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Can A Catalytic Converter Fail Due to Age?

Catalytic converter technology has come a long way in meeting the demand of modern engines to deliver the required emissions efficiency and long-term reliability. Yet, in spite of all this, converters still fail. In many cases, it’s not the fault of the converter, but one of the other engine components upstream from the catalyst. Read more about symptoms of bad or failing catalytic converters here. 

Warranty of Catalytic Converters

Usually, catalytic converters, if totally undamaged and treated correctly, should not die with age. On modern vehicles, the catalytic converter should last the life of the car or truck, given an “average” life of about 100,000 miles (160, 934 kilometers). The EPA mandates a warranty on most new vehicle converters. Catalytic converters, if found defective, may receive a no-charge replacement, for the term of the warranty. The term of the warranty is normally eight years of 80,000 miles. A few vehicles may also have a warranty extension beyond this. 

Reasons for Catalytic Converter Failure

Ideally, you want your converter to last longer than 80,000 miles. However, treating your converter in a way which creates damage is easy to do. Too many short trips at low speed can cause the catalytic converter to fail. Converters need highway driving to reach operating temperature. This is how they clean and regenerate the catalyst. If we do not drive our vehicle often or far enough, the converter may fail. Vehicles that get only intermittent use commonly have this problem. Essentially, a catalytic converter is a special structure which is designed to renew itself automatically. Under ideal use, the car should die before the catalytic converter. However, mistreating it can be simple so that it can fail before the car does. 

At Hurricane Automotive, our mission is to supply you with top quality catalytic converters and performance exhaust products for your vehicle from brand names that you can trust. Since the company was founded, we have shipped thousands of catalytic converters and performance exhaust products to satisfied customers throughout the country. If you have more questions or concerns about your catalytic converter, Contact Us. We will be happy to answer all your questions!