Catalytic converter (Cat)

A catalytic converter controls harmful emissions by breaking down the harmful compounds that are produced by vehicle engines. A chemical reaction breaks down the toxic gases and turns them into carbon dioxide and water vapour, which are then pushed out of the exhaust. Precious metals such as platinum, palladium and rhodium are among the elements responsible for the chemical reaction (but their value has made catalytic converters the target for thefts in recent years, which is unfortunate).