Why Does A Catalytic Converter Become Scrap?

Posted: April 22, 2025

why catalytic converters become scrap

First, what does a catalytic converter do?

The catalytic converter is located under the car as part of the exhaust system. Because it sits under the car it will be exposed to all types of weather and road conditions thru its life span.

Catalytic converters are a part of the exhaust system, the job of the converter is to reduce the toxic gases and pollutants from engine exhaust.  The converter’s catalyst (honeycomb) is made up of palladium, rhodium, and palladium.

Typically, because of new regulations, the need for efficient and good catalytic converters are more of a focus for cat manufacturers.

*Keep In Mind* A catalytic converter oftentimes gets mistaken as a muffler. There is a big difference including the weight of the muffler is going to be much less than that of a catalytic converter.

Why Do Catalytic Converters Go Bad?

Catalytic converters have a life span of about 10+ years, but as they age they can get clogged, overheated, or damaged losing pieces of the honeycomb inside. When the catalytic converter starts to degrade this can affect the engine’s performance and will ultimately cause engine failure.

Suggested Reading: Rhodium: What Is It & How Does It Affect Scrap Prices?

A misfiring spark plug or a leaky exhaust valve can cause catalytic converters to overheat. This may be something that a car mechanic diagnoses.

Below Are the Symptoms of a Bad Catalytic Converter:

  • Sluggish performance of the engine
  • Loss of acceleration
  • Dark exhaust smoke
  • Excessive heat from under the vehicle
GET A QUOTE

Is My Catalytic Converter Going Bad?

If you are asking yourself that question, you may want to reach out to your local car mechanic and see if they can find out if there is an issue with your catalytic converter. If it is terrible and needs to be scrapped, ask the mechanic for the catalytic converter back. It’s rightfully yours to keep and scrap.

Alright, I have my Scrap Cat. Now What?

Get A Quote from RRCats!

When sending any catalytic converters to the team for a price quote, make sure that you take a picture of the whole catalytic converter from overhead (like this!) – so that we can see the shape and size of the converter.

The second picture you want to send is the serial number.

Lastly, you want to send a picture of both sides of the cat so we can see that it’s complete and not missing any material.

Request Your Price Quote

FREE SHIPPING ON ALL OEM UNITS

Get Quote by Text

TEXT* US →

*By Texting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions including PayPal Fees

Get Quote by Email

Check corners, under shields, and down pipes for numbers. Not all catalytic converters have numbers.
Click or drag files to this area to upload. You can upload up to 10 files.
To get a quote sooner, attach photos of any serial numbers and an overhead pic of the catalytic converter(s).
Click or drag files to this area to upload. You can upload up to 3 files.
Upload a Photo: Please include a clear photo of one of the following documents: Vehicle or equipment, Registration, Title, or Bill of Sale. Why do we need this? We are required by law to verify proof of ownership before purchasing certain equipment or materials to prevent theft and ensure lawful transfer. For more details, refer to New Jersey Scrap Metal Laws – N.J.S.A. 13:1E-99.12 (or insert exact link to the statute you want to reference). This requirement is mandatory to receive a quote.

Read Our Reviews On Google

 

Recent Posts

Archives

Acura Aston Martin Audi BMW Diesel Dodge DPF Ford O2 Sensors