Catalytic converter replacement – everything you need to know about it!

The decision to replace the catalytic converter must be well thought out – it is often associated with serious financial expenses. So it is worth preparing well for it. Here is some of the most important information

When is it worth replacing a catalytic converter?

A catalytic converter replacement is necessary when it’s clogged or cracked on the inside and there’s nothing you can do except buy and install a new one. It is worth knowing that a faulty battery makes

• car can not pass technical inspection,
• police inspection will end up with a ticket for us,
• exhaust fumes coming out of the exhaust pipe are particularly toxic, dangerous for the environment and also for ourselves

Symptoms of a broken catalytic converter are often “ringing” during acceleration and “roaring” engine noise. It should also be added that nowadays most parts last for at least 200 thousand kilometers driven

Why do catalytic converters break down?

The most important causes of deterioration of catalysts include:

• clogging due to the engine burning oil,
• damage due to thermal shock,
• damage of mechanical nature (e.g. as a result of being hit by a stone).

Regeneration or cheaper substitutes instead of replacement

A catalytic converter consists of a metal casing (mounted on the exhaust pipe or in the manifold) and a metal or ceramic catalytic core, which is designed to break down harmful substances into less harmful carbon dioxide and water. Problems begin when the surfaces of the catalytic core become clogged with soot – the effectiveness of the catalytic converter is reduced and a dangerous engine failure can occur

The simplest solution is regeneration, which, however:

• carries increased costs when the catalytic converter is located in the manifold,
• can be carried out on the basis of cheap or universal spare parts, which, however, does not guarantee full operation.

Replacing a catalytic converter involves removing its interior and welding a metal tube. Other times, a universal muffler is placed in its place, which, of course, does nothing to improve the quality of exhaust gases. However, it is not worth the risk – even if you manage to do a technical inspection of the car, the police have the appropriate instruments that measure the composition and quality of the pollutants ejected by the machine. This may end up in a fine.

In the case of a “universal” catalytic converter, however, you must remember that a cheaper replacement must fit the shape of the previously installed device. You also need to take into account the diameter of the pipes and engine capacity. Unfortunately, the low price is probably the first and last advantage of this type of catalytic converters. They often do not meet the standards and work shorter than the original.

How much does it cost to replace a catalytic converter with a new one?

Buying and replacing a catalytic converter with a new one is not cheap. It is estimated that, depending on the model, you have to spend on it from 500 to even 1200 zł. Of course, there are also car models where the catalytic converter will pay much more, even a few thousand zlotys. Why such an uncomplicated car part has such a high price? This is primarily due to the presence of precious elements such as rhodium, palladium or platinum.

How to save on replacement?

It is a bad idea to replace a catalytic converter on your own. This requires the expertise of a mechanic to ensure that the device works optimally and meets the requirements for exhaust gas quality

A good way to boost your household budget is to give the used part to a catalyst buyout, where it will be valued. Sometimes, even for a faulty catalytic converter, you can get quite a large sum of money – a lot depends on the content of precious metals in it, which can be reused in the recycling process

(photo: pixabay.com)