Things to Know about Catalytic Converter
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A lot of car owners are often worried about the cost of catalytic converter repair. Catalytic converters are among the major breakthroughs that help significantly reduce air pollution from vehicles. Since the 1970s, car makers started to integrate these devices in the exhaust systems of their manufactured vehicles. However, there are instances when they malfunction and you are left with no choice but to visit the nearest mechanic.
Before anything else, here are some important facts you should know about catalytic converters.
Benefits of Catalytic Converters
Cars become more eco-friendly thanks to catalytic converters as they help cut down on air pollution coming from passenger vehicles. These devices help reduce smog concerns in congested areas and larger cities where they are thousands of commuters on a daily basis. These also help prevent the depletion of the ozone layer of the Earth.
A catalytic converter plays a big role as to whether your vehicle will pass or fail inspection. All passenger vehicles in the US are required to pass emissions tests for them to be awarded with an inspection sticker.
Catalytic converters help reduce dangerous emissions as they filter out hydrocarbons from the exhaust system of your car. However, their advantages don’t just stop here.
These devices reduce your car’s exhaust noise. How many times have you found yourself behind a car that has a rumbling and loud exhaust? These cars possibly have some issues with their catalytic converters. Catalytic converters can ensure that your car will run quieter on top of their environmental perks.
Is Your Car Equipped with a Catalytic Converter?
If you are unsure if your vehicle comes equipped with this device or not, the probable answer is yes. The reason for this is because the United States Environmental Protection agency is now stricter with their emissions regulations ever since the mid-1970s. From 1975, catalytic converters have become required components in car exhaust systems.
This rule obviously has some exceptions. For instance, if you got an old model hot rod or an antique vehicle, it may not have this type of device.
One more exception is if you bought a used car from an unreliable seller. Since it is expensive to replace catalytic converters, there are car owners who cut corners by rigging the exhaust system for their cars to function even without one.
Cost of Repairing Catalytic Converters
As far as the estimate costs of repairing catalytic converters, most car owners cannot help but to be discouraged by the price. Replacing or repairing catalytic converters can cost you around $2,000.
To properly reduce the emissions of your car and filter hydrocarbons, catalytic converters make use of precious metals like palladium or platinum. Purchasing these can be quite expansive that result to higher costs of repair.
Fortunately, only few people need replacement for their catalytic converters during the lifespan of their car. Having your vehicle regularly maintained will help you avoid the expensive repair costs of catalytic converter down the road. If you think that it needs repair, make sure you contact a professional mechanic right away.
