If you’re having problems with your catalytic converter, you could take it in for an adjustment. However, if an adjustment won’t fix the problem, you may need to repair or replace your catalytic converter. Repairing a catalytic converter is not cheap, and replacing one isn’t either. Therefore, if you do need to replace your catalytic converter, consider buying a used or refurbished one instead. Used catalytic converters have the same federally-mandated specifications as new converters, only they’re a lot cheaper. If you want to pass the state emissions test without having to break the bank, this is the way to do it.
A catalytic converter is the heart of an automobile’s exhaust system, and as such, it’s very important to fix any problems that arise if the converter starts to go bad. Given the cost of converters, it’s the type of purchase that most people don’t want to do a second time in a short time frame. Therefore, while going for a discount price may sound good at the beginning, the discount converter may cause more problems than it’s worth down the line, which may lead to it having to be replaced much sooner. There are several solid used catalytic converters that will do the job for about as much as a discount new converter costs.
Every car owner fears the “Check Engine” light. If this light comes on, a chill of fear comes over the driver every single time. The reason is because the engine is by far the most expensive component of the car to repair or replace, so any problems with it mean a severe hit to the bank account. The “Check Engine” light will also come on if there are catalytic converter problems, which are much cheaper to replace or repair by comparison. Used catalytic converters can go for anywhere from $200-400, which is much cheaper than the over $1,000 a brand new converter could cost.
There are direct fit catalytic converters which require no bolting or welding; these are very attractive to those people who would like to replace the converter themselves, but don’t want to have to attend welding school in order to do it. Most of these used catalytic converters come with warranties for up to 5 years/50,000 miles. They’re sturdy, dependable, and much cheaper than buying new. A used converter could be a lower-cost solution to a major exhaust problem if you take the time to do your homework and pick the right one.