Catalytic converter
A part in the exhaust that turns the worst engine fumes into less harmful gases.
In plain English
The catalytic converter is a metal canister in the exhaust pipe. Inside is a honeycomb coated with precious metals. As hot exhaust passes through, it converts the most harmful gases into less harmful ones before they leave the tailpipe.
Why it's on your estimate
It can become clogged or stop working well, which often turns on the check engine light with a catalyst efficiency code. It is also a common target for theft because of the metals inside; a stolen one makes the car suddenly very loud.
How urgent is it?
Fix soon
A weak converter usually won't strand you, but the car may fail an emissions test. A badly clogged one can choke the engine and cause overheating of the exhaust, so loss of power is a reason to act quickly.
Questions to ask the shop
- What caused it to fail? Is something else, like a misfire, damaging it?
- Is this covered by the longer federal emissions warranty for my car's age and mileage?
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