Catalytic converterThailand

Learn traffic rules with clear explanations and visual examples in our illustrated book, designed to make studying simple and engaging.


149. Catalytic converter

A catalytic converter is an emissions-control device fitted in a vehicle's exhaust system. It uses chemical reactions to convert harmful exhaust pollutants into less harmful substances before the exhaust gases are released into the atmosphere.

Depending on the engine and system, a catalytic converter can reduce pollutants such as carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides. It must reach an appropriate operating temperature to work effectively and can be damaged by contamination, overheating or engine faults.

Catalytic converter
Vehicle catalytic converter used in emissions research.
Wikimedia.org • Oak Ridge National Laboratory • CC BY
What does a catalytic converter do?

A catalytic converter reduces harmful pollutants in engine exhaust by converting them through chemical reactions into less harmful substances before they leave the exhaust system.

Where is the catalytic converter located?

It is installed in the exhaust system between the engine and the exhaust outlet. Its exact position varies between vehicles and may be relatively close to the engine so that it reaches its operating temperature quickly.

What are signs of a faulty catalytic converter?

Possible signs include an emissions or engine warning light, excessive exhaust emissions, reduced engine performance, unusual exhaust smells or failure of an emissions test. These symptoms can also have other causes and should be diagnosed properly.

1 Thailand 2 Speed limit 3 Minimum speed 4 Advisory speed 5 Slope 6 Stop sign 7 School area 8 Crossing animals 9 Curve 10 Roadworks 11 Traffic lights 12 Left-hand traffic 13 Driving licence 14 Reversing 15 Uncontrolled crossroad 16 Licence plate 17 Bus 18 Police 19 Ambulance 20 Pothole 21 Path 22 Particulates 23 Air pollution 24 Rush hour 25 Road code 26 Street gutter 27 Cargo bike 28 Lane splitting 29 Forestry vehicle 30 Construction vehicle 31 Semi-trailer truck 32 Trolleybus 33 Speed pedelec 34 Delivery vehicle 35 Idling 36 Tow truck 37 Four-wheel drive 38 Bicycle 39 Motorcycle equipment 40 Rail track 41 Caravan 42 Trailer 43 Tow hitch 44 Fire truck 45 Siren 46 Convoy 47 Emergency vehicle lighting 48 Agricultural machinery 49 Electric bicycle 50 Electric vehicle 51 Pedelec 52 Quadricycle 53 Microcar 54 All-terrain vehicle 55 Van 56 Recreational vehicle 57 Scooter 58 Trikke 59 Personal mobility device 60 Skateboard 61 Segway 62 Kick scooter 63 Roller skates 64 Mailman 65 Hitchhiker 66 Toddler 67 Child 68 Disability 69 Motorail 70 km/h 71 mph 72 Speedometer 73 Ride height 74 Dirt road 75 Driving 76 Start-stop system 77 Manual transmission 78 Automatic transmission 79 Throttle 80 Tachometer 81 Steering wheel 82 Power steering 83 Visual scanning 84 Mirror 85 Fuel 86 Fuel gauge 87 Petrol 88 Diesel 89 Diesel exhaust fluid 90 Car insurance 91 First aid kit 92 Fire extinguisher 93 High-visibility clothing 94 First aid 95 Concrete step barrier 96 Barriers 97 Vehicle lights 98 Street lights 99 Dipped beam 100 High beam ... 101 Fog lights 102 Front fog lights 103 Rear fog lights 104 Side lights 105 Turn signals 106 Hazard lights 107 Dashboard lights 108 Bicycle lighting 109 Bicycle bell 110 Headlight flashing 111 Seat belt 112 Child restraints 113 Head restraints 114 Airbag 115 ABS 116 Esp 117 Traction control system 118 Helmet 119 Bicycle helmet 120 Hands-free 121 Smartphone 122 GPS 123 Brake 124 Handbrake 125 Brake fluid 126 Tyres 127 Tyre code 128 Winter tyres 129 Tyre pressure 130 Snow chains 131 Bicycle tyre 132 Continuous track 133 Gross Vehicle Weight 134 Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 135 Cargo 136 Car body 137 Trunk 138 Roof rack 139 Windscreen 140 Emergency hammer 141 Car battery 142 Traction battery 143 Suspension 144 Shock absorber 145 Spring 146 Exhaust 147 Exhaust gas 148 Soot 149 Catalytic converter 150 Engine 151 Petrol engine 152 Diesel engine 153 Electric motor 154 Timing belt 155 Glow plug 156 Cylinder 157 Engine oil 158 Coolant 159 Maintenance 160 Spare tyre 161 Flat tyre 162 Jack 163 Vehicle inspection 164 Key 165 Dashboard 166 Windscreen wiper 167 Doors 168 Glovebox 169 Visibility 170 Rain 171 Fog 172 Hail 173 Sunlight 174 Sunglasses 175 Salt 176 Air conditioning 177 Hydroplaning 178 Distraction 179 Emotions 180 Road rage 181 Health 182 Epilepsy 183 Night blindness 184 Visual impairment 185 Fatigue 186 Defects 187 Traffic violation 188 Alcohol 189 Alcohol control 190 Ignition interlock device 191 Breath test 192 Breath analysis 193 Blood alcohol content 194 Blood test 195 Saliva test 196 Drugs 197 Medication 198 Penalties 199 Speeding 200 Smoking 201 Traffic enforcement camera 202 Double curve 203 Accident 204 Injuries 205 Nosebleed 206 Damage 207 Breakdown 208 Warning triangle 209 Traffic rules 210 Driving school 211 Traffic signs