Most people understand the reason for the catalytic converter. For those of you who do not, here is the reason why we have catalytic converters. Catalytic converters are an air pollution control device placed in the exhaust system of cars and trucks since 1975. Converters take the carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons that are given off as waste from the combustion of a gasoline engine (and some diesels) and converts them into water and carbon dioxide gas. Since water and carbon dioxide cycle through the environment, they are safer than carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons. Catalytic converters also convert nitrous oxides into nitrogen gas, which makes up 78% of air. Therefore, we have cleaner air coming out of our cars.
There have always been federal laws regarding the converter since 1975. At first, most automotive businesses ignored them. As time went on, Louisville introduced the Jefferson County Vehicle Emissions Test (VET). We all had to take our cars and trucks to have them tested, and we did not appreciate the inconvenience of having to be forced to do so. Finally, because of Dan Seum, the VET was eliminated due to a vote during the administration of David Armstrong. Even though the VET was done away with, all of the laws remained in place and were overseen by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Please be aware that, by law, no company can replace a converter just because a customer wants it replaced. The converter must be tested and determined to be not operating properly or defective.