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Catalytic Converters And Your Vehicle's Emission System |
By:
Matthew C. Keegan |
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Before 1975 no U.S. vehicle came equipped with a catalytic
converter. Changes in environmental policy -- started with the
formation of the Environmental Protection Agency [EPA] by the
Nixon Administration - soon changed all of that. Now, with very
few exceptions, all vehicles must come outfitted with a
catalytic converter. So, what does a catalytic converter do
exactly? Good question...we will answer that query in this
article.
When your engine burns fuel it produces gases that are harmful
to the environment. If not handled properly, these same gases
will exit through your vehicle's exhaust and work to do harm on
the environment. The EPA, which was established in 1970,
mandated that starting in 1975 vehicles were to come equipped
with an apparatus to reduce dangerous emissions. The particular
piece of equipment created to accomplish this task was the
catalytic converter.
The catalytic converter in your vehicle is installed in the
exhaust line between the exhaust manifold and the muffler.
Pellets inside the converter work to transform detrimental gases
into harmless gases before they exit the tailpipe and go out
into the open air. As you might guess, a properly functioning
catalytic converter is essential toward preserving air quality
standards.
There are four telltale signs that indicate a catalytic
converter will soon fail:
· Rusted or broken converter body or end tubes.
· Bits of substrate in other sections of the exhaust system.
· No rattle detected in a pellitized converter (If the converter
doesn't rattle, the pellets may have melted together or fallen
out).
· A rattle detected in a monolithic converter (A rattle in this
kind of converter indicates the substrate has separated.)
If you see evidence of any of these signs, then you must replace
your catalytic converter right away. If you don't, you risk
receiving a ticket from a police officer and you may
automatically fail your next motor vehicle inspection. You can
install a new catalytic converter yourself and save money on
parts and labor. Shop online for the best deals going.
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Article Source: http://www.PopularArticles.com/article8295.html |
Article: Catalytic Converters and Your Vehicle's Emission System
Author: Matthew C. Keegan
Total Views: 9
Word Count: 299
Category:
Home /
Automobiles / Accessories
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