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Ask.cars.com car questions
Associated Press photo/Robert F. Bukaty
What does three-way catalytic converter mean?
A three-way catalytic converter reduces exhaust emissions of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons (unburned gas) and nitrogen oxides (the smog-producing pollutant). When catalytic converters arrived in 1975, they reduced emissions of only carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons. In a three-way converter, exhaust gases pass through a honeycomb of rare metals — platinum, palladium and rhodium — and the resulting chemical reaction converts harmful emissions into harmless carbon dioxide, water and nitrogen.
?Joe Bruzek, Cars.com