Are you a motorhead that loves everything about cars? Then you’ve come to the right place because today we’ll be looking at whether or not newer cars have catalytic converters or not. Even if you do not know a lot about cars, this will be helpful for you as well since this part is extremely important in a car.
All newer petrol and diesel cars have a catalytic converter installed in them. Some newer models even have it in a secured place so it won’t get stolen easily.
Now that you are aware that newer cars have a catalytic converter, you’ll want to know about what it does and why is it important. Worry not because we’ll answer all your burning questions in the section below!
What is a Catalytic Converter?
A catalytic converter is a component inside of the engine of a vehicle that converts toxic gas and pollutants to less-toxic gas before emitting it via the exhaust of the car. While your car will run just fine without one, you will noticeably hear a difference in the sound of your vehicle. On top of that, it is illegal to drive without a catalytic converter in some states.
This part was extremely easy to access in old cars, and it could be stolen within minutes. However, newer cars have it installed in a secure location to protect them from thieves and save you the hassle of claiming a new one.
What Happens if You Drive Without a Catalytic Converter?
If you remove the converter from your car, you won’t notice a difference immediately. However, once you start the engine, the sound will be noticeably louder than before. This is more so when you turn on the engine or rev it. While this will not affect your driving in any way, your car will leave behind a trail of toxic gas that will pollute the air.
On top of that, if you are caught without a catalytic converter, you can get a hefty fine depending on the state that you’re driving in. So, it’s best if you ensure that your car has one and it is in working condition.
Can You Claim a Stolen Catalytic Converter?
If your insurance covers the theft of converters, then you can easily claim it. Otherwise, you’ll have to purchase a new one – and it can get pretty expensive depending on the model of your car. Plus, if the insurance claim is more than the value of your vehicle, then you should not have any problems.
Takeaway
There you have it, now you know the answer to this burning question. All newer cars have a catalytic converter and it is mandatory in some states otherwise you can get fined. If you feel that your converter has been stolen, turn on your engine and hear the sound of it. If it is roaring loud, it means that you might have to get your car checked to avoid getting in trouble.
