Petrol models
- A) Do not use gasoline containing lead in a vehicle equipped with a catalytic converter - lead will coat the precious metals, reducing their conversion efficiency and eventually destroying the converter.
- b) Always keep the fuel and ignition systems adjusted as recommended (see chapter 1).
- V) If the engine is misfiring, do not drive the car at all (or at least as little as possible) until the problem is corrected.
- G) Do not start the engine with "pusher" or tugboat - the catalytic converter will be saturated with unburned fuel, causing it to overheat when the engine starts.
- d) Do not turn off the ignition at high engine speeds, do not open the throttle abruptly just before turning off.
- e) In some cases, sulfur dioxide may be present in the exhaust gases (like the smell of rotten eggs). This is a common property of vehicles equipped with catalytic converters. This smell will disappear once the vehicle has traveled a few thousand miles - in the meantime, try changing the brand of gasoline you are using.
- and) With good maintenance and proper driving, the catalytic converter should last between 50,000 and 100,000 miles. If the efficiency of the converter has dropped, it must be replaced.
Gasoline and diesel engines
- A) Do not use any fuel or oil additives - they may contain substances harmful to the catalytic converter.
- b) Stop using the vehicle if the engine burns oil, which is manifested as a puff of blue smoke coming from the exhaust pipe.
- V) Remember that the catalytic converter operates at very high temperatures. Therefore, do not park your car after a long drive in dry undergrowth, tall grass, or a pile of dry leaves.
- G) Be aware that the catalytic converter is fragile. Do not strike it during maintenance or repair.