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Your vehicle's catalytic converter resembles a muffler and it is a part of your vehicle's exhaust and emissions system. Any vehicle that came from the manufacturer with a catalytic converter is required to always have a catalytic converter that function properly. It is important to note that some vehicles have more than one catalytic converter.

Catalytic converters contain precious metals like rhodium, platinum and palladium and they utilize these metals to create chemical reactions that convert toxic gases into less-toxic substances. These precious metal components make catalytic converters more expensive to replace than many other automotive parts.

So, What does a Catalytic Converter Cost?

Catalytic converters for older vehicles (manufactured before 1981) have a fairly simple design and they are referred to as "2 way converters". Their cost can range anywhere from $160 and $600. Obviously, the kind of vehicle you drive and the difficulty of replacing the converter are going to dictate the cost. A three-way converter which is common in vehicles manufactured after 1981 are usually more expensive than two-way converters and range anywhere from $160 to $1400 with parts and labor.

Largely, of the cost of replacing a catalytic converter is for the part itself rather than the labor to install it. Catalytic converters can often be replaced in about an hour but, in some vehicles, they are very difficult to access and the labor cost to install the converter will be greater as a result.

In many cases, a catalytic converter fails due to problems in the engine such as a bad spark plug or exhaust valve, oil or antifreeze leaking into the exhaust system. In addition to replacing the catalytic converter, you may need a tune up or other additional repairs to your vehicle to avoid damaging the new catalytic converter.

Symptoms of a failing catalytic converter include poor acceleration, a sudden drop in gas mileage, a constant odor that smells like rotten eggs or sulfur, the check engine light comes on, vehicle backfires or idles rough and of course, failing an emissions test during the annual state vehicle inspection.

In conclusion, the cost of replacing a catalytic converter is based on several things including make, model and age of the vehicle, how difficult it is to access the converter and whether or not the oxygen sensor also needs to be replaced as many oxygen sensors are attached to the catalytic converter.

The cost of catalytic converter replacement in Weatherford TX, has recently decreased due to the opening of Viper Motorsports at 902 Fort Worth Hwy because there is now more than one muffler shop to choose from in Weatherford. At Viper Motorsports we sell and professionally install catalytic converters for most every vehicle at very competitive prices. Call us at (817) 609-8001 for an estimate or bring your vehicle to our shop for a FREE catalytic converter and exhaust system inspection.