Which engine component helps reduce harmful emissions?

The catalytic converter plays a crucial role in reducing harmful emissions from an engine by facilitating a series of chemical reactions that convert pollutants into less harmful substances before they are expelled from the vehicle’s exhaust system. It primarily targets three major harmful components found in vehicle emissions: carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and unburned hydrocarbons. Through these processes, the converter transforms these toxic gases into carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and water, which are less harmful to the environment.

In contrast, while the fuel injector contributes to the efficiency of fuel delivery and combustion, and the air filter ensures that clean air enters the engine for optimal performance, neither component directly addresses the reduction of harmful emissions. Similarly, the exhaust manifold is essential for directing exhaust gases away from the engine but does not have a function related to minimizing the harmful substances present in those gases. The catalytic converter is specifically designed for emission control, making it the correct choice for this question.