Damage to your catalytic converter can result in a high-priced repair bill, whether it is a converter that is rusted through, making a rattling noise, or plugged up. So, how much does it cost to replace a catalytic converter? Why does the catalytic converter cost so much? What factors affect catalytic converter replacement costs?
For most modern cars, you need to pay about $300 – $1650 (excluding labor) for a new catalytic converter. However, these prices usually depend on the cost of parts and local labor costs.
Read on for more detailed information.
How Much Does a Catalytic Converter Cost?
For most modern cars, you need to pay about $300 – $1650 (excluding labor) for a new catalytic converter. However, these prices usually depend on the cost of parts and local labor costs.
For example, replacing a standard catalytic converter (CAT) on a newer vehicle may cost $500 to $2200. At the same time, the price of some low-emission vehicles, such as the Toyota Prius, may be around $2120 and $2150.
The CAT, found between your exhaust manifold and muffler, filters out the harmful exhaust gases and particles of unburned fuel your vehicle produces. Therefore, it is best to have an expert mechanic inspect your catalytic converter as soon as you notice a problem.
Types of Cat Converters
There are a few fitment options when it comes to catalytic converters:
- Direct-Fit Catalytic Converters: These are built for your specific year, make, and model of vehicle for easy installation.
- Universal Catalytic Converters: Because they weren’t created for a specific vehicle, installing them requires a little more effort.
There are also a few options as far as performance goes:
- Federal: The majority of states’ emissions regulations are met by these devices, which operate in accordance with the federal government’s specifications.
- California or CARB: The more strict emissions standards established by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) are intended to be met by these devices. In addition to California, these are required in a few other states, such as New York, Colorado, and Maine.
If you don’t purchase a catalytic converter that complies with the emissions requirements set forth by your state, you won’t pass emissions.
Why Does the Catalytic Converter Cost So Much?
The catalytic converter uses precious metals like platinum, palladium, or rhodium as a catalyst to purify harmful exhaust gas. They’re hard to find and cost between $59.70 and $260.42 per gram! It follows that the cost of CATs will fluctuate in line with metal price changes.
Did you know that the catalytic converter affects the cost of a junk car?
You’re offered less money for a junk car without a CAT, because a catalytic converter increases a car’s scrap value.
Pro Tip: Because your converter contains precious metals, thieves are drawn to it. Don’t just throw away your bad catalytic converter. Recycling your used catalytic converter makes it possible to repurpose the precious metal inside.
Are you curious about the factors that influence the price of replacing a catalytic converter?
Let’s find out.
What Factors Affect Catalytic Converter Replacement Costs?
Since replacing a bad catalytic converter can be a complex job, here are some factors influencing the cost:
- Your car’s make and model: Older cars have a simple catalytic converter, which results in a low cost of replacement compared to the complex CATs in new vehicles. Catalytic converter replacement costs, for instance, may be lower for a standard motor (Toyota Corolla) than for a high-end vehicle (BMW).
- Quality of parts: Expect a high cost for a new catalytic converter when using high-quality components. However, you will ultimately save money by paying the one-time cost.
- Labor charges: Labor costs depend on where you live — city mechanics may charge you more than the ones in the countryside. Additionally, labor costs at dealerships and specialty shops may be higher than at a neighborhood store.
Additionally, your mechanic may need to lift your vehicle and use specialist tools to remove a welded or bolted catalytic converter, which also influences labor costs.
Let’s address some concerns now that you are more aware of the factors that influence your high catalytic converter costs.
Why the Price Difference in Catalytic Converters?
Why aren’t catalytic converters all around the same price if they all accomplish the same thing?
“There is a reason for the difference in price,” said Rakowski. “Perhaps someone received a quote from a dealership for $2,000, but the exhaust shop said they could complete the work for $300. The consumer now believes they have been taken advantage of and have paid $1700 too much.”
“It’s not because someone wants to profit an extra $1700 from you. What they don’t understand is, if the inside of a catalytic converter got cut open, the precious metals in the cheap one will cover maybe 10 square feet, while the more expensive one will cover 60 square feet.” The massive price discrepancy is explained by what sounds like a motivational quote: “The difference is made by what’s on the inside.”
You can’t see the inside, but there are a few tips to score a quality cat. You will want a catalytic converter from a reputable brand. If you are unsure of the exhaust manufacturers, you can look up reviews online or consider their warranty. Don’t buy an emissions device from a sketchy website selling $50 cats because it won’t have the required metals and the warranty, which are both federally required for emissions equipment.
Rakowski claimed that in addition to using the right amount of precious metals, the higher price is also the result of using better and more durable construction methods, ensuring that the component will last for many years while being used in vehicles. It’s also due to newer, reduced-emissions designs incorporating the catalytic converter into the exhaust manifold. Rakowski claimed that he has seen instances where the cheap converters sold by discount exhaust shops fail to last even a month.
“The customer might still have a check engine light if they put a crap converter on,” he said. “It’s unfortunate, but that is what happens when people only consider how much money they can save rather than what is best for their car.”
Bad Catalytic Converter Symptoms
The catalytic converter’s lifespan is limited, just like that of any other component, part, or accessory on a car. Recognizing the warning signs that this component is failing and no longer performing its function properly is crucial. Research the cost of replacing a catalytic converter if you think you might need a new one, and look into your options from various manufacturers.
Some signs it is time for replacement include:
- Exhaust leak directly under the cabin of the vehicle or near the firewall.
- When your car is idle, you can hear something rattling directly under the cabin.
- The check engine light is on.
- You smell a foul rotten egg odor coming from the exhaust. When your car is running, in idle, or when you are standing outside of it, you might notice this.
- loss of power or vehicle acceleration
- A mechanic diagnosing these issues may notice that the catalytic converter is hot or even glowing red.
What Can Cause Your Catalytic Converter to Wear Out?
Like most components of your car, how you care for it can affect how long your catalytic converter lasts. Your catalytic converter may need to be replaced sooner than expected for a number of reasons.
- inadequate engine maintenance
Your converter will wear out quickly if your engine is not in good condition. Your catalytic converter’s lifespan can be shortened by things like worn-out valve guides, spark plugs that don’t work properly, improper oils, and fuels.
- Coolant Leaks
If your antifreeze or coolant leaks into the combustion chamber you could end up with a large problem on your hands. The converter will become clogged as a result of the leak, which will cause heavy soot to be produced.
The converter becomes inoperable when this soot obstructs the airways.
- Only Using Your Car For Short Trips
Only at a specific temperature does the catalytic converter begin to function; otherwise, incomplete hydrocarbon combustion results. If you only drive for five minutes at a time, your car will eventually develop a clog because it takes time for your car to reach this temperature.
Regularly take longer drives to ensure that the converter’s accumulated deposits are burned.
- Broken Oxygen Sensor
Your car’s computer might receive inaccurate readings from your oxygen sensor if it isn’t working properly. This may cause problems with the transformation of hazardous fumes into safe ones.
- Broken Spark Plugs
If your spark plugs are misfiring it could result in unburned fuel igniting inside the converter. This will melt the ceramic to melt and malfunction.
How Long Does a Catalytic Converter Last?
The good news here is that barring any other vehicle problems, the catalytic converter should last a long time. If you perform routine engine maintenance as directed, it can last more than ten years since there are no moving parts.
However, they can be quickly killed if you ignore the warning signs. A check engine light or engine misfires could mean your engine is dumping unburned fuel into the exhaust system, killing the converter
“Two things can easily kill that catalytic converter: coolant and fuel.” He advises taking it to a shop because those could be caused by a failed head gasket, outdated fuel injectors, worn-out spark plugs, or even weak ignition coils. “Other than that, those items ought to last a very long time.”
FAQs
Is It Worth Replacing a Catalytic Converter?
You should replace a catalytic converter Your engine could completely shut off if the catalytic converter in your car is not fixed or replaced in a timely manner. The team at Performance Muffler is committed to ensuring that your vehicle performs effectively by repairing or replacing the clogged catalytic converter.
What Happens If I Don’t Replace My Catalytic Converter?
The engine won’t experience any immediate consequences when the converter first starts to malfunction. Left unchecked, however, it will eventually degrade and collapse, plugging the exhaust, which will choke vehicle performance and limit the life of the motor.
Why is It So Expensive to Replace a Catalytic Converter?
So why is this tiny component so expensive? Mainly because of the precious metals that are included in the converter, such as platinum, or platinum-like material such as palladium or rhodium. Therefore, the cost of replacement increases with the cost of the material.
Can You Drive With a Faulty Catalytic Converter?
If some small parts of your catalytic converter is plugged, you can still drive your car as usual. You’ll observe a decrease in the catalytic converter’s efficiency. Running your car won’t be possible if the catalytic converter is completely blocked.
Summary: How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Catalytic Converter?
A poorly running engine can cause a catalytic converter to fail prematurely or prematurely with age. They can also disappear entirely if you park in a high crime location. If you’re suddenly looking for a new “cat,” there’s a couple of considerations before laying down cash.
For most modern cars, you need to pay about $300 – $1650 (excluding labor) for a new catalytic converter. However, these prices usually depend on the cost of parts and local labor costs.
If you have any questions, please leave a comment. KV Auto tries to give you the best car industry information. Thank you for reading.
