Toyota Prius Catalytic Converters

The engine in your Toyota Prius must consume at least some gas to generate the electricity that runs it in part. Burning fuel produces noxious fumes, like carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides. The exhaust system in your hybrid removes them safely, protecting you, your passengers, and the environment. Its catalytic converter -- or cat, for short -- is first up in the process. It's located between exhaust manifold and muffler. What does a catalytic converter do? Put simply, its metal catalyst coating, usually a combo of platinum, rhodium, and palladium, captures, contains, and converts most of those pollutants into harmless water vapor and carbon dioxide. And how does a catalytic converter work? Its metals do two things. One: they separate toxic molecules into nitrogen and oxygen, trapping the former within the converter and letting the latter pass through. Two: they oxidize (really, burn) hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide. Unfortunately, no catalytic converter lasts forever.

What are the Signs a Catalytic Converter is Bad and Needs Replacing?

They include a slower, less responsive engine, acceleration problems, excessive, dark exhaust smoke, a sulfuric or rotten-egg smell, and excessive heat production under your vehicle. If your Toyota Prius has these symptoms, it might be time for a change. Otherwise, when you should replace a catalytic converter is straightforward -- about every 100,000 miles. When you do, be sure to buy genuine OEM. A catalytic converter made by Toyota for your Prius specifically will fit it best. You can order one right here at our auto parts store. Buy one today and we'll ship it right to your door.