Catalytic converters are an essential component of your car’s exhaust system, as
they convert harmful pollutants to less-harmful gases by chemical reactions.
Catalytic converter catalysts typically include platinum, palladium and rhodium;
each of these metals has multiple applications and is worth money to dealers.
Bad catalytic converters can greatly diminish the offer you receive for your junk car.
In this article, we’ll look into why and how the catalytic converter affects its value.
1. Catalytic converters are expensive
Catalytic converters are expensive because they play such an integral part of your
car’s exhaust system, transforming toxins into less harmful gasses before reaching
the atmosphere and impacting environmental health. Furthermore, having
functioning catalytic converters on board will improve engine performance – without
them you may experience engine sluggishness and other performance-limiting
problems with your vehicle.
An improper catalytic converter can activate your check engine light, restrict
exhaust flow and cause major engine damage and failure, as well as cause your car
to fail emissions or smog tests. This could result in you failing emissions or smog
tests altogether!
Due to inflation, material costs for catalytic converter manufacturing are steadily
increasing and therefore manufacturers must charge higher prices. Also, with so
many competitors trying to get their product into the market it makes selling at
reduced rates challenging; on the bright side most car buyers won’t purchase
vehicles without functioning catalytic converters.
2. Catalytic converters are regulated
In certain states, catalytic converters are essential to passing emissions testing or
smog checks on vehicles. Without a functioning converter, your car could release
harmful gases into the atmosphere – likely failing the test as well.
Unfortunately, criminals have taken to targeting these smog-control devices for their
precious metals. Experienced thieves can even dismantle converters within minutes
and make off with hundreds of dollars in profits – but local police departments are
taking measures against this crime trend.
One way is requiring that anyone selling or recycling catalytic converters follow a
detailed paper trail that involves signatures, fingerprints and documentation of
ownership – this will deter thieves who might otherwise take the device for
themselves. Another approach would be etching each catalytic converter with its
license plate number which can then be traced back to its car – some cities even
offer free etching sessions!
3. Catalytic converters are prone to damage
Catalytic converters can be expensive parts in your car. Luckily, however, they’re
also highly durable; though that doesn’t mean it won’t ever become damaged.
Your car’s computer takes an oxygen reading as gases enter and leave your
catalytic converter, and compares this reading against another reading when
exiting. If one reading doesn’t match up with another reading taken upon exiting,
the computer will illuminate a check engine light alerting you of possible trouble.
Rattling noises are another telltale sign of a failing catalytic converter. They indicate
the breakdown of honeycomb mesh within its framework, or potentially
contaminants like unburned fuel, motor oil, or coolant entering the exhaust system
through cracks in its head gaskets.
4. Catalytic converters are prone to theft
Thieves who seek to profit from precious metals contained within this part are drawn
to its target, the part that reduces pollution emissions of cars. Thieves know they
can sell these to scrap dealers for profit.
Thieves find it relatively simple to steal catalytic converters from specific vehicles if
they know which car it belongs to and can operate quietly, with minimal notice
drawn by passersby. A team equipped with a portable saw can typically remove one
within two or three minutes – often happening without needing to jack the vehicle up
or use forceful means like jacking. Often this occurs in parking lots where many cars
are close together.
Thieves often return to vehicles they’ve targeted before due to their experience
quickly entering and leaving with stolen property. There are ways you can help deter
thieves, including painting your catalytic converter a bright color or adding security
measures such as locks. But this won’t stop experienced criminals connected with
scrapyards from targeting it again in future attempts.