Can I Sell A Catalytic Converter To A Scrap Metal Facility?

Catalytic converters are valuable car parts that are often sold to scrap metal facilities. These parts contain precious metals and are therefore worth more to a scrap facility than other parts of the car like the muffler, battery, rims, shell, etc. If your catalytic converter or vehicle as a whole has reached the end of its useful life, you can sell it to a scrap facility and earn some cash! The price that a recycling facility will pay you for your scrap metal is determined by a few factors, including metal type and weight; therefore, selling a heavy vehicle with lots of metal parts to your local scrap facility can earn you a nice chunk of “change”! In this article, we’ll dive deeper into catalytic converters and give you some tips on when you should sell yours!

What is a Catalytic Converter?

​The catalytic converter is part of a car’s exhaust system that converts harmful engine exhaust into emissions that are less harmful to the environment. Most catalytic converters turn hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides (bad stuff) into carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and water vapor (not-as-bad stuff). The catalytic converter is part of the exhaust system and is located on the underside of the car between the engine and the muffler. Catalytic converters contain precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium, which makes them expensive and valuable to scrap metal recycling facilities. 

When You Should Sell A Catalytic Converter To A Scrap Metal Recycling Facility 

A catalytic converter can last for decades but should be replaced when it starts developing faults frequently. When it’s time to get rid of your catalytic converter, a scrap metal recycling facility can recycle the converter to pay you handsomely. Therefore, if your catalytic converter is experiencing the following faults, you should consider selling it and getting a replacement!

Poor Performance 

The catalytic converter could be at fault when your vehicle starts performing below expectations. Symptoms of a faulty catalytic converter include higher-than-usual fuel consumption, unexpected noises, and losses of power. If you bring your vehicle to a mechanic and they tell you that you need a new catalytic converter, be sure to sell your old one at a scrap facility!

Failed Inspection 

Most states carry out emission tests to ascertain that a vehicle is not causing environmental pollution. Your car’s catalytic converter needs replacement if it fails emission inspection. To reduce the cost when getting a new one, you should sell the catalytic converter to a scrap metal facility!

Excessive Smoke 

Another sign that your car’s catalytic converter may be faulty is if it releases excessive dark smoke from the exhaust. A vehicle with an exhaust system that is in good condition should not let out black smoke. This usually won’t stop your car from moving, but it is not a sign you should ignore. 

Mileage 

Mileage can cause a catalytic converter to develop a fault once it is past its prime. The metals in a catalytic converter can break down over time and become less effective. You should check to make sure that your catalytic converter is still in good, working condition every 150,000 miles or so.

Sell Your Scrap Metal To Second Street Iron & Metal!

​If you’re ready to start recycling scrap metal in the Greater Boston area, Second Street Iron & Metal is here for you! Our facility, located in Everett, is in the perfect location to accommodate all of the Greater Boston region! We strive to give our clients the best prices for all kinds of scrap metal! Give us a call at (617) 387-1188 or fill out the contact form on our website, and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible!