalytic converter to get out of a difficult situation. 

Most of the catalytic cleaners have solvents such as acetone. These compounds help to clean the catalytic converter. Moreover, they can also unclog the catalytic converter, fuel injectors, and cylinders.

Do Catalytic Converter Cleaners Work?

One of the most common questions we get from our readers is, do catalytic converter cleaners work? So, this section will clear out all the doubts you have about these cleaners.

Catalytic convertor cleaners are useful to break down carbon build-up in the exhaust. However, many vehicle owners say they have had a slightly different experience. Furthermore, some people even call it snake oil.

Nonetheless, from an expert’s point of view, the answer is different. So, do catalytic converter cleaners work for real? Yes, they do work.

Despite all the evidence, why do some people say it does not work? The problem these vehicle owners face is that the cleaners do not help them. This is not possible with years of carbon build-up.

So, can it remove a carbon build-up accumulated over a decade? Definitely not. That is why you must use catalytic convertor cleaners regularly. We recommend you use it at least three times a year. However, using it four times a year is the best option.

Experts recommend using these cleaners for a valid reason. Using it regularly (3 to 4 times a year) will ensure there are no build-ups. As a result, there will be minimal chances of clogging.

On the other hand, vehicles that barely run cannot find this useful. They can still face clogging problems despite using the cleaners regularly. The reason behind this is the cleaner does not get enough engine heat.

As mentioned earlier, these cleaners need high levels of heat to function. Therefore, they are placed near the engine to receive more heat as the vehicle moves around.

How Does It Work?

Now that we have the answer to the most pressing question, here is another answer. How does it work?

Ingredients are the major deciding factor when it comes to any solvents. So, how these cleaners work is totally dependent on what their components are. 

Catalytic converter cleaner uses solvents like acetone and others. They can clean the exhaust system thoroughly. These ingredients are useful in cleaning up your vehicle.

Some other ingredients are carboxylic acids and a particular form of aldehydes. These are sometimes referred to as magic ingredients in a cleaner. This is because they clean the insides of a catalytic converter.

A bottle of this cleaner can go a long way in helping you clean your vehicle and reduce harmful emissions. Plus, you can save a lot of money on maintenance as well.

Step-By-Step Breakdown Of The Cleaner

Generally, you can find 16 ounces can consist of a catalytic converter cleaner in the online as well as offline market. Buying this is one of the easiest ways to start using the cleaner. 

Also, you can make use of its content through various methods. The easiest way is to pour the liquid into your vehicle’s gas tank. Then, drive your vehicle until the gas is close to empty. This way, you will ensure complete usage of all the chemicals.

Here is a step-by-step breakdown of the cleaner works. Follow these steps to ensure you use every drop of the liquid.

  • Pour the bottle of the cleaner into the gas tank
  • Start the vehicle and let it heat up for a minute
  • Drive your car until it is nearly empty
  • Clear OBDII error codes if there are any
  • Refill your fuel tank
  • Drive on side streets and highways and recalibrate the OBDII

Final Words

So, next time you grab a bottle of catalytic converter cleaner, you know it works. Plus, if the first can of the cleaner does not give satisfying results, don’t give up. Please keep trying until you find out just the right cleaner for your vehicle.

Now you know the answer to the question, do catalytic converter cleaners work. Hence, you can confidently invest in something that helps your vehicle perform better.

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