Okuzeka
Automotive vocabulary · Engine and Fuel Systems

Catalytic converter

Meaning in automotive, with examples

nounCommon term

In automotive, catalytic converter means: A part of the exhaust system that uses precious metals such as platinum, palladium and rhodium to turn harmful gases (CO, HC and NOx) into less harmful ones before they leave the car.

In Turkish: katalitik konvertör, katalizör

How it is used

Often called a cat. Technicians check catalytic converter efficiency with the oxygen sensors; a failing cat sets codes such as P0420. Because of the metals inside, catalytic converters are a common target for theft.

Example sentences

  1. The catalytic converter is partly blocked, which explains the loss of power.

  2. Misfires can overheat and damage the catalytic converter.

Common collocations

  • catalytic converter efficiency
  • blocked catalytic converter
  • replace the catalytic converter
  • three-way catalyst
  • emissionsThe gases and particles a vehicle releases, mainly from the exhaust, such as CO2, NOx and soot. Their limits are set by regulations such as the Euro 6 standard.
  • sensorA component that measures something, such as temperature, pressure, speed or position, and sends it as an electrical signal to a control unit.
  • misfireA failure of the fuel and air in one or more cylinders to burn properly. The engine shakes, runs rough and loses power, and unburned fuel can overheat the catalytic converter.
  • diagnostic trouble codeA standard code stored by a control unit when it detects a fault, such as P0300. The first letter shows the system: P for powertrain, B for body, C for chassis and U for network.

More terms: Engine and Fuel Systems

Practise with graded reading

Reading at the right level is the fastest way to make new words stick. Pick free English books by level: