What role do catalytic converters play in vehicles?

Catalytic converters play a crucial role in vehicle emissions control by facilitating chemical reactions that convert harmful gases produced during fuel combustion into less harmful substances. Specifically, they are designed to eliminate or reduce harmful pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and unburnt hydrocarbons.

When exhaust gases pass through the catalytic converter, they react with catalysts, typically made of precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium. This process transforms these harmful emissions into nitrogen (which is harmless) and carbon dioxide (which, while a greenhouse gas, is less harmful than the original pollutants). This function is essential for meeting regulatory requirements regarding air quality and helps reduce the environmental impact of vehicles.

While improving fuel efficiency and engine power might be associated with overall vehicle performance, they are not the primary purpose of catalytic converters. Similarly, reducing tire wear is unrelated to the catalytic converter's function and is influenced by factors such as driving habits and tire maintenance.