A broken catalytic converter can have several negative effects on your Phoenix AZ car or truck. While it isn’t likely to damage your engine, the effects of a failing catalytic converter – or one that has gone out completely – are harmful to the environment and could put you at risk for fines and tickets!
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Catalytic Converter Repair Phoenix AZ
In Arizona, most vehicles less than 6 years old are exempt from emissions testing, but the majority of cars, trucks and SUVs built since 1967 are required to have emissions testing done. You don’t have to keep up with all of that when you choose Chelsee’s AC & Brake Emporeum… we will gladly keep records of your auto emissions inspections and notify you when it’s time for the next one. Our service technicians can conveniently schedule your emissions tests at the same time they do routine services like tire rotation or oil changes so that you don’t have to come back multiple times for services that can be done all at once!
At Chelsee’s AC & Brake Emporeum, we offer comprehensive repair and replacement services so that your vehicle can continue to run smoothly and efficiently with a catalytic converter that will last many more years. And you’ll be compliant with state and local emissions testing laws!
Exhaust fumes need to be converted to a less dangerous, more tolerable gas before they are released into the environment. You can still drive a car with a catalytic converter that isn’t performing at 100%, but it isn’t optimal for the performance of your vehicle or for the comfort and safety of those around you.
If you notice a sulfur odor, lower performance, or if that check engine light just won’t go off no matter what you try, bring your car, truck, or SUV in to Chelsee’s AC & Brake Emporeum for us to take a look at it. Catalytic converter repair or replacement may be exactly what is needed to improve your engine’s performance and quiet the noises coming from under your hood!
What is a Catalytic Converter?
The catalytic converter is a metal cylinder containing chemicals that help transform toxic fumes into gases that are less dangerous for people and the environment. This part was not required before 1975, but now it’s required for all makes and models. The catalytic converter can be attached to the engine or it may be connected to the exhaust system underneath your vehicle, near the front.
The purpose of a catalytic converter is to convert the harmful gases that come from your engine into a less dangerous substance. It’s a part of the exhaust system that reduces the amount of pollution that your vehicle releases into the air. Inside the catalytic converter, honeycomb foundation is coated with platinum and palladium, two metals that can turn carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide and water when heated. These materials are known as oxidation catalysts, and they are the most common metals used in catalytic converters.
When toxic fumes pass through the catalytic converter, they are heated to a point where they oxidize and become more tolerable for the environment, not to mention that they don’t smell quite as offensive!
There are products that are designed to clean the inside of a catalytic converter without having to remove it. This is an economical, quick solution if the converter is just beginning to show signs of age. However, it will not work if there are broken parts inside or if the catalytic converter is too blocked! In any case where you are not extremely comfortable working on your own vehicle, trust its care to a professional!
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Symptoms of a Bad Catalytic Converter
If your catalytic converter is going bad, there will definitely be some signs. If you aren’t sure where a rattle or odor is coming from, it’s always best to have it checked out ASAP by an expert team like Chelsee’s AC & Brake Emporeum! We can tell you if the converter is bad, if it needs to be cleaned, or if the source of the problem is somewhere else entirely.
There are several signs that will alert you to issues with your catalytic converter:
Engine light is on
This one is pretty easy to spot, so don’t ignore it when that helpful little light on your dash lights up! Waiting weeks or even months before having the check engine light investigated can do a lot more damage than you think, so take this indicator seriously to save yourself money and lengthy engine repairs.
Decreased engine performance
You may notice that your fuel mileage is lower than normal when the catalytic converter is clogged or cracked. In either situation, could also experience a lack of power in your vehicle’s engine. What you won’t notice is the toxic gas that is leaking from your engine when these other symptoms appear.
Rattling
A damaged catalytic converter will produce a rattling sound that is more noticeable when the vehicle is first started. This rattle will get worse over time because it is a result of the inner catalyst coated mesh breaking due to age or overuse from high-performance fuels and additives.
Sulfur Smell
A sulfur odor means that your catalytic converter isn’t changing hydrogen sulfide (a dangerous gas) into sulfur dioxide like it’s supposed to. Because gasoline has sulfur in it, it’s pretty easy to tell when the catalytic converter is letting those toxic, smelly fumes pass right through instead of converting them like it is meant to.
You may also see exhaust coming from the engine when the catalytic converter is broken, but it’s rarely the first sign. When you notice any of the engine symptoms above, you should have your vehicle checked out right away. This inspection may include an emissions test, which will pinpoint a problem with your catalytic converter faster than anything else can.
Set up an appointment with Chelsee’s AC & Brake Emporeum by phone today if you suspect that your catalytic converter is failing. It’s not just your vehicle that will suffer…the air we breathe is also affected, meaning that people, animals, and plant life are all negatively impacted when Phoenix drivers don’t responsibly monitor their vehicles’ emissions.
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Catalytic Converter Repair Cost
This is a part of the exhaust system that, unfortunately, costs a lot to repair or replace. The catalytic converter itself can cost well over $2000, and that’s before labor costs are figured in!
We can help you decide the best course of action when you have an older vehicle in need of a new catalytic converter. In some cases, replacing this part isn’t going to add much value to the vehicle, and you might be better off selling it than making such a costly repair. Our pros will be upfront with you about the specifics of your repair or replacement options so that you won’t end up in the hole on a vehicle that you’ll never see a return on.
At Chelsee’s AC & Brake Emporeum, we know that it can be disheartening to hear that your catalytic converter needs to be replaced because most drivers are aware of how expensive these repairs can be. To make life just a little bit easier, we offer on-site financing for costly repairs, and about 95% of our applicants are approved!
In some cases, the catalytic converter can be cleaned or repaired at a fraction of the cost of a full-blown part replacement. It’s definitely worth your time to research your Phoenix auto care center to find out if you’re dealing with honest mechanics who will do whatever it takes to save you money in the end versus charging outrageous prices for services you may not need!
Catalytic Converter in Repair Phoenix AZ
Chelsee’s AC & Brake Emporeum has replaced thousands of catalytic converters over the years, so we know a thing or two about it! We have the experience and the tools to perform a flawless part replacement quickly and efficiently.
When we do the service, you’ll never have to worry about the quality of the workmanship. Our technicians follow the same procedure each time they replace a Phoenix AZ catalytic converter so that they can guarantee the job is done right!
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Here’s what happens at Chelsee’s AC & Brake Emporeum when it’s time to replace your catalytic converter:
- Testing to ensure that the ‘cat’ is, indeed, the issue. It would really stink to replace such an expensive part only to find out that it wasn’t the problem after all!
- Secure the vehicle on our professional lift equipment for safety. This step alone is why a lot of shade tree mechanics prefer for Chelsee’s AC & Brake Emporeum to do complex repairs and replacements where the underside of the vehicle needs to be readily accessible.
- Remove oxygen sensors that are mounted on or inside the catalytic converter. This prevents them from getting damaged and keeps them out of the way while we work.
- Remove the old or damaged part. Chelsee’s AC & Brake Emporeum sometimes has to use powerful equipment and lubricants to remove tough nuts and bolts to take the catalytic converter off since it is constantly exposed to the elements, road dust, and moisture that can cause rust.
- Install the new catalytic converter. We ensure that the new part is compliant with Phoenix AZ emissions standards and that all the connections are made as securely as the originals so that you don’t have any leaks or emissions issues after our installation.
These are the steps in replacing a bolted in catalytic converter. The steps for replacing a catalytic converter built into the manifold differ slightly because the part is bolted directly onto the engine at the heads.
Our Commitment to Our Customers
We want each of our customers to have an exceptional experience when they bring their vehicle to Chelsee’s AC & Brake Emporeum!
Our goal is to take care of all of the details so that you don’t have to worry about anything. From testing to a complete catalytic converter replacement Phoenix AZ drivers can trust us for the repairs and services that they need most.
All of your questions will receive thorough and honest answers so that you can make informed decisions, and our recommendations are always based on what is best for the customer – not what is best for us or what we would rather do. This is a distinguishing factor that sets Chelsee’s AC & Brake Emporeum apart from many other Phoenix area mechanics!
We’re proud to serve customers from Phoenix and Glendale, and we want to be the catalytic converter shop you trust with any exhaust system issue that you have. We get to the root of the problem quickly and make timely repairs so that you don’t have to do without your vehicle for any longer than necessary. Convenience, affordability, and efficiency are priorities of our service!
Our customers are valued and treated with respect no matter how small or large their repair need is. Giving consistent, high-quality service and advice is what has kept us in business for all these years, and it’s what will keep our loyal customers coming back for many more! Generations of our family have proudly served generations of others in Phoenix and Glendale, and we’re looking forward to continuing that tradition!
Before we perform a repair, we’ll review a price quote with you so that you can see our competitive prices for parts and labor. We’ll do our best to save you money by using parts that are a great value for the price. These parts are certified and tested for longevity and performance. You’ll never get sub-par parts or service at Chelsee’s AC & Brake Emporeum!
Call (602) 242-1253 with questions or concerns about your vehicle’s catalytic converter. Chelsee looks forward to hearing from you!
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Learn more about your car’s emission system: