Catalytic converters are devices used in vehicles to reduce harmful emissions. They are typically located in the exhaust system, be – tween the engine and the muffler. The main purpose of a catalytic converter is to convert harmful pollutants into less harmful substances before they are released into the atmosphere. Inside a catalytic converter, there are typically three main components: a catalyst, a substrate, and a hous – ing. The catalyst is usually made up of precious metals like rhodium, platinum, and palladium, which act as catalysts to facilitate chemical reactions. When exhaust gases pass through the cat – alytic converter, they come into contact with the catalyst. The catalyst promotes chemical reactions that convert harmful pollutants into less harmful substances. For example, nitrogen oxides (NOx) are converted into nitrogen (N2) and oxygen (O2), while carbon monoxide (CO) and un – burned hydrocarbons (HC) are converted into carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O). The substrate, which is typically made of ceramic or metal, provides a large surface area for the catalyst to interact with the exhaust gases. It also helps to distribute the gases evenly across the catalyst.