Catalytic converters are one of the most important components in a vehicle, yet many car owners overlook their incredible value. This critical automotive part should be routinely serviced, along with the other vital systems in your vehicle, in order to maintain optimal performance, as well as, increase lifespan. After all, catalytic converters also happen to be one of the most expensive auto parts in a car; so you do not want to prematurely have to replace it or pay for an invasive repair. If this does happen, fortunately, catalytic converters maintain a nominal degree of economic value, even if they are beyond repair or refurbishment.

To help you understand more about catalytic converters, continue reading to learn the top four facts about them.

❶ Catalytic Converters Prevent Harmful Emissions and Reduce Air Pollution

The greatest benefit of catalytic converters is also their primary purpose. They are automotive components specially designed to eliminate or reduce the release harmful emissions produced by a car engine, including nitrogen gas, carbon dioxide, water vapors, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and nitrogen oxides. As a result, they help reduce air pollution and thus, protect our atmosphere.

❷ Catalytic Converters are an Automotive Standard Governed By Law

Vehicles throughout history were not obligated by law to have a catalytic converter, until 1975 when they became a standard in automobile assembly. This happened as a result of changing laws governing cars and pollution. Today, it is the law to have a proper catalytic converter, and all vehicles are manufactured with one.

❸ Catalytic Converters Turn On When the Engine Gets Hot

Did your parents ever teach you to wait a few minutes before putting your car into gear and driving away? If you were encouraged to let your car engine heat up a little bit before hitting the road, you were given some good advice. That is because a catalytic converter does not switch on until the engine has warmed up. So when you turn on a cold car, the catalytic converter does not turn on for a few more minutes, which means engine emissions are not being treated right away.

❹ Catalytic Converters are High in Economic Value

Sometimes, even with good care, catalytic converters can breakdown or experience performance issues. If this happens, you can expect a new catalytic converter to cost a couple thousand dollars, give or take. For the majority of cars, the cost to repair a catalytic converter ranges between $1000 and $2500, including parts and labor. For this reason, many cars, especially older models, are deemed totaled by the insurance company when it is time to replace a catalytic converter. This is because the cost to repair and replace it is higher than the current market value of the vehicle.

What to Do With an Old Catalytic Converter

Catalytic converters are primarily made of platinum and other valuable metals, making them of high economic value whether they work or not. Furthermore, they can be recycled and reprocessed over and over again. So if you have an old catalytic converter, you can help relieve the cost of buying a new one by selling your old one. Contact a local scrap metal buyer in Indianapolis who will pay you top dollar for your junk automotive parts.

Get Started With a Free Quote Today!

Call Zore’s Inc. at 317-247-8484 to sell an old catalytic converter in Indianapolis, Indiana. We pay top dollar for all scrap metal, regardless of age or condition. We also have an auto parts store that offers used auto parts, OEM auto parts, refurbished auto parts, and new auto parts if you are looking for a great deal on a new catalytic converter. As a family-owned and operated business that has served the surrounding communities for 90 years, you can trust that we are ethical and honest scrap metal buyers that employ good business practices.