Catalytic Converter Repair & Replacement Service

The catalytic converter is an exhaust system component specifically designed to further convert harmful gases into carbon dioxide and water. Driving without a catalytic converter is illegal, unless the age of your vehicle makes it exempt. Plug-in EVs, like the Tesla Model S, do not have a catalytic converter because they are powered by electricity and not gasoline combustion. However, hybrids such as the Toyota Prius have specialized catalytic converters that can cost more than $1,000 to replace.

Signs Your Catalytic Converter Is Failing…Or Missing!

Instead of expelling hot fumes, a failing exhaust system will trap heat and let it build up. This excessive heat can result in these symptoms of a damaged catalytic converter:

• Check engine light illuminated
• Sluggish acceleration
• Smell of rotten eggs
• Dark smoke coming from the tailpipe
• Loud metal clanging sounds when idling

Most states require an emissions test to register a vehicle. If your vehicle fails the “smog test,” the solution is possibly a quick catalytic converter replacement or a more complex exhaust repair. To avoid getting surprised during the emission test, make sure to have your exhaust system inspected regularly by an expert technician, which can pair with other routine maintenance like an oil change or tire rotation.

Keep in mind, catalytic converters are a hot commodity on the black market and at junk yards, so catalytic converter theft can happen anywhere at any time. A missing catalytic converter will display the same symptoms as a failing component. If you are searching “catalytic converter service near me,” trust your local NAPA Auto Care center to get the job done right the first time.

Catalytic Converter Service at NAPA Auto Care

Inside, catalytic converters are lined with tiny pores, which are coated with platinum, rhodium or palladium. This is why they are expensive aftermarket parts. Additionally, it is not easy to repair a bad catalytic converter. Once the precious metals are depleted, the entire catalytic converter has outlasted its usefulness. In most cases, a catalytic converter replacement is needed.

Because a thief armed with a power saw can rip off your catalytic converter in less than a minute, the NAPA Network recommends adding theft prevention when you replace a catalytic converter. Catalytic converter locks are unbreakable, heavy-duty wire cages. Make sure your catalytic converter repair shop also orders the CatClamp Catalytic Converter Lock for an easy universal installation that will stop thieves in their tracks.

How Much Does Catalytic Converter Replacement Cost?

There is no easy way to say it. Replacing a catalytic converter is the most costly part of an exhaust system repair. The cost of a catalytic converter replacement can range from $1,000 to more than $3,000 with only $500 to $1,000 going to labor. Check out the easy-to-use, straightforward NAPA Auto Care Repair Estimator Tool so you know what to budget for when you call the nearest NAPA Auto Care center.