A catalytic converter is a device that is part of your vehicle’s exhaust emission control system. The internal combustion engine produces a lot of toxic pollutants and gases after its air and fuel mixture is ignited in the chamber.
If these harmful elements were to make their way outside, it would be harmful to people and the environment. That is why a catalytic converter is used inside a car because its job is to convert these toxic gases into less harmful ones.
It does this by generating a redox reaction in the gases. In other words, the harmful elements of the gases are both diminished and oxidized in order to become more neutral.
Catalytic converters are constantly operating right along with your vehicle. The need to be regularly cleaned because they tend to build up grime and debris after a while.
If you fail to clean your catalytic converter on a routine basis, then it will eventually have trouble doing its job. Then you could end up with more toxic gases being emitted into the atmosphere. And if you live in a state which requires emissions testing, you will fail this test if you have a dirty catalytic converter.
Fortunately, the simple solution to this problem is to purchase a good quality catalytic converter cleaner and use it to clean your catalytic converter at least twice per year.
See Also: Which Cars Are Least Likely to Have a Catalytic Converter Stolen?
Top 10 Cleaners For Catalytic Converters
Here are 10 of the best catalytic converter cleaners for your car or truck:
1) Cataclean Catalytic Converter Cleaning Treatment
Cataclean catalytic converter cleaning treatment will give your vehicle a 50% reduction in hydrocarbon emissions. In addition, the oxygen sensor and fuel injectors of your vehicle will be thoroughly cleaned.
All that grime that built up on your catalytic converter will be eliminated. One standard bottle of Cataclean gives you 473 milliliters of this cleaning solution. If you frequently drive on dirt roads, then you will benefit greatly from this cleaner.
2) Hi-Gear HG3270s EZ
Hi-Gear HG3270s EZ Catalytic Converter Cleaner is the one sure way you can pass your emissions test. It will eliminate all the nasty residue that has accumulated in your catalytic converter.
In addition, Hi-Gear cat cleaner will assist in cleaning your entire fuel system as well as the combustion chambers, pistons, and fuel injectors. If the tailpipe of your car smells like sulfur, then you know it is time to use this cleaner.
3) Solder-It CAT-1 Catalytic Converter Cleaner
Solder-IT Cat-1 Catalytic Converter Cleaner will get you the results that you want. Just add the solution to your fuel tank and you’re good to go.
CAT-1 will take a little time for it to work through your system but once it does, you will notice a much better performance coming from your vehicle. This is also a cheaper way to avoid maintenance expenses.
4) OXICAT Oxygen Sensor & Catalytic Converter Cleaner
OXICAT Oxygen Sensor & Catalytic Converter Cleaner is a German-based product which will lower your emissions and help you pass your emissions test. It will eliminate all the soot and carbon deposits built up in your fuel system.
The end result will be a clean catalytic converter and oxygen sensor. Your fuel efficiency will likely be improved as well from one application of OXICAT.
5) CRC “Guaranteed to Pass” Emissions System Cleaner
CRC 05063 is a catalytic converter cleaner that has a proven formula to clean your exhaust gases and ensure that you pass your emissions test. This will be especially useful if you own an old car which has a weaker converter in it.
CRC “Guaranteed to Pass” will clean quickly so that carbon dioxide and nitrogen elements are reduced considerably from your exhaust gases.
Related:
- 5 Steps to Clean a Catalytic Converter by Yourself
- What is Inside of a Catalytic Converter?
- 5 Symptoms of a Bad Catalytic Converter
6) Run-Rite Sledgehammer Decarbonizing Kit
Sledgehammer Catalytic Converter Fuel System uses a 2-step system comprised of 2 different bottles. First, you pour the liquid cleaning solution into the gas tank like normal.
Second, you connect a vacuum line to the second bottle, which slowly takes it up for decarbonization and deposit removal. The Run-Rite kit is a bit spendier than others but seems to work better.
7) Red Line 60103 Complete SI-1 Fuel System Cleaner
Red Line 60103 is one of the most popular fuel system cleaner’s of all time. It will eliminate residues and debris from your fuel system and catalytic converter.
One full bottle of Redline SI-1 works wonders with a gas tank that is half filled. It is recommended you use this cleaner twice per year.
8) Chevron Techron Fuel System Cleaner
Chevron Techron Concentrate Plus Fuel System Cleaner is an affordable cleaning solution for your catalytic converter and fuel system. Your hydrocarbon emissions will quickly be reduced so that you can have cleaner sensors and components.
But, more importantly, Techron fuel system cleaner can increase your fuel efficiency and allow components to perform at a higher efficiency.
9) Royal Purple Max-Clean Fuel System Cleaner
Royal Purple Max-Clean Fuel System Cleaner will lower carbon dioxide and nitrogen elements from your emissions. If you care about high performance and fuel efficiency, then you will want this cleaner.
Royal Purple is one of the most respected brands in automotive maintenance and performance and their Max-Clean cleaner is one of their most popular products.
10) Lucas Fuel Treatment
Lucas Fuel Treatment solution is a short-term solution for anyone looking to pass their emissions test in a hurry. Your entire fuel system, as well as your catalytic converter, will receive a good fast cleaning from this formula solution.
Unlike the other products, Lucas fuel treatment comes in a one gallon jug making it one of the best bang for the buck cleaners out there.
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