KIA Catalytic Converter Scrap Price – Korean Cats for Sale

In the automotive industry, catalytic converters are considered one of the most notorious car parts. Aside from helping cars to be environmentally friendly, catalytic converters are also the center of attraction in the market because of their valuable prices. 

If you're a KIA owner and you want to know more about catalytic converters, especially when it comes to prices, then this article perfectly fits you.

What are Catalytic Converters?

Catalytic converters are catalyst devices used by modern automobiles to utilize the emissions that they produce. It is a part of the car's exhaust system that reduces its harmful effects on the environment. The main role of catalytic converters is to filter toxic gasses and turn them into less hazardous ones. 

Usually, catalytic converters are located on the underside of vehicles between the engine and muffler. There are two pipes that connect from both ends of it that serve as passageways making sure that gasses are safely expelled. 

KIA Catalytic Converters

Well, it's no question that KIA Corporation is the fifth largest vehicle manufacturer all over the world. With its modern automobile style, undeniable strong power, and new luxurious features, the Korean car brand is continuously escalating its popularity all over the world, especially in the United States. 

When it comes to catalytic converters, the first KIA cats were introduced as two-way converters back in the mid-70s. It primarily performs two specific tasks, the oxidation of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide, and hydrocarbons to water. From then, KIA cats were improved into more efficient ones as three-way catalytic converters that additionally reduce nitrogen oxide emissions. 

Most of KIA's recent car models are equipped with three-way converters because two-way converters are only utilized for diesel applications. KIA cats have bodies that are usually made of steel and insulated chambers from the inside. These insulated chambers are primarily composed of three components: substrate or catalyst sore, washcoat, and catalyst.

KIA Catalytic Converter Scrap

Most of the time, the average lifespan of catalytic converters is around 100,000 miles. But there are circumstances where catalytic converters fail prematurely, due to different problems within the automobile. The most common factors why catalytic converters early fail are:

• Engine performance problems
• Unbalanced air/fuel mixture
• Fluid contamination
• Impact damage

When your catalytic converter cannot perform its function, it would be useless and it will surely be a scrap. For KIA cats, the usual cause of a malfunctioned catalytic converter is unburned fuel that enters the exhaust. This mainly leads to the loss of power of the vehicle as a result of complete exhaust restriction. 

However, KIA catalytic converter scrap can be resourceful, we're talking about money here. Most car owners with discarded cats usually trade their catalytic converter scrap for money. Well, it's not useless at all!

How do KIA Catalytic Converters differ?

From Borrego to Venga, we all know that KIA has a wide range of models of their automobiles. Thus, KIA catalytic converters also have broad varieties. It primarily differs from your car model up to your car compatibility. But one thing is for sure, KIA catalytic converters are high-class cats produced by different manufacturers aiming to provide the most efficient catalytic converters for KIA cars. 

Just like other cats, the best way for owners to identify the classification of their catalytic converter is by checking its serial number or reference number. For KIA cats, the serial number is a combination of numbers and letters usually ranging from 3 to 10 characters. The serial number is normally located in the silver shield part of the catalytic converter. 

If your KIA catalytic converter hit its age, here are the helpful ways how to make its serial number more readable:

• Put some oil in the area where the serial number is located.
• Adjust the angle of the light striking the serial number to see the edges clearer.
• Gently brush the surface using steel wool in order to remove the debris. (If it still doesn't work, try to repeat the first two steps)

Remember that not all KIA cars have the same serial number on their catalytic converters. The serial number on the catalytic converter of an automobile is important not only in helping to identify its type, but it's also resourceful in finding the appropriate value for the catalytic converter in the market. That's why you need to make sure that you know it!

KIA OEM Catalytic Converters

Another factor that makes difference with catalytic converters is if it is an OEM cat. "OEM" primarily stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer, which primarily means that your cat converter is a genuine catalytic converter produced by the original manufacturer. Many car owners may not know this thing because of the significant price difference, but it is essential for KIA cars. 

OEM catalytic converters are far different from aftermarket cats as they are built with a higher presence of precious metals such as Rhodium, Palladium, and Platinum. Aftermarket catalytic converters do not have this feature as they're offering low prices. 

Why are Catalytic Converters the center of attraction in the market?

Most car owners are familiar with what catalytic converters look like on the outside, but not on the inside which makes them unique. 

From the inside, catalytic converters have a honeycomb-like structure mesh surrounded by various precious metals making sure that gasses will interact with the catalyst. These metals play a significant role in catalytic converters as they're the only suitable materials to perform their function. Some of the precious metals present in catalytic converters are platinum, rhodium, and palladium, which are naturally expensive in the metal industry. 

Palladium's current price is $ 2,079 per ounce, and Platinum is at $1,023 per ounce. While the worthiest one, Rhodium, ranges from $10,000-$20,000. As the prices of these metals are continuously rising in the market, it also attracts many people. 

How much do KIA Catalytic Converters cost?

Since there's a wide variety of catalytic converters, the scrap price of these cats doesn't come in specific. For KIA catalytic converters, the scrap price can be as low as $5 but it could also rise to $300 or more. It is impossible to have a suggested price for a specific KIA catalytic converter without seeing it as there are many factors that can affect its price.

Here's the list of factors that can influence the cost of your KIA catalytic converter:

• Type.Since cats come from different types, the price of your KIA catalytic converter scrap will be dependent on what type your cat converter is.
• OEM or not.As discussed above, KIA OEM cats will be more valuable than the aftermarket ones.
• Condition.If your KIA cat is still in good shape, then it will command a great value. However, the price will surely diminish if there's an affected area within the cat.
• The market price of metals. If you're planning to sell your KIA catalytic converter, you need to keep your eyes on the changes in the market price of metals, specifically Rhodium, Platinum, and Palladium. Why? Simply because they're the ones that are being paid for.

Well, here are some of the most valuable KIA catalytic converter scraps in the market. Just to be clear, these are just the average prices for each type of catalytic converter, other factors can still affect the prices of your KIA cats.

How to sell KIA Catalytic Converter Scraps?

There are numerous possible ways how you can sell your KIA catalytic converter scraps. Here are some ways that can help you with your KIA scrap cats. 

• Pear to pear trading within people in your local community.This can be the simplest way to sell it. You just need to find the right buyer and have great communication and trading offers.
• Online transactions.This is another way to dispose of your scrap cat and turn it into money. There are various online platforms where you can check and sell such as eBay.
• Recycling companies.The most advisable way to sell your KIA catalytic converter scrap is to deal with recycling companies. Try to search and find the recycling company that can provide you with the best offer for your KIA cat scrap.

Note: Different types of the market offer different values to a certain cat converter. Therefore, the type of market where you will sell your KIA catalytic converter scrap is important as it can affect its price.

Conclusion

Well, it became clear that KIA catalytic converter scraps can be a good source of money, especially those with higher types and better conditions. That's why taking care of your automobiles can be a great advantage for you as a car owner. However, before entering the marketplace, make sure that you have enough knowledge of your KIA catalytic scrap to avoid further problems alongside your transactions.