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What is the difference between a muffler and a catalytic converter?

I took my car to the auto shop, and the mechanic was throwing around some terms that I thought were interchangeable. Can you walk me through the difference between a muffler and a catalytic converter?

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Annette Maxon · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Definitely! There is a lot of car vocab that quickly gets confusing.
If you’re wondering what the difference is between a muffler and a catalytic converter, here is a closer look at each part:
  • Mufflers reduce the noise made by the engine so that you have a quiet ride
  • Catalytic converters help reduce the amount of toxic gasses released in the vehicle’s exhaust
Both pieces are essential for keeping your car safe and in working condition! Another important maintenance task with a lot of confusing vocab is your auto insurance policy. Fortunately,
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