Why are catalytic converters used in modern cars?
Catalytic converters are part of a modern car’s exhaust system, fitted to reduce harmful emissions. They are desirable to criminals because of the precious metals inside: palladium, platinum and rhodium.
What can cause damage to a catalytic converter?
Things that damage Catalytic converters. 1. Thermal shock: As previously stated catalytic converters run at very high temperatures and thermal shock will occur when a hot catalytic converter is driven through deep water. The casing of the converter shrinks at a much faster rate than the substrate compressing it.
How much does it cost to steal a catalytic converter?
Depending on the make and model of a car, certain catalytic converters, like the ones under a Toyota Prius, can fetch over $1,000 on the used market. And, with a few turns of a wrench, it’s no wonder thieves are getting bold, stealing catalytic converters in the middle of the day, effectively making a grand in less than a minute.
When did catalytic converters become mandatory in the UK?
Catalytic converters were first used in the 1970s, with the United States making them mandatory from 1975 onwards. They became a common feature of cars in the UK from 1992. Why are they a target for theft? The chemical reaction that takes place within the converter requires precious metals to act as the actual catalyst.
Is it possible to drive without a catalytic converter?
Driving with a Bad Catalytic Converter: Is it Possible? Technically, yes. Older cars ran just fine before catalytic converters became commonplace in the 1970s. So, if your question is whether your car will run without one, then it most certainly will.
Where is the catalytic converter in a car?
What is a Catalytic Converter? The catalytic converter is an emission control device found in the exhaust system. First introduced in the 1970s, it quickly became standard issue equipment on most vehicles. Today, federal and state laws require its presence on nearly all vehicles.
Can a clogged catalytic converter cause poor fuel economy?
Besides that, normally a quick or sudden rise of pressure on your car can cause the engine to stall while driving. Next on this is poor fuel economy. A catalytic converter that is clogged, bad can cause an irregular distribution of fuel and even inefficient use of fuel.
Where is the best place to steal a catalytic converter?
Thieves can remove the unit within a minute or two. Typically, catalytic converters are stolen from cars and trucks in driveways, strip malls or in parking garages. “Anywhere cars are exposed,” says Detective Abram Yap of the Long Beach Police Department.