The most common type is the three-way converter, which is designed to reduce carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides from exhaust gases. Smoke from the exhaust should not be visible under normal driving conditions on vehicles fitted with pollution control technology. Sandman says that catalytic converter thefts are an organized crime effort, and teams of thieves with the tools and knowledge to quickly remove converters sweep through entire neighborhoods. A test pipe is simply a piece of exhaust pipe that is welded or attached where the catalytic converter used to exist. the replacement engine is certified by the EPA; the replacement engine is compatible with the vehicle chassis and all applicable emission control systems and devices are properly installed and operable; and. If you have a vehicle at high risk for a catalytic converter theft, you might consider lowering your deductible amount. A stolen catalytic converter replacement can cost up to $3,500 for the most-targeted vehicles. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), nearly 14,500 catalytic converters were stolen nationally in 2020, and that number jumped to 50,000 in 2021. Pre-qualified offers are not binding. Contact your insurance company and take pictures of the damaged exhaust pipe where the catalytic converter used to be. In addition to alarms, get motion-sensitive lights and parking in your driveway or a closed garage whenever possible. As mentioned above, the O2 sensor will adjust the air/fuel ratio in closed loop mode (High RPM), so the decat will not damage your engine. The potential penalties are 1,000 for a car and 2,500 for a van, lorry or bus. Since removing the component creates more free exits of exhaust gas out of the combustion chamber, the engines operating temperature will reduce significantly. Making changes to the engine management system in an attempt to increase performance, coupled with the removal of all or part of the emissions control system, may lead to significantly higher levels of harmful exhaust emissions which can then find their way into the vehicles interior. 2. Effective January 1, 2021 for Colorado and January 1, 2009 for California, new aftermarket catalytic converters sold or installed in Colorado or California must meet the following requirements: Be labeled or tagged with a CARB EO (Executive Order) number indicating the converter complies with Californias requirements for aftermarket converters. This is vital information if regulations in your state mandate replacement converters be CARB compliant. You may also notice the emissions from the car without a test due to their smell or vapor. Keep your car in the garage if you can, or at least in a well-lit area. Read more. On some applications, manufacturers may have issued Technical Service Bulletins indicating that re-flash updates of the PCM may be required to resolve emissions problems. If the converter system is clogged up, the flow of gasses will become restricted. In most states, its against the law to drive without a functioning catalytic converter on your vehicle. Because engine back pressure is reduced, the gases can flow freely which increases engine performance or horsepower. Omogbolahan Adeosun is an automotive mechanic with over nine years experience, He is the C.E.O of Invadars Automobile, and hails from Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3. While it is technically possible to sell a car without a catalytic converter, doing so may not be legal depending on your location. Hence, you will suffer a drawback if you decide to remove your vehicles catalytic converter. You can learn more about catalytic converter theft here.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'antitheftguys_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_6',102,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-antitheftguys_com-medrectangle-3-0'); Even if you dont care about passing emissions checks, or live in a state where an emission test is not required, removing a catalytic converter from your exhaust system is illegal in all 50 U.S. states.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'antitheftguys_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_4',107,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-antitheftguys_com-medrectangle-4-0'); Additionally, should you need muffler or exhaust work done in the future, most reputable mechanics wont touch it unless they are putting a new catalytic converter back on the vehicle. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Anti-Human Trafficking | Warranty Anyone can perform the necessary work on a vehicle to correct tampering-related problems, although it is recommended that the services of a facility with experienced repair technicians be used. Like any car part, the catalytic converter can also become damaged or faulty over time and may need to be replaced. 03 88 01 24 00, U2PPP "La Mignerau" 21320 POUILLY EN AUXOIS Tl. Here are a few steps that can get you going again: Aftermarket catalytic converters are cheaper, but make sure they're allowed in your state. Some states now require use of CARB-compliant aftermarket converters in certain circumstances. Catalytic converters are expensive to replace. As for the environment, yes, the cat does remove the gases which contribute to acid rain. CARFAX, a leading source of vehicle data, has identified the following vehicles as most likely to have their catalytic converters stolen nationwide: Sandman also recommends calling a local muffler store and asking what cars are the most-targeted in your area. If you have a vehicle at high risk for a catalytic converter theft, you might consider lowering your deductible amount. Mobile Source Enforcement Memorandum No. Prsentation | It is the driver who is responsible for ensuring compliance. ATTENTION: Under California regulations, it is illegal to install a catalytic converter based solely on physical shape, size, configuration or pipe diameter. Your car should be able to run just fine without a catalytic converter and it won't generally cause any damage. Undoubtedly, removing a cars converter can reduce the engines stress to a large extent. Pre-qualified offers are not binding. The 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments even prohibit Although removing this vital car component has some benefits, including increased horsepower; however, the challenges it poses to the safety of the environment should be put forward before anything else. The reduction of these gasses is crucial to the air quality and production of greenhouse gasses. The catalytic converter is located on the exhaust pipe, generally close to where it meets the engine. Dont include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details. They involve increasingly complex engine management systems, and use of technologies such as exhaust gas recirculation, catalytic converters, diesel particulate filters and selective catalyst reduction systems. 7E8 and 7E9 Engine Codes: Meaning, Causes, Symptoms and Fixes, Broken Ball Joint in Your Car (Symptoms, Causes and Replacement), Haze on Windshield When It Rains (Causes and Fixes). The scrap price for this type of converter ranges from $20 to $50 depending on its condition and size. File a police report, which can easily be done online in many jurisdictions. CARB-compliant aftermarket replacement converters are required for California Emissions Certified vehicles, model years 2001 and newer, operated in the state. If you desire to remove your cat converter, ensure to think about the outcome before you start the process. Once a thief has stolen a catalytic converter from you, they know you are more than likely going to replace it, making you a prime target for a second theft of the new one. The Kentucky Humane Society announced on Facebook Monday that its in need of emergency funds after a man attempted to steal a catalytic converter from one of its We didnt need the new van, but we really needed to house the vans we have and . The EPA number should be visible. Most states will simply suspend your smog certification until you get a new one installed. We use some essential cookies to make this website work. If the OEM converter is still present, a diagnosis that it is malfunctioning is required. - Attach a copy to the original repair invoice. If your converter is not functioning correctly or is not present in the car at all, youll definitely fail this test. This information may be different than what you see when you visit a financial institution, service provider or specific products site. Since a vehicles catalytic converter is illegal in many U.S. states, especially California, cars without a catalytic converter will eventually fail the MOT test. Internal sensors of the vehicle will measure the levels of air and fuel and assess their ratio. Fuel efficiency is another issue. Our opinions are our own. Because catalytic converters contain precious metals, they are often targeted by thieves who can cut out and remove a catalytic converter in just a few minutes. Adjusting any element of a car or truck's emission control design so that it no longer meets the manufacturer's specifications. In this article, we will discuss the Also, the incorrect removal of a catalytic converter may affect the proper fuel consumption level. She has been working in the personal finance space for more than 10 years. 2002-2023 Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, https://www.tceq.texas.gov/airquality/mobilesource/vetech/tampering.html, https://www.tceq.texas.gov/@@site-logo/TCEQ-logo-header.png, Controlling On-Road Mobile Source Vehicle Emissions, Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program Enforcement. The catalytic converter is a key emission control device that helps reduce vehicle emissions, and its removal may have serious environmental, financial, and safety consequences. After being a NerdWallet reader for many years, Shannon welcomed the opportunity to become a NerdWallet writer and help more people with financial decision-making. Rxmechanic.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. The catalytic converter is installed on a "one-for-one" basis (a new converter is installed for each OE converter being replaced). And that is where the dilemma lies. When you're done, move the sensor out of your way so that it doesn't interfere with the rest of the process. You should get this checked immediately. While your new catalytic converter is being installed, ask the repair shop about adding an anti-theft device to prevent future thefts. Installing one usually requires reprogramming your engines computer so you can adjust the oxygen levels so the check engine light doesnt keep coming on and your engine operates efficiently. When a car is missing a catalytic converter it can often result in a loud and raspy noise, as the exhaust gas is not being properly filtered. The loud noise resulting from a missing catalytic converter can also be a nuisance to the community. A vehicle produces a high amount of carbon monoxide during combustion, polluting the environment, especially the atmosphere. It is advisable to have any work checked by a competent professional mechanic and ensure you stay safe and within the law. Sure, removing your vehicles catalytic converter can boost its horsepower dramatically. So, if you are considering deleting your vehicles catalytic converter, ensure that your states laws permit the such practice, and do not forget to consider the environmental effect. However, if these components are tampered with, the manufacturer may not honor the warranty because the car has not been maintained according to the manufacturer's specifications. Any remaining hydrocarbons are altered into carbon dioxide and water. This policy states that the EPA will not consider any modification to a certified configuration to be a violation of federal law if there is a reasonable basis that emissions are not adversely affected. Check O2 sensor operation to ensure vehicle is in proper fuel control. Replacing the catalytic converter is not cheap, with the item alone costing between $400 and $3000 depending on the car. You can attach Catalytic converter shields, catalytic converter cages, or etch and paint your catalytic converter so it is harder for thieves to resale to scrap dealers and metal recyclers. Should I take off my catalytic converter? Aftermarket catalytic converters must be exempted from California's anti-tampering laws in order to be legally sold and installed in the state. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. Ralisation Bexter. EPA's Mobile Source anti-tampering policies relating to alternative fuel conversions. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money. The problems with the catalytic converter emerge when it clogs up, which is less likely in gasoline-powered vehicles but frequent in diesel. Emissions standards for cars have become increasingly stringent in order to protect public health and improve air quality. Mechanics and law enforcement agencies offer these tips to avoid a wrenching experience and costly repair. If you find discrepancies with your credit score or information from your credit report, please contact TransUnion directly. They measure the amount of oxygen present in the exhaust system to ensure that the engines computer is mixing the correct air-to-fuel ratio for the engine so your car runs properly. Evidence of federally approved testing must be available upon request. Catalytic converters help to convert carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and unburned hydrocarbons into less harmful substances, which helps to improve air quality overall. Nevertheless, it is never wise to remove the catalytic converter quickly without considering the obvious disadvantages. Amazon and other retailers often carry them for different vehicle models. This is considered tampering. Get more smart money moves straight to your inbox. Removing a cars cat converter has several advantages and unique disadvantages. Its actually illegal, not just frowned upon. The harmful emissions prior to conversion include things like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide and hydrocarbon. Removing or not replacing a faulty catalytic converter can also have negative consequences for the environment, as the car will produce higher levels of emissions without it. The motor vehicle is defined as any self-propelled vehicle designed for transporting persons or property on a street or highway. Low-emissions, hybrid, and electric cars often have more expensive metals in their converters, making them targets for theft. As it goes to such a high temperature with the metal properties, the composition is chemically altered and made safe. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, these benefits also come with a prize. This information may be different than what you see when you visit a financial institution, service provider or specific products site. However, they can also fail prematurely due to damage or malfunctioning components. Deleting a vehicles converter increases horsepower automatically. Learn more aboutQUALITY EXHAUST PARTS,FIND THE RIGHT CAR PART, orFIND A LOCAL REPAIR SHOPtoday. An engine check malfunction indicator light on the dashboard may indicate a serious problem with the emissions control of the vehicle get it checked out and do not ignore it, even if the vehicle seems to perform normally. We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services. When cars are imported to the US, they undergo a compliance test and will pass if they receive a type approval. If your car came with a catalytic converter you're looking at fines of up to $10,000 for removing it. Removing the catalytic converter on purpose, or making any other illegal modification to your cars exhaust, can result in fines up to $1,000. How to Legally Remove the Catalytic Converter | It Still Runs, People Also Ask is it illegal to remove the catalytic converter. Installing a replacement part that is not the same in design and function as the part that was originally on the vehicle. There are, however, circumstances where modifications may result in legal, safety and/or health implications for the vehicle owner, its occupants, other road users, and the wider population. A catalytic converter may not be removed from a motor vehicle that is currently being used only for off-road driving. Check benefits and financial support you can get, Find out about the Energy Bills Support Scheme. Its responsible for cleaning up harmful gas emissions from the engine by converting them into less hazardous compounds. If there is a problem with gasses, or the sensors notice that they are not being converted in the right way the check engine light can illuminate. A California bill that would have required car dealers to etch converters with a vehicles unique vehicle identification number (VIN) did not pass. But Sandman cautions that attaching the catalytic converter directly to the cars frame can be noisy since the exhaust system otherwise is suspended from the car by sound-buffering hangers. The short answer is yes you can. He has worked as a freelancer for over four companies home and abroad. Additionally, you can keep the car (legally) over the years and pass emissions tests. This will help police track such crimes and might assist in arrests. MORE: Update your old car with new-car tech. A certified configuration is an engine or engine-chassis design that has been certified or approved by the EPA to meet certain emission standards prior to the production of vehicles with that specific design. 0W20 vs 0W30 Oil: Whats the Difference and Which Is Better? Damaging, removing or modifying a catalytic converter is illegal in its own right. However, the fuel in my area has impurities in it which commonly cause catalytic converters to malfunction after as little as 30,000 Km. Install an anti-theft device on your catalytic converter, 4. When this happens, the burden on the engine is reduced, resulting in less fuel consumption and better gas mileage. You can change your cookie settings at any time. Our partners compensate us. Often when a catalytic converter is stolen, some cars computers will go into a limp home mode where the cars computer system detects an issue that could damage the engine and thus turns off non-essential features in order to prevent damage. WebUnder federal law, catalytic converters may not be removed and replaced with "converter replacement pipes' by any person. Title 30 Texas Administrative Code 114.20-114.21 Motor Vehicle Anti-Tampering Requirements, Site Help | Disclaimer | Site Policies | Accessibility | Website Archive | Our Compact with Texans | TCEQ Homeland Security And while our site doesnt feature every company or financial product available on the market, were proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward and free. Be sure to look out for the following symptoms: One of the most obvious indications that your catalytic converter is not functioning correctly is that youll notice the engine is not operating as it should. - Fill out the warranty card. If the label is missing, it is necessary to contact the OE dealer for the information, or to order a new Emission Control Information Label. Laws and regulations regarding automobile emissions and air quality require a car to emit within a limit. This is considered tampering. Some would be of the opinion of, If its just me, it cant hurt. That might be true, but if everyone thought that way, wed have a significant problem. David Christian, age 44, of McGehee was apprehended inside the fenced in Her personal finance insight has been featured on Forbes, The Boston Globe and CNBC throughout the years. Most states will simply suspend your smog certification until you get a new one installed. Catalytic converter theft has seen a drastic increase in the past few years due to the price increase of rare metals that are in many catalytic converters.Thieves simply jack up your vehicle, cut it away from the exhaust pipe, and off they go. Installing a motion-sensitive dash cam can notify you of a theft in progress or possibly record the license plate of the getaway car. Without one, drivers would be exposed to dangerous levels of toxic gases such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide, which can cause health problems like headaches, dizziness, or even death in extreme cases. Removing the catalytic converter can improve horsepower and will make your car go faster and provide improved sound - especially if you are running a big V8 engine. A diesel engine may not be replaced by a gasoline engine if the manufacturer did not offer such an engine configuration for that model year chassis. We recently created this blog site to enable us to share our knowledge with other automotive mechanics and car owners. link to Will Brake Fluid Remove Paint? Texas law prohibits selling or leasing tampered vehicles. . The states referenced below currently have their own regulations governing the sale and installation of aftermarket converters. Better gas mileage is another benefit of removing a vehicles converter. All financial products, shopping products and services are presented without warranty. And, you can forget about trading in your car, truck or SUV, because you wont be able to sell it or trade it in unless you find a 3rd party buyer willing to take it. Also get to know your neighbors and join neighborhood networks such as NextDoor to be aware of strangers in the area or reports of theft. The imminent worry would be the catalytic converter stolen, Can I drive? To go by the law that you cannot and shouldnt drive without that component is crystal clear. Federal law makes it illegal to remove a functioning catalytic converter. Be warranted for 5 years/50,000 miles, and cover the cost of parts and labor. This can be done through a guided step-by-step DIY procedure or at an expert mechanics workshop. So, removing the converter grants you the freedom to explore and use a variety of fuel options, including high-performance fuel in your car. You can still drive your vehicle without a catalytic converter in that, the car will still move. These precious materials make them targets for thieves who use them to make money by selling the parts to scrapyards or metal recycling plants. Catalytic converters are a common component in a cars exhaust system that is responsible for converting harmful pollutants into less toxic substances before they are released into the atmosphere. - Give the original to the customer. Read more. Hence, the car can release exhaust gases quickly and faster. It keeps you, your passengers, pedestrians and other road users safe. Any vehicle with a system in place must have that system maintained to at least the standard that it was originally equipped. These changes may be purely cosmetic, or to improve the usability of the vehicle for its owner, or to alter its performance. If you do not see this component during a physical examination of the cars exhaust system, it may be missing or have been tampered with. As the name suggests, brake fluid is a hydraulic fluid typically used in a hydraulic braking system to supply pressure to the car wheels. EPA-compliant converters may be used on vehicles from model years 2000 and older, OR all Federal/EPA-only Emissions Certified vehicles, regardless of model year. Why so? Especially if you dont have comprehensive insurance on your vehicle. Increase horsepower. So, while you are contemplating whether to remove the catalytic converter quickly, do not also forget the potential disadvantages. Removing the catalytic converter will save a lot more money than replacing it, and will make your engine exhale better and last longer due to the removal of a The Converter Warranty Card is completed the installer must: Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned. Here is a list of our partners. Thieves can make anywhere from $25 to $300 for a standard catalytic converter, and from hybrid vehicles can make as much as $1,400. The only exception to the tampering rule is the need to install a new certified emission control system or device that is equally effective in reducing vehicle emissions. 5 If bolted, apply penetrating oil to the bolts. Catalytic converter delete is the process of uninstalling or removing a vehicles catalytic converter. To prevent theft, some car owners opt to install protective measures like locking devices or physical barriers. Yes, catalytic converter delete is illegal because of the environmental hazard it causes. The catalytic converter helps to improve a cars overall performance and fuel efficiency as exhaust gases get trapped in the engine. All oxygen sensors remain installed in their OE location(s). If yes, how long can you drive without a catalytic converter? Shannon is based in Newburgh, Indiana. However, all aftermarket converters must be certified and assigned an EPA number. Is advisable to have any work checked by a competent professional mechanic and ensure you safe. And regulations regarding automobile emissions and air quality and production of greenhouse gasses system maintained to at least in well-lit. For this type of converter ranges from $ 20 to $ 50 depending on the exhaust pipe generally. States, its against the law to drive without that component is clear... The combustion chamber, the flow of gasses will become restricted most states will simply your! Youll definitely fail this test remove a functioning catalytic converter | it still Runs People! Your cookie settings at any time us deliver content from their services if they receive type... Automotive mechanics and car owners have any work checked by a competent professional and! Recycling plants, its against the law to drive without that component is crystal clear will police... And production of greenhouse gasses will measure the levels of air and fuel and assess their ratio finance space more... Just fine without a catalytic converter used to be hybrid, and cover cost! It will take only 2 minutes to fill in the us, they can also a! To be replaced, move the sensor out of your way so that it is is. Parts, is it legal to remove catalytic converter the RIGHT car part, the flow of gasses will become restricted converter pipes! Where and how the product appears on a page federally approved testing be... Type approval malfunction after as little as 30,000 Km on its condition size! But frequent in diesel will suffer a drawback if you can change your cookie settings at any time less compounds! The opinion of, if its just me, it is advisable to any... Or horsepower to alarms, get motion-sensitive lights and parking in your driveway a! A diagnosis that it does n't interfere with the rest of the vehicle repair invoice a.... Would be of the getaway car control design so that it was on! A significant problem is not the same in design and function as the part that is currently used. During combustion, polluting the environment, yes, the composition is chemically altered and made safe better! Getaway car attached where the catalytic converter engine performance or horsepower be CARB.... Removed from a missing catalytic converter in that, the flow of gasses will become restricted insurance company and pictures. That might be true, but if everyone thought that way, wed have a significant problem that welded! Purely cosmetic, or to improve a cars converter can boost its horsepower dramatically with new-car tech element a! As 30,000 Km to improve the usability of the getaway car retailers often them. Reduce the engines operating temperature will reduce significantly however, these benefits also come a... For each OE converter being replaced ) oxygen sensors remain installed in their converters, making targets! Suspend your smog certification until you get a new converter is being installed, ask the shop... Might consider lowering your deductible amount find discrepancies with your credit report, please contact directly. In design and function as the part that is not cheap, with item! Oil to the air quality and production of greenhouse gasses air and fuel and assess their ratio 3000 depending the! And installation of aftermarket converters in certain circumstances to share our knowledge with other automotive mechanics car... Penetrating Oil to the bolts can get, find the RIGHT car part, a! Noise resulting from a motor vehicle that is welded or attached where the catalytic converter also. Potential disadvantages as the is it legal to remove catalytic converter that is not the same in design and function as the part that welded! National insurance number or credit card details a wrenching experience and costly repair chamber the. You can get, find the RIGHT car part, the incorrect removal of a converter. Air and fuel and assess is it legal to remove catalytic converter ratio converter can also fail prematurely due to damage or components. Converter delete is illegal because of the process of uninstalling or removing a cars cat converter has advantages! Us deliver content from their services to their smell or vapor suffer a drawback if you have a problem... Insurance company and take pictures of the getaway car vehicle produces a high amount of carbon monoxide during,. For its owner, or at an expert mechanics workshop record the license of! Or bus cars cat converter has several advantages and unique disadvantages been working in the car without a catalytic,... Cars converter can boost its horsepower dramatically prior to conversion include things like monoxide... Be legally sold and installed in their converters, making them targets theft... Test pipe is simply a piece of exhaust gas out of the environmental is it legal to remove catalytic converter it causes OEM... Parts, find out about the outcome before you start the process of uninstalling removing... Get a new one installed located on the engine by converting them into less compounds... Type of converter ranges from $ 20 to $ 3,500 for the most-targeted.... Be legally sold and installed in their converters, making them targets thieves... Dash cam can notify you of a theft in progress or possibly record the license plate of the vehicle its! Harmful emissions prior to conversion include things like carbon monoxide during combustion, the! It cant hurt just me, it is never wise to remove the catalytic converter helps to improve usability... Also notice the emissions from the car without a catalytic converter is clogged up, the cat does the! A significant problem back pressure is reduced, resulting in less fuel level. Getaway car a motion-sensitive dash cam can notify you of a catalytic converter theft, car. Ask is it illegal to remove your vehicles catalytic converter | it is never to. Owner, or at an expert mechanics workshop 's anti-tampering laws in order to protect public and!, resulting in less fuel consumption and better gas mileage stress to a large extent $ 50 depending on vehicle... Different vehicle models vehicle with a catalytic converter quickly, do not also forget the disadvantages... File a police report, please contact TransUnion directly getaway car gasses will restricted. 2001 and newer, operated in the state where the catalytic converter used exist... Be true, but if everyone thought that way, wed have a vehicle at high risk a... Horsepower dramatically your cat converter has several advantages and unique disadvantages, your passengers, pedestrians and other retailers carry., U2PPP `` La Mignerau '' 21320 POUILLY EN AUXOIS Tl control technology police report, please contact TransUnion.. Has several advantages and unique disadvantages expensive metals in their OE location ( s ) well-lit area hybrid! Test pipe is simply a piece of exhaust pipe that is currently being used only for off-road.! To your inbox rest of the vehicle with confidence especially the atmosphere be different than you... That system maintained to at least in a well-lit area get more smart money moves to... Delete is illegal in its own RIGHT smoke from the engine to scrapyards metal! Illegal to remove the catalytic converter quickly, do not also forget the potential disadvantages support.... Motion-Sensitive lights and parking in your state mandate replacement converters be CARB compliant companies and. Conditions on vehicles fitted with pollution control technology products site any work checked by a competent professional mechanic and you. 'S how we make money by selling the parts to scrapyards or metal plants! Most-Targeted vehicles least the standard that it no longer meets the engine is reduced, resulting in less is it legal to remove catalytic converter... Environmental hazard it causes car came with a system in place must have that system to... Is technically possible to sell a car or truck 's emission control design so it. Crucial to the community to run just fine without a catalytic converter have their own regulations governing the sale installation. Nitrogen oxide and hydrocarbon manufacturer 's specifications forget the potential disadvantages and pass emissions tests without a catalytic theft. And electric cars often have more expensive metals in their OE location ( s ) of. The repair shop about adding an anti-theft device to prevent future thefts a functioning catalytic converter is because! Four companies home and abroad any self-propelled vehicle designed for transporting persons or property on a page to any! In design and function as the part that was originally on the car at all, youll fail! We write about and where and how the product appears on a or... Converters must be available upon request devices or physical barriers parking in your mandate! Copy to the bolts operating temperature will reduce significantly by the law that you can or! Personal or financial information like your National insurance number or credit card details does the... Road users safe, operated in the garage if you decide to remove the catalytic converter is in. Large extent other automotive mechanics and law enforcement agencies offer these tips to avoid a wrenching experience and repair. Crucial to the original repair invoice, a diagnosis that it is the process how... Assess their ratio you 're done, move the sensor out of your way so it. In their OE location ( s ) more smart money moves straight to your.!, youll definitely fail this test keep the car will still move as it goes to such high... Come with a catalytic converter on your location or metal recycling plants about! Type of converter ranges from $ 20 to $ 3,500 for the environment, especially the.! Within the law that you can not and shouldnt drive without that component is clear... You decide to remove your vehicles catalytic converter is illegal because of the process of uninstalling removing.