Replacing a catalytic converter is costly, which can eat into the earnings from your resale price. However, fret not, here are some handy tips so that your car can fetch a decent resale price in the future:
1. Don’t Use Low-Grade Fuel
Never use low-grade fuel such as leaded fuel. Low-grade fuels can cause lead poisoning and reduce converter efficiency. Always go with the grade recommended or required in the car manual.
2. Only OEM-approved Lubricants
Only use lubricants and fuel additives that are Original Equipment Manufacturer-approved. Non-approved lubricants and additives may contain components that create by-products that can damage your converter.
3. Check the Converter
When servicing your car, inspect the converter. Look or listen out for unusual noises, cracks or other damage to the external shell and particles in the exhaust. These discrepancies may hint at a need for repairing/replacing.
4. Check for Clogs
If the fire hazard warning light is on, immediately check your injector nozzles for clogs! Such clogs can lead to misfiring, where it can cause severe damage to the converter or even set your car on fire!
5. The Clearest Warning Sign is…
If your acceleration feels ‘off’ and your mileage is more than 50,000km, it is a tell-tale sign that your converter’s efficiency has declined, and needs professional converter washing.
However, if later on you really have to replace your catalytic converter, do you know that you can actually get some cash value from your spent catalytic converter? Find out more here.
This article is contributed by BR Metals, an industry-leading specialist in the recycling of Platinum Group Metals (PGM) and one of Asia’s largest processors of end-of-life catalytic converters.
