Why can't junkyards sell catalytic converters?

Junkyards can't sell catalytic converters because it's a federal offense to install a used converter on a vehicle (unless it's the one that came off of that very vehicle). A used converter could be clogged, or bad, which would mean your car wouldn't be safe by federal emissions standards.

Can you buy catalytic converters from junkyard?

Any junkyard that has old cars and different vehicle parts might have a catalytic converter or two for you to have. It's important that you ask the owners of the junkyard what's acceptable, but there's a good chance that you'll be able to find a catalytic converter somewhere on the property.

How much is a catalytic converter from a junkyard?

This varies by car and the condition of your catalytic converter. Still, on average, scrap catalytic converters are worth between 300 $ to 1500 $ when sold as scrap at your local wrecking service. In today's world, catalytic converters are no longer being sold as part of a car.

Why do scrap yards buy catalytic converters?

Catalytic converters contain platinum, rhodium, and palladium. The metals are expensive, and thieves sell the converters to scrap yards for several hundred dollars per piece, depending on the size of the converter and the current rate on the metals inside it.

Does Pick N Pull remove catalytic converters?

Once cars get to a Pick-n-Pull lot, their disassembly begins. Company employees remove mercury switches and catalytic converters. Then they drain gas and motor fluids, which are given free to employees.

How Much Is A Catalytic Converter Worth? Scrap Recycling Guide

Where can you find catalytic converters?

Most catalytic converters on modern cars are located under the vehicle towards the exhaust which makes it easily accessible to thieves.

How long do catalytic converters last cheap?

In the case of the catalytic converter, if you buy a cheap one, it's not going to convert the exhaust gases as much. A cheap catalytic converter may work for a while. In our experience, we have found that they're good for about a year to maybe two years.

How much is a stolen catalytic converter worth?

Thieves can make anywhere from $25 to $300 for a standard catalytic converter, and ones from hybrid vehicles can sell for up to $1,400. These parts are also relatively easy to access from under the vehicle.

Which cars are most likely to have catalytic converter stolen?

Why do thieves steal catalytic converters?

Why are people stealing them? Thieves target catalytic converters because of the value of the metals found inside the devices. Catalytic converters are typically made up of three precious metals: platinum, palladium and rhodium. The value of all three metals have risen sharply in price in the last decade.

What cars have the most expensive catalytic converters?

According to data from 2020, the most expensive catalytic converter belonged to the Ferrari F430, with a mind-popping $3,770.00 price tag. Moreover, the F430 needed two of them, so a full replacement would run car owners $7,540 before labor costs.

Which cars are least likely to have catalytic converters stolen?

American brands such as Ford, Chevy, Jeep, Dodge, and Chrysler tend to have less valuable catalytic converters and are therefore less likely to get stolen. Some Nissan, Hyundai, Mazda, and Subaru models also fall into this category. Many brands used cat designs that limited how many precious metals were inside.

How much is a catalytic converter worth on the black market?

According to The Pew Charitable Trusts, a global non-profit organization with a focus in public policy, criminals typically sell stolen catalytic converters for $50-$500 to internet buyers or scrapyards.

Do Thieves Steal aftermarket catalytic converters?

If your Catalytic Converter has been replaced with an aftermarket Catalytic Converter within the past few years, there is a good chance it won't be stolen. The new aftermarket Catalytic Converters don't have as much of the precious metals, so thieves typically don't take them.

Are aftermarket catalytic converters legal?

Aftermarket catalytic converters must be exempted from California's anti-tampering laws in order to be legally sold and installed in the state.

What states dont require catalytic converters?

Known as "Section 177" states, those 13 are: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington.

Does insurance cover stolen catalytic converters?

Is a stolen catalytic converter covered by insurance? If you have comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance policy, then you're typically covered against catalytic converter theft. Comprehensive coverage will typically pay to replace the stolen catalytic converter and repair any related damage from its removal.

What year cars are targeted for catalytic converter theft?

In the western part of the country, the following cars are the top targets: 2001-2021 Toyota Prius. 1985-2021 Ford F-Series. 1989-2020 Honda Accord.

How do I protect my car from catalytic converter theft?

Why are Toyota catalytic converters stolen?

Currently, Prius is being targeted because catalytic converters of hybrids need more of the precious metals to work properly because they don't get as hot as those installed on conventional vehicles, since the combustion engines of hybrids only run part of the time.

What is the street value of a catalytic converter?

While the “street value” of a catalytic converter can range between a mere $100 to $700 depending on the type of vehicle it's stolen from, replacing a stolen one will cost you a lot more. With labor, a catalytic converter replacement is estimated at between $1,000 and $3,000.

What cars do they steal catalytic converters from?

Those vehicles most often targeted for catalytic converter theft during the past three years in California are the Toyota Prius, Honda Element, Honda Accord, Ford Econoline, Honda CRV, Ford F-250, Toyota Tundra, Toyota Sequoia, Ford Excursion and the Toyota Tacoma.

Why are aftermarket catalytic converters so cheap?

Since the Aftermarket Catalytic Converters are not held to high warranty standards like OEM converters, the Aftermarket Manufacturers save costs by using less precious metals. Because less precious metals are applied to the converter, there is less filtration of toxic compounds from the vehicle's engine.

Why is catalytic converter so expensive?

They are costly because they use expensive metals such as palladium to promote the chemical reactions that cleanse the exhaust. Palladium costs about $50 a gram—more than gold—and each catalytic converter contains about 5 grams of it.

How long can you drive without a catalytic converter?

As part of a car's exhaust system, the catalytic converter helps to reduce air pollution. You will not harm your engine or your car in any way by driving without a catalytic converter. It's not always a good idea to drive around without one, even if it works.