As mentioned before, there are two primary catalytic converters – reduction and oxidation – that can be used within an exhaust system to handle specific gases.
Depending on the year of the vehicle and the type of catalytic converters it has, there might not be a reduction catalytic converters
primary kinds of catalytic converters:
- Two-way: The two-way catalytic converter was present on vehicles in the United States until 1981. They only have oxidation catalysts, which help change carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide. Hydrocarbons (which is unburned and partially burned fuel) are changed to carbon dioxide and water.
- Three-way: Since 1981, the three-way catalytic converter has been used. This performs the same as the two-way converter with the addition of a reduction catalyst. As stated earlier, this is used to change nitrogen oxides to nitrogen and oxygen gases.
Diesel engines employ the use of two-way catalytic converter , and the converters are also specifically designed to work with diesel exhausts. The converters for these types of engines try and target particulates known as soluble organic fractions. These are made from hydrocarbons bound to soot.
How to Prevent Catalytic Converters Theft
Catalytic converters are often the target of thieves because the part contains valuable precious metals. Catalytic converter thefts often happen on vehicles with more ground clearance, since it’s easier to access the part.
Regardless of the type of vehicle you have, there are some steps you can take to help prevent theft:
- Park in well-lighted areas close to building entrances if a secure garage is unavailable.
- Weld the catalytic converter to the vehicle frame, which can make it harder to remove.
- Consider buying an aftermarket part similar to a metal cage that can be installed to cover the converter.
- Install a car alarm with a vibration alert sensor.
- Engrave your vehicle identification number (VIN) to the converter, which can help make selling the part harder and help alert you if your converter is stolen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do people steal catalytic converters?
The number of catalytic converters reported as stolen has increased in 2021, partly due to the rising prices of different precious metals. The converter typically contains platinum, palladium and rhodium that can be sold to metal dealers.
How much platinum is in a catalytic converters? What about palladium or rhodium?
Typically, there are 3 to 7 grams of platinum in a standard catalytic converter. A standard converter also contains 2 to 7 grams of palladium and 1 to 2 grams of rhodium.
How much is a catalytic converter worth?
A recycler will pay between $50 and $250 for a catalytic converter, with some going for $800 to $1,500 if they come from hybrid vehicles.
Keep in mind that if your catalytic converter gets stolen, it could cost around $2,000 to replace it — all the more reason to take steps to prevent it from being stolen!
Signs of Catalytic Converters Issues
So what happens when a catalytic converter goes bad? Considering the role the part plays in a vehicle’s exhaust system, a range of symptoms can arise when it starts to experience wear and tear.
Some examples to watch out for include:
- Declining fuel efficiency: If a catalytic converter becomes clogged, it can reduce the amount of airflow through your engine. To compensate, your engine might start to burn more fuel than usual, resulting in a noticeable drop in fuel efficiency.
- Check warning light: A check engine light can indicate a range of things. However, there is a diagnostic system on cars manufactured after 1996 that will test the catalytic converter. If your converter is malfunctioning, the air-to-fuel ratio sensors might trigger the warning light to come on.
- Smelling rotten eggs: The catalytic converter might experience internal damage that causes it to have a hard time converting exhaust gases. The result can be a sulfuric “rotten egg” smell.
- Issues starting the engine: The exhaust gases in your vehicle have to escape. A clogged catalytic converter can prevent this from happening as effectively. This can result in increased exhaust pressure and cause your car to sputter or stall when you’re trying to get it going.
- Poor acceleration: Again, the exhaust gases have to escape somehow. Trapped exhaust and increased pressure from a clogged converter might cause you to have trouble accelerating your car. You might notice jerking or stalling when you try to do so.
- Failed emissions test: Many states require regular emissions testing on vehicles, and if you don’t pass yours the culprit very well could be your catalytic converter. Failing this test might be coupled with the other symptoms mentioned above.