The job of a catalytic converter is to remove hazardous gases and other pollutants from the exhaust stream before releasing them as nitrogen and carbon dioxide, which are far safer byproducts of the reaction. In the course of the filtration process, some of these pollutants, such as primary carbon, will begin to accumulate in the catalytic converter.
After a certain amount of time has passed, the catalytic converter will no longer function as effectively, at which point you will want a cleaning to dissolve the buildup.
This article will discuss five different catalytic converter cleaners that are available at AutoZone, as well as some factors to take into account, so that the engine in your car can work well.
When Purchasing a Catalytic Converter Cleaner, Things That Should Be Considered
Engine compatibility
Before deciding on a certain brand of catalytic converter cleaner, it is vital for you to give this point of consideration some thought.
Nearly all catalytic converter cleaners are designed to be used with gasoline-powered automobiles. If, on the other hand, you drive a car that runs on diesel or a hybrid, you can’t settle with any old cleaner; you need one that’s specifically designed for your vehicle. Check the compatibility of the cleaner with your engine using the information provided on the product’s label before purchasing the cleaner.
On this list, we will discuss many all-purpose cleaners that are suitable for use on a variety of different types of engines.
Or in Multipacks (Single)
It is up to you because these cleaners are not too costly, but if you want to save some money, you may choose to get multipack cleaners rather than a single pack of cleaners. If you anticipate needing a catalytic converter cleaner as part of the routine maintenance you perform on your vehicle, it is in your best interest to get a multipack rather than buying individual bottles, as this will save you money in the long run.
Full or partial system: which one do you prefer?
There are converter cleaners that give a full cleaning of the system, and there are also converter cleaners that provide a partial cleaning. The sorts that clean the whole system, including the exhaust system, are by far the most effective ones.
Because catalytic converters are a component of the exhaust system, cleaning all of the components that make up the exhaust system will result in an improvement to the engine’s overall functionality. If you choose to use this method instead of purchasing individual cleaners for each component, you will save money.
Chemicals
It is natural that you do not fully comprehend the many substances that are enumerated on the cleanser container. You might find it more useful to concentrate on the terms “stabilizers” and “fuel treatments” rather than verifying the ingredients. If any of these appear on the bottle, it indicates that the cleaner isn’t designed to specifically clean catalytic converters. However, you can still utilize it, despite the fact that its effectiveness is often inferior to that of the genuine article.
Bottle size
When thinking about converter cleaners, this is not really a significant issue at all. It is important to note, however, that the bottle sizes available for purchase for these cleansers vary. The most typical volume for a bottle is sixteen ounces.
There is no problem with going for the larger bottle size if you want to buy it. On the other hand, you need to be aware that the likelihood of the cleaner going to waste increases in proportion to the size of the bottle since the cleaner will begin to lose its efficacy. However, if you use the cleaner as part of the routine maintenance that you perform on your car, you shouldn’t be concerned about this problem.
Additives
If you look at the labels of certain converter cleansers, you’ll see that they include a variety of detergents (they typically make this quite clear), and the vast majority of these components don’t bring anything really useful to the table. It’s merely a clever marketing ploy to get people to pay a significantly greater amount for the cleaners. If you are driving a standard gasoline-powered vehicle, a standard cleaner that does not include any special ingredients will do the job just fine for you.
Best Catalytic Converter Cleaner
Following my experience with a few different catalytic converter cleaners, I can confidently declare that the products listed below are my favorites.
The Editor’s Choice is the DURA LUBE Severe Catalytic and Exhaust Treatment Emissions Test Catalytic Cleaner, which comes in a pack of one and has a capacity of 16 fluid ounces.
This cleaner will shield your exhaust system, including your catalytic converter and other components, from the harmful effects of oil poisoning. It will lower the amount of pollutants in your vehicle, allowing you to drive more safely while still experiencing the same level of performance.
In addition, it will assist in improving the efficiency of your gasoline and will safeguard the catalytic converter. In addition to that, it will aid with the retention level of zinc and phosphorus at the catalyst inlet and it will lower the pollutants coming out of the tailpipe.
Use this cleaning before you replace your catalytic converter if you are going to replace it. Additionally, you should utilize it when the caution light is on.
This catalytic converter cleaning from Dura Lube can be used for up to 5,000 miles or for a period of three months at a time.
Pros
It moves quickly.
Cons
Only last for a period of three months.
Designed primarily for use with gasoline-powered motors
Emissions Test Kit for the Motorkote Catalytic and Exhaust Treatment Emissions Control Catalytic Cleaner, MK-10351, 16 fl oz, 1 Pack.
One of the greatest cleansers that people who own vehicles choose to use is this Motorkote catalytic and exhaust treatment and cleanser. It is a superior cleaner that not only cures but also protects your catalytic converter from the harmful effects of oil poisoning. The producer has done an excellent job of marketing, which has contributed to the product’s widespread appeal.
Because this cleaner will lessen the amount of carbon footprints left behind, you won’t need to be concerned about the effect it will have on your vehicle’s ability to perform effectively.
This cleaner may be utilized in all catalytic converters, in addition to gasoline engines, and oxygen sensors. Utilizing this cleaner prior to bringing your vehicle in for inspection can increase the likelihood that you will pass the emissions test.
Additionally, the retention levels of zinc and phosphorus at the catalyst input will decrease as a result of this. Make sure that you give careful attention to the directions that are printed on the label.
You can use this cleaner before you replace the catalytic converter in your vehicle if you are planning to replace it. Additionally, you should utilize it when the caution light is on.
This will last you either 7,000 miles or six months, whichever comes first.
Pros
It moves quickly.
Continue for a period of one year
Cons
Designed primarily for use with gasoline-powered motors
Complete Engine, Fuel, and Exhaust System Cleaner, 473 milliliters, Cataclean 120007
Cataclean’s exhaust system cleaner will assist in preventing the buildup of carbon in your catalytic converter by lowering the amount of carbon that is produced there. In addition to cleaning the converter, you may also use it to clean the fuel injectors, the cylinder heads, and the oxygen sensors in your car.
This cleaner will not change the composition of the fuel in your car, allowing you to use it in hybrid, gasoline, or diesel engines as appropriate. In addition to this, it will reduce the overall hydrocarbon emissions that are produced by your vehicle by around fifty percent, which will result in an improved driving experience.
Your concerns with drivability, such as difficult starts, hesitancy, and decreased power, will be resolved once you install a catalytic converter. In addition to this, it is an excellent cleaning to use before having your emissions tested.
This cleaner can be used during the installation of the catalytic converter if you are going to replace it in the near future.
One of the few catalytic converter cleaners that is generally acceptable in a variety of countries is the Cataclean 120007 cleaner. Because it satisfies the requirements for volatile organic compounds (VOC) and over-the-counter medicines (OTC), more than fifty other states sanction the use of this cleanser. Additionally, it satisfies the specifications set forth by the federal government for a low sulphur content.
You may use this cleaner on non-road engines if you happen to have any around, and you can also use it on diesel-powered cars if you happen to have any of those. However, it should not be used in engines that use oil, 2-strokes, or gas mixes.
Utilization: The maker of this cleaner suggests that you use it four times a year in order to provide your vehicle with the best possible protection and performance.
Pros
It moves quickly.
Compatible with a variety of various kinds of engines
Cons
Nil
Cleaner for the Complete Fuel, Exhaust, and Emissions System, as well as a Medic for the Check Engine Light Rislone Cat
Another fantastic converter cleanser is called rislone cat. Detergents with high performance levels that are included in its chemical arsenal make it an excellent choice for thorough cleaning. These solvents will scrub and remove any carbon build-up, soot, oil residue, and any other pollutants that have accumulated on catalytic converters, fuel injectors, turbos, combustion chambers, EGR, and oxygen sensors. This cleaner functions similarly to a multi-purpose cleaner for your motor vehicle.
Any remaining deposit will be eliminated as a result of the reaction between the gases produced during the combustion process and the active chemical agents. After the obstruction is removed, the functioning of your car will improve, and if you continue to use it frequently, you will be able to keep this level of effectiveness.
After you have put the cleaner into your vehicle, the combustion of gasoline will produce byproducts that are polluting; these byproducts will then be distributed throughout the various components of your automobile. However, if you are located in an area that experiences cold weather, if the gasoline in your vehicle is of low quality, or if you do not properly maintain your vehicle. No matter how much cleaning oil you apply, the amount of deposits and impurities that build up inside the systems will continue to rapidly rise, which will eventually result in the failure of individual components.
If it is used properly, this cleaner will not only clean your vehicle but also help you save money on petrol while also improving its performance and power. This cleaner is suitable for use on hybrid cars, gasoline vehicles, and ethanol vehicles.
The manufacturer’s guarantee on the car will not be voided by using this cleaner, even if it contains cleaning ingredients designed for heavy-duty use.
Utilization: The maker of this cleaner suggests using it once every 5,000 miles to tune up the fuel, exhaust, and emissions system so that it can stop the CEL light from coming back on.
Pro
More components of an exhaust system may be cleaned.
Cons
Nil
Cataclean’s Fuel and Exhaust System Cleaner, Model Number 120007-2PK, Comes in a 16-Ounce Bottle (Pack of 2)
This product from Cataclean is another another cleaner for catalytic converters, and it performs an excellent job of cleaning. It is possible to use it to minimize the amount of carbon that has built up on the cylinder heads, oxygen sensors, and fuel injectors of your vehicle, in addition to the catalytic converter.
You should not be concerned about the composition of the gasoline being altered if you use this cleaner. Aside from that, its cleaning capabilities are remarkable, and tests have shown that it can cut the overall hydrocarbon emissions by as much as fifty percent.
This cleaning will remedy drivability concerns such as difficult starts, decreased power, and hesitancy that you may be experiencing. Additionally, it is one of those cleansers that you may use as a pre-treatment before to an emissions test in order to ensure that you pass the test.
This cleaner can be used during the installation of the catalytic converter if you are going to replace it in the near future.
It may be utilized for hybrid automobiles, diesel vehicles, as well as gasoline vehicles. You can also use this cleaner on engines that are not intended for use on public roads. Nevertheless, you shouldn’t use it in gas mix engines, 2-stroke engines, or oil engines.
It is one of the few catalytic converter cleaners that is generally accepted in a variety of areas, and one of those cleaners is the Cataclean 120007-2PK. Because it satisfies the requirements for volatile organic compounds (VOC) and over-the-counter medicines (OTC), more than fifty other states sanction the use of this cleanser. Additionally, it satisfies the specifications set forth by the federal government for a low sulphur content.
When applying, make sure to read and follow all of the instructions on the label.
Pros
It moves quickly.
Compatible with a variety of various kinds of engines
Cons
Nil
How to Make Use of a Cleaner for Catalytic Converters
There is a good reason why corporations provide special cleansers for catalytic converters rather than recommending that individuals use regular soaps instead. These soaps might be corrosive, which would result in the converter being damaged.
It’s possible that you’ll come across articles online that are labelled with the “DIY” label and state that you may use catalytic converter cleansers in place of handmade soaps or some commercially available soaps. Ignore these strategies and adhere to a strategy that has been validated by scientific research if you want to err on the side of caution. Simply considering this fact offers a response to the age-old query, “Is it effective to clean catalytic converters?”
What has to be done —
Prepare the most effective catalytic converter cleaning you have, and purchase some fuel in the quantity and container of your choosing, be it a gallon.
Release the gasoline cap on the tank of your car. Check the directions that are printed on the bottle of cleaner to determine the amount of gasoline that should be added, as well as the amount of cleaner that should be added.
Start the engine once you’ve poured it, and then take a spin around the neighborhood to check it out. Because of this, the cleaner will be able to move freely and thoroughly clean the exhaust system. Also, check the label on the cleaner; it should tell you how long you should drive after using it. Your converter will be cleaned in the process of having the build-up in it broken down and removed by the cleaner.
You should be aware, despite the fact that this is the manner of application for certain brands of catalytic converter cleaners, that this is not the case for all of them. Before pouring the cleaner into your tank, it is possible that certain brands will require you to first adjust the quantity of fuel in your tank.
It is not necessary for you to be concerned about the approach that you will take to clean your catalytic converter. The producer of the cleaner will often offer instructions on how to use it on the package of the product.
See also: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJTmddbOxMk
If, despite having your catalytic converter cleaned, the check engine light continues to illuminate and the computer continues to display a code indicating that your catalytic converter has a problem, then it is possible that you will need to purchase a new converter. You may also take it to a technician so that they can check it out for you since the converter might have been placed incorrectly, and he might also discover indicators of a blocked catalytic converter. You can do any of these things by taking your vehicle to a mechanic.
See also: https://quickautobrain.com/nhtsa-finds-teslas-deactivated-autopilot-seconds-before-crashes/
Conclusion
It will be much simpler for you to make a decision based on your requirements and personal preferences now that you are aware of some of the finest catalytic converter cleaners and their advantages and disadvantages. In addition to this, we have included a tutorial on how to properly clean your catalytic converter since obtaining a quality