Did you know there are a number of simple things you can do to help ensure your catalytic converter has a long and healthy life? Here's 10 top tips you can follow to maximise the life of your catalytic converter:
- Never use exhaust paste in front of a catalytic converter when fitting. When the exhaust paste hardens, it can break off in chunks and damage the monolith. Paste dust can also block the monolith.
- Always use the correct fuel and oil for your car.
- Never use a fuel additive without first reading the instructions to find out if it is suitable for use with a catalytic converter. If in doubt, consult the manufacturer of the additive.
- Never attempt to bump or tow start your car. This causes unburned fuel to be injected into the catalytic converter which can make the monolith overheat and melt.
- Never tow anything that is too heavy for your vehicle to cope with. For example, an overloaded caravan will actually push a car along when it travels downhill. This sends unburned fuel into the exhaust system and can cause the monolith to overheat and melt.
- Have your car regularly serviced to the vehicle manufacturers’ specifications. In particular, make sure the engine is running correctly. A poorly tuned engine can cause the monolith to break down or become covered in soot which stops it converting.
- Take care when driving through deep puddles, fords, or parking when there has been heavy snow. The catalytic converter operates at an extremely high temperature and when it comes into contact with water or snow, it cools down rapidly. The steel shell cools more rapidly than the monolith and in extreme circumstances the monolith can be crushed as the steel shell contracts.
- Don’t park your car over long grass or anything similar. As the catalytic convert operates at such a high temperature it can actually set fire to the grass.
- Drive slowly over speed bumps or very bumpy roads to reduce the change of the exhaust system being grounded. This could cause impact damage to the catalytic converter.
- Always investigate any warning lights on the dashboard as soon as they occur. Any delay could cause damage to the catalytic converter.
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