My car was broken onto and they stole my catalytic converter. I just need to know if I can run my car for a few days till I can get it fixed.
2007-09-26 03:52:50 · 7 answers · asked by Sweetpea 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
You can run the car without a cat on it, but it's not environmentally friendly so don't do it too long.
If you go to a parts store you can usually get a new cat for under $200. If you go to a shop it could cost double that.
Remember buying and installing a used cat (IE from a junk yard) is a violation of federal law. You have to buy a new one.
Also, if thieves were able to get under your car and steal your original cat - a process that I would think would take even a "pro" at least 5 minutes to steal - you might want to park your car in a more secure place to prevent this from happening again.
While we're on the topic of dirt-bag thieves, the latest "booty" for thieves are airbags. Make sure your car is locked and parked in a well-lit area. A stolen airbag will cost you several hundred dollars to replace.
Good luck!
2007-09-26 04:05:56 · answer #1 · answered by mgrenia 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have replaced a catalytic converter in the past and I learned a lot. First of all a new one from the car maker, GM etc. will be big bucks. (Why it was stolen)
If you go to Midas they can usually offer a cheaper alternative than the original manufacturers part. You can run your car without it however the car is designed to have it and it should be replaced.
In my case I had an old car and was able to find a cat/ in good shape at a auto junkyard, and Midas installed it for me.
You do not say how old your car is so this may not be an option. Expect to pay 50% of new for a used part in good condition.
Hope this is helpful, adventureboy.
2007-09-26 04:05:38 · answer #2 · answered by adventureboyseven 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Without the exhaust back pressure, it will run horribly, probably stall a lot and sound horrible.
Ironically, a cop can pull you over as it is illegal to drive without the exhaust system connected, and they'll know because your car will be very loud.
If they cut out the catalytic converter, you'll have your remaining tail pipe hanging and I wouldn't want to damage anything else by trying to drive it.
Cat's aren't cheap. The part alone typically runs about $300.
2007-09-26 04:02:02 · answer #3 · answered by hsueh010 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you mean they slid under your car, and cut off the catalytic converter? They would not need to break in to get it. No, it's not a good idea to drive it a few days. As to cost, it will depend on a lot of factors. Single or dual exhaust? Honda or Cadillac?, for example.
2007-09-26 04:00:56 · answer #4 · answered by oklatom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I just replaced the catalytic Converter on a 2000 Chrysler....it was close to $1000.00 Apparently, its illegal to sell a used one. I think because if it wasn't illegal...people would be stealing them of of parked cars..... Anyway.... I would hope that YOURs would still be under warranty...and so should be free...
2016-05-19 00:22:07 · answer #5 · answered by maryanne 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should not run the car without it. There may be a danger of fire if you do. Hot exhaust gases dumping under your cars floorboards could cause a fire.
The cost could be from one to several hundreds of dollars, depending on the make and model of your car.
Call your insurance company and report the theft, and after your deductible you may get some financial help from them.
2007-09-26 04:03:23 · answer #6 · answered by Perplexed 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Call the dealer> If you have full coverage insurance see if they will cover it under thieft>But they will steal it again as there good money in them>>
2007-09-26 04:10:05 · answer #7 · answered by 45 auto 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋