Where can I find a catalytic converter?

In today’s cars the catalytic converter is found underneath the vehicle towards the exhaust outlet, a position that makes it accessible to thieves who can cut the whole unit out from underneath the car.

Can I purchase a catalytic converter?

In January 2009, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) enacted the strict regulation of aftermarket catalytic converters in the state of California. … To keep this simple, anyone purchasing catalytic converters in the states of California or New York must purchase a CA emissions catalytic converter.

How much should I pay for a catalytic converter?

Depending upon the choice of catalytic converter quality and type of vehicle you own, the average cost to replace a catalytic converter is in the range of $1000-2500.

Can I buy a catalytic converter from a junkyard?

Any junkyard that has old cars and different vehicle parts might have a catalytic converter or two for you to have. It’s important that you ask the owners of the junkyard what’s acceptable, but there’s a good chance that you’ll be able to find a catalytic converter somewhere on the property.

Can you put any catalytic converter on any car?

As the name implies, universal catalytic converters can be installed in almost any vehicle, as long as the diameters of the inlet and outlet tubes are the same on the converter and the exhaust system, and it is the correct converter for the particular vehicle and the state it will be registered in.

Are cheap catalytic converters any good?

In the case of the catalytic converter, if you buy a cheap one, it’s not going to convert the exhaust gases as much. A cheap catalytic converter may work for a while. In our experience, we have found that they’re good for about a year to maybe two years.

How much is a stolen catalytic converter worth?

It doesn’t take long for a thief with simple tools to snatch a catalytic converter, the NICB stated, and recyclers usually pay between $50-$250 for one. But the precious metals that come from hybrid vehicles can bring a thief up to $1,500 per catalytic converter.

How much is a catalytic converter from a junkyard?

Metal/Material Current Price
Small Foreign Cat Small foreign cat. GET QUOTE VIEW METAL DETAILS $87.00/each
Medium Foreign Cat Medium cat from foreign cars. GET QUOTE VIEW METAL DETAILS $139.00/each
Pre-Domestic Cat Pre-Domestic Cat. GET QUOTE VIEW METAL DETAILS $32.00/each

How much can I get for a catalytic converter at a junkyard?

This varies by car and the condition of your catalytic converter. Still, on average, scrap catalytic converters are worth between 300 $ to 1500 $ when sold as scrap at your local wrecking service.

Why do thieves steal catalytic converters?

This jewelry is being treated with a thin coating of rhodium—a chemically inert, corrosion resistant metal. … And it’s also the reason why thieves across the U.S. are sawing off catalytic converters in order to get their hands on a few precious grams of the world’s most valuable metal.

Which cars are most likely to have catalytic converter stolen?

The common consensus seems to be that the Prius, Tacoma, Lexus SUVs, and the Accord are some of the most targeted cars for catalytic converter theft. So if you own one of these, make sure your car is locked up safe and sound.

How do I stop thieves from stealing my catalytic converter?

Thieves target catalytic converters because they contain precious metals.
…
Three ways to protect against catalytic converter theft
  1. Etch your license plate number onto your catalytic converter. This makes the part identifiable to law enforcement. …
  2. Park in well-lit areas. …
  3. Install an anti-theft device.

How do you know if someone stole your catalytic converter?

The following are 6 signs of a stolen catalytic converter:
  • 1) Your Vehicle is Very Loud.
  • 2) Your Check Engine Light is On.
  • 3) You Are Getting a Headache When Your Windows are Down.
  • 4) Less Low-End Torque.
  • 5) You Have a Truck, Delivery Vehicle, or a Toyota Prius.
  • 6) Components Are Missing Under Your Vehicle.

What vehicles have the most valuable catalytic converters?

Which Catalytic Converters Are The Most Expensive? According to data from 2020, the most expensive catalytic converter belonged to the Ferrari F430, with a mind-popping $3,770.00 price tag. Moreover, the F430 needed two of them, so a full replacement would run car owners $7,540 before labor costs.

Will insurance cover a stolen catalytic converter?

Is a stolen catalytic converter covered by insurance? If you have comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance policy, then you’re typically covered against catalytic converter theft. Comprehensive coverage will typically pay to replace the stolen catalytic converter and repair any related damage from its removal.

Can you still drive without a catalytic converter?

What Happens When You Drive Without A Catalytic Converter? When facing the recovery costs of a stolen “cat,” many customers wonder, “Can I drive without my catalytic converter?” The answer is both yes and no. Technically, a car can function without a catalytic converter.

Can a car run without a catalytic converter?

Technically, yes. Older cars ran just fine before catalytic converters became commonplace in the 1970s. So, if your question is whether your car will run without one, then it most certainly will. … And for each light-off catalyst, there is an O2 sensor monitoring the exhaust stream directly behind that catalyst.

Which cars are least likely to have catalytic converters stolen?

Thieves don’t steal catalytic converters from cars that have less precious metals. These catalytic converters have low value in the market; they include Ford, Chevy, Jeep, Dodge, Mazda, Nissan, Subaru, Hyundai, and Chrysler.

What states require catalytic converters?

California became the first state to require the use of CARB-compliant catalytic converters on January 1, 2009. In subsequent years, other states including New York (6/1/2013) and Maine (6/1/2018) mandated the use of CARB-compliant converters for certain model year vehicles.

Can I replace my catalytic converter with a straight pipe?

Originally Answered: Can you replace a catalytic converter with a straight pipe? Yes. However, it will then fail any safety inspection. If your locale does not require testing for exhaust emissions, you should be OK.

What happens if I don’t replace my catalytic converter?

If it has begun to flow poorly due to being clogged up, it will cause the vehicle to run extremely poorly. The vehicle will lack power and fuel economy. In extreme cases, the catalytic converter can overheat and cause components on the undercarriage to combust, melt, smolder, or catch fire.

How many catalytic converters are in a car?

one catalytic converter
Most cars will have one catalytic converter. If you have a car with a dual exhaust system, however, your car will have two catalytic converters. If your catalytic converter needs to be replaced, you may notice one or more of these warning signs: Your check engine light is on.

What is done with stolen catalytic converter?

Thieves take the stolen Catalytic Converters to metal recyclers. The recyclers pay up to $120 for some converters for the precious metals inside them. … If your vehicle qualifies (which is based on the make, model and year of your vehicle), replace your stolen Catalytic Converter with an aftermarket Catalytic Converter.

How long do catalytic converters last?

10 years
The catalytic converter, which converts harmful emissions into harmless gas, often lasts 10 years or longer and should be replaced only when needed. It can become clogged, physically damaged, or contaminated by oil or engine coolant. It can also overheat.

How many catalytic converters have been stolen?

The National Insurance Crime Bureau said the number of catalytic converter thefts reported in claims to insurance companies jumped from 3,389 in 2019 to 14,433 in 2020. NICB President David Glawe said there has been a significant increase in thefts since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.