Here are 4 Things You Did Not Know About Catalytic Converters

Are you on the market for a new catalytic converter? One typically does not research facts about catalytic converters until their own begins to act up. Whether you are replacing or repairing a catalytic converter, some information about them can help you understand your best options for both.

Below are the top 4 facts about catalytic converters that most people do not know. These facts can give you some insight about their value, availability, importance, troubles, and more.

Catalytic Converter Repair Indianapolis Indiana 317-475-1846
Catalytic Converter Repair Indianapolis Indiana 317-475-1846

Top 4 Catalytic Converter Facts

Catalytic Converters Reduce Toxic and Harmful Emissions

Catalytic converters are vital auto parts because they are designed to abate the toxic emissions generated by burning fuel, which in turn, also helps to reduce air pollution. There are many harmful discharges a vehicle can produce, all of which can be detrimental to our health and the surrounding environment; but the primary are nitrogen gas, carbon dioxide, and water vapor.

Vehicles can also generate smaller, yet still very harmful emissions and gases, like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Catalytic converters work against these emissions, reducing their spread into our atmosphere or destroying them altogether.

Catalytic Converters Contain Rare and Precious Metal

Have you been wondering why the cost to replace a catalytic converter is so high? Well, as you already know, catalytic converters play an important role in our vehicles. This level of emission control requires a material composition that can handle extreme temperatures, high pressure, and toxic discharges. For these reasons, catalytic converters are made from a variety of strong metals and metal alloys, some of which are precious metals.

Platinum, titanium, and rhodium are common precious metals used to manufacturer catalytic converters. Precious metals are rare, naturally-occurring elements with high economic value; so, if catalytic converters are expensive to make, they must be expensive to buy. On average, catalytic converter replacement costs between $975 and $2,500.  

Catalytic Converters Were Not Always an Industry Standard

Because we now know the importance of catalytic converters, they are an industry standard in the automotive manufacturing industry. All vehicles, whether car, truck, sports utility, or van, come equipped with a catalytic converter. But this wasn’t always the case. Before 1975, catalytic converters were not a regularly incorporated into automobile design. In the seventies, laws and regulations began to arise in regard to the link between vehicles and air pollution.

Catalytic Converters Do Not Work Well in Cold Temperatures

Have you noticed that your car or truck doesn’t like to start up right away when it’s really cold outside? Well, that could be due to the fact that catalytic converters work best in high temperatures. When your car is cold, the catalytic converter will not kick in all the way until the engine has heated up. Fortunately, your trusted Indianapolis mechanic will have some solutions on how to improve your catalytic converter performance if this is a regular issue for you.

Are you experiencing performance or safety issues with your catalytic converter? Contact Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for licensed and insured car radiator and exhaust repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Request a free estimate, or schedule service, today.

Related Posts:

Top 3 Signs You Need Catalytic Converter Repair
The Process of Automotive Catalytic Conversion
Top 4 Signs Your Car Needs Radiator Repair

Indianapolis Auto Repair Service
Indianapolis Auto Repair Service 317-475-1846

Top 3 Signs You Need Catalytic Converter Repair

Your vehicle is arguably one of your top-most important assets. Without it, you sacrifice freedoms of all kinds; not to mention the challenge of finding transportation to work, school, and other vital responsibilities. So when your car or truck begins to show signs of trouble, it is critical that you pay attention to the message it is trying to convey. As for a catalytic converter, the same theory applies.

Continue reading to learn the top three signs of a bad catalytic converter, and what you need to do to get your vehicle back to a safe and operational condition.

Catalytic Converter Repair

Indianapolis Catalytic Converter Repair 317-475-1846

In most cases, your vehicle will tell you when it is having trouble with a primary component, such as the engine, brakes, or catalytic converter. In fact, it the catalytic converter is acting up, one of three signs will surely become evident to you. Here is what to look out for:

Check Engine Light

The check engine light is one of those components that gives you anxiety every time it illuminates. Although most often, it is something simple, like a loose gap cap, it can also be a sign that your catalytic converter is malfunctioning. You see, the oxygen and air-fuel ratio sensors monitor the efficiency of your vehicle’s catalytic converter by watching the gas levels in the exhaust. So when your catalytic converter is improperly catalyzing the exhaust gases, it can prompt your vehicle’s computer system to catch on and warn you of the defect.

Reduced Engine Performance

Your catalytic converter is a big partner to your vehicle’s engine since it is a part of the exhaust system. So it is expected to have poor engine performance if your vehicle’s experiencing catalytic converter problems. Signs to look out for include engine stalling, overheating, reduced acceleration, poor fuel economy, and power issues. Common defects that causes these problems are mostly due to a clogged, obstructed, or cracked catalytic converter.

Rattling Noises

Car’s make noise. However, when the noise becomes concerning, it could be a sign that your catalytic converter is on the outs. Rattling sounds should be the most alarming to you. Old catalytic converters, or ones damaged by rich fuel mixtures, can experience collapsed or fragmented meshes, which can cause rattling sounds while driving or in the parked position.

Indianapolis Automotive Service and Repair

Northeast Auto Service

Northeast Auto Service 317-475-1846

Call Northeast Auto at 317-475-1846 for affordable Indianapolis catalytic converter repair you can trust. We provide domestic and foreign car repair for all make and model vehicles. On top of competitive prices, we also offer car repair coupons and discounts. We can even assist with tows! Call 317-475-1846 to request a free estimate, today.