Many motorists are almost certain that the neutralizer is basically an unnecessary thing that also reduces engine power. In this article, we decided to put an end to speculation about neutralizers and deal with the most common myths regarding this unit. In order to profitably sell your used filter, visit the Autocatalyst service website https://autocatalystmarket.com/en/products/dodge.
It is already difficult to imagine any modern car whose exhaust system is not equipped with a neutralizer from the assembly line. But still, you can often hear a lot of speculation and myths about this exhaust system unit.
Table of Contents
Myth 1: Cars with such a part must be refueled with special fuel
This is not true. There is no specific or special gasoline. The main thing is that the fuel that is poured into the car’s tank is of high quality and without various foreign impurities.
Leaded gasoline is the main enemy of the neutralizer. If you often fill up with such gasoline, the catalytic layer of the neutralizer will quickly be destroyed, the lambda probe will fail, and the honeycomb will simply melt. In a word, the part will fail very quickly.
Myth 2. Neutralizers are short-lived and fail quickly
There is some truth in this statement. When using high-quality fuel and with proper operation of the car, the service life will be from 70 to 150 thousand km of the car’s mileage, after which manufacturers insist on replacing this unit. There is nothing surprising in this, because in essence, the neutralizer is a filter, and filters, as you know, should be changed from time to time.
Neutralizers are also susceptible to various mechanical damage. The most common filters, the inner part of which is made of ceramics, so they are quite fragile. Stones on the road, external influences, even water when getting on the hot surface of the spare part can cause damage to the part.
Also, the ceramic neutralizer can be damaged due to a malfunction of the ignition system. If there are problems in the ignition system, the car may not start the first time – when trying to start, unburned gasoline can get into the exhaust tract, where then, if the engine starts successfully, it will detonate – a micro-explosion occurs in the neutralizer, and the ceramic honeycombs simply cannot withstand and crumble into pieces. Metal ones are more reliable in this regard – they are less susceptible to mechanical stress and are more durable.
Myth 3. Engine power drops when there is a spare part
This is also not true. A fully functional neutralizer does not interfere with the movement of exhaust gases from the engine crankcase at all, and does not affect its power. But if it fails or becomes clogged with soot, this reduces the permeability of the exhaust gases, which leads to a rapid drop in engine power. Of course, this does not bring anything good for the engine, so manufacturers recommend replacing the neutralizer after 100 thousand km, regardless of its condition.
What conclusions can be drawn?
The common misconceptions are based on the real state of affairs:
- expensive fuel is not required, high-quality and tested fuel is sufficient;
- the service life can be up to 150 thousand km, but it is recommended to replace it every 100 thousand km;
- the presence of a serviceable unit does not affect oil consumption, as does the removal of a failed converter;
- after removal, it is possible that the engine power will increase, but not by more than 5-7%;
It is obvious that periodic removal and replacement of the car neutralizer is becoming a necessary matter. Autocatalyst will help in the matter of correct and profitable disposal, paying money for a worn, used, or broken part.
