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An automobile’s catalytic converter uses a catalyst to convert harmful exhaust fumes into harmless ones. Find out what happens when your catalytic converter stops working properly — and how you can tell — in this episode.
Is it important to warm up a car during the winter?
by Marshall Brain | February 10, 2010
You asked: Is it important to warm up a car during the winter? — Abdullah, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Marshall Brain Answered: With a fuel-injected car (which means “every car being manufactured today”), in a “normal” climate, there is no reason to warm up a car after starting it. The fuel injection system will compensate for [...]
Since gasoline is a liquid formed of carbon and hydrogen, it’s possible to trace the chemical reactions in car exhaust and understand what types of pollutants are created by a car’s engine. Tune in and learn more about the science behind burning gas.
You asked: How does a catalytic converter work? — Ron, Louisville, Ky. Marshall answered: A catalytic converter’s main job is to burn any unburned hydrocarbons that leave the engine and to lower nitrogen oxides. It does this by using a catalyst to burn them off. For more info see: How Catalytic Converters Work.
An oxygen sensor measures how much oxygen is in the car exhaust. Learn more about oxygen sensors in this HowStuffWorks podcast.
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