What Exactly is a Catalytic Converter?

There are a number of factors that affect the performance of your catalytic converter. The converter works in conjunction with your oxygen sensors to come up with the cleanest possible exhaust. As long as everything is operating as it should - engine at proper operating temp, air/fuel mixture optimized, no contaminants added to the exhaust - the system works really well. Throw a faulty O2 sensor into the mix and you have problems. Since the O2 sensor can alter your air/fuel mixture, it can kill your catalytic converter. If the mix is too lean, the converter won't have the right elements to clean the exhaust. Too rich and the converter will heat up to the point of melting, and trying to push exhaust through a solid block is tough. If your car burns oil or leaks coolant into the engine, these contaminants can collect on the ceramics inside the converter and cause it to clog.

There are many things that can make inoperable or ruin your catalytic converter, but keeping your car well tuned and in top repair will give you a lifetime of emission control.