Collection: Catalytic Converters - Nissan

Nissan Catalytic Converters

Catalytic converters are important in every vehicle. Even if your vehicle is older and did not come equipped with this from the factory, you may still want to add one as part of your exhaust system based on the fact that they are designed to help reduce the carbon footprint of your car. Nissan catalytic converters operate similar to those installed on every other car. However, you may find they are a bit different from aftermarket choices. OEM, or Original Equipment Manufacturer, products can be made differently from aftermarket products. 

Let’s take a look at Nissan as a brand, Nissan catalytic converters, what catalytic converters accomplish, when you might need a new one, and how a poorly functioning one can impact your vehicle.

Want to know more about Nissan?

The Nissan Motor Company, usually just known as Nissan, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan. Nissan also produces vehicles under the brand names of Infiniti and Datsun and their performance division is known as Nismo. Like many other vehicle manufacturers, Nissan has teamed up with other manufactures in an alliance, working together. Nissan works with Mitsubishi and Renault. Nissan is the largest producer of electric vehicles in the world. Nissan’s best-selling vehicle is an all-electric vehicle, the Nissan Leaf, also the top-selling all-electric vehicle world-wide.

Want to know about Nissan catalytic converters?

Nissan catalytic converters, as mentioned, function just like the catalytic converters on many other vehicles. A catalyst, usually made of platinum and sometimes of palladium, works to create a reaction with the gases created by the vehicles engine that may be harmful to the environment, causing pollution. After the chemical reaction, these gases are then less harmful or even inert, causing no harm at all. There may be one or more catalysts in each catalytic converter or you may have more than one Nissan catalytic converters in your vehicle.

Why do all cars have catalytic converters?

Catalytic converters became mandatory in all vehicles in 1975. After that year, every vehicle was required to have one due to the fact that pollution was becoming a big problem in many large cities where more vehicles were driven and, therefore, more exhaust was creating a harmful environment. While vehicles that were produced before 1975 are not required to have a catalytic converter, any vehicle produced since then is now required, including Nissans. Nissan catalytic converters meet all standards made by the government for clean air regulations.

When do you know you need a new catalytic converter?

There are many signs that you may need a new catalytic converter. While Nissan catalytic converters that come standard from the factory are made to last many years, they can still stop functioning prematurely for several reasons and if you have an issue with your engine or use the wrong gas, it can cause a blockage. Either situation is dangerous for your vehicle, especially for your engine.

If you notice that you are getting very poor gas mileage, or your check engine light has turned on, you may want to have an emissions test done. There are usually small shops that specialize in emissions tests or many auto mechanic shops can run this kind of test. If your car fails the emissions test, you most likely have an issue with the catalytic converter. You may also have an issue with the vehicle starting as well because some newer cars have safety features that prevent the vehicle from starting if there is an issue with the exhaust. An issue with the exhaust can be picked up with the many exhaust sensors monitored by the car’s computer.

Do you know how to replace your Nissan catalytic converters?

If you know you need a new catalytic converter, you can always take it to the nearest auto shop and they can cut out the old one and weld a new one in for you. If you are handy in the garage, you may be able to do this yourself, especially if you already have the tools. Some vehicles are equipped with Nissan catalytic converters that are “bolt-in” so all you have to do is un-bolt the old one and bolt in the new one, provided it is a direct replacement. One decision you will have to make, however, is if you want to replace your non-functioning or blocked catalytic converter with an OEM one or with an aftermarket one. Both have advantages and disadvantages. OEM parts tend to have longer lifespans but slow up the exhaust which can lower performance. Aftermarket Nissan catalytic converters may not last as long but can let the exhaust escape faster, boosting performance.

Why is a properly functioning catalytic converter so important?

It is very important to get any exhaust issue fixed right away, especially if it is an issue with Nissan catalytic converters. A blockage can cause exhaust to back up into the engine. This can wear out your valves, your crankshaft, and many other parts of your engine. Repairing or replacing your engine can cost much more than repairing your catalytic converter before the engine damage is done. You may also not be able to register or inspect your vehicle if it won’t pass an emissions test depending on what state you live in.

Nissan catalytic converters may be necessary equipment if your car was produced after 1975 but even if your car is older you can still reduce your carbon footprint by adding one. If your car is newer than that, you have the choice in replacing your dysfunctional catalytic converter with an OEM Nissan catalytic converter or an aftermarket one. You also have a choice in taking it to an auto shop to have it replaced or doing it yourself if you have the equipment and know-how to do that. With so many options available to you, it is important to ensure you are making the right decisions for your Nissan to make sure you are getting maximum performance and maximum life out of it. You and your vehicle deserve nothing less.