Top Mechanics For Catalytic Converter Replacement & Repairs

33 Reviews

Garage in Southampton , 18 years of experience
Hi I'm Dan I am a fully qualified level 3 mechanic and licenced MOT Tester with experience of all makes and models of cars and vans. I specialise in fitting clutches among other repairs that I offer. Myself ...
LIAM • 17th March 2023

91 Reviews

Garage in Wolverhampton , 12 years of experience
After completing my nvq qualifications in collage, I decided that being stuck in a workshop was not where I wanted to be… I progressed myself as a hgv driver in the breakdown industry working with car and co...
ANDREW • 9th March 2023

176 Reviews

Mobile mechanic in Birmingham, 12 years of experience
I began my career with my apprenticeship in Poland before coming to the UK. My first role in the UK was with 4 Cars in Yardley, Birmingham for 7 years before moving across to Whittaker Fleet Care for around ...

37 Reviews

Garage in Cardiff, 11 years of experience
11 years experience of Maintenance and Repairs of motor Vehicles

768 Reviews

Garage in Dagenham, 30 years of experience
Hi, I’ve been a mechanic since leaving school and have owned and operated my own garage since I was 25 , were you could that I’ve done most jobs on a wide range of vehicles. I’d like to say that my workmans...
PARFAIT • 16th February 2023
Lexus RX 300 • Additional work following previous booking

136 Reviews

Garage in Lydney , 10 years of experience
Bishop autos a local mobile mechanic business set up in 2012 we are a company specialising in the mobile repair, air con and computer diagnostics of today’s vehicles We specialise in Renault and Nissan ...
STEVEN • 27th October 2022
Vauxhall Zafira • Catalytic converter replacement

54 Reviews

Garage in Luton , 8 years of experience
Qualified mobile mechanic with 8 years of experience working on various makes and models of cars. Specialising in VW/Audi brand

608 Reviews

Garage in Woking, 12 years of experience
I started my career with Kwik-Fit when I was 16 for a number of years understanding the trade. I moved to work for a few independent garages for around 4 years before working with Vauxhall for 3 years and su...

107 Reviews

Garage in Sittingbourne , 12 years of experience
Hi, My name is Terrence I have been a motor mechanic for 12 years. I can repair all cars and vans from diagnostic to electrical repairs. I carry out, services and cambelts and water pump suspension, brak...
DAVID • 30th June 2022
Toyota Corolla • Catalytic converter replacement

384 Reviews

Garage in Birmingham, 17 years of experience
Talk Torque Ltd T/A Car Surgeon™ Car Surgeon™ is an auto repair facility dedicated to quality service and maintenance of general, high-end and performance vehicles at an affordable price. Many mainland...

82 Reviews

Garage in Cleethorpes, 10 years of experience
I've been a mobile mechanic 3 years now. Previously worked for major dealerships as a master technician. No job is too big for me

1030 Reviews

Mobile mechanic in Swindon, 15 years of experience
I did my apprenticeship at a garage in Swindon as I studied with Northstar College. After graduating I left and went to Charlie Browns auto services for 2-3 years. Following my time at Charlie Browns I went ...

143 Reviews

Garage in Leicestershire , 20 years of experience
20 Years experience as a vehicle technician covering all aspects of vehicle repairs and Electrical diagnostics with dealership experience and Hybrid level 3 qualified Control unit programming also carried...
MAYA • 11th April 2022
Fiat Grande Punto • Catalytic converter replacement

109 Reviews

Garage in Denmead, 13 years of experience
Antony - Mechanic for 13 years - MOT tester - Main dealership certificated As a master technician - Trained in technical diagnostic equipment. And electrical diagnostics Our aim is to give you the best...

169 Reviews

Garage in Canvey Island , 16 years of experience
I done my apprenticeship at bates BMW main dealer. Since then I have worked at Independent garages. I have since decided to go out on my own as a Mobile Mechanic. I am able to offer a wide range of repairs i...
ROY • 20th March 2022
Lexus CT 200h • Additional work following previous booking
Frequently asked questions about catalytic converter replacement & repairs
Read our answers to questions about catalytic converter replacement costs, symptoms and more.
What does a Catalytic Converter do?
The catalytic converter, also called ‘cat’ sits next to your engine and is the key car part of the exhaust system, responsible for reducing the toxic emissions your engine produces into less harmful pollutants. Through a chemical reaction, the toxic emissions of hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides are turned into less harmful gases before they get emitted via the exhaust.
The core of a catalytic converter is made of ceramic blocks which have a porous structure. These pores are coated with catalysts containing valuable metals platinum, rhodium and palladium, which work best when heated up, hence the location next to the engine. During a drive, the toxic exhaust gases passing through the heated pores, causing a chemical reaction and are broken down into less harmful substances.
What does a catalytic converter replacement involve?
- Mechanic will read the ECU for catalytic converter and oxygen sensor related problems.
- Mechanic will inspect the catalytic converter for damage.
- Mechanic removes oxygen sensor for further check and removal of catalytic converter.
- If necessary, the catalytic converter will be replaced.
- Mechanic will advise if other parts need to be replaced.
- Mechanic will run engine, check catalytic converter operation.
- Mechanic will make adjustments where necessary.
Can I replace a catalytic coverter myself?
Unless you are a qualified mechanic with the required skills, training and equipment to do the job, we strongly recommend a catalytic converter replacement is only carried out by a professional mechanic. ClickMechanic can help get you a vetted and local mechanic to carry out the work. Just enter your postcode and your car's registration number at the top of this page and select the work needed to get an instant fixed price up front.
What are the symptoms of a bad catalytic converter?
You'll know something might be wrong with your car's catalytic converter:
- When dark smoke is coming from the exhaust
- When the engine performance is significantly reduced
- When fuel efficiency is decreasing
- When you experience issues while accelerating
- When the smell of sulfur (rotten eggs) is coming from your car
- When the check engine light flashes up
How long does it take to replace a catalytic converter?
On average, catalytic converter replacement times can range from just over 1 hour to 1.7 hours with an average of around 1.2 hours. The time that the job takes will depend on a number of factors, like your vehicle's make and model, year, as well as other factors. Select your car at the top of this page for information on job time and cost for your vehicle through ClickMechanic.
Is a bad catalytic converter an MOT failure?
If the catalytic converter is faulty and emits toxic pollutants above the legal limits then normally the car will fail its MOT.
How often should I replace the catalytic converter?
Catalytic converters are built to have a long lifetime, however over time the pores can become clogged, or overheating can cause physical damage. A damaged catalytic converter will emit more toxic pollution into the atmosphere. It is important to ensure the catalytic converter is always serviced as and when stipulated in the guidelines set out by your car's manufacturer.
What happens if I don't replace my catalytic converter?
If the catalytic converter stopped working as it should, your car will emit more toxic pollutants, likely above the legal limits. Cars which are passing exhaust fumes above these limits will fail their MOT.
A bad catalytic converter will certainly have an impact on other parts of your car, starting with the engine which is prevented from running freely. As a result, you will need to burn more and more fuel to power your engine appropriately up to a point where your car becomes undrivable.
Another impact of a bad catalytic converter can be overheating which causes damage to parts around it.
How to protect your Catalytic Converter from theft
There are ways to prevent the theft of your catalytic converter, mainly by making it harder to access and remove it. Below are a few suggestions on how to deter thieves or at least slow them down:
- Parking closer to walls, other vehicles or close to the kerb, to make climbing under your car more difficult.
- Marking the catalytic converter with an engraved serial number can allow easier tracing as well making it harder to sell
- Welding the bolts if the converter is bolted on. This does not stop thieves but makes it harder to remove the converter using only a spanner. The downside to consider is that it not only makes it harder for thieves but also mechanics when they are working on your exhaust system.
- Get a protective cover fitted to make it more difficult for thieves to remove the converter
- Get a catalytic converter alarm which is set off when the catalytic converter is tampered with
- Increased security measures, e.g. if possible park in a lockable garage, fencing, park in well-lit areas or CCTV ?
Why does catalytic converter theft happen?
Catalytic converters contain valuable and expensive metals, palladium and platinum, which makes them a target for theft. As the price for these metals increases the numbers of catalytic converter theft go up as well.
As part of the exhaust system, they are relatively easy to access, especially in taller vehicles which are further off the ground.
Catalytic converter theft not only leaves you with the cost of replacing it, but you will also need to take care of any other damages that are caused by the act of removal.
Can you drive a car with a bad catalytic converter?
A car with a bad catalytic converter will produce higher emissions, and will very likely fail an emissions test when tested. Another consideration is that knowingly using a vehicle on a public highway that would fail the emissions test is punishable by law (the police can stop you, test this and fine you). If you suspect there is any issue with your catalytic converter or there are concerns about its age or condition, book an inspection with a professional mechanic immediate effect.
Is catalytic converter checked during an MOT test?
Yes, the catalytic converter will be checked along with other parts of the exhaust emissions system. Depending on the age and fuel type of the vehicle, it will be checked that it meets all the rules regulations in regards to the relevant emission standards.
What causes the catalytic converter to fail?
There are 3 common causes for a catalytic converter failure:
* Excessive heat - misfiring spark plugs or even a leaky exhaust could cause unburned fuel to get into the catalytic converter
* Chemical contamination - including fluids such as oil and coolant, which can leak into the exhaust from the engine
* Physical or structural damage - going over speed bumps or damaged cause by high kerbs
What is the average lifespan of a catalytic converter?
Catalytics converters usually last 100,000 miles or even the entire lifetime of the vehicle, however this can differ depending on how and where you drive, and other internal and external factors.
Is it ok to drive with a broken or missing catalytic converter?
It is illegal to drive with a broken or missing catalytic converter in the UK, and could also lead to a hefty fine if caught by the police. It will furthermore lead to your vehicle failing its next MOT.
Additionally, driving without a catalytic converter can also lead to further damage to the engine and harmful emissions that are detrimental to the environment.
What happens if I don't fix or replace catalytic converter?
The engine, exhaust manifold, and underbody of your car can all be damaged if your catalytic converter is clogged and not replaced or fixed. When the catalytic converter is blocked, excessive heat and backpressure will be generated in the tailpipe, causing damage to the surrounding areas and affecting engine performance.
How much does replacing a catalytic converter cost?
A catalytic converter replacement generally costs between £175 and £500 with an average price of £310. Ultimately, the cost depends on your location, car and what parts your car's manufacturer recommends using for the replacement. Find out what you could save by having your catalytic converter replaced by ClickMechanic by selecting your car at the top of this page!
Check out the ClickMechanic price for a catalytic converter replacement. See the averages for different makes below. We consolidate industry standard data with millions of data points to give you the most accurate price. These estimates may include Clamps and paste, Catalytic converter, Clamps and paste, Catalytic converter, Clamps and paste, Catalytic converter and/or Catalytic converter. We have catalytic converter replacement prices for 46 different manufacturers.
Prices could not be created for 34 models. Show ∨
- Microcar
- Metrocab
- Hummer
- Reva
- Asia
- TVR
- Ferrari
- Morgan
- Buick
- Lamborghini
- Pontiac
- Carbodies
- Mitsubishi Fuso
- Moskvich
- Bentley
- Cadillac
- Ford US
- Aixam
- Austin
- Daimler
- FSO
- Iveco
- Maybach
- Rolls-Royce
- Santana
- Tata
- Great Wall
- Piaggio
- Infiniti
- Aston Martin
- Lada
- Lancia
- Ssangyong
- London Taxi's International
Estimates on repair costs, such as the above results for a catalytic converter replacement, are created by combining data from multiple third-party sources. The actual cost of using your local repair providers may be outside of the estimated range. We provide estimates on repair costs for information only and accept no liability for any inaccuracies or errors. If you think an estimate is incorrect, please contact us to let us know.
Book a trusted mechanic today
Get an instant quote, then book a vetted mechanic to fix your car at your home or office.
- Vetted mechanics
- Save up to 50%
- Fast online booking
Mechanics that undertake catalytic converter work
- Car Click Collect, Dechmont
- DEUTSCHE TECHNIK LTD T/A Hi Q Enfield, Enfield
- Daniel Auto Services, Aylesbury
- Evolution Hgv &Plant Repairs Ltd, Wrexham
- Higgins Auto Repair, Belfast
- JB Autocare LTD, Milton Keynes