Just had my catalytic converter replaced after 8 years, is there a need to do it again?

Question

It says on the warranty that they're made to last a lifetime, but that they should be replaced after 8 years (which is why I did it). How come I had to replace it after 8 years, but won't need to do it again after another 8 years (or 80,000 miles)?

Answer 1

Federal warranty on cat converter is like 8-10 years. Thats all. No reason to change it until it causes a problem.

Answer 2

Was there some performance issue that prompted this? Usually your check engine light comes on and the dealer will tell you.

The 'life' of a cat converter depends on many things. Gasoline problems and other bad fluids being burned can cause short cat life. Very short trips with a vehicle often cause problems. The engine creates water and if it isn't driven long enough to cook or boil out the water in the pipes, cat converter, and muffler, again, you've got problems prematurely.

Answer 3

I dunno, but 8 years is usually the average lifetime of a car. Maybe the magnesium pellets get worn out inside the convertor.

The only time when you MUST replace is when the convertor melted, i.e. using leaded gasoline instead of unleaded will melt a convertor and cause it to block the exhaust. Most modern cars have a thermoteter probe that constantly monitors the convertor.

Answer 4

Every 8 years sounds about rihgt. They clog up after a while, especially if you use cheap gas.

Answer 5

I wouldn't replace it unless I was having a performance issue or failed to pass an emission test.