Test Your Automotive Knowledge with this Quiz!

Posted on August 18, 2020 by autorepair

How well do you know your vehicle? Many car owners are great drivers, but don’t necessarily know how their vehicle works and operates. This is perfectly acceptable, since you don’t need comprehensive mechanical automotive knowledge to operate a vehicle safely; however, it can certainly be enlightening learning new things about your car that you didn’t know before. And who knows? Perhaps you will surprise yourself with all the automotive knowledge you currently retain!

Take the challenge and complete the automotive quiz below, and then assess your score at the bottom of the page to see how well you did!

Indianapolis Auto Repair and Service 317-475-1846

Your Automotive Challenge Awaits…

Start by taking the quiz and recording each of your choices. Then compare your answers to the scoreboard at the bottom of the quiz. Good luck!

Question #1

Which Type of Fluid is Used to Lubricate a Car’s Engine?

Windshield Wiper Fluid
Coolant
Motor Oil
Anti-Freeze

Question #2

Which Car Part is Made from the Rare Metal, Platinum?

Pistons
Catalytic Converter
Crank Case
Muffler

Question #3

What Service Does Your Car Require for Optimal On-Going Performance?

Oil Change
Radiator Flush
Alignment
All of the Above

Question #4

For What Reason Could a Check Engine Light Be On?

Loose Gas Cap
Flat Tire
Broken Windshield Wiper
All of the Above

Question #5

What Do You Need to Flush a Radiator?

Funnel, Coolant Receptacle, and Cloth
Phillips Screw Driver
Radiator Flush and Anti-Freeze
All of the Above

Question #6

What Do You Need to Startup a Dead Car Battery?

Wrench
Jumper-Cables
Screw Driver
Battery Fluid

Question #7

If a Car Bounces While Driving, What Could Be the Problem Area?

Engine
Fuel Tank
Suspension
Power Steering

Question #8

Which Fluid Do You Require to Control Engine Temperatures?

Brake Fluid
Motor Oil
Water
Coolant

Question #9

Which Automotive Part Dims the Noise Produced by an Engine?

Muffler
Exhaust
Transmission
Ignition

Question #10

What Does an Odometer Measure?

Distance
Speed
Fuel Level
Engine Temperature

Now Check Your Score!

Answer Key: 1-c, 2-b, 3-d, 4-a, 5-d, 6-b, 7-c, 8-d, 9-a, 10-a

Indianapolis Auto Repair and Service Pros You Can Trust

Call Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for professional Indianapolis auto repair and service you can trust. We have been helping Hoosiers repair and maintenance their vehicles for over 20 years, while offering affordable prices and reliable work. You can schedule a free inspection and estimate, anytime! We can even assist with tows! Don’t forget to mention one of our auto repair coupons or discounts to get the best deal in town.

Common Signs That Indicate Which Car Repair You Need

Posted on August 4, 2020 by autorepair

If you were to ask most drivers about the importance of personal transportation, they would tell you that their vehicle is one of their most valued assets in their lives. We rely on our cars and trucks to get us from point A to point B, whether those points are to and from work, carpooling, dropping the kids off at karate practice, or running errands, we need our vehicles to be reliable at all times. If you are starting to notice your car is performing different in anyway, you should investigate the issue before it becomes a more costly problem “down the road”, no pun intended.

Continue reading and match your car problem with its needed repair. Then call a professional and licensed mechanic for reputable Indianapolis auto repair services you can trust.

Signs That Suggest a Particular Type of Auto Repair

Brake Repair:

⚙ Squealing or Screeching Noises
⚙ Slower Stop Times
⚙ Crunching or Grinding Noises
⚙ Burnt Rubber Smell
⚙ Rattling Noises
⚙ Pulling in a Certain Direction

Engine/Transmission Repair:

⚙ Humming, Buzzing, Knocking, or Whining Noises
⚙ Engine Turns but Won’t Start Smoking
⚙ Increased Gas Consumption
⚙ Backfiring
⚙ Stalling
⚙ Bad Exhaust Smell
⚙ Tire Service and Repair:
⚙ Uneven Steering Wheel
⚙ Wobble-Like Drive
⚙ Excessive Vibrating
⚙ Pulling

Factory Scheduled Maintenance:

⚙ Dim or Burnt Out Lights
⚙ Engine Overheating
⚙ Slow Starting
⚙ Slower Braking
⚙ Stubborn or “Heavy” Steering Wheel
⚙ Squeaky Brakes
⚙ Smoking
⚙ Diminished AC
⚙ Reduced Gas Mileage

Check Engine Light On:

⚙ Wet Engine
⚙ Blown Gasket
⚙ Faulty O2 Sensors
⚙ Cracked Manifold
⚙ Pinched or Worn Fuel Injector O-Rings
⚙ Deteriorated Spark Plugs

Indianapolis Automotive Repair and Service You Can Trust

Call Northeast Auto at 317-475-1846 for affordable auto repair service in Indianapolis, Indiana. We provide domestic and foreign car repair for all make and model vehicles. On top of competitive prices, we also offer car repair coupons and discounts! Schedule a free inspection and estimate, anytime. Don’t forget to ask us about our auto repair coupons and discounts! But start by requesting a free auto repair estimate or some quick mechanic advice, today.

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Why is My Car Engine Overheating?

Posted on July 10, 2020 by autorepair

It’s a common occurrence: You are driving down the road, enjoying the traffic-free afternoon, when all of a sudden, your engine’s temperature gauge goes way up. Yes, that’s right; your car engine is overheated. But why? Many people can understand the problems associated with an overheating engine, and the damage it can cause to a vehicle; but many don’t know why it happens in the first place.

Continue reading for a brief look at 6 common reasons why your car’s engine may be overheating all the time.

Indianapolis Car Engine Repair and Service 317-475-1846

The Radiator Fluid is Low

Radiator fluid, also called coolant, keeps the motor cool during operation. When your car beings to run out of coolant, your engine is unable to effectively transfer all the heat it produces, so it overheats. This is the first place to always inspect when your car engine is overheating. Simply refill with coolant and water, and that’s it! Your vehicle should be just fine. But if that’s not it…

The Radiator is Clogged

A clogged radiator happens overtime as grease and muck builds up inside. If a car has more than 50,000 miles on it, it is at higher risk for radiator clogs. To avoid this, be sure to have your vehicle’s radiator flushed on an annual basis. This is a cheap and quick service you can get at almost any auto shop or service station.

You Have a Coolant Leak

Perhaps your car is low on coolant because it has a leak in the radiator. When a car cannot sustain its coolant levels, it cannot properly regulate heat transfer in the engine. This causes a car to overheat.

The Coolant Fan is Malfunctioning

On the topic of coolant, it could be that the coolant fan is defective or not operating properly. This part is easy to check. Simply pop the hood and the coolant fan is located on top, next to the radiator. See if the fan is sluggish or slow. If, so it could be the cause of your engine overheating problems. It could be the electric fan, or it could be the radiator switch. An Indianapolis mechanic can figure that out for you.

The Fan Belt Broke

A broken fan belt will cause a car engine to overheat rapidly. If the fan belt is broken, it is highly likely that other engine components are malfunctioning too. Mostly older vehicles have fan belts, but they are easy to repair. All you have to do to check for a broken fan belt is look at your car’s engine.

The Thermostat is Closed

If your vehicle’s thermostat will not stay open, then your car will overheat. This is because the thermostat controls the amount of coolant released while a vehicle is in operation. If it’s defective, it cannot read the temperature and open the coolant flow as needed. This will cause overheating issues quickly.

Cheap Car Engine Repair in Indianapolis, Indiana

Call Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for professional car engine repair and service in Indianapolis, Indiana. We’re ASE certified car mechanics who provide a wide range of auto repairs and maintenance for both foreign and domestic vehicles, including major engine work. Best of all, we offer customer conveniences like free written estimates, flexible drop off and pickup hours, automotive repair coupons and discounts, and competitive pricing.

Collective Car Care Tips and Tricks You Need to Know

Posted on June 24, 2020 by autorepair

When it comes to cutting back and saving money, a great place to start is with your car. Vehicles can be a major expense since they require routine maintenance, regular fuel fill-ups, fluid changes, and basic protection, to ensure performance and reliability. All of these automotive requirements cost money, making car care an important part of investment protection. If you are taking care of your car to the best of your ability, you are already on the right path. However, adding a few more car care tips and tricks to improve your car maintenance acumen can’t hurt!

Continue reading to learn some vital automotive care and maintenance tips that can help you stay safe and save money.

Gas Mileage and Fuel Efficiency

Everyone wants to preserve as much fuel as possible in order to save money on gasoline. Here are the best ways to ensure you are:

☑ Slow down a little when you drive, and avoid revving the gas.
☑ Remove excess items from the trunk to reduce vehicular weight.
☑ Stay current on all factory scheduled maintenance and minor repairs.
☑ Carpool as often as possible.
☑ Use alternative transportation, like bikes, buses, Ubers, and more.
☑ Use the proper fuel grade.

Tire Care

Without proper tire maintenance, you can risk damaging several other areas of your car or truck, as well as, reduce its overall performance value. Three aspects are most important when it comes to the tires on your car or truck: matching the proper tire-type to your particular vehicle, purchasing high-quality tires, and regular tire maintenance. Be sure to regularly check your tire tread. Here in Indiana, the tire tread minimum is 2/32 of an inch for passenger car tires. Use the “penny test” to assess your tire tread. Simply insert a penny into the groove of your tire. If you can see Lincoln’s head, it means the tread is low and it is time to replace your vehicle’s tires.

Windshield Wiper Malfunctions

Although you have your windshield wipers and wiper fluid to rely on, it never hurts to have a backup plan when it comes to rain. One such hack is to use a spray-on rain resistant product. These products are perfectly safe for your car’s windshield, plus they are fairly priced and available at any local convenient store or automotive store. You can also order these products online. We Recommend Rain-X® 2-in-1 Glass Cleaner w/Rain Repellent, available at most department stores.

Car Cleanliness

Believe it or not, keeping your car clean will help it last a lot longer! This includes routine interior cleaning, such as vacuuming, dusting, and sanitizing, as well as, exterior cleaning, including the under body, windows, wheels, bumper, and all other exterior areas. Eliminating dust, dirt, and debris improves a vehicle’s performance, safety, and of course, appeal. For this reason, try to clean your car once every month. In fact, see our recent blog, “How to Wash Your Car Using the Rain” for a fun alternative to the car wash!

Factory Scheduled Car Maintenance

Factory scheduled car maintenance is vital to the overall performance, safety, and longevity of every vehicle. And it also helps with the budget since it prevents costly breakdowns and repairs. Scheduled car maintenance includes routine fluid changes, filter replacements, brake service, tire service, battery service, alignments, and more. Proper auto care reduces toxic emissions and fuel consumption, and supports a safer, more efficient operation. All this is eco-friendly and better for the environment. Check your owners’ manual for your vehicle’s suggested service schedule, and talk to your mechanic about your car’s individual needs.

Regular Inspections and Early Detections

Be sure to have your vehicle inspected regularly by a licensed mechanic. Brakes, lights, and other important components need regular inspection and service to ensure driving safety and efficiency. To determine how often your vehicle needs serviced, refer to your car’s manual, or ask a licensed auto mechanic in your area. See our blog, “Where Can I Find My Car’s Service Maintenance Schedule?” for help.

Indianapolis Automotive Maintenance and Repair at an Affordable Price

Call Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for professional automotive maintenance and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. We’re ASE certified car mechanics who provide a wide range of auto repairs and maintenance for both foreign and domestic vehicles, including transmission repairs, fuel system repairs, and general automotive maintenance services. We also provide several amenities, such as free written estimates, flexible drop off and pickup hours, and more.

Do I Have to Take My Foreign Vehicle to the Dealership for Auto Service?

Posted on May 28, 2020 by autorepair

When it comes to foreign cars, scheduled maintenance and repair is an important factor in the longevity and overall performance of the vehicle. For this reason, import car owners are motivated to stay on top of vehicle care and preventative maintenance. They take their vehicle’s factory scheduled maintenance agenda seriously, and never hesitate to call the mechanic when something feels a little off. Catching small problems early on is a cost-effective way to maintain a vehicle and avoid expensive repairs and replacements.

But as a foreign car owner, you may wonder if you are obligated to take your vehicle into the dealership for all repairs and services, or if you can use a trusted, independently-owned auto repair shop instead. This question is both understandable and important. Of course, we want the best for our vehicles, but that doesn’t mean we have to spend a ridiculous amount of money doing it.

Continue reading to learn whether or not your foreign car should be go to the dealership for service and repair.

Indianapolis Auto Repair and Service 317-475-1846

Dealership vs. Auto Repair Shop

It is important to ask questions about your vehicle’s maintenance schedule and service needs. Not only does this save you money in the long run, it increases the life or your car or truck. As for dealerships, the cost of maintenance and repair is inflated, since they have larger overhead costs and more staff to pay. For this reason, it makes more sense to take your vehicle to a locally owned and operated auto repair shop for foreign car maintenance and repair.

But you may be asking if your vehicle’s warranty is still good at these places, or only at the dealership. Here is what you need to know: There are laws that require the factory to honor all vehicular warranties so long as all the proper documentation is retained showing that all the scheduled maintenance is being performed on time.

So, you can save time and money by taking your foreign car or truck to a local mechanic rather than a dealership. Just be sure to save all of your receipts and documents pertaining to all work completed on your vehicle, and have the mechanic sign your maintenance schedule book if your vehicle comes with one. Be sure to choose an Indianapolis auto repair shop that is licensed, experienced, and has a good reputation.

Affordable Indianapolis Auto Repair for Foreign and Domestic Vehicles

3 Auto Care Services to Ensure Brake Performance and Longevity

Posted on May 12, 2020 by autorepair

Well-maintained braking systems in any automobile are a vital necessity in the process of ensuring quality performance and proper handling, as well as, longevity and safety. There are several steps a person can take to guarantee consistent brake function and durability. Continue reading to learn the three routine maintenance services for automotive braking systems that can greatly influence the lifespan and dependability of any vehicle.

Indianapolis Car Brake Repair and Service 317-475-1846

Road Testing

All vehicles need to start with a road test to see where their car or truck stands when it comes to the braking system. During a standard road test, a mechanic is looking for squeaking, clunking, or noticeable grinding. Also, pedal effort, dragging, brake warning lights, and similar components are other focus areas during a road test. Pulsating brake pedals, parking brake issues, and more are other issues that can be determined during a road test.

Inspection

The next important part of brake maintenance services are inspections. An inspection of an automotive braking system should always be done by a licensed mechanic. Today’s braking systems are highly complicated. During a typical inspection, a mechanic is looking at the hydraulic system, hydraulic booster, the anti-lock brakes, vacuum booster, the drum brakes, the disc brakes, parking brakes, and tires. All these parts work together to promote a functioning brake system.

Recommended Car Brake Maintenance

Maintenance services for brakes should be done annually to ensure safety and performance. Brake pads, brake rotors, and brake fluid all need changed and replaced. On occasion, it is necessary to change out pads and rotors more often if the vehicle is driven more than usual. Other services include lubricating the parking brake components and star wheel adjuster, and inflating all tires.

Also, the hydraulic system requires a flush and refill. Although not always necessary, braking systems may also require services such as freeing up bleeder screws and applying anti-seize to the threads. Wheels, calipers, and tire rotations are also helpful for promoting optimal brake performance and safety.

Be sure to have your brakes tested, inspected, and serviced at least one time a year. It is important to protect yourself on the road, as well as other drivers. Trust a local Indianapolis automotive shop that specializes in the vehicle you own and operate. As long as you hire a licensed and experienced car repair specialists, you are in good hands. For tight wallets, look for shops that offer specials, deals, coupons, and discounts. This means they are a fair and honest shop that believes in their services enough to provide discounts for customers.

Affordable Same-Day Automotive Service in Indianapolis

Call Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for professional automotive brake service and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. We’re ASE certified car mechanics who provide a wide range of auto repairs and maintenance for both foreign and domestic vehicles. We also provide several amenities, such as free written estimates, flexible drop off and pickup hours, and more.

How to Smell a Car Problem

Posted on April 13, 2020 by autorepair

Did you know that your nose can actually identify certain warning signs of vehicular trouble? Different smells may imply particular problems with your vehicle, and picking up on these smells early on can spare you time and money on auto repairs. Continue reading to learn which automotive smells to be on the lookout for, and what to do if you detect any of these odors in your vehicle.

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New Car Smell

If you buy a car right off the market, you can expect that tell-tale new car smell. But after some time, that new car smell wears off, and what replaces it depends on your interior automotive hygiene. However, it is possible to smell odors in your vehicle that are different from the food, smoke, perfume, and other odors that may generally occupy your interior. In this case, the presence of unusual odors could be a sign that something is mechanically wrong with your car. Below are the 6 most common automotive odors that may indicate an automotive problem.

Look Out for These Automotive Odors:

Gasoline – If you smell gas, it could mean that your vehicle has a gas leak somewhere in the fuel injection line or fuel tank. Since gasoline is highly flammable, it is vital that you take immediate action. Have a licensed mechanic locate the cause of the smell and make the necessary repairs to get your vehicle back to a safe driving condition.

Burnt Rubber – The smell of burnt rubber could indicate that your engine has slipping drive belts or loose hoses that are rubbing against the rotating accessory drive pulleys. This calls for professional auto repair.

Burnt Carpet – Smelling burnt carpet is a serious sign since it usually indicates a problem with a vehicle’s braking system. This is a serious safety hazard that should be addressed by a professional mechanic immediately upon discovery.

Hot Oil – Hot oil smells could mean that your car has an oil leak that is causing oil to get into the exhaust system. If you also see smoke coming from the hood, or oil on the pavement below, it is most likely an oil leak. This calls for professional service.

Sweet Syrupy Smell – Sweet syrupy smells are an odd odor to experience in your vehicle, but they are also quite serious since they may be an indication that your vehicle has a coolant leak in its cooling system. Get professional auto service right away.

Rotten Eggs – The smell of rotten eggs, or sulfur, is a sign that your car’s catalytic converter is defective. When catalytic converters stop converting hydrogen sulfide into sulfur dioxide properly, it can cause the smell of rotten eggs. This sign requires immediate professional automotive service.

⚠ Never ignore odd odors in your car. Consult a licensed automotive mechanic right away if you smell something unusual, especially while driving under normal conditions.

Licensed Indianapolis Auto Mechanics Near You

Choose Northeast Auto Service as Your Local Trusted Indianapolis Mechanic

Posted on February 28, 2020 by autorepair

Northeast Auto Service is a locally-owned and operated automotive repair shop based out of Indianapolis, Indiana, just off of Binford Boulevard and 65th Street. We are ASE certified and licensed mechanics with nearly 30 years of hands-on experience in the automotive service and repair industry. Join the countless number of Hoosiers with car maintenance and repair needs, and choose none other than the state certified mechanics at Northeast Auto Service!

Continue below to learn what we can do for you, and which automotive service specials we are running this year!

ASE Certified Mechanics 317-475-1846 — Indianapolis Auto Repair and Service 317-475-1846

Superior Automotive Care on the North Side

Here at Northeast Auto Service, we offer comprehensive automotive repair for all make and model vehicles, both foreign and domestic, specializing in major engine work. As ASE certified factory trained mechanics with decades of experience, you can rest assure that your vehicle is in the hands of true industry professionals who care about quality. Best of all, as a family owned and operated business, we understand the value of a dollar, which is why we maintain the most competitive prices in town.

Automotive Coupons and Discounts

No matter the time of year, Northeast Auto has fantastic cost-saving coupons, specials, and deals for both car repair and maintenance! Right now, customers can get $50 off any service or repair over $250! This is an amazing value that no other automotive repair shop can beat! Additional deals we are currently running are: BUY 4 OIL CHANGES AND GET ONE FREE, $50 OFF IGNITION TUNE UPS & FUEL INJECTION SERVICE, $25 OFF EACH BRAKE AXEL REPAIR, and $50 OFF COMPLETE BRAKE REPAIR, and a FREE SAFETY INSPECTION ANY TIME!

Why Choose Northeast Auto Service?

⚙ Fully Licensed & Insured
⚙ ASE Certified Mechanic Technicians
⚙ Full Service Auto Repair Shop
⚙ All Make & Model Vehicles
⚙ Family Owned & Operated
⚙ 30 Years’ Experience
⚙ Economy-Based Prices
⚙ Automotive Coupons & Discounts
⚙ Long-Standing Hoosier Business
⚙ Courteous Customer Service
⚙ Flexible Drop-Off & Pickup Hours
⚙ Extended Business Hours!

Get Started With a Free Estimate Today!

Do Manual Cars Get Better Fuel Mileage Than Automatics?

Posted on January 28, 2020 by autorepair

Gas mileage is huge these days in the car buying market. Everyone wants to do good by the environment as well as their wallets. So when people are shopping around for a new vehicle, the common question concerning transmissions is guaranteed to arise. Should you buy a manual, stick shift car, or a more simple, modern-day automatic? The question has stimulated debates for decades, and is still, for the most part, quite undecided. This is because there is a thin line between which type is better for fuel economy.

Continue reading to learn more about transmissions and fuel consumption, as well as, what to do if you are concerned about your vehicle’s performance.

Gas Mileage Factors to Consider

Manual or automatic? That is the question; right? Well, the answer depends on many factors, namely the make and model of the vehicle, and the manner or style of driving you intend on doing. You see, in older automatic transmissions, a torque converter is used to couple the engine between gears, which in turn, burns more fuel and therefore, affects gas mileage. Oppositely, manual transmissions do not use a torque converter, but rather, a clutch.

So, if you are looking to buy a used, older vehicle, a manual might be more fuel efficient than an older, automatic transmission vehicle. On the other hand, newer make and model automatic transmissions are manufactured with an overdrive top gear that reduces RPM’s at high speeds, like on the interstate. They are also designed with 5, 6, or 7 speeds. All of these features allows for easier and smoother highway cruising and better gas mileage.

As for the type of driving a person does, manual and automatic transmission choices will differ. For example, if a person lives in a busy city area with constant stop-and-go traffic, a manual transmission vehicle could save on fuel (up to 2 MPG) because automatics tend to use more energy under these circumstances. If a person does a lot of interstate traveling, and prefers a new model vehicle, an automatic is a better choice for improved gas mileage.

How to Reduce Fuel Consumption

Wish to improve your fuel consumption in order to get better gas mileage? It all starts with proper car care and diligence. By staying current on inspections, oil changes, engine cleanings, tune-ups, tire rotations, and additional maintenance needs, you can make an instant and meaningful impact on your vehicle’s gas mileage. Another effective way to reduce fuel consumption is to simply drive more efficiently. This means carpooling when you can, avoiding engine revving, avoiding abrupt starting and stopping, and reducing your speed. All these combined can instantly increase your gas mileage by burning less fuel per mile.

If you believe your vehicles fuel consumption is experiencing problems, take it to a licensed mechanic for professional fuel system service and repair. Trained Indianapolis car mechanics retain the proper tools and equipment to diagnose fuel system problems and much more.

Indianapolis Car Maintenance and Care

Call Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for professional automotive service and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. We’re ASE certified car mechanics who provide a wide range of auto repairs and maintenance for both foreign and domestic vehicles, including transmission repairs, fuel system repairs, and general automotive maintenance services. We also provide several amenities, such as free written estimates, flexible drop off and pickup hours, and more.

The Process of Automotive Catalytic Conversion

Posted on January 13, 2020 by autorepair

Did you know that your car’s catalytic converter is made from a highly valuable precious metal, platinum? But that’s not the only attribute that makes this automotive component so valuable. When it comes to vehicular safety and performance, a catalytic converter is more of a precious asset rather than a precious metal.

Continue reading to learn more about catalytic converters, including how they work.

Harmful Automotive Emissions

Vehicles use fuel, usually gasoline or diesel, to operate. These fuel sources are made from petroleum, and contain more than 150 different chemicals, including hydrocarbons and additives. When burned in the engine of a car, they create harmful gases and emissions that are threatening to our environment, and planet as a whole. These include carbon monoxide, which is a highly poisonous gas, as well as volatile organic compounds (VOC’s), and nitrogen oxides (which cause smog).

History of Catalytic Converters

Catalytic converters weren’t always an automotive standard. In fact, they weren’t made a standard in the automotive manufacturing industry until 1975, after laws changed regarding cars and air pollution. Today, catalytic converters are on all automotive assembly lines, as they play a vital role in meeting national emissions control standards since many states actively govern the amount of emissions permitted for a car to be registered.

How Do They Work

Catalytic converters are exhaust emission control devices that serve the sole purpose of transforming harmful emissions produced by a car engine, into less harmful pollutants. They “convert” toxic gases and pollutants before they leave a car’s exhaust system by using two types of catalysts. A catalyst is a chemical that causes a particular chemical reaction to speed up without itself changing in the process. In the case of a catalytic converter, the chemical reaction to speed up is the removal of the harmful emissions.

As mentioned, catalytic converters are made primarily from platinum, but they can also contain palladium or rhodium. These metals make up the two catalysts used to convert harmful gases and emissions produce by the engine. The first catalyst uses a chemical process called reduction, which just means oxygen removal, to attack nitrogen oxide pollution. It does this by breaking down the nitrogen oxides into nitrogen and oxygen gases, which are less harmful.

The second catalyst uses an opposite chemical process called oxidation, which adds oxygen, thus turning carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide. Although two catalysts are used to make safe conversions, there are actually three chemical processes going on to accomplish the entire job. The third is another type of oxidation that turns unburned hydrocarbons in the exhaust into water and carbon dioxide.

Two-Way and Three-Way Converters

Some cars will have two-way catalytic converters, which use the first two chemical processes of reduction and oxidation. Then there are other vehicles that have a three-way catalytic converter, which means they use all three chemical processes to change harmful gases and emissions into less harmful ones.

Catalytic Converter Maintenance and Repair

The responsibility of ensuring your catalytic converter is in optimal condition at all times is a vital one. Be sure you are taking good care of your vehicle, and taking it in for regular inspections and factory scheduled maintenance. Refer to your owners’ manual for instructions on your vehicle’s recommended maintenance schedule. Talk to a trusted Indianapolis auto mechanic about your questions and concerns.

Affordable Indianapolis Auto Service You Can Trust

Call Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for the best prices on professional auto services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We’re ASE certified car mechanics who provide a wide range of car repairs and scheduled maintenance services for both foreign and domestic vehicles. We also provide several amenities, such as free written estimates, flexible drop off and pickup hours, and more.