Honda 1995 Civic Coupe Online Reference Owner's Manual page 168

Emissions Controls, Three-Way Catalytic Converter
work together in reducing
emissions to levels that comply
with the Clean Air Act. To make
sure the emissions remain low,
you should use only new
Genuine Honda replacement
parts or their equivalent for
repairs. Using lower quality parts
may increase the emissions from
your car.
The emissions control systems
are covered by warranties
separate from the rest of your
car. Read your warranty booklet
for more information.
Three-Way Catalytic Converter
The Three-Way Catalytic
Converter contains precious
metals that serve as catalysts,
promoting chemical reactions to
convert the exhaust gasses
without affecting the metals. The
catalytic converter is referred to
Technical Information
as a three-way catalyst, because
it acts on HC, CO, and NOx. A
replacement unit must be an
original Honda part or its
equivalent.
CATALYTIC CONVERTER
The Three-Way Catalytic
Converter must operate at a high
temperature for the chemical
reactions to take place. It can set
on fire any combustible
materials that come near it. Park
your car away from high grass,
dry leaves, or other flammables.
A defective catalytic converter
contributes to air pollution and
can impair your engine's
performance. To protect your
car's catalytic converter, follow
these guidelines.
Always use unleaded gasoline.
Even a small amount of leaded
gasoline can contaminate the
catalyst metals, making the
converter ineffective.
Keep the engine tuned up.
Have your car diagnosed and
repaired if it is misfiring,
backfiring, continuing to run
after you turn off the engine,
stalling, or otherwise not
running properly.