What is a catalytic converter?

A catalytic converter is a part of your car's exhaust system that uses chemical reactions to turn your engine's harmful emissions into less harmful gases. A catalytic converter typically contains a ceramic block with a honeycomb structure, which is coated with precious metals – namely rhodium, platinum and palladium. When the catalytic converter heats up, it helps break down the harmful gases from the engine's exhaust and turns them into less-harmful carbon dioxide and water vapour. Because catalytic converters contain precious metals, they're often a target for thieves, and it's not uncommon to hear about catalytic converters being sawn off cars while they're parked up.