Best Car Catalytic Converters of 2026
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Car catalytic converters are essential components of modern automobiles. They are responsible for reducing harmful emissions from the car's exhaust system by converting toxic pollutants into less harmful substances. Catalytic converters work by using a combination of chemical reactions to break down harmful gases like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons. They are typically made of ceramic or metal and are located in the exhaust system of the vehicle. Without a functioning catalytic converter, cars would release significantly more harmful pollutants into the environment, contributing to air pollution and climate change.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Car Catalytic Converters
Cataclean Fuel and Exhaust System Cleaner 16oz 2-Pack
The Cataclean Fuel Cleaner helps you reduce harmful hydrocarbon emissions by up to half, making your vehicle more eco-friendly. It works to clear carbon buildup from key parts like your catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, fuel injectors, and cylinder heads, which can lead to better fuel efficiency. Using this cleaner can also improve your car’s overall performance, helping with common issues like power loss, hesitation, rough idling, hard starts, and reduced fuel economy. Plus, it’s safe to use in gasoline, diesel, hybrid, and flex-fuel vehicles without changing your fuel’s composition, giving you a convenient and effective way to maintain your engine.
A-Premium Front Catalytic Converter for Chevy & GMC
The A-Premium Catalytic Converter is designed to fit various Chevy and GMC models, including the Captiva Sport, Equinox, and Terrain. This product meets E.P.A. compliance, ensuring it adheres to federal emissions standards, which is crucial for maintaining your vehicle's performance and legality. With durable stainless steel construction, it offers long-lasting reliability. Additionally, it comes with all necessary mounting hardware, making installation straightforward and hassle-free for you. The one-year unlimited-mileage guarantee provides peace of mind, allowing you to drive confidently, knowing you have a quality product supporting your vehicle.
NewYall 1.6L Exhaust Manifold Catalytic Converter for Kia and Hyundai
The NewYall 1.6L Catalytic Converter is designed specifically for certain Kia and Hyundai models, including the Kia Soul (2012-2016) and Rio (2012-2017), as well as the Hyundai Accent (2011-2017) and Veloster (2012-2017). This part fits vehicles with a 1.6L L4 engine, ensuring compatibility and optimal performance. By choosing this converter, you benefit from a part tailored to your car’s engine size and model years, which can improve exhaust efficiency and help reduce harmful emissions. It's a reliable option if you need to replace your catalytic converter with one made for your vehicle’s exact specifications.
Dylannet 2.5" Universal Weld-on Catalytic Converter
The Dylannet Weld-on Cat Converter is designed to help if your car suffers from increased fuel use, engine shaking, or reduced power. It also addresses issues like poor scheduling and bad odors from the exhaust. This converter features a 2.5-inch inlet and outlet with a total length of 13 inches, making it suitable for many vehicles, but be sure to check compatibility first. Made from high-quality stainless steel, it improves exhaust flow and boosts engine performance by increasing oxygen supply. This product is built to last and withstand tough conditions, giving you a reliable upgrade for your vehicle’s emissions system.
ZAIGANMA Catalytic Converter for 2012-2017 Hyundai & Kia 1.6L
The ZAIGANMA Catalytic Converter is designed to fit various 2012-2017 Hyundai and Kia models with a 1.6L engine, ensuring you get a precise and direct replacement. It uses rare metals like platinum, rhodium, and palladium to effectively reduce harmful emissions from your vehicle, helping you stay environmentally friendly. Made from durable stainless steel, this converter resists rust, deformation, and clogging, so it lasts longer and keeps your car running smoothly. Keep in mind, it meets federal emission standards but is not approved for sale in certain states like California and New York. This product offers a reliable upgrade for your car’s emission system.
FOMIUZY High Flow Front Catalytic Converter Kit for Chevy Equinox GMC Terrain Captiva Sport 2.4L
The FOMIUZY Catalytic Converter Kit is designed to meet strict EPA and OBD3 standards, ensuring your vehicle stays environmentally friendly. It’s a direct replacement for models like the Chevy Equinox and GMC Terrain, making it easy for you to fix issues like the P0420 engine code or a stolen catalytic converter. Constructed with durable stainless steel and aluminized pipes, this kit resists rust and lasts longer. The advanced ceramic carrier inside boosts airflow and surface area, helping your engine run more efficiently and improving fuel economy. Overall, it restores your car’s performance and reduces harmful emissions for a smoother drive.
FOMIUZY Catalytic Converter for Hyundai and Kia 1.6L
The FOMIUZY Catalytic Converter offers durable performance with its high-quality stainless steel construction, ensuring it withstands high temperatures and lasts a long time. Inside, it features ceramic substrates coated with precious metals like platinum, rhodium, and palladium, which help efficiently reduce harmful emissions from your vehicle. The unique design increases the contact area for better purification, meaning cleaner exhaust gases. Installation is straightforward since this converter matches the original part perfectly, saving you time and effort. Just note it isn’t compatible with vehicles that meet California emission standards. Overall, the FOMIUZY Catalytic Converter is an effective and easy-to-install upgrade for your Hyundai or Kia 1.6L model.
FOMIUZY High Flow Catalytic Converter for Honda Accord & Acura TSX 2.4L
The FOMIUZY Catalytic Converter is a direct replacement part designed to fix engine codes like P0420 or replace a stolen catalytic converter, making it easy for you to restore your vehicle’s performance. Its stainless steel construction with aluminized pipes resists rust and promises long-lasting use. Inside, a double-layer ceramic carrier enhances exhaust flow and surface area, helping improve your car’s power and fuel efficiency. This converter fits Honda Accord models from 2008 to 2012 and Acura TSX models from 2009 to 2014, meeting strict OBD3 standards for reliable emissions control outside certain states.
KAX Catalytic Converter for Toyota and Pontiac 2003-2008
The KAX Catalytic Converter is designed to fit various Toyota and Pontiac models from 2003 to 2008, making it a convenient replacement part for your vehicle. It features a durable ceramic substrate coated with metal catalysts that help reduce harmful emissions effectively. The stainless steel outer shell resists heat, rust, and corrosion, ensuring the converter lasts longer without damage. Its high-flow design improves your engine's oxygen intake, which can boost performance and efficiency. Keep in mind, this product does not ship to California, Colorado, New York, and Maine, so check availability before purchasing.
A-Premium Catalytic Converter for Nissan Altima
The A-Premium Catalytic Converter is designed specifically for Nissan Altima models from 2007 to 2013 with a 2.5L engine. Its compatibility ensures a perfect fit, making installation straightforward for you. With multiple reference numbers, this converter is versatile and meets various requirements. It is crafted from stainless steel, offering durability and resistance to corrosion, which means you can rely on it for long-lasting performance. Additionally, it comes with a gasket and bolts, saving you time and effort during setup. Enjoy peace of mind with this E.P.A. compliant option that adheres to federal emissions standards.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much is a car catalytic converter worth?
The value of a car catalytic converter can range from $800 to $1200. The scrap price of a catalytic converter is influenced by factors such as the precious metal composition of the part.
2. Can a car still drive without a catalytic converter?
Yes, you can temporarily drive without a catalytic converter without damaging a modern car or engine. However, driving without a catalytic converter can result in harmful gas emissions, reduced engine performance, lower fuel economy, and potential legal issues.
3. What happens if a catalytic converter is stolen?
If a catalytic converter is stolen, your vehicle will produce a loud roaring sound, especially when accelerating. You may also experience sputtering or rough driving. In such cases, it is recommended to drive only if necessary, contact the police, inform your insurance company, and seek repairs.
4. How do I know if my catalytic converter is stolen?
Signs of a stolen catalytic converter include a loud engine noise, smokier and smellier exhaust, poor engine performance, and an illuminated engine warning light. If you suspect your catalytic converter has been stolen, it is advisable to drive only if necessary and report the incident to the police, your insurance company, and a repair shop.
5. Why are catalytic converters worth so much?
Catalytic converters contain precious metals like platinum, rhodium, and palladium. These metals, especially platinum, have high value in the market. The combination of these metals in catalytic converters contributes to their worth and makes them attractive targets for theft.
6. Why are people stealing catalytic converters?
Catalytic converters are targeted by thieves because they contain valuable precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium. These metals can be sold for a significant amount of money, making catalytic converters an attractive item to steal.
7. Can a stolen catalytic converter be traced?
Once a catalytic converter is removed from a vehicle, it is challenging to trace or identify it. These car parts do not have identification numbers, making it difficult to track them once they are sold to junkyards or on the black market.
During our car catalytic converter research, we found 24 car catalytic converter products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 9,503 customer reviews through our big data system to write the car catalytic converters list. We found that most customers choose car catalytic converters with an average price of $117.48.
The car catalytic converters are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of car catalytic converters, including Cataclean, A-Premium, NewYall, Dylannet, ZAIGANMA. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 672 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.
Robert Reyes is a dedicated writer from San Francisco with a bachelor of degree in mechanics and a bachelor of degree in marketing. He focuses on making some complicated topics simple and enjoys explaining complex and technical things in an easy-to-understand way.