How Many Catalytic Converters Are In a Car? Most cars have a single catalytic converter, but some have 2 or 3. You might assume that most cars have the same number of catalytic converters, but not all cars have the same requirements for their emission systems.
Most cars have a single catalytic converter. However, some models of car are required to have multiple catalytic converters to meet emission standards and reduce pollutants.
For example, some sports utility vehicles (SUVs) with V8 engines are required to have two or three converters on their exhausts. This is because they produce more pollutants than most other types of car.
The number of catalytic converters depends on the model of the car and its emission system requirements.
You can find out how many catalytic converters your car has by looking up your vehicle’s specifications. The number of catalytic converters in a vehicle varies with the type and model of the car and what its emissions system requirements are. Some vehicles have 2 or more catalytic converters. One example is a 2015 Lexus ES350, which has 2 catalytic converters.
You can check your vehicle manual to determine whether your car runs on a single or double exhaust system, as well as what type of catalytic converter is required for it.
The type of exhaust system your car has will determine the number of catalytic converters it runs on. In order to determine what kind of exhaust system your car uses, consult your vehicle manual, or call a customer service line for the manufacturer. Catalytic converters can be found and purchased online through retailers like Amazon or AutoZone, as well as brick-and-mortar shops such as Walmart, Sears, Napa Auto Parts, and CarQuest.
A car’s exhaust system is made up of pipes that connect to one another to carry the gas fumes and hot air generated during combustion.
As you mull over the number of catalytic converters in a car, first consider how a car’s exhaust system works. You can think of a car’s exhaust system as a set of pipes that connect to one another to carry the gas fumes and hot air generated during combustion from their point of origin to the tailpipe, where they are expelled out into the open air. In other words, a car’s exhaust pipe is essentially just that: one long pipe that connects many individual pipes together
In most cases, there is a single catalytic converter per car, but the number can vary depending on what the manufacturer decided would be needed.
In most cases, there is a single catalytic converter per car, but the number can vary depending on what the manufacturer decided would be needed. For instance, some smaller cars may only need one small catalytic converter since they don’t create as much pollution as a larger vehicle (like an SUV).
On other larger vehicles, such as an SUV or truck, they may need more than one to properly convert harmful emissions into non-polluting emissions. Some cars have been known to have up to three catalytic converters. If you have a question about how many catalytic converters are in your car, check the vehicle manual or call your local dealer and provide them with your VIN number so they can look it up for you.
How To Protect Your Catalytic Converter From Theft
In addition to installing a tracking device, there are several other steps you can take to protect your catalytic converter. Park in well-lit areas and think about using a steering wheel lock or wheel clamp. There’s also the option of parking your car in a garage if one is available. If that isn’t possible, look for a secure lot with an attendant (such as an airport parking lot), as these tend to be monitored more frequently than others.
You may also want to park your car over concrete or asphalt so thieves can’t use the ground around it as cover while they work on stealing your catalytic converter. Finally, you can try parking your car in a way that makes it difficult to reach the catalytic converter specifically—for example, against another vehicle or close to a curb—but this method may be less effective than others because many thieves have tools that allow them to work from underneath the vehicle instead of from above it.
How can I protect my home or business parking lot or garage?
It doesn’t have to be a home or business garage. However, if you park in a public area like a hotel, choose one with good lighting, lots of cars around and ideally not far from the receptionist’s desk (if there is one). If possible park at the rear of the lot where there are fewer spaces, again close to other cars.
If you do park outside your home, park so that your car is facing the street. This will help you keep an eye out for trouble and make it easier for law enforcement to identify your stolen car later on should it be taken.
Lastly, consider setting up motion-activated security lights or positioning floodlights on your property. Motion sensors also work well if you have an attached garage but not if someone parks behind your garage blocking its eye sight (a common occurrence in shared parking lots).
What should I do if I see a theft in progress?
If you witness a theft in progress, it’s important to keep your distance. Even if you’re traveling with a friend or two, never confront the thief—leave any confrontation to the police. You can provide valuable assistance by reporting:
- A detailed description of the thief including height, weight, race and clothing
- The direction in which they were last seen heading
- The type of vehicle they left in (if possible)
- Their license plate number (if possible)
If you are able to get close enough to take a picture without endangering yourself and others, that can also be helpful; but only do so if it’s safe. If you aren’t able to get close, try providing a description as accurately as possible and make sure it includes any distinguishing features such as tattoos or piercings.
Don’t get conned by catalytic converter thieves.
It’s helpful for drivers to understand that, just because someone is working under your car, doesn’t necessarily mean they are doing something illegal. Mechanics and technicians of all kinds need access to the underside of a vehicle in order to perform necessary repairs and maintenance. For drivers who want to be able to determine if there is someone operating lawfully on their cars, here are some tips on how you can tell:
- Do you know this person? If the answer is no, or you aren’t sure—ask them! You have every right to do so.
- Do you know why they’re working on your car? If the answer is no, or you aren’t sure—ask them! You have every right to do so.