One of four major emission control systems, the catalytic converter is found in the exhaust system in front of the muffler. When the exhaust gases travel through the catalytic converter, the carbon monoxide and hydro carbons are converted into harmless carbon dioxide and water vapor. However, the catalytic converter does not handle all the gases found in exhaust. Because of it's close proximity to the engine, the catalytic converter gets extremely hot. Also, leaded gasoline is a catalytic converter's worst enemy and can easily render it useless. That's why all cars equipped with catalytic converters require unleaded gas. The development of the catalytic converter has proved to be one major victory in the battle to reduce pollutants in automobile exhaust.
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