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An easy way to identify aftermarket versus original converters is through appearance. If the catalytic converter has a silver metal casing on it with an arrow, that typically means that it is aftermarket. The arrow indicates the proper installation direction based on air flow.
Do aftermarket Catalytic converters have numbers on them?
Common Letters on Aftermarket Catalytic Converters: These aftermarket cats have just enough PGMs inside of them to have a positive impact on emissions, but not much more than that. Some of the serial numbers you would look for that will help you quickly identify Aftermarket converters are: NT, NAT, NCE, NGE.
What is the difference between an OEM and aftermarket catalytic converter?
OEM Catalytic Converters are designed to last the entire lifetime of your car if handled adequately. Aftermarket Catalytic Converters have no responsibility to survive that long, so they are made using cheaper materials.
How much is an aftermarket catalytic converter worth?
money. An aftermarket catalytic converter can save you over 80% on the price of a new one, costing less than $200, and sometimes as low as $60.
How do I know if my catalytic converter is scrap?
If you look inside the cat converter, you’ll see a mesh honeycomb. This is where all the precious metals that make your cat converter so valuable are. If your catalytic converter is missing the honeycomb, you essentially have a piece of scrap metal that will be paid out as such at the metal recycling plant.
What car has the most valuable catalytic converter?
Which Catalytic Converters Are The Most Expensive? According to data from 2020, the most expensive catalytic converter belonged to the Ferrari F430, with a mind-popping $3,770.00 price tag.
Do Thieves Steal aftermarket catalytic converters?
If your Catalytic Converter has been replaced with an aftermarket Catalytic Converter within the past few years, there is a good chance it won’t be stolen. The new aftermarket Catalytic Converters don’t have as much of the precious metals, so thieves typically don’t take them.
Is it OK to use a universal catalytic converter?
Universal catalytic converters are a great option for those needing to replace a defective catalytic converter on their vehicle. This is because universal catalytic converters can be made to fit many more vehicles than the one that came with your new car and are often less expensive.
Will a universal catalytic converter work on any car?
As the name implies, universal catalytic converters can be installed in almost any vehicle, as long as the diameters of the inlet and outlet tubes are the same on the converter and the exhaust system, and it is the correct converter for the particular vehicle and the state it will be registered in.
How much is a stolen catalytic converter worth?
They’re designed to reduce harmful emissions of carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons in fossil-fuel-burning vehicles. And they can fetch big bucks on the scrap-metal market. The resale price varies by vehicle model, but a single catalytic converter can fetch between $100 and $500.
What are the most stolen catalytic converters?
The common consensus seems to be that the Prius, Tacoma, Lexus SUVs, and the Accord are some of the most targeted cars for catalytic converter theft. So if you own one of these, make sure your car is locked up safe and sound.
Are aftermarket catalytic converters legal?
Aftermarket catalytic converters must be exempted from California’s anti-tampering laws in order to be legally sold and installed in the state. To determine the correct catalytic converter part number for your vehicle, you will need its make, model, model year, engine size and test group/engine family designation.
Which cars are least likely to have catalytic converters stolen?
Those with the unit in the engine bay are less susceptible to theft. Older models are more likely to be targeted because their catalytic converters contain far more precious metals than those fitted to the latest cars.
Do catalytic converters have VIN numbers?
Rub with steel wool – Some catalytic converters may be corroded, meaning rust will need to be scrubbed off to reveal the number. Or, there is no number – Some cats simply don’t have serial numbers. A reputable facility should still be able to identify it, though the number is an added layer of protection.
Why are Prius catalytic converters stolen?
“The demand is high for catalytic converters, and they seem to know which ones command the highest prices, like those on the older Priuses.” Prices have soared for metals like platinum, rhodium, palladium and others, due to lower mining production in recent years, a trend that was exacerbated by the pandemic.
How do you fix a catalytic converter without replacing it?
Fuels and Fuel Additives For example, if you typically fill your vehicle with the cheapest low-octane fuel, try running your vehicle on a few tanks of high-octane fuel. Adding one gallon of lacquer thinner to ten gallons of gas at your next refuel may also be effective clearing out catalytic converter deposits.
Why do thieves steal catalytic converters?
This jewelry is being treated with a thin coating of rhodium—a chemically inert, corrosion resistant metal. And it’s also the reason why thieves across the U.S. are sawing off catalytic converters in order to get their hands on a few precious grams of the world’s most valuable metal.
How much gold is in a catalytic converter?
Catalytic converters contain Platinum, Rhodium and Palladium. However, there is no gold in catalytic converters.
Can I get money for my old catalytic converter?
One of the perks that should motivate you to recycle your catalytic converter is the lucrative return you can receive. Catalytic converters are full of precious metals that can be recycled, and metal recycling plants are willing to pay top dollar for your cat converter.
Where is the best place to steal catalytic converters?
Thieves seem to be targeting highly populated parking locations, such as: Your home driveway or street. Most of the Catalytic Converter thefts occur while your car is parked in your driveway or on the street in front of your house. Apartment & Condo complexes. Large parking lots. Secluded areas.
Does insurance cover stolen catalytic converters?
If you have comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance policy, then you’re typically covered against catalytic converter theft. Comprehensive coverage will typically pay to replace the stolen catalytic converter and repair any related damage from its removal.
