Ideally, a catalytic converter lasts as long as the car it was installed in. However, this isn’t always the case. Sometimes, they wear out prematurely or suffer internal damage. Those will show signs of damage. And, once replaced, an old converter is recyclable. Recycling catalytic converters has become a great source of revenue for lots of repair shops and scrapyards, which is why they sometimes buy old cats from shade-tree mechanics. But, how do you know if a catalytic converter has reached the end of its useful life? Several signs point to imminent converter failure, but first, you want to know what happens when a catalytic converter gets old.
What can go wrong?
Engine oil or coolant getting in the exhaust system might be the biggest threat. Physical damage to the housing can also damage the relatively delicate honeycomb structure inside the converter. Poor vehicle maintenance can lead to issues that lead to overheating or clogging in the converter. A misfiring engine or a seriously out-of-tune engine can cause overheating in the converter and damage it. The damage inside the converter both degrades its effectiveness and influences the vehicle’s performance. A sudden change in engine performance is one common sign of catalytic converter failure.
What are the signs that a catalytic converter is failing?
Overheating, clogging, and physical damage are three things that could happen to require a replacement catalytic converter. If your catalytic converter is failing, you’ll probably notice one or more of the following symptoms:
The first sign of trouble you may see is the car failing an emission control test.
Your car may not start, though this failure is likely to come after other signs of a problem.
Misfiring or a sudden drop in engine performance may be rooted in a clogged catalytic converter.
If your car exhaust smells like sulfur or rotten eggs, odds are good the catalytic converter needs replacing.
The check engine light might be another initial sign of failure.
Of course, it takes an automotive technician and, perhaps, a computerized diagnostic tool, to figure out what tripped the check engine light. Most of those signs can have one or more causes, and there may be two things wrong at once. Still, in many instances, you’ll find that it is time to get a new catalytic converter.
How long does a catalytic converter last?
10 years is the rule of thumb that you’ll find in various places online. In reality, your converter may last much longer but it might not last for 10 years either. Often this is because of damage caused by road debris, bottoming out when driving off-road, and so on. Having a well-maintained vehicle is important to help the catalytic converter last as long as the car does. Lack of repair and maintenance work leads to other problems, like bad spark plugs and coolant leaks that create problems in other vehicle systems, like the exhaust.
When converters reach the end of their working lives they need to be recycled. You can get prices for your stockpile of old parts by using a service like the Group Catalyst app.
Can I do this myself?
Yes. If you are a relatively skilled shade-tree mechanic, you can also run a couple of tests, to confirm that the converter is done. Then, you can remove and sell your catalytic converter. You can also buy replacement units. However, don’t try this without knowing how. You risk damaging the valuable converter by mishandling it. If you want to replace your older car’s catalytic converter, you have three options for getting a replacement part.
Get easy cash for a catalytic converter. If your business handles lots of exhaust work, or if you have a part on-hand and want to get rid of it, try out the Group Catalyst app from Belanger.
What are the alternatives for replacing a bad catalytic converter?
You can sometimes buy a cheaper aftermarket converter, but beware – some of them comply with EPA regulations, but not the tougher California Air Resources Board (CARB) standard. Make sure you know which standard applies in your state before buying a cheaper part. Of course, repair shops also have a responsibility to make sure parts they install comply with emission control laws so you’ll have to confirm what standard your state follows before buying a replacement part.
There is also a small chance you could find a suitable, used converter at a discounted price, as they tend to stick around in junkyards. If you go this route, you need to check it out to be sure it works. Unfortunately, this is not easy and is probably a good reason to avoid buying a used one.
After They Fail, Recycling Catalytic Converters Makes Sense
Your car’s catalytic converter may last as long as the car does, but many factors can reduce that key component’s lifespan. If you see signs of converter failure, scrap it and replace it. Recycling catalytic converters is common and a good way to make a little extra money. You can make the process even easier with Belanger and their Group Catalyst app for Android and iOS devices.
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