When did car manufacturers start using catalytic converters?

Beginning with the 1975 model year, cars in the United States, such as this 1975 Buick Regal, were required to have catalytic converters. Catalytic converters break down toxic car exhaust into water, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide.

When did cars stop using catalytic converters?

This type of catalytic converter is widely used on diesel engines to reduce hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions. They were also used on gasoline engines in American- and Canadian-market automobiles until 1981. Because of their inability to control oxides of nitrogen, they were superseded by three-way converters.

Why are catalytic converters so close to the engine?

The catalyst must be exposed to heat in order to start working. This process is called “light off.” So one reason to mount it close to the engine is to get the catalyst to light off quickly when the engine starts by exposing it to hot exhaust gas as soon as possible.

Why did car companies hide the catalytic converter?

The text explains that a few years after the film’s end, the federal government sued the major car manufacturers for conspiring to hide evidence that cars were causing pollution and suppressing catalytic-converter technology that could help combat the problem.

What cars are having their catalytic converters stolen?

Vehicles that have had the most thefts are: Toyota Prius, SUV’s of all makes, Pick up Trucks of all makes, van’s (mostly Honda), passenger cars (mostly Honda), 2 U-Haul trucks. Gov. Roy Cooper recently signed a bill that makes catalytic converter theft a felony.

How are catalytic converters stolen?

Typically, catalytic converters are stolen from cars and trucks in driveways, strip malls or in parking garages. “Anywhere cars are exposed,” says Detective Abram Yap of the Long Beach Police Department.

Are catalytic converters required on 1975 cars in California?

Catalytic converters were required on all 1975 cars sold in California. Leaded gasoline, however, played havoc with the catalysts. One solution was to use lead-free or unleaded gasoline.

What is the history of the automobile and the environment?

The Automobile and the Environment in American History. Congress enacted the National Air Pollution Control Act in 1955 to generate research on air pollution, but how automobile emissions fit into the story took several years to evaluate and even longer to address.

How did foreign-made cars become more fuel-efficient?

Foreign-made, fuel-efficient cars gained a stronger foothold in the American market during and after the 1973 oil embargo and corresponding rise in gas prices in the wake of the Arab-Israeli war. American firms Ford, GM and Chrysler responded by manufacturing new lines of smaller, more fuel-efficient cars.

How multi-fuel engine technology is changing the automotive engine market?

The emergence of multi-fuel engine technology is expected to provide lucrative opportunities to the active market players in the automotive engine market. For example, the Volvo multi-fuel car has a 2.0-liter engine that runs on five different fuels, namely, hythane, methane, bioethane, CNG, and petrol.