Driving without a catalytic converter is technically possible, but it is not recommended due to the potential harm it can cause to the environment and your vehicle. It may also be illegal, leading to fines and failures of emissions tests. Additionally, catalytic converters are often a target of theft, so it's important you take steps to protect your vehicle.
If your catalytic converter is damaged or missing entirely, you must address the issue as soon as possible. Make sure you get your vehicle taken into a trusted repair shop to fix a defective converter. Avoid the temptation to simply drive your car home or to the nearest repair center. Without the converter in place, the rest of the exhaust system may not be secure, and you run the risk of doing more damage if a loose exhaust pipe digs into the road. Your best bet is to call your roadside assistance provider to take you to a trusted repair shop! If you notice the part has been stolen, report it to the police and your insurance company as soon as you can.
Driving without a catalytic converter or with a malfunctioning one can result in increased toxic emissions, loud noises from the exhaust system; which can be fined due to noise violations, further damage to the rest of the exhaust system and increased fuel consumption. Most times a converter is removed the car's computer system needs to be reprogrammed to avoid future maintenance issues. Replacing or repairing your catalytic converter will restore proper emission control and prevent damage to your vehicle.
On large diesel trucks, the catalytic converter is part of a larger system and the removal of the catalytic converter also results in the removal of other important systems. Therefore the replacement of the catalytic converter for a larger diesel truck is far more expensive than your standard vehicle.
At Wright Restyling, we offer a range of car accessories, including anti-theft devices, to keep your vehicle safe and secure. If you need to secure your catalytic converter, our team of experts can help! Contact us today to learn more about our catalytic converter theft deterrents and alarms.