All Exhausts/Catalytic Converter Stuff

All Exhausts/Catalytic Converter Stuff

Of course,the good old car exhaust is undoubtedly a distress purchase. Significantly, it can also be an expensive purchase. However most small to medium cars are reasonably priced and affordable.

Undoubtedly, your car exhaust is one of the most unnoticed parts of your car. Of course, unless you are a real car enthusiast. So, a lot of car enthusiasts actually replace their original car exhaust. Naturally, to better looking twin sports tail pipes.

Catalytic Converter Theft

Catalytic Converter Theft

Catalytic Converter Theft

So, here we are still in the grip of this terrible pandemic. Millions of businesses are now struggling due to government restrictions. Especially the pubs and catering establishments. Of course, as a businessman, I really do feel for the people who are pulling their hair out trying to survive. Fortunately, as a garage and MOT testing station, we are able to open.

So, earlier, we did have to close for a while!

Because of this, the government decided to suspend MOT testing for six months. Of course, this killed our business over night, and we kept one fitter to fit and repair tyres. Unfortunately, the rest of the garage staff had to be furloughed. Anyhow, we are back to almost normal trading at the present time and are thankful for all our loyal customers.

Our customers are supporting us, and we are keeping prices as low as we can to help support them in this terrible period of time. On the other side, we are also trying our best to support local businesses in the Halifax area!

Catalytic Converter Theft
catalytic converter

Increase in cat thefts

Sadly, we are now seeing an increase in Catalytic Converter Theft. Especially here in the Halifax area. This week, October 2020, we had two Honda cars submitted with the catalytic converters cut off. These cats are manufactured using precious metals. So, this is to filter the engine’s emissions to give us cleaner air.

Vehicle owners do not realise the value of  this part hanging underneath and connected to their exhaust pipe. Incredibly, most catalytic converts contain many different types of  precious metals! Including rare and precious metals such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium. So, other valuable metals such as copper, magnesium, cerium, iron, and nickel are also in the mix.

This makes these cats worth stealing, and thefts are increasing. Catalytic Converter Theft

The worst case of this has come from a tyre wholesaler in Elland. All their vans were left out over the weekend. Consequently, thieves stole the catalytic converters from all the vans! Incredible!

Police advice to motorists: Catalytic Converter Theft

After looking at this problem, I have discovered that the problem is nation-wide. In fact, the police have given out some advice about preventing this from happening. The advice is given on the “West Yorkshire Police” web site.

The images are from one of the Honda Jazz cars, showing where the catalytic converter was cut off.

Catalytic Converter Theft
Catalytic Converter Theft

In recent months, there has been a concerning rise in the number of thefts of catalytic converters.

Naturally, from vehicles in the United Kingdom. Catalytic converters are devices fitted to the exhaust systems of motor vehicles. Importantly, they use a chemical process to convert harmful gases into less harmful substances.

The converters contain precious metals such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium. So they are valuable to thieves. There are a number of ways to help prevent catalytic converter thefts. Such as fitting security devices to vehicles or parking in well-lit, busy areas.

Auto thefts in the U.K. have been on the rise in recent years. Catalytic Converter Theft

Unfortunately, one of the most common items targeted is catalytic converters. These devices, located between the engine and the exhaust pipe, are made of precious metals. Like platinum, palladium, and rhodium, and can be sold for scrap metal value.  In order to prevent your catalytic converter from being stolen,.

Nationally, officers of the Metropolitan Police Service recommend engraving your car’s registration number on the device. Alternatively, have it marked with a forensic coding system. CCTV cameras can also be effective in discouraging thieves

 

Catalytic Converter Theft

Automotive Catalyst Diagnostics

Automotive Catalyst Diagnostics

Catalytic Converter Care
Catalytic Converter Care

Automotive Catalyst Diagnostics: How, Where and How Much

The catalytic converter is one of the most important devices which make up the vehicle system. It was designed and implemented to solve emissions problems and make a growing number of cars more friendly to the environment. But a cat performs its functions properly only when the device is clean inside.

The worse the quality of fuel you use, the sooner shallow holes in the honeycomb inner structure of the converter get clogged. When this happens, the airflow is restricted and metal parts can crack under the strain. In the worst case, some engine problems occur.

That is why it is required to keep the cat unclogged. This is useful and pragmatic, since it is much cheaper to maintain the device rather than buy another one prematurely. But before contacting an automobile repair shop, you should get to know how the procedure is conducted.

How Emission Problems Can Be Solved

A comprehensive vehicle inspection consists of the following steps:

  • Obtaining the vehicle history and to answer the questions concerning fuel consumption, whether the engine is hard to start, the cat has been repaired or replaced, etc.
  • Correcting codes of the engine. You should know that typically codes from P0420 to P0424 and from P0430 to P0434 in order indicate some catalyst problems.
  • Identifying and fixing exhaust system leaks.
  • Checking cat temperature, back pressure, O2 sensor, and internal cooling system.
  • Fuel system inspection.
  • Measuring emissions with the help of a gas analyser.
  • Running a cylinder balance test.
  • Examining the mechanical condition of the parts and devices.
If you have noticed

some exhaust system troubles, the vehicle doesn’t need to undergo a full technical inspection. Contact a repair shop for just a catalyst test.

In the event that the inspection has revealed a crucial catalyst problem due to which the device should be replaced, we suggest you look for a new one on the website https://autocatalystmarket.com/us/en. This is the biggest catalyst market where you can select a catalytic converter for any car brand and model.

The range comprises over 24,000 items! The company has been working in the market of catalytic converters since 2005. Each device on the website has real pictures and a detailed technical description for you to facilitate the selection process.

How Much Does Catalyst Inspection Cost

The price depends on such factors as the car brand and model, current condition of the device, the amount of solid fuel residue in the grid holes, etc. In general, a cat repair costs between $900 and $2500. If you fill your vehicle with fuel of good quality and keep the engine maintained, you need to have the converter repaired not less than every 100,000 kilometres driven.

So in 2024, we have become members of Tyresafe.org to help promote tyre safety.