How Do I Choose the Best Catalytic Converter Warranty?

When it’s necessary to choose the best catalytic converter warranty for a vehicle, shoppers can get good results by considering the quality of the part, as well as all guarantees and contractual aspects of the warranty for this item. The catalytic converter is an important and complex vehicle part, a central part of the exhaust system, and thus the way that the warranty is written can be important to the buyer. With good research on the coverage and limitations of the catalytic converter warranty, a buyer can be sure that the documentation that comes along with this item can serve his or her needs well in the future.

One of the biggest issues with a catalytic converter warranty is to assess whether it fits the vehicle’s needs. This means looking at the overall mileage of the vehicle, and contrasting it with what the warranty provides. For a vehicle with over 100,000 miles already on the odometer, a 250,000 mile warranty for the catalytic converter may be completely unnecessary. For a newer vehicle, a 50,000 mile warranty may not be sufficient. Match the terms of the warranty to your actual game plan for maintaining your vehicle over time.

Mechanics who understand the working of the catalytic converter also point out that it’s important to consider exactly what the warranty covers. A ceramic honeycomb within the part functions as a “scrubber” for various harmful carbon emissions. If part of this interior honeycomb piece breaks, the catalytic converter may not do its job properly, and it may need to be replaced. Another kind of failure of the catalytic converter is a very common occurrence, according to many mechanics; emissions that get trapped within the catalytic converter can clog the exhaust piece over time, and in these situations, the part may also need replacement. The key is to evaluate whether a catalytic converter warranty provides for replacement only in the case of mechanical breakage, or clogging as well.

Experts on auto part warranties also identify the difference between a warranty that specifies a factory direct part, and one that replaces the part with an aftermarket part. To some buyers, the specific provision of the warranty is not important, since the part will be replaced. For some owners of specialty cars and other vehicles, however, it’s important that the warranty replaces a failed part with an OEM (original equipment manufacturer), or factory direct replacement part.

Along with all of the above, shoppers should read the fine print of a catalytic converter warranty to make sure it does not contain too many exclusions. Some warranties may exclude various costs, such a shipping charges. It also makes sense look at how labor costs may or may not be covered by warranty. While comprehensive warranties may include labor costs, an individual part warranty will often not include these costs.