Selling junk vehicles is a process that usually starts with a phone call or an online inquiry. After determining that the vehicle is, in fact, junk and not just in need of a few repairs, the next question is always, “how much will you give me for it?”
The answer to that question depends on several factors, but one of the most important is the presence (or absence) of a catalytic converter.
Why are catalytic converters so important? And, perhaps more importantly, how can their presence (or absence) affect the price you’re offered for your junk car? In this article, we’ll answer those questions and more.
What Is a Catalytic Converter?
A catalytic converter is a device that’s fitted to the exhaust system of most modern vehicles. Its purpose is to convert harmful pollutants in engine exhaust gas into less harmful substances before they’re released into the atmosphere.
In other words, catalytic converters help to keep the air we breathe clean. For that reason, they’re required by law in most countries around the world.
Selling junk vehicles is a process that usually starts with a phone call or an online inquiry. After determining that the vehicle is, in fact, junk and not just in need of a few repairs, the next question is always, “how much will you give me for it?”
The answer to that question depends on several factors, but one of the most important is the presence (or absence) of a catalytic converter.
Why are catalytic converters so important? And, perhaps more importantly, how can their presence (or absence) affect the price you’re offered for your junk car? In this article, we’ll answer those questions and more.
What Is a Catalytic Converter?
A catalytic converter isa device that’s fitted to the exhaust system of most modern vehicles. Its purpose is to convert harmful pollutants in engine exhaust gas into less harmful substances before they’re released into the atmosphere.
In other words, catalytic converters help to keep the air we breathe clean. For that reason, they’re required by law in most countries around the world.
How Do Catalytic Converters Work?
Catalytic converters work by using a chemical reaction to convert three harmful pollutants in engine exhaust gas into less harmful substances. These pollutants are:
- Carbon monoxide (CO)
- Hydrocarbons (HC)
- Nitrogen oxides (NOx)
The catalytic converter contains a honeycombed ceramic structure that’s coated with a metal catalyst, usually platinum or palladium. When exhaust gas passes through the converter, the catalyst causes a chemical reaction that converts the pollutants into less harmful substances.
- Carbon monoxide is converted into carbon dioxide (CO2)
- Hydrocarbons are converted into water vapor and carbon dioxide (CO2)
- Nitrogen oxides are converted into nitrogen and oxygen (N2 and O2)
Precious metals like platinum and palladium are used because they have a high affinity for catalyzing these reactions. They’re also extremely durable, which means they can withstand the high temperatures that are present in the engine exhaust gas.
In today’s cars, catalytic converters are fitted to the exhaust system after the engine and before the muffler. They can be fitted to the exhaust manifold (the pipe that connects the cylinder head to the rest of the exhaust system), or they can be fitted downstream from the manifold in what’s known as a “close-coupled” configuration.
Types of Catalytic Converters
There are three main types of catalytic converters:
- Two-way catalytic converters
- Three-way catalytic converters
- Diesel oxidation catalysts
Two-way catalytic converters are the most common type of converter. They’re fitted to the exhaust systems of gasoline-powered vehicles and they’re designed to convert carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons into carbon dioxide and water vapor.
Three-way catalytic converters are fitted to the exhaust systems of gasoline-powered vehicles and they’re designed to convert carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides into carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and water vapor.
Diesel oxidation catalysts are fitted to the exhaust systems of diesel-powered vehicles and they’re designed to convert carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons into carbon dioxide and water vapor.
These three types of catalytic converters all work in basically the same way, but they’re designed to deal with different types and amounts of pollutants.
History of the Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter was invented in the 1950s by Eugene Houdry, a French-born engineer who moved to the United States in 1930. Houdry was working on ways to reduce air pollution from automobiles, and he came up with the idea of using a catalytic converter to convert harmful pollutants into less harmful substances.
Houdry’s catalytic converter was first used on a large scale in 1975 when the U.S. government passed a law requiring catalytic converters to be fitted to all new cars and trucks. Since then, catalytic converters have become standard equipment on most vehicles around the world.
Catalytic Converter Theft
Catalytic converters are often stolen from cars and trucks because they contain precious metals like platinum and palladium. The catalytic converter can be removed from a vehicle in a matter of minutes, and it can be sold for scrap metal for a few hundred dollars.
Theft of catalytic converters is a serious problem in many countries, and it’s often difficult for the police to catch the thieves. In some cases, the catalytic converter can be covered with a metal cage or security device to prevent it from being stolen.
Incidences of catalytic converter theft have been on the rise in recent years, and it’s becoming a major problem for car owners. If you have a catalytic converter fitted to your vehicle, it’s important to be aware of the risk of theft and take steps to protect your property.
In some countries, catalytic converter theft has become so common that insurance companies are now offering special coverage to protect against it.
How Catalytic Converters Affect Junk Car Prices
Now, we know that catalytic converters can affect the value of your junk car because they contain metals that can be recycled. But did you know that catalytic converters can also affect the offer you receive for your junk car? Here’s how:
If your catalytic converter is missing or damaged, it will likely lower the offer you receive for your junk car. So, if your catalytic converter is missing or damaged, it’s likely that the salvage yard will offer you a lower price for your junk car.
On the other hand, if you have a catalytic converter that is in good condition, you may be able to get a higher offer for your junk car. This is because catalytic converters contain metals that can be recycled. So, if you have a catalytic converter that is in good condition, the salvage yard may offer you a higher price for your junk car.
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