Catalytic converters are fitted on all vehicles registered after 1993. The purpose of the catalytic converter is to clean the emissions from the engine and to remove harmful particles and carbon monoxide gas; so that the final gas from the exhaust pipe is essentially carbon dioxide and water vapour.

Emission readings for cars with converters and those without are huge, which shows that they are really efficient. The good thing is that catalytic converters have a good life expectancy, but should be checked periodically for internal and external damage.

A major part of the MOT test now involves checking emissions from vehicles so it is important that your engine and exhaust system is in good order, to avoid damage to the catalytic converter.