When catalytic converters first come on the scene in the 1970s, there was a belief that this component wasn’t necessary. After all, vehicles operated fine without these devices for decades. Nowadays, though, that is no longer true. For starters, laws make it illegal to tamper or remove a catalytic converter from a vehicle.
While it is possible to run your vehicle without a cat at least temporarily, there are many reasons not to do so. The air coming out of your emissions will be much dirtier without a fully functioning converter. If every vehicle on the road operated in this manner, the air pollution in most cities would be extensive and dangerous to many people’s health.
Many states have emissions testing programs in place, and your vehicle would certainly fail without the converter in place. This could expose you to expensive fines and fees, as well as to mandatory repairs. Also, since your vehicle is designed to operate with a cat, removing the device is almost certain to result in diminished performance and possible engine damage.
What Does a Catalytic Converter Do?
The primary purpose of a catalytic converter is to remove harmful emissions from exiting your tailpipe. This is done through sophisticated engineering, heat and chemical reactions. With all of this technology, you might wonder how much is a catalytic converter? With both labor and parts, a replacement unit can run anywhere from $950 to $2,500.
Most converters are known as three-stage, which means the unit burns off harmful emissions in three separate stages. The part incorporates a honeycomb design that slows down the passage of gasses, allowing heat to transform some of the more dangerous substances into less harmful gasses. When working properly, the cat scrubs the emissions of these toxic substances:
- Carbon monoxide
- Nitrogen oxide
- Hydrocarbons
- Nitrogen gas
The end result is cleaner air coming out of your tailpipe. Vehicles run much cleaner than they did decades ago, and much of the credit goes to these devices.
Why You Need A Catalytic Converter
Simply put, you need a working cat because it is a legal requirement for vehicles to be on the road. You also need the device to ensure you are not harming your engine and other components of your vehicle. A catalytic converter is also essential to the air you breathe. Without these units, air pollution would be much worse than it is today.
When looking for a replacement unit, use the VIN number search to make sure you get the right part. This handy tool will match the year, make and model of your car or truck with the appropriate converter. You will still have ample choices, both in direct fit and universal fit converters. This will allow you to search for the perfect mix of price and performance.
A replacement converter will come with a lengthy warranty, and if you shop online it can be shipped to you free and fast. You can also come into the store and speak with knowledgeable representatives. Shop today for new parts that will enhance your riding experience.
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