If you are an owner of a car, chances are you’ve encountered a problem or concern with your catalytic converter. It doesn’t matter if your catalytic converter has rusted through, made noise, or is plugged up, damage to it can be expensive to repair. There are times when you wonder exactly what all the fuss is about. To understand the situation, we have explained everything in this guide.
How Much Does A Catalytic Converter Replacement Cost?
The vehicle emission system is developed in a way to make the gas-powered as environmentally friendly as possible for the drivers, and the catalytic converter is a vital part of the system.
For the cars that don’t work properly, a catalytic converter becomes plugged or contaminated and needs to be replaced once it is no longer efficient.
When a car runs well and is properly fuelled, catalytic converters will last forever. However, when fueling problems occur, they can quickly fail.
In general, Catalytic converters usually cost approximately $1,275 but can range from $300 to $3,000, depending on the make and model of your car.
What Is A Catalytic Converter?
The catalytic converter is the cornerstone of the car that functions as an emission control component. It is the part of the system that looks like a muffler but is different from the inside. In a catalytic converter, a honeycomb structure allows exhaust gases to pass through it, where they interact with platinum, palladium, and rhodium catalyst particles embedded in the honeycomb.
What Is The Purpose Of A Catalytic Converter?
During the catalytic conversion process, unburnt hydrocarbons in the exhaust gases react when they come into contact with catalyst materials. In addition, it superheats the particles, which break down into less harmful emissions before they leave the tailpipe and enter the atmosphere. This system filters out and burns all the bad byproducts in the exhaust.
Symptoms Of Bad Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter on your car won’t last forever, just like any other part, component, or accessory. If this part is dying and no longer performing its job effectively, you must recognize the warning signs. In case you need a new one, you can start researching the catalytic converter replacement cost, and choose from a variety of manufacturers. Some of the warning signs of catalytic converter replacement include:
- The exhaust system leaks directly under the cabin of the vehicle or close to the firewall.
- When your car is in an idle position, you hear a rattling sound coming underneath the cabin.
- Check if your engine light is on.
- There is an unpleasant, rotten egg odor coming from the exhaust pipe. This may be evident while you’re driving, when the vehicle is idling, or when you’re standing outside your vehicle.
- Loss of power or acceleration in the vehicle.
- When diagnosing these problems, the mechanic may notice that the catalytic converter is hot or even glowing red.
What does The Catalytic Converter do?
A catalytic converter, in simplest terms, looks and functions like a small muffler in your exhaust system. It is also located in the exhaust system just like a muffler is. However, it mutes exhaust sounds in some cases, that’s not its purpose. At first, catalyst converters were designed to help combust and convert items within exhaust that were simply exhausting into the atmosphere before that time. They were first introduced in the mid-1970s.
Similar to a muffler, a converter is composed of a metal can. This can contain a metallic honeycomb element that converts these hot exhaust gases into something less harmful to the environment as they pass through the exhaust and go into the atmosphere. After 1995, cars built after this year have a downstream oxygen sensor that helps monitor and maintains the converter.
As time passes, catalytic converter components can lead to failure. As a result, many converters are now made out of stainless steel in northern climates, where salt spray and rust can cause complete corrosion of the converter.
When one of the connecting flanges fails, you are left with a complete exhaust leak, which awakens both you and your neighbors when you begin your morning commute. There is a possibility that the honeycomb material inside the exhaust can be damaged or split, causing an interior knocking or rattling sound.
Furthermore, this material may become clogged with soot, burned oil, or antifreeze, leading to massive exhaust restrictions or complete blockages. In each of these scenarios, a new catalytic converter will be required, and a’ check engine light’ will often accompany the replacement.
How Much Important Is It For The Drivers Replacing Catalytic Converter?
Driving with a catalytic converter that isn’t operating efficiently can lead to further problems. These issues can include engine leaks, oxygen sensors that are burned out, or internal engine problems.
If you replace your catalytic converter when it isn’t working, the Check Engine light will be turned off and you will be able to determine if any other problems arise.
Why Should You Replace A Catalytic Converter?
In California and many other states, your car must comply with strict emissions standards for its license to operate, so removing a catalytic converter is not an option. However, that is not the end of the matter. The emissions from car tailpipes contribute to respiratory illnesses as well as poor air quality and environmental pollution.
