Collection: Catalytic Converters - Chevrolet

Chevrolet Catalytic Converters

Just like all car manufacturers these days, Chevrolet designs its vehicles with catalytic converters. Not only are they necessary in many countries, including the US, but their use helps to reduce the carbon footprint of every vehicle that utilizes them, making the car manufacturer much more "green" with each model. Here, we discuss not only Chevrolet as a brand but also what you need to know about your Chevrolet catalytic converters to make sure your car is operating properly and efficiently. Ready to get started?

There’s a certain peace of mind in knowing that you are driving a car that does not add to the declining quality of environment like many vehicles. Simple inattention to the exhaust and catalytic converter can result in harmful emissions and extra strain on your car’s parts and fuel. With the addition of an excellent catalytic converter, you get the comfort of driving car which lacks any disturbing noises and comprises of an efficient engine.

Muffler Express offers a wide range of Chevrolet catalytic converters. Each aftermarket catalytic converters you find at our online store are fabricated with high-quality materials and welded for long-lasting durability.

Get in touch with us if you need assistance identifying the right type of catalytic converter for your Chevrolet.

 

A Bit About Chevrolet

Chevrolet, most commonly known as "Chevy", is a division of General Motors, or GM. With some drama concerning William Durant, Louis Chevrolet and Durant created the Chevrolet Motor Car Company in 1911. Chevrolet, the company, was to compete with Ford when creating the best-selling car in the US. This switch from Ford's Model T to Chevrolet happened by 1929. Today, Chevy is one of GM's most recognized brands and it is sold worldwide as an affordable, quality, and reliable brand of vehicles from subcompact and efficient cars to medium-duty trucks capable of getting the job done.

 

What Makes a Chevrolet Catalytic Converter

Chevrolet catalytic converters are made differently depending on the type of car or truck. Trucks, that are used for hauling and more work-type purposes may have heavier-duty catalytic converters or may have more than one installed. Sportier cars like the popular Chevrolet Corvette can have multiple catalytic converters. The 1987 'Vette has three of them: 2 smaller ones on each side that feed into a larger one farther down the exhaust system. This is just one example. A small, subcompact like the Chevy Spark will only have one. Each Chevrolet catalytic converter will be designed specifically for the vehicle with different numbers and sizes of catalysts.

 

The Purpose of a Catalytic Converter

A Chevrolet catalytic converter is designed just like a catalytic converter on any other vehicle. The main purpose of a "cat" is to exchange the harmful gases that are released from the engine for gases that are less harmful for the environment. Pollution of any kind is not only what causes global warming but also smog that is hazardous for the health of the people who live in the area. A catalytic converter, whether there are one or multiple, can help reduce the pollution emitted by the vehicle.

 

How a Catalytic Converter Works

The catalyst used in a Chevy catalytic converter will be made of either platinum or palladium. This material, as a catalyst, creates a chemical reaction with the pollutants created by the engine. The chemical reaction, while it doesn't change the chemical makeup of the platinum or the palladium itself, instead changes the chemical makeup of the gases, changing them into less harmful or even completely harmless gases. Because of its ability to reduce the pollutants created by each vehicle, many state governments require catalytic converters installed on every vehicle and will perform regular inspections on vehicles to make sure they are not only installed but functioning correctly. They do this with visual inspections and emissions tests.

 

When a Catalytic Converter Needs to be Replaced

Because catalytic converters are so essential to preventing damage to our planet through pollutants, you want to make sure they are always functioning. Not only that, but Chevrolet catalytic converters, when not functioning or when clogged can damage your vehicle. If your car has the following symptoms or signs, you want to make sure you get it diagnosed as soon as possible to make sure you replace the catalytic converter as soon as possible:

 

• Drop in fuel efficiency: if your vehicle's fuel consumption is suddenly more than it used to be, your Chevy may be having trouble getting the exhaust through the catalytic converter, signalling a clog

• Not starting: some newer vehicles are equipped with safety features that will stop the car from starting if there is a problem, especially with the exhaust as exhaust fumes can be pushed into the cabin of the vehicle if they can't escape through the tailpipe

• Failed emissions test: this may be your first sign that you have a problem with your Chevrolet catalytic converters or it may be that you already know there is an issue and the mechanic shop has confirmed there is an issue by conducting one themselves

• Poor acceleration: if there is a clog in the catalytic converter and exhaust can't escape properly, you may notice sluggish acceleration

• Check engine light: if the problem has been picked up by an exhaust sensor, it will trigger your check engine light so you know you need to take it in to have the problem diagnosed

Noticing any of the above problems can give you a sign that you need to have your Chevrolet exhaust system looked at. If you notice more than one, you want to speed up the process and get to a shop straight away.

 

How a Bad Catalytic Converter Affects Your Chevrolet

You may think Chevrolet catalytic converters just protect the environment but one that is clogged or isn't functioning properly can damage other parts of your vehicle which can add to the total you can spend repairing your vehicle. When the exhaust can't escape smoothly and gets backed up, it can cause damage to the valves and rings in your engine as well as the crankshaft. Damage to your engine may not only add to the total invoice at the shop but it will put your vehicle out of commission for a little while and you most likely depend on it to get to work, run errands, or even get the kids to school. Replacing Chevrolet catalytic converters can help stop a lot more damage before it happens.

Chevrolet catalytic converters are designed to help your car run smoothly and to reduce the carbon footprint of your vehicle. If you think about it, if no vehicle had catalytic converters, the environment we live in would be polluted very quickly. So catalytic converters play a large role in keeping the air quality safe and clean for us, our family, and our friends. If your car or truck is showing signs of a bad catalytic converter, be sure to get it checked out right away and replace it if necessary.