Catalytic converter how long do they last

Compare two cars to find the lowest fuel cost. Search the forum. How long should catalytic converters last? After 35, miles and four years I have had to replace my catalytic converter. I think this part should have lasted longer but Peugeot don't seem interested, it is out of warranty, so 'tough luck' seems to be the answer. What is the accepted life of a catalytic converter? Answered by Honest John. When cats were first fitted they were a disaster though not as bad as DPFs are today.

How long they last depends on how the car is driven. Repeated short runs from cold starts is hard for them to cope with. Any misfire can spike the cat creating a hotspot that destroys the core. Tags: technical issues catalytic converters. Our certified mobile mechanics perform over services, including diagnostics, brakes, oil changes, scheduled mileage maintenances, and will come to you with all necessary parts and tools. Our certified mobile mechanics make house calls in over 2, U. Fast, free online quotes for your car repair.

Catalytic Converter Replacement Cost. Service Location. Watch for the following signs that indicate your catalytic converter is failing: Poor fuel economy Vehicle is performing poorly, such as stalling while driving or a jerking feeling Misfiring engine Check Engine Light Rotten egg smell Since the catalytic converter can become damaged or fail over time, the catalytic converter may need to be replaced.

Home Catalytic Converter Replacement. The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details. Excellent Auto Repair Ratings. YourMechanic Auto Repair. Related Articles. Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Ignition Coil. Experienced Mechanic? Recent Catalytic Converter Replacement reviews. Excellent Rating. Rating Summary.

Mazyar 8 years of experience. Request Mazyar. Dodge Caliber L However, generally, these components are intended to last the life of the motor vehicle. Occasionally, catalytic converters just wear out over time, as well as in other instances, they stop working prematurely because of engine performance problems. Keeping your car running correctly is the finest way to broaden the life of your catalytic converter. Good thing, too, since this auto part uses rare, precious, and consequently expensive metals like gold, palladium, or rhodium.

They work as catalysts in chemical reactions that exchange air-polluting oxides of the nitrogen, unburned fuel as well as carbon monoxide into pure old nitrogen, carbon dioxide with water.

The main reason for the catalytic converter is to turn damaging emissions into non-toxic carbon dioxide as well as water. Therefore, you can think of maintaining it like your involvement in decreasing air pollution on the road.

Be on the look forward to the following symptoms:. It is vital to note that diagnosing a defective catalytic converter gets more than just searching which among the signs above is widespread in your vehicle. It is vital to note that, in lots of cases, a catalytic converter does not stop working on its own. There are a number of factors that can cause it to break down. Here are a number of the most common causes:. Fluids, like engine oil along with coolant, that go into the exhaust stream can pollute the catalytic converter.

An engine misfire can make extreme temperatures within the catalytic converter, making the device to melt. Overlooking engine-related troubles or skipping routine service can reason the troubles outlined above, all of which can give to catalytic converter breakdown.

The force from driving over trash on the road can pound the converter, damaging it inside. Damage to the arrangement of the catalytic converter can also be caused by corrosion and rust. Within extreme cases where the vehicle idles almost every of the time, the catalytic converter possibly will run hotter than usual, ultimately leading to its early failure. If your car is giving up signs of having a bad catalytic converter, you must go ahead and replace it? Not unavoidably. It is suggested that you bring your motor vehicle to an expert mechanic first as well as have it diagnosed correctly.

Nevertheless, the symptoms outlined above could extremely well be credited to others out of order or bad components. One more reason why you possibly will require getting a catalytic converter replacement is if it gets stolen. Yes, you read that correctly—stolen.

Catalytic converters include precious metals, which make them striking targets to sneaky thieves. Even as you must be able to drive it for some duration, ensure to get the stolen component replaced immediately you can. Approximately every catalytic converters contrived through the automotive industry are positioned within a stainless steel shell. The purpose is to let the outer shell a lot of more years of durability than an aluminum metal shell.

A shell is made of a weaker metal that could with no trouble fail because of exposure from bad weather conditions. In some instances, the catalytic converter may become restricted or clogged, which will then create excessive exhaust backpressure. This pressure will choke the engine, and eventually lead to performance issues- lack of stalling and power- are an example. For a catalytic converter that is severely restricted, that restricted converter can produce enough exhaust backpressure, preventing the engine from starting.

If you have a faulty converter, you can easily fail your state emissions test. The catalyst is crafted of a platinum-like metal or platinum itself. It can also have rhodium or palladium. You can do several things you can keep your catalytic converter working effectively and efficiently while avoiding costly repairs:.

Check out some of the signs it may be time to replace your catalytic converter:. If your car inexplicably and suddenly begins performing at a sluggish rate, then you may have a clogged catalytic converter.

This also means that your emissions from your engine will not be cleared quickly enough. A slower rate of emissions flow prevents the engine from working efficiently. Rattling sounds coming from your car's exhaust system, -even when you drive at high speeds or just simply start the ignition — can signal damage to the catalytic converter.

Your catalytic converter needs to be replaced immediately. Your engine will not be able to clear its emissions fast enough. Thus, your convertor will now be operating in suboptimal conditions and burn more fuel to generate the same amount of power. If you find that you are filling up a lot- despite no changes in your driving habits- then your catalytic converter may be the culprit. Ignoring the issue can not only cost you more in gas, but you run the risk of paying money for repairs.