Catalytic convertors have become more complicated. Usually a check engine light will light on the dash, your service provider reports a code after scanning the system. Further testing determines the catalytic convertor system has failed.
Older cars had one catalytic convertor and were able to be replaced for $300.00 or less. Starting in the early 2000 model year cars, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) change the standards on emission levels, meaning cars now have multiple catalytic convertors (some cars have 4 or more) to comply with the tighter emission standards.
CARB also change the rules about making the less expensive one shot wonder convertors as we called them, because the catalytic convertor lasted long enough to pass a smog check and then failed several years late, but were cheap. The new law is that everyone sold is warrantied for 5 years or 50,000 miles and has an executive order (EO) number that is made for the exact car it is installed on.
The consumer beware alert is some service providers are installing incorrect EO number convertors that cost less than the correct one, please beware when a catalytic convertor is purchased. You will fail a smog test if an incorrect EO number part is on your car.
One other warning is California is an island when it comes to emission parts; there are 49 state parts and California only parts. Catalytic convertors made for 49 state cars are illegal for California cars, so if you shop online, please look for the fine print, 49 state parts are not legal for California cars.
Clean air is what we all want and sometimes the consequences come at the cost of the consumer. We have had some cars cost thousands of dollars for catalytic convertors, so my recommendation is to keep a well maintained car to have the system perform at peak performance. Believe it or not the correct engine oil and regular changes help with a long lasting convertor, which should last 150,000 miles or more.
