The catalytic converter has never ever looked back since its invention as it was quick to be accepted and appreciated for its efficacy in cutting down the toxicity of exhaust fumes from vehicles and machines and keeping the environment safe, clean and healthy.
Global warming and the emission of greenhouse gases have been instrumental issues in sparking up a multitude of research and development in the sphere of automotive engineering and a product like catalytic convertor is a result of such efforts.
Thanks to this device, it has helped man enjoy the efficacy of machines without worrying about the toxicity of exhaust gases. The catalytic converter cost is a little bit on the steeper side but there are reasons for it.
Why a catalytic converter is steeply priced?
A catalytic converter cost is steep because of the quality of metals that are integrated into the ceramic network of the unit. Precious metals like platinum and rhodium are integrated as catalysts in the “washcoat” and therefore accounts for the high price of the product. These are supposed to be the best metals to rob the venomous exhaust fumes of their harmful ingredients and convert them into less toxic products like carbon-di-oxide, nitrogen and water vapor.
Are cheaper versions available?
Yes, buyers can expect to find catalytic converter cost go down when they buy aftermarket products or buy catalytic converters which have been refurbished. Bought with the correct product specifications and from reputed dealers, they do not fall short in any way from their OEM counterparts. The only difference which can be observed in these products is that they often use less pricey versions of catalysts like silver or palladium, which cost a little less but perform with equal efficiency.
Do all catalytic converter cost the same?
No, all catalytic converters are not priced alike and the rate can vary depending on the prerequisites of the car or the machine in which it is installed. It is important to note here that catalytic converters are not used exclusively in cars and that this is a mandatory component in equipment like the generator or the forklifts as well. To be more specific, any machine which has a combustion unit working inside it needs a catalytic converter and the price depends on the machine specification, configuration and the power of the unit.
Which catalytic converter brand offers maximum value for money?
While catalytic converters cost are really expensive and a 3-way unit (which is mandatory in the US) can cost around $500, the efficacy of them cannot be denied. Therefore, one needs to install a brand which offers value for the dollars spent. Magnaflow catalytic converters are top-notch performers and hold a very good reputation in the market.
Buying a good brand of cat is extremely crucial, since the wrong one, however reasonably priced it may be, can ultimately degrade the performance level of the unit in which it is used. Aftermarket converters of big brands, when bought from reputed dealers are often the best to wrap up good and legal performance at the best of price.
A catalytic converter is such an important part of the exhaust system in a vehicle that it needs to be replaced immediately, if such a situation arises. Because of its functionality, many countries have made it mandatory for vehicles to have this part or pay huge fines. The price of a catalytic converter differs from model to model and is more if it is custom designed and less if got from an aftermarket. At Magnaflow, the catalytic converter prices are the most reasonable and their products too have been renowned for their quality. Let us now understand what happens in a combustion chamber and how significant is the smooth functioning of a catalytic converter.
Combustion chamber
An engine works efficiently if it gets the required amount of air and fuel. When these two are brought together at high temperatures prevalent in the engine, combustion occurs. As a result, many unsafe gases are produced which can affect the atmosphere if let out. All these reactions occur in a combustion chamber.
How does the catalytic converter help in preserving the environment?
There are 3 harmful gases produced during combustion – carbon monoxide, hydro carbons and nitrogen oxides. Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas and is harmful to anyone who inhales it. It has no color and odor. Hydro carbons produce smog when they come in contact with the atmosphere. Nitrogen oxides are known to cause acid rains. The catalytic converter, with the help of chemical catalysts like platinum, palladium and/or rhodium converts these gases harmless ones.
Carbon monoxide changes to carbon dioxide.
Hydro carbons change to carbon dioxide and water.
Nitrogen oxides are reduced to nitrogen and oxygen.
There are two types of a catalytic converter:
Two way converter
The two way converter effectively changes carbon monoxide and the hydrocarbons. These are used widely in diesel engines. Check here for more info about Diesel Exhaust Systems.
Three way converter
The three way one works on all the gases and even converts the nitrogen oxides.
A catalytic converter consists of 3 main components. The first one is the core. Its design is like a honeycomb and it is used to increase the area so as to support the catalyst. It is also known as a catalyst support. The next one is the washcoat. This is a supplement to the core and consists of a coarse and uneven surface. Even this increases the surface area and the catalysts are initially added to the wash-coat before they contact the core. The last one is the catalyst. These are precious metals like platinum, palladium and rhodium. Platinum is the most common catalyst used because of its efficiency.
There are many vehicle owners who opt for custom made aftermarket catalytic converters. These can be costlier than the standard ones. This part needs to be bought depending on the type, make, model and size of the engine. Magnaflow is a leading name in the production of vehicle exhausts. Check their reasonable catalytic converter prices for the best design and quality. Here more info about Magnaflow Exhaust System.
A catalytic converter plays a very vital role in any automobile. It is a very important device that is installed in your car’s exhaust system. Normally, catalytic converters are installed between the engine and the silencer in internal combustion engines.
These converters comprise of a ceramic honeycomb core with two or three catalysts through which the exhaust gases flow and are converted into less harmful emissions.
Most vehicle owners know that repairs can be very messy. The most common repairs are when a converter gets clogged up with toxic matter over a period of time. In such instances, the converter needs to be removed in order to clear the clogged particulates.
Another common problem that catalytic converters have is with regards to depleted washcoat and catalysts. In such situations your mechanic can reapply the washcoat and catalysts. Likewise, any physical damage to the external part of the catalytic converter can also be repaired either by soldering or welding. However, if there is any internal damage, the best option is to replace your catalytic converter.
Before discussing about the catalytic converter replacement cost, it is important to understand what the law says about replacement of catalytic converters. In the US, the Environmental Protection Agency or the EPA has laid down certain guidelines regarding the removal, replacement and installation of catalytic converters in automobiles.
According to the EPA, replacement of catalytic converter is allowed only when it falls under certain categories. For instance, if your vehicle has a missing converter, replacement is possible. Further, if your converter fails local or state emission tests, you can replace the converter or if there is a problem with your catalytic converter and it is well documented or if your vehicle has exceeded certain mileage or if your vehicle is no longer covered under warranty, replacement is allowed.
Most catalytic converters come with a seven year warranty as mandated by federal law. If your converter is under the warranty period then the repairs will not cost you anything. Otherwise, you will have to pay for it from your pocket.
As your car grows older, so will the frequency of repairs which can be quite high. In most cases the cost of catalytic converter repair is only a few hundred dollars. But, if you are not covered under warranty then how many times are you willing to pay for the repairs?
For instance there is damage to the internal honey comb structure of your catalytic converter which is not covered by a warranty. In such circumstances, the catalytic converter replacement cost can create a dent in your pocket as you will have to pay for it.
However, if your catalytic converter is covered by manufacturer backed warranty, then the catalytic converter replacement cost will be zero as you will not have to pay a single dollar to replace it.
Finally, it is always better to replace your catalytic converter with company specified converters in order to ensure that your catalytic converter replacement costs are very minimal.
The catalytic converters are devices which are used to convert the harmful compounds in the vehicles to exhaust into harmless components. The major harmful components are Hydrocarbons which are the form of unburned gasoline, Nitrogen Oxides that are created when the heat in the engine forces the nitrogen to combine with oxygen and the Carbon Monoxide which is no less than poison.
The catalytic converters play an important role in reducing the pollution and harmful gases being emitted into the environment. But how much does it cost to replace a catalytic converter?
The catalytic converter is a part of the exhaust system which also resembles a muffler. This is placed between the engine and the muffler. The cost of this part depends on various factors such as the engine specifications, functions of the converter, configuration of the converters and the like. There are different types of converters that are used in the vehicles.
The two way converters are used in most auto engines which are popular in the civilian automobiles. These converters would cost you anywhere between $150 and $500.
The three way converters are used mostly in lean engines. The cost of these converters is very high. The original factory replacement cost can range between $400 and $900. And the aftermarket components would cost between $80 and $400 depending upon the type of vehicle. The cost also varies if the replacement involves cutting or welding to it.
You might want to know how much does it cost to replace a catalytic converter but before that it is important to know whether a replacement is necessary or not. The vehicles should always be inspected for any possible repairs. The price of these cat converters varies from one car to the other.
The car info has to be supplied before you buy a converter. All the options right from the make of the car to the recent models would be made available when you choose converters that best suit your vehicles. For many cars, the cost of replacement is no less than $500.
The replacement also depends on the warranty mentioned by the Federal Emissions Warranty which covers the catalytic converter and the car for 80,000 miles or 8 years whichever is earlier. The cost also varies with the type of repairs or replacement. Auto repair shops have different rates on the labor costs, service charges, taxes and the price of the converter.
All these contribute to a single cost and you might pay an average bill between $300 and $800. The make of the vehicle and the model also play an important role in fixing the tags.
How much does it cost to replace a catalytic converter depends on the problem that the converter is currently facing. Any physical damage to the converter might be repaired with simple welding or soldering. Damaged honeycomb structure in a catalytic converter clearly indicates an immediate replacement.
The most common symptom is the loud noise that is made during exhaustion or the gases leaking from the converter shell. This invariably means that a converter replacement is a must.
The catalytic converter has never ever looked back since its invention as it was quick to be accepted and appreciated for its efficacy in cutting down the toxicity of exhaust fumes from vehicles and machines and keeping the environment safe, clean and healthy.
