A catalytic converter is one of the main elements of the exhaust system, performing the function of reducing the emission of harmful substances and exhaust gases into the atmosphere. It is usually installed on both gasoline and diesel power plants in close proximity to the exhaust manifold or muffler.

The catalyst is subject to mandatory disposal, which is a complicated process that requires special equipment. The purchase of a catalytic converter has been carried out almost everywhere.

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The cost of every used car catalytic converter depends on:

  • Type of device (metal or ceramic);

  • Countries of origin (Germany, France, USA, Japan or China, RF);

  • Car model, engine size, year of manufacture, country of assembly or where it was exported;

  • From size: cut from the body, whole or broken, shredded;

  • On the purity, degree of contamination of the delivered mass: with asbestos, cotton wool or without;

  • From exchange quotations of prices for metals Pt, Pd, Rh and from exchange rates;

  • Weights, there are catalytic converters which weight is only 100 grams;

  • Duration of operation and its intensity, up to 150 tons of 1/3 of the original;

  • On the quality and type of fuel. For example, on gas for 2 years and as a result it is almost empty.

  • The price of the first catalytic converter is higher than all subsequent ones, even if they are in the same housing, with the exception of Subaru, on the contrary, the latter is more expensive.

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Cost of catalytic converters in different car brands

Auto producers are creating more and more sophisticated vehicles to comply with environmental laws. A catalytic converter is a gadget of a vehicle, pointed toward lessening harmful emissions into the environment by diminishing NO and afterburning CO. Most of all precious metals are contained in a ceramic catalytic converter from German cars, such as Opel, BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Volkswagen. The cost for catalytic converters will be approximately one hundred and twenty percent of the average indicated, but it should be taken into account that the catalytic converter from cars released after 2000 will differ significantly in price from the car manufactured before 1997. It should also be taken into account that there is a catalytic converter with a predominance of platinum and a predominance of palladium.

Next in the price range are car catalytic converters from Japanese cars like Nissan, Toyota, Mazda, Honda. Their cost ranges from seventy five one hundred and ten percent, followed by the cars of French automakers, the cost of their catalytic converter is seventy to ninety five percent of the nominal. Then, according to the cost there are American cars with sixty to ninety percent, "Koreans" - sixty-eighty five %. The cheapest used car catalytic converters are from Russian-made cars, unless, of course, this is an export option.

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Value of used catalytic converters

The cost of a metallic catalytic converter is much lower than that of ceramic (almost 2.5 times). Although new metal catalytic converters themselves are more expensive than ceramic ones, there are much less precious metals. It is also taken into account that the processing of such a catalytic converter is a more laborious and costly process. Since it is sometimes impossible to visually determine the conditions of a catalytic converter and it's size, if it is also broken, it is better to use spectral and chemical analysis.

If a used catalytic converter is sold in a tank, then the price can be determined by the corresponding marking on the body. Sometimes evaluation is made by photographs or by phone, but this service is offered exclusively to regular customers.

The final cost of the used automobile catalytic converter is calculated after spectral and chemical analyzes, only this way makes it possible to determine the exact content of precious metals in the catalytic converter.

The high cost of used catalytic converters is explained by the fact that precious and rare metals of the palladium and platinum groups are used for their production. If you need to replace the catalytic converter on a car, do not throw away the old one, sell the used catalytic converter to get a payment. This will save money before purchasing the new device and it will cost you less. Plus, you show that you care about the environment.

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Detecting catalytic converter issues

Common malfunctions of a catalytic converter can occur due to exposure to high temperatures over 1000 degrees and chemical reactions. As a result, the part can burn out or melt. The second most popular reason is low-quality fuel, which cannot burn completely. It burns out in the collector or the unit itself, clogging cells and making it difficult for air to pass. A similar situation can happen with high oil consumption in the engine, which can also actively contaminate filters.

The presence of problems in the operation of a car catalytic converter can be determined even just looking at it. If the body of the part is deformed, there is a high chance that it is damaged. At the same time, it will not be possible to inspect the device from the outside for clogging with dirt and combustion products. You will need to remove the clogged catalytic converter.

If there is an initial stage of wear, without damage or contamination of cells and the catalytic converter is not deformed or melted, it can be sold to a specialized company getting a good profit. Basic price is the following: ceramics - up to 600 EUR/kg, particulate filter (PDF) - up to 300 EUR/kg, metallic foil - up to 70 EUR/kg.