Scrap Cars With Or Without Catalytic Converters

If you have a used vehicle and you’re in the process of selling it, would it be better if you sold it with a catalytic converter installed or without? This article will serve as your guide to help you make your choice! But first, it’s better to learn all the fundamentals of what a catalytic converter is and its significance and value before you put your scrap car up for sale.

A catalytic converter is an important part of a vehicle’s exhaust system. It is placed between the engine and the muffler, as it needs high heat to be functional. This component helps convert harmful pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, and hydrocarbons into less harmful substances like nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and water vapor.

TYPES OF CATALYTIC CONVERTERS

There are different types of catalytic converters:

1. 1. Two-way Converter

      Used mostly on diesel engines and gasoline engines in American and Canadian markets prior to 1981, a two-way catalytic converter reduces hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions. However, this type of converter was outmoded with the release of three-way converters.

   2. Three-way Converter

      This type of converter has been in use since 1981, especially in the United States and Canada. Many other countries quickly followed suit, requiring three-way converters on gasoline-powered vehicles. A three-way converter has three simultaneous functions: reduction of nitrogen oxides to nitrogen and oxygen, oxidation of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide, and oxidation of unburned hydrocarbons to carbon dioxide and water.

   3. Diesel Oxidation Catalyst

      A diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) is mostly used in compression-ignition or diesel engines. This one uses oxygen to convert carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide, and hydrocarbons to water and carbon dioxide. It is suitable for all types of diesel engines and is uncomplicated, affordable, and free of repairs.

   4. Lean Burn Sparks Ignition Engine

      A lean burn spark ignition engine produces less carbon dioxide than other engines, and it is also able to convert hydrocarbons to carbon dioxide and water. A diesel engine with an oxidation catalyst produces the same emissions as a lean burn spark ignition engine, and the latter uses less gasoline as well.

   Because a catalytic converter plays such a significant function in the vehicle, not to mention the precious metals that can be salvaged from it, it also comes with an expensive value and, as a result, is oftentimes stolen by car thieves.
   Due to the significant value added by the catalytic converter to a vehicle, it only makes sense that it affects the price of used cars when putting them on the market.

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   Why Are Scrap Car Companies Not Interested In Cars Without Catalytic Converters?

   When you sell your used vehicle to a scrap car company, they measure the value of the vehicle based on various factors, some of which are the car’s weight, the remaining metals that can be salvaged from it, and used car components that can be parted out. A catalytic converter is considered one of the most valuable parts of a vehicle, so selling your car without it significantly reduces its value.

   Why Does Scrap Catalytic Converter Recycling Matter To Our Planet?

   Since catalytic converters are made out of precious metals, including platinum, rhodium, and palladium, recycling them can greatly contribute to preserving our natural resources. Recent years have shown that a 95% platinum recovery rate can be achieved, and a considerable factor in this achievement could be attributed to recycling components like catalytic converters. Also, recycling them helps reduce the amount of waste that is sent to landfills.

   Should I Remove The Catalytic Converter When I Scrap My Car?

   To answer briefly, no, it’s not advisable to remove the catalytic converter when selling your scrap car. While it is understandable that some people would want to sell it separately for a chance to increase its price, chances are, that you’ll be able to sell the converter and the scrap car at a lesser value compared to how much you’ll be getting for your used vehicle with the converter attached. Apart from that, removing the converter could leave you exposed to harmful substances.

   Why Don’t Scrap Yards Pay As Much For Aftermarket Catalytic Converters?

   Aftermarket catalytic converters are cost-effective options to original converters, which are also known as original equipment manufacturers, or OEM. OEM catalytic converters are built with durability and quality, and you can be sure that the component will pass the emission test. This is because OEM converters are built with substantial amounts of platinum, rhodium, and palladium metals, which are responsible for the conversion of harmful substances from the engine.

   While aftermarket converters also have these three metals in them, these are only in smaller amounts. This enables them to maintain a lower price point compared to OEM converters. It’s also due to this reason that scrap car companies offer a lower price point for aftermarket converters when a client tries to sell one to them.

   How Do Catalytic Converters Affect Scrap Car Prices?

   The presence of a catalytic converter in a scrap car plays a huge factor in determining its value. As previously mentioned, various factors come into play when determining the value of a scrap car, and these include the vehicle’s weight, make and model, amount of salvageable metals, and more. Having a catalytic converter attached to your scrap car may increase its value because it adds weight to the vehicle and the value of the metals found in the converter sweetens the deal.

   If you’re looking to sell your used vehicle within the GTA area, consider us at Towing and Scrap Car Removal! We offer top dollar for any type of scrap car, and if you’re within the GTA, we can offer free towing services as well.

   If you’re still at a crossroads on whether to sell your scrap car with a converter or sell it separately, given the reasons stated in the article, we advise that it’s better to sell your used vehicle with the catalytic converter attached. We offer the best value for used vehicles, especially those with nearly complete parts and components. However, if you happen to possess a separate catalytic converter and want it parted out, we are also open to purchasing catalytic converters separately. Feel free to get a free online quotation from us by getting in touch here!

2. FAQ

   1. Why is a catalytic converter valuable?

      A catalytic converter is a valuable part of a vehicle because it helps convert harmful substances emitted from the engine into less harmful ones. In terms of profit, a converter is one of the more expensive parts of the vehicle due to the precious metals that make up the component.

   2. How much is a scrap catalytic converter worth?

      A scrap converter could have a price range of $300 to $2,000 for OEMs. For aftermarket converters, the price may vary, but you can expect a lesser amount than those previously mentioned.

   3. How do I determine an OEM catalytic converter from an aftermarket one?

      To spot an OEM converter, you can check for signs such as the manufacturer’s serial number. A major difference in serial numbers found in aftermarket converters is that they usually start with an “N.”

   4. Is it advisable to remove a catalytic converter on your own?

      If you are not an expert in car maintenance or lack the proper knowledge in this field, it’s not advisable to have it removed by yourself, as you can be exposed to harmful chemicals.

   5. Why do catalytic converters often get stolen?

      Catalytic converters often get stolen due to the metals present in the components, which include platinum, rhodium, and palladium.