Catalytic converter thefts have grown so dramatic recently that so many drivers have questioned what got in the catalytic converter that attracted thieves like that.
Besides the important tasks of converting harmful emissions into other forms of waste that have less impact on the environment, the catalytic converter also is one of the most valuable parts of your car so why are catalytic converters so expensive?
Contents
- What Is The Purpose Of A Catalytic Converter?
- Why Are Catalytic Converters So Expensive?
- How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Catalytic Converter?
- FAQs on Prices of Catalytic Converters
- Why did catalytic converter prices surge after 2020?
- Do different car brands use different amounts of metals in their catalytic converters?
- Is part of the cost due to anti-theft features or design complexity?
- Why is the labor cost for replacing a catalytic converter often as high as the part itself?
- Are hybrid vehicles’ catalytic converters more expensive than gas-only cars?
- Do emissions laws in states like California affect nationwide converter prices?
- Final Words
What Is The Purpose Of A Catalytic Converter?
The catalytic converter is an effective emissions control device. This part is responsible for converting harmful gases and environmental pollutants in exhaust smoke into less toxic waste.
Catalytic converters are often used on internal combustion engines that use gasoline or diesel fuel.
When your vehicle operates, the fuel combustion process of the engine will emit harmful emissions such as CO2, H2O, and N2 (78%), these substances are almost harmless to the environment if the process is carried out properly.
During operation, no matter how good the engine is, the combustion process can still create small amounts of other toxic compounds such as Carbon Oxides (CO), nitrogen Oxides (NO, NO2), and Hydrocarbon (HC).
The task of the car converter is to turn toxic substances into less toxic compounds (CO2) or possibly into substances that are not harmful to the environment such as N2, and H2O before leaving the exhaust system.
Catalytic converters can convert about 90% of environmentally harmful emissions into less toxic compounds.
Some high-end automakers today add special filters, which can significantly increase the efficiency of car converters by up to 99%, contributing to protecting the environment better.
There are several reasons why you may need to replace the converter:
- It can become clogged from burned oil/coolant
- Your catalytic converter could be damaged due to going from a hot state to a cold state which will crack the metals within it.
- When someone steals it which is much more common than you think.
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Why Are Catalytic Converters So Expensive?
A resounding question is why people want to steal this part and why can it cost $2000 to replace them.
The catalytic converter is a metal box containing a honeycomb filter element made of ceramic or metal. This filter core will be covered with a layer of catalyst that creates a chemical reaction with toxic emissions.
For the converter to do its job properly, it is made of expensive metals like gold, platinum, rhodium, and palladium and these are called “catalytic”. A catalytic is a substance that causes a chemical reaction to happen faster without being used up.
To convert the harmful emission, the converter needs to consume a layer of precious metal to catalyze the reactions to take place easily.
The point of the question “why is the catalytic converter so expensive” lies in these valuable metals. The cost of rhodium per ounce has increased from $1800 to $6000 at the end of 2019 and now the price decreased a little but still is about $4675 per ounce.
Besides, as we know, platinum group metals, these metals are always used in jewelry, electronic devices, and some industrial parts so the metals are very precious.
Generally, there are about 1-2 grams of rhodium, 3-7 grams of platinum, and 2-7 grams of palladium in the catalytic converters.
The exact amount of these substances will be mixed in different ratios for different catalytic converter manufacturers.
While metals are the main reasons that make catalytic converters expensive, there’s more to it. When it comes to the cost of the converter, we also need to talk about the production.
This is a complex production, requiring specialized materials and manufacturing processes to ensure their effectiveness and durability. This complexity adds to the overall cost.
Beyond these components, we can’t help but mention the demand and supply factors. As emissions laws tighten, the demand for efficient catalytic converters has increased.
However, the supply of precious metals often struggles to keep pace, causing price pressure and higher costs for consumers.
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How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Catalytic Converter?
On average, it can cost between $700 and $4108 to change the catalytic converters including parts and labor.
However, labor doesn’t cost too much. Instead, the cost of a catalytic converter will account for the majority of the cost.
The cost of replacing the converter will depend on many factors, for example. If you drive an older car, it may cost you less to replace your catalytic converter.
Older vehicles have cheaper catalytic converters, which can cost just a few hundred dollars. Modern vehicles contain more complex catalytic converters, which increases the price significantly.
Additionally, if your vehicle has a dual exhaust system, there may be two catalytic converters to deal with.
The cheaper catalytic converter will not have the same level of precious metals inside, making it less efficient and not as durable compared to others.
FAQs on Prices of Catalytic Converters
Why did catalytic converter prices surge after 2020?
Global supply chain disruptions, increased emissions regulations, and mining shortages (especially from South Africa and Russia) pushed rare metal prices, and converter costs, sharply higher.
Do different car brands use different amounts of metals in their catalytic converters?
Yes. Luxury or performance cars often have higher metal content for stricter emissions standards.
Is part of the cost due to anti-theft features or design complexity?
Yes. Some newer catalytic converters come with heat shields, complex shapes, or integration into other components, all of which raise manufacturing and replacement costs.
Why is the labor cost for replacing a catalytic converter often as high as the part itself?
Because some converters are welded into the exhaust system or located in hard-to-reach places, requiring hours of labor, special tools, or even subframe removal.
Are hybrid vehicles’ catalytic converters more expensive than gas-only cars?
Usually, yes!
Since hybrids operate at lower temperatures more often, their converters need higher concentrations of precious metals to remain effective.
Do emissions laws in states like California affect nationwide converter prices?
Yes. CARB (California Air Resources Board) standards require higher-efficiency converters.
Manufacturers often build to the strictest specs, raising costs across the board.
Watch this video from thubprint to learn more about the catalytic converter selling!
Final Words
Replacing a catalytic converter can be one of the most expensive auto repairs. Depending on the value of your vehicle, it may not be worth replacing the catalytic converter.
You can prevent the need for a new catalytic converter by maintaining your vehicle periodically.
Thus, Car From Japan has provided you with information to answer the question why are catalytic converters so expensive as well as the overall cost to replace this part.
To limit the repair cost for this expensive catalytic converter, you need to regularly observe and check to promptly detect and repair damage to ensure smooth operation.
