The catalytic converter is an important part of your vehicle. It is one of the engine components that help to keep your car running as efficiently as possible. The catalytic converter aids in reducing airborne pollutants that could be harmful to both you and the environment.
Are Catalytic Converters Worth More As Scrap Or When Functional In A Vehicle
Catalytic converters are worth more when functional in a car than they would as scrap. A properly maintained catalytic converter directly impacts your car’s general health and performance. 90% of toxic emissions from your car can be converted into less dangerous gases if the catalytic converter is working properly.
However, it will be a different case if you are not in need of the vehicle. In such a situation, selling the catalytic converter of your old car will give you a good sum depending on how it is valued.
In this article, we will properly examine the value of a catalytic converter. Continue reading to find out catalytic converters worth more as scrap or when functional in a vehicle. You may also love to read this guide to the scrap prices of various catalytic converter car brands
Value Of Catalytic Converters As Scrap
The current market prices for scrap catalytic converters usually range between $700 – $1,500, depending on the car model or general market demand.
Listed below are some important factors that play a key role in determining the cost of scrap catalytic converters.
1. Condition of the catalytic converter
The scrap catalytic converter’s condition plays a significant role in determining its value. If the catalytic converter is in good shape, it will cost significantly more than those that are poorly maintained.
2. Model of the vehicle
The price of a scrap catalytic converter also depends on the make and model of the car. The value of scrap catalytic converters belonging to High-end vehicles is significantly higher than that of normal vehicles.
3. Catalytic converter composition
Catalytic converter scrap prices are influenced by the number of precious metals they contain. Metal components like rhodium, palladium, and platinum have good market values. See this on How Can I Get the Best Price for My Catalytic Converter Scrap
4. Catalytic converter type
The value of a catalytic converter also depends on its type. There are two types, the gasoline and diesel versions. A gasoline catalytic converter, for instance, sells for more money than a diesel catalytic converter.
5. Original equipment Catalytic converter
The original catalytic converter that comes with your vehicle is worth more than the mass-produced version sold in the market. This is because manufacturers typically add a lot of precious metals in the original equipment catalytic converter.
Value Of Catalytic Converters When Functioning In A Vehicle
The average price for a new catalytic converter, including parts and labor, ranges from $900 to $2,500. This estimate is based on national averages for all vehicles.
To get an accurate price range, you will need to take into account the specific make and model of your vehicle. The cost of labor to replace a catalytic converter can range from $50 to $130 per hour. You will also need to include the expense of diagnostics and any potential problems that might occur.
Related: The Cheapest Way to Fix Catalytic Converter, Cost & How to Fix
Potential Fuel Efficiency And Emissions Benefits Of Using A Functioning Catalytic Converter
A fully functional catalytic converter acts as the heart of your engine. The main job of a catalytic converter is to transform poisonous engine emissions like carbon monoxide into less hazardous gases. Your car’s fuel economy will consequently benefit from this.
Precious metals like platinum and palladium are used in catalytic converters to quicken chemical reactions. These metals are nested and coated in the honeycomb structure of your catalytic converter. As exhaust gases enter the catalytic converter, a chemical reaction that breaks down dangerous gases and transforms them into less poisonous ones is then initiated.
Value Of Catalytic Converters To Scrap Yards And Potential Income From Selling Them
Catalytic converters are a good source of revenue for scrap yards. Catalytic converter prices vary by the model of your car. Generally, they are worth $300 to $1500 when sold at scrap yards in most neighborhoods.
Rhodium, palladium, and platinum are some of the precious metals that make catalytic converters lucrative. These metals raise the catalytic converters’ monetary value. It is for this reason that most junkyards are willing to pay a good sum for your old vehicle.
Factors To Consider When You Have Decided To Sell A Catalytic Converter As Scrap
Driving your car without a catalytic converter is not a good idea. As long as you are not in current need of the car, selling the catalytic converter is not a bad idea. In this section, we will be highlighting the factors you need to pay attention to when selling your catalytic converter as scrap.
1. Model of the Car
Depending on the car it was removed from, a catalytic converter’s value as scrap metal varies. The design of the catalytic converter will vary depending on the model, including the precious metal it is made of.
You must be able to provide the scrap yard with the year, and model of your catalytic converter to receive the right value for it. You can also use its serial number to determine or confirm the value of the catalytic converter.
2. Don’t remove the honeycomb filler
When a catalytic converter is removed and decided to be sold for scrap, a lot of individuals make this crucial error. You will pay a hefty price in scrap returns if you remove the honeycomb filler from the converter.
This honeycomb is home to a significant portion of the precious metal that makes up a catalytic converter. To gain the maximum value for the unit, keep the converter intact when you remove it. To make it simpler to transport, you can also trim the pipes on each end.
3. Scrap metal and catalyst converters
Catalytic converters are an ideal pick when it comes to recycling quality metal or catalytic converters.. They are quite simple to remove and manage, which is one of the reasons they are so well-valued on the market. They provide good returns at scrap metal yards; the trick is understanding how to handle and scrap them safely.
Conclusion
As we have mentioned in this article, catalytic converters have a very good scrap value. However, unless you don’t intend to drive your car, it is not advisable to remove or drive without your catalytic converter.
Before pawning off your catalytic converter, it is important that you consider the factors we have listed in this article. With the outlined tips, making a decision that will be of benefit to you will be much easier.
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Uchenna is a Radiographer and Auto parts mechanic who recently got his automotive diploma as an auto repair technician, and since then, has worked on fixing various car problems.
Working as just a radiographer, Uchenna didn’t just get all the fulfillment he desired, because he truly loved doing things tilted toward cars. As a kid, he would take apart his toy cars to see how they worked and would spend hours tinkering with his bike.
So, in 2017 he made the tough decision to become an auto mechanic. He threw himself into his studies and now loves every aspect of what he does.
He gets to work with his hands, solving problems and bringing cars back to life, and sharing his knowledge and easy quick-fix guide online are all part of what makes him feel fulfilled.
