catalytic converter
Emissions cleanup device
A catalytic converter is a device in a vehicle's exhaust system that reduces harmful emissions by converting toxic gases into less harmful substances through chemical reactions.
The converter contains precious metals—platinum, palladium, rhodium—that act as catalysts, which has made them targets for theft: Someone stole the catalytic converter off my truck overnight.
Substances released into air
- exhaustUse up entirely
- hydrocarbonsCarbon-hydrogen organic compounds
- carbon monoxideToxic combustion byproduct gas
- nitrogen oxidesCombustion byproducts harming air quality
pollutants · tailpipe · aftertreatment · oxidation · reduction · purification · smog reduction · particulate matter
Dense precious silvery metal
- palladiumElement forty-six, catalytic metal
- rhodiumPlatinum group element
- monolithHuge solitary standing stone
- noble metalsChemically inert metallic elements
honeycomb structure · cordierite · alumina · precious metals · heat shield · canning
Rare, valuable metallic elements
- recyclingReprocessing used materials
- scrap valuePrice of discarded materials
- etchingAcid-incised metal print
- anti-theft deviceMechanism preventing unauthorized taking
insurance claim · replacement cost · black market · smelting · refining · urban mining
Legal limits on pollutants released
- EPAFederal environmental regulator
- onboard diagnosticsVehicle self-monitoring system
- OBD-IIVehicle self-diagnosis interface
- check engine lightDashboard diagnostic warning lamp
emissions testing · smog check · compliance · retrofit · certification
Accelerating reactions without consumption
- oxidationLosing electrons chemically
- reductionMaking something smaller
- activation energyMinimum energy for transformation
- adsorptionAccumulation on a surface
surface area · exothermic · thermodynamics · kinetics · reaction rate · poisoning · sintering · coking
emissions
Substances released into air
- exhaustUse up entirely
- hydrocarbonsCarbon-hydrogen organic compounds
- carbon monoxideToxic combustion byproduct gas
nitrogen oxides · pollutants · tailpipe · aftertreatment · oxidation · reduction · purification · smog reduction · particulate matter · oxygen sensor
platinum
Dense precious silvery metal
- palladiumElement forty-six, catalytic metal
- rhodiumPlatinum group element
- monolithHuge solitary standing stone
noble metals · honeycomb structure · cordierite · alumina · precious metals · heat shield · canning
precious metals
Rare, valuable metallic elements
- recyclingReprocessing used materials
- scrap valuePrice of discarded materials
- etchingAcid-incised metal print
anti-theft device · insurance claim · replacement cost · black market · smelting · refining · urban mining
emissions standards
Legal limits on pollutants released
- EPAFederal environmental regulator
- onboard diagnosticsVehicle self-monitoring system
- OBD-IIVehicle self-diagnosis interface
check engine light · emissions testing · smog check · compliance · retrofit · certification
catalysis
Accelerating reactions without consumption
- oxidationLosing electrons chemically
- reductionMaking something smaller
- activation energyMinimum energy for transformation
adsorption · surface area · exothermic · thermodynamics · kinetics · reaction rate · poisoning · sintering · coking · regeneration
- auto repairmechanics, engine tuning, auto shop, auto mechanics, oil change
- auto caretire rotation, oil change, wheel alignment, transmission repair, exhaust system
- auto partsengine, brakes, tires, wheels, steering wheel
- auto shopmechanic, oil change, brakes, tires, tire
- car partsengine, steering wheel, brake, seats, tires
- car problemsflat tire, dead battery, engine light, check engine, brake failure
catalytic converterpolluter
One who dirties environments
leaded gasoline · smokestack · exhaust pipe · tailpipe · diesel engine
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