Catalytic Converter Replacement and Repair Cost Guide

There could be several factors on which the performance and efficiency of your vehicle depend, and a catalytic converter is one of them. It is a component present in the car's exhaust system and helps convert any harmful substances to harmless compounds for humans or the environment.

If the catalytic converter is working correctly, the car is efficient, but if it isn't, then the engine can be at risk of shut down. Those who wonder how much it costs to replace a catalytic converter can be a little expensive replace, but the kind of vehicle you have and the complexity of the converter can surely increase the cost.

What is a Catalytic Converter?

A catalytic converter is made from some precious metals, and it helps burn off any unwanted particles when exiting the engine. Therefore, it keeps them from damaging or contaminating other parts of the vehicle, but all of this can be accomplished if the converter is in good condition.

Over time, the wear and tear of the catalytic converter can cause several problems related to internal damage and contamination. Therefore, you must address the converter and repair or replace it when this problem starts.

When should the Catalytic Converter be repaired or replaced?

The catalytic converter needs to be repaired or replaced when it doesn’t work efficiently. The following are a few signs of a faulty catalytic converter.

• A decrease in fuel economy

If you start noticing that your car has as many miles per gallon as it used to be, then there could be an issue with the catalytic converter. There could be additional pressure on the exhaust system. Therefore, you might have to press the paddle a little more to accelerate the vehicle.

• When the check engine light appears

The check engine light can be the first sign of your catalytic converter failure. Your car knows typically if things aren’t going right, and therefore, this light should never be ignored. It is worth noting that the check engine light will illuminate when there is a discrepancy.

• A failed emission test

A failed emission test always points towards a bad catalytic converter. In this test, the tailpipe emissions get tested with the help of a measuring device. Therefore, if these are higher than usual, the converter's job is not being done correctly.

What is the cost of repairing or replacing a Catalytic Converter?

• Cost of repair

You may not find a fixed cost to repair a catalytic converter. The repairs can begin from $1,000 and reach up to $2,500. How much you have to pay for a damaged converter depends on the model of your car, the diagnostic charges, the time it will take, and the quality of spare parts.

• Cost of replacement

If you wonder how much it costs to replace a catalytic converter, you need to know that it varies significantly and depends on several factors. The catalytic converters of the new models can be pretty challenging and expensive to replace. For the parts, you may need between $350 to $1,500 and around $600 to $2,000 for the labor.

Conclusion

Although we don't usually see a catalytic converter failure, if you want to know how much does it cost to replace a catalytic converter, the answer is that it is very costly to repair it. It usually needs to be replaced or repaired by a qualified mechanic, as it helps maintain a clean environment. Therefore, a properly functioning catalytic converter is essential for your vehicle’s performance.