When To Replace a Catalytic Converter? - Performance Muffler

Replacing the catalytic converter can be extremely troublesome for all drivers. Why? Because the costs associated with the new part can be very high. Especially if we choose an original catalyst, not a universal one.

However, the investment is quite profitable, because we are sure that it will serve us much longer. The cost also includes the exchange itself, which isn't the cheapest either. In this situation, the timing is important.

A few words about catalytic converters

The task of the catalytic converter, or actually the catalytic converter – because it is the correct name – is to remove pollutants from car exhaust gases with precious metals at their core such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium. These metals are actually the right catalyst for a chemical reaction. It is installed in the exhaust system as the most important functional part.

What causes the need to replace the catalytic converter?

The catalytic converter is in a very specific place for the task it is performing – near the engine. In order to do its job properly, it needs to reach a temperature of around 300-400 degrees Celsius. High temperatures mean that this part does not serve us forever.

For the short life of the catalytic converter, the problems written here also affect the correct operation of the small part of the lambda probe. It coordinates the proper operation of the catalytic converter.

When to replace the catalytic converter?

Let's get to the bottom of it. Manufacturers normally assume that the catalytic converter should be replaced after approximately 80-100,000 km. However, this does not mean that even after exceeding this magic distance, we need to throw away the old catalyst. Often the drivers manage to double that number.

What symptoms indicate that the catalytic converter needs to be replaced?

The first signal that we should pay attention to is the lighting up of the check engine on the dashboard. If at this point the lamp goes out after removing the error from the computer's memory in the auto repair shop, it means that the catalytic converter is malfunctioning.

Such signals will become more and more common over time. In this case, it is worth checking the lambda probe. This may be the reason why the lamp lights up.

In addition, the information provided by the computer is not always correct. It often turns out that damage to the catalytic converter can be detected only at the time of cutting, which in itself requires replacement.

What happens during the catalyst change?

The replacement process is so difficult and requires knowledge that not every mechanic will undertake this task. Everything also depends on where the catalytic converter is located. The task is much easier when it is under the vehicle and it becomes more difficult when the part is in the exhaust manifold.

What to do to delay the replacement of the catalytic converter?

It's important to remember regular long-distance rides. Driving with an improperly heated engine, especially with an enriched fuel mixture, does not serve our catalytic converter. The unburned fuel then gets into the exhaust system including the catalytic converter and destroys it.

You should also pay attention to a properly tuned LPG installation. The air-gas mixture that is too enriched can shorten the function of the catalytic converter.

How to save on replacing the catalytic converter?

The answer is simple. Take the old catalytic converter that has been replaced, and sell it. You will earn money for a new one, and the precious metals recovered will return to the environment, which will be used to make a new catalyst, for example.