9 Best Catalytic Converter Cleaners
Catalytic converter cleaners are essential for your vehicle. A clogged or corroded catalytic converter can reduce fuel efficiency and increase emissions, which is unsuitable for the environment. It’s also bad for your car because this will make it hard to start when you need to use it most!
The best catalytic converter cleaners on the market today are the ones that work quickly and efficiently with no harsh chemicals or reactions – they’re easy on both humans and cars alike! This blog post will go over some of the best catalytic converter cleaners available today, so you can choose which one is right for your vehicle.
The Best Catalytic Converter Cleaners on the Market Today
1. Chevron Techron Concentrate Plus Fuel System Cleaner
$15.89
Chevron being a reputable car care company, has been a top choice for many years now. Their Techron Concentrate Plus Fuel System Cleaner is one of the most recommended products to clean up your engine and achieve optimum performance without causing damage. This catalytic converter cleaner works by loosening hard deposits that clog fuel injectors, valves, and combustion chambers and boosting octane levels. This product will also help you get rid of the smell caused by a rotten egg smell resulting from sulfur compounds breaking down.
Product features
- Cleans and eliminates the cause of stalling and pinging regardless of octane level
- Product is not harmful to oxygen sensors or catalytic converters, making it safe for newer vehicles.
- Outperforms every leading fuel system Cleaner in independent tests.
Pros
- Removes carbon deposits, cleans the fuel system, and boosts octane levels
- Leaves a pleasant smell in your car after use
Cons
- The product cannot be used on diesel engines.
Gumout’s Multi-System Tune-Up is considered one of the best catalytic converter cleaners on the market today. It contains top-tier ingredients, such as hydrotreating technology and PTEF enzyme boosters, to work fast in breaking down stubborn deposits that clog up your vehicle’s emissions system. Gumout Multi-System Tune-up also has biodegradable detergent additives that help clean residue buildup inside engine cylinders while protecting other vital parts like sensors and valves from damage during cleaning procedures.
Pros
- top tier ingredients
- fast-acting in breaking down deposits
- biodegradable detergent additives for protection of sensors and valves
Cons
- Expensive, considering most cleaner products on this list are cheaper than $20 per bottle or can.
3. DURA LUBE Severe Catalytic and Exhaust Treatment
$18.82
DURA LUBE’s Dual-Function Formula is designed to reduce emissions and fuel consumption while improving power, throttle response, and acceleration. The product cleans the exhaust system resulting in more horsepower, torque, and improved gas mileage.
Pros
- Quickly removes deposits from the catalytic converter
- Eliminates rough idling caused by dirty cats
- Restores lost engine performance due to plugged converters
- Enhances low-end torque & improves overall driveability
Cons
- This product is NOT for use in vehicles fitted with Oxygen Sensors
4. Red Line Complete SI-1 Fuel System Cleaner
$26.99
This best catalytic converter cleaner is designed to clean the fuel system of vehicles that are fueled by gasoline. It comes in a 16-ounce bottle, and it should be added directly into your gas tank, making sure not to spill any while adding it. This product will effectively remove deposits that cause rough idling, hesitation, stalling, pinging, and other problems related to older engines running on dirty gasoline.
This product gets rid of restricted fuel lines and fuel injectors due to gumming up caused by ethanol fuels found here in America these days. If you have been experiencing starting issues or if your vehicle isn’t performing at its best, then this may be the product for you! Remember that no additional lubricants can be used during the engine run afterward when using this cleaner.
This product is made in the USA, and it also comes with an Auto Club membership, which includes discounts for future purchases! This may be just what you need to get your car or truck performing at its best once again!
Pros
- Works well with all fuel types, including ethanol blends found in the USA nowadays.
- Increases engine power and performance due to better gas mileage after using this product consistently for several weeks or months.
- Cleans injectors & valves and combustion chambers which help reduce exhaust gases that can damage our environment!
Cons
- May not work on older cars that are super dirty inside; it may take multiple applications of this cleaner before you notice any significant results. So try out another brand if your car is ancient. It’s much cheaper than having someone do a total overhaul on your vehicle!
5. Slick 50 High Mileage
$17.97
Slick 50 High Mileage is a trusted and established company in the automotive industry. They have been around for over 50 years, and they produce high-quality engine cleaners. This product comes at an affordable price per bottle. It has received mostly positive reviews from customers online, claiming it does precisely what it says on the label – cleans out your entire fuel system while making your car run smoother than before!
This would be great if you used them under regular maintenance intervals (oil changes etc.). Like most other products listed here today, this cleaner will leave oil residue behind after use, which may affect long-term gasket sealant adhesion. So make sure to use it at least once a year for the best results.
This product also contains Methylcyclopentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl (MMT), banned in some countries but can still be purchased and used legally within the US.
Pros
- Effective cleaning abilities
- Affordable price per bottle.
Cons
- Leaves oil residue behind after use which may affect gasket sealant adhesion long term.
6. Rislone Hy-Per Complete Fuel System Cleaner
Hy-Per is a complete fuel system cleaner that can be used in both gasoline and diesel engines. A unique blend of ingredients works together to remove deposits, restore lost power, clean fuel injectors, relieve sluggishness or hesitation at idle speeds, along with other benefits. It is the only product on the market today that thoroughly cleans all your engine components, including valves! You’ll love this product because it helps you keep the car running smoothly for years longer than before without spending a fortune on repairs.
Pros
- Proven performance, works in all gasoline and diesel engines
Cons
- None! This product is jam-packed with only the best ingredients.
7. Lucas Oil 10512 Deep Clean
Lucas Oil 10512 Deep Clean is a great product to take care of your catalytic converter. It’s made explicitly for these components, and it works well on both light-duty vehicles, heavy trucks, or any other type of vehicle you have in the house. Simply pour the solution directly into your engine oil reservoir tank before adding new motor oil. This will ensure that all parts are properly cleaned, including injectors and valves, and provide longer life for vital car parts such as battery cables and starter motors.
Lucas Oil 10512 Deep Clean is a quality product, and it works as advertised. It comes in a 16 oz. bottle, and it does what it claims to do.
For the best results, make sure you drive your vehicle for at least 20 minutes after adding Lucas Oil 10512 Deep Clean solution before shutting down the engine. This will allow all parts of the car or truck to work correctly and clean out deposits that may cause damage later on if not removed immediately. It is also recommended that you change the oil every 5000 miles with synthetic blend oils such as Mobil One 0W-40 Full Synthetic Motor Oil. This particular product has been designed specifically for use by European vehicles, making this brand a perfect fit due to higher emission standards enforced on these expensive cars from Germany, the UK, etc.
Pros
- Helps remove deposits that cause damage to vital car parts such as battery cables and starter motors.
- Explicitly made for catalytic converters, ensuring proper cleaning of the vehicle’s engine.
Cons
- Some manufacturers may not recommend adding additional chemicals into your oil reservoir tank, which may void warranty or guarantee on new cars if done incorrectly.
- Not available in many retail locations where you can pick up this product easily because it has been explicitly designed with European vehicles in mind instead of North American standards.
8. Hi-Gear EZ Emissions Pass and Catalytic Converter Cleaner
This product is a great product that many people have raved about over the years. The Hi-Gear EZ Emissions Pass and Catalytic Converter Cleaner are easy to use, a spray-on cleaner that thousands of customers have used for several different applications. Firstly it can be used in most diesel or gasoline engines which makes this product versatile. Secondly, it uses special cleaning agents that can dissolve sludge buildup along with deposits found inside your vehicle’s catalytic converter system, thus freeing them from any restrictions they may cause when driving at high speeds. This means better gas mileage, fewer emissions being released into the atmosphere, more horsepower output resulting in higher speeds while also improving fuel economy, making this one of our favorite products today!
Pros
- Catalytic Converter Cleaner that can be used in most diesel or gasoline engines.
- Special cleaning agents dissolve sludge buildup along with carbon deposits found inside your vehicle’s catalytic converter system, thus freeing them from any restrictions they may cause when driving at high speeds.
- Better fuel economy, fewer emissions being released into the atmosphere, more horsepower output resulting in higher speeds while also improving fuel economy, making this one of our favorite products today!
Cons
- None reported so far!
9. Solder-It Catalytic Converter Cleaner
The Solder-It Catalytic Converter Cleaner is a powerful solution for cleaning your vehicle’s converter, getting rid of the harmful gunk that builds up over time. It works safely and effectively on converters made from any material – steel, iron, or stainless steel. The cleaner breaks down deposits in minutes without scrubbing; simply spray it onto the dirty area, wait five to ten minutes, then rinse with water!
Soldier-it has been around since the early 1970s when they started selling their rust remover (the company was founded in 1972). They quickly realized how much money people were wasting by hiring professional services providers to remove stains caused by metal corrosion…so they created an easy DIY product anyone can use at home because “what you can’t see, hurts your wallet.”
Soldier-it is one of the most popular and highest-rated catalytic converter cleaners on Amazon. It has over 600 customer reviews at the time of writing this article – 96% are positive with an average rating of four stars.
Soldier-it is also a brilliant value for money. You can get it delivered in one to two days if you have Prime or spend another few dollars on expedited delivery (for non-members).
Pros
- Safe and easy to use: spray it on, wait five minutes, then rinse with water.
- Suitable for all converter types made from steel, iron, or stainless steel.
- Works in minutes without scrubbing – no need to remove the cat beforehand!
Cons
- There aren’t many negative reviews about this product
FAQ’s
Do fuel cleaners work?
Yes, they do work. They are effective in cleaning your engine and can help improve its efficiency. One of the best things about them is that it doesn’t take too much to see results, so you don’t have to wait long before your car performs better!
Do I need any special tools?
No, all you need is a fuel cleaner and some water to get started. No complicated or expensive equipment is necessary! You mix the two, pour it into an empty container (a soda bottle works well), then squirt it down your exhaust pipe when no one’s looking. As for how often – most people use their cleaners once per week, but there isn’t a set rule on this either way. Some even choose to use it once per month!
How long can I use them?
There is no set rule on this either. Some choose only to use the cleaner for a short period, but others go as far as using their cleaners indefinitely. It depends on how severe your exhaust systems problems are and what you want to achieve through the process, too – if there’s still some residue stuck inside after cleaning. You’ll need to give it another round or two before calling it quits! Also, remember that not all catalytic converters are built alike, so that results may vary from car to car even within the same model line. What works well for one vehicle might not be suitable at all for another – do pay attention to your car’s specific catalytic converter cleaning needs.
How much do I have to spend?
The price can vary from just a few dollars for DIY cleaners or maybe even less if you manage to find the ingredients online somewhere, all the way up to $30+ for a single bottle, but this is not common, and there are plenty of great products in between so it doesn’t hurt to look around! Buying in bulk usually saves you money too. Of course, be sure that whatever product(s) you choose to meet your standards as well – quality costs more than quantity here! Lastly, remember that car work isn’t cheap either, so don’t go overboard with these unless necessary. Otherwise, investing in some other maintenance services might be worth the additional costs.
Why do I need a catalytic converter cleaner?
Every car has a catalytic converter installed to help neutralize harmful pollutants and gases emitted from the exhaust. This is especially true in today’s modern engines, where many more gasses are created than ever before due to technological advancements, tighter environmental restrictions, and stricter emission laws.
However, over time these converters can get clogged up with all sorts of different impurities such as carbon deposits from fuel that don’t combust even or adequately just regular dirt/dust buildup, etc., which not only impedes its ability to effectively clean your engine but also reduces its overall lifespan significantly if left untreated for too long. A clogged-up catalytic converter will limit airflow, so it takes longer for your engine to warm up during cold days while simultaneously reducing gas mileage.
How can I tell if my catalytic converter needs cleaning?
If your car is running sluggish, you feel like the engine performance is low and your car is not picking up speed or power as quickly as usual, or you’re getting poor gas mileage, then the chances are good that the problem might be related to a dirty exhaust system. The first thing you should do in this instance is check for any leaks around the gaskets of each manifold pipe – if there’s even just one leak here, then all those harmful gases will escape into your engine bay instead of going out through the tailpipe, which means they’ll still make their way inside! You can also try unscrewing your vehicle’s oxygen sensor (commonly known as an OBD-II port) located underneath the dashboard on the driver’s side of your car – if this is loose or not working correctly. It’ll likely cause some issues as well.
If you don’t see any leaks, check all hoses and pipes to make sure they’re tightly connected since a tiny crack can already turn into a big problem within no time at all! If everything seems okay there too, but nothing improves after driving around for a while, then the chances are good that you’d benefit from catalytic converter cleaning services instead. These chemicals work by breaking down clogged-up impurities inside your converters, so your vehicle runs smoother with better overall performance again. This will restore gas mileage while also making cold mornings much easier without having to wait forever before things warm up enough to get underway.
You can ask your mechanic to perform this task for you or do it yourself at home if you’re feeling confident about your ability to complete the project successfully, but be sure that whatever product(s) you choose works best with your standards as well – quality costs more than quantity here! Lastly, remember that car work isn’t cheap either, so don’t go overboard with these unless necessary. Otherwise, investing in some other maintenance services might be worth the additional costs.
What Do I Need To Know?
The price can vary from just a few dollars for DIY cleaners or maybe even less if you manage to find the ingredients online somewhere, all the way up to $30+ for a single bottle, but this is not common. You can probably get a more accurate estimate by asking your mechanic to be on the safe side.
What Do I Need To Get Started?
Check with your manufacturer’s handbook first since every car has different needs in this regard, but generally, you’ll need some container for mixing all these chemicals along with rags or old clothes if available too. Some people have been known to use soda bottles while others swear by milk jugs, so it depends on what works best for you personally here. If possible, try and find something similar to an empty spray bottle because its high-pressure nozzle will make things easier for sure! Also, keep in mind that most cleaners require at least 15 minutes of contact time before seeing any results whatsoever.
What Do I Do Afterward?
Ensure that all the chemicals are washed off thoroughly, and then check your exhaust system for any leaks or loose connections to avoid future warning light and power reduction in your car. If you’re creative, try adding some essential oil like lavender (helps keep away rodents) into a mixture containing water to make things smell nice again too!
Final Thought
The best catalytic converter cleaners on the market today help you pass smog tests while also cleaning your engine of carbon deposits. Look for products that contain strong acids like hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, or sulfuric acid to ensure they work well in breaking down these chemicals and improve your car’s engine performance and efficiency at burning fuel. Hopefully, you find some helpful information above when shopping around for one yourself!
