Top Picks For Catalytic Converter Related Parts

Vehicles run on gasoline or diesel, which produce a lot of emissions when they are burnt in an engine. These pollutants emitted by car engines include poisonous gases, like nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons, which are detrimental to human health and the environment. Therefore, vehicles are equipped with catalytic converters as a part of their exhaust system and these converters are engineered to convert the harmful gases into non-toxic gases like carbon dioxide and water vapor. A catalytic converter consists of precious metals like rhodium, palladium, and platinum that act as catalysts for reduction and oxidation (redox) reactions to reduce harmful emissions. A two-way catalytic converter reduces carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon pollutants, which are caused due to unburnt fuel. More advanced three-way catalytic converters are fitted to modern cars which, apart from working on carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons, reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions as well. 

Automobiles today are fitted with advanced technologies that rely on sensor data to determine the optimum conditions for engine performance. One such very important sensor is an oxygen sensor. An oxygen sensor, also known as a lambda sensor, determines the level of unused oxygen in the exhaust gas and sends the data to the engine's computer. This allows the control module to know whether the engine is running on rich (too much fuel) or lean (too much air) air-fuel mixture. This helps in maintaining an ideal air-fuel mixture for combustion, which reduces emissions and increases engine performance and fuel efficiency. An ideal air-fuel mixture ratio creates ideal conditions for the proper treatment of exhaust gases in the catalytic converter. The oxygen sensor is located on the exhaust just before the catalytic converter. However, modern vehicles are equipped with two oxygen sensors upstream and downstream of each catalytic converter. The purpose of the downstream O2 sensor, situated after the converter, is to monitor the quantity of oxygen in the exhaust gas flowing out of the catalytic converter. This data from the downstream O2 sensor is compared with the upstream sensor by the control module, which, if similar, indicates an inefficient catalytic converter.

Oxygen sensors are a critical component of the emission control systems because they help in controlling the air-fuel mixture and emissions. A faulty sensor won't be able to send the correct data to the engine computer, which can result in poor fuel economy, higher emissions, and, in worst cases, an overheated catalytic converter. An illuminated check engine light on the dashboard is one of the designs of a faulty oxygen sensor. However, the check engine light can light up due to a variety of reasons. A good practice is to run diagnostics and determine what the error is. Other signs of a bad oxygen sensor include rough idle, misfiring spark plugs, lack of power, stalling, and low fuel economy. The oxygen sensor of your vehicle isn't designed to last forever therefore if you notice a check engine light with the aforementioned symptoms, your oxygen sensor might need a replacement.

An exhaust manifold is connected to the exhaust port on the engine's cylinder and funnels the hot and burnt gases into the exhaust pipe. With the help of gaskets, an exhaust manifold prevents the toxic gases from leaking and harming the occupants. The design of the exhaust manifold changes depending on the engine because each cylinder bank has a different exhaust manifold of its own. For example, V-shaped engines have two exhaust manifolds attached to them whereas inline engines have just one. The exhaust manifold is usually made using cast iron because it is very strong and can sustain extreme heat. Cast iron exhaust manifolds are very common in cars and trucks and are usually fitted from the factory. 

The heat cycles and/or age play an important factor in the condition of the exhaust manifold. Over time, the manifolds can begin to crack, which can be usually seen in older cars. The tremendous heat endured by the exhaust manifold causes it to fail, which can lead to various problems in the vehicle and its overall performance. Any crack can lead to extremely loud noises from the engine, like hissing or tapping sounds from the engine bay, which can get louder on accelerating. A burning smell from the engine bay, decreased power, acceleration and poor fuel efficiency are some other symptoms that indicate a bad exhaust manifold. A bad exhaust manifold also throws off your oxygen sensor readings, which can make the engine perform inefficiently therefore replacing your faulty manifold is very important for a perfectly operating engine and the exhaust system.

An exhaust gasket is a small but essential component of an exhaust system designed to attach an exhaust pipe to an exhaust manifold or another piece of an exhaust pipe. It is designed to sandwich an exhaust flange gasket between two connections to eliminate exhaust leaks and offer a leak-proof seal. The exhaust flange gasket is designed with beveled sides and a smooth inner surface for better clamping force and to ensure a perfect seal. These flange gaskets can withstand extreme pressure and temperature generated by hot exhaust gases and are made from fire-resistant materials.

The exhaust flange gaskets can wear out and fail over time, which can lead to problems like loud exhaust, exhaust leaks, and poor performance. A bad gasket can also cause toxic and harmful gases to enter the cabin. Therefore, it is likely that your exhaust flange gasket is damaged if your vehicle shows any of the above-mentioned symptoms and you should get it replaced quickly. It is recommended to change your exhaust flange gaskets when you change your exhaust flange, pipes, or exhaust system to ensure a perfect seal and leak-free exhaust system.

The exhaust system of your vehicle comprises several parts, which include the exhaust pipe. The exhaust pipe is a simple yet important component that connects the various components of the exhaust system to offer reduced sound and emission. It also offers a safe route for the exhaust gases to the rear of the vehicle where it is released into the environment. Made using tough materials, the exhaust pipe can withstand the extreme heat and pressure generated by the exhaust gases and the impacts of dirt, water, and dust. The design of the exhaust pipes can vary depending on the engine capacity, the number of cylinders, and other factors. Exhaust pipes are secured to other components, like manifold and mufflers by flange, brackets, or exhaust clamps. They are very simple in their functioning but play an important role in the vehicle's performance.

Your exhaust system not only keeps the harmful emissions at bay but also allows your vehicle to achieve optimum performance. There are several factors that can mandate an exhaust pipe replacement. Some symptoms include excessively loud exhaust, hissing sounds, the smell of raw gasoline, decreased power, acceleration, and poor fuel efficiency. These are signs of a bad exhaust pipe that is about to fail and needs replacement. If such an exhaust pipe goes unchecked, it can break, causing it to hand or drag underneath the vehicle. The exhaust pipe is a sturdy component but can corrode and rust over time as well. Regular checkups while servicing your vehicle are necessary to ensure there is no fault with the exhaust system and if it shows the aforementioned symptoms, get your exhaust system checked and replaced.