Are You able to Drive without a Catalytic Converter?

Theft is a regular occurrence of catalytic converters, which can leave you with an audible car as you drive to work each morning. Is it possible to drive your car without the catalytic converter? Or do you have to wait for one to be replaced?

We answer legal as well as mechanical aspects about driving without a cat. This guide will also discuss what to do if you don't have a catalytic converter and how you can protect it from being stolen. 

Is it possible to drive without a Catalytic Converter

There’s nothing mechanically stopping you from driving without the catalytic converter. The car will still run but there may be new noises and issues with performance. On the other hand, it’s not legal to drive without a catalytic converter, so it’s not always advisable. 

To reduce the amount of air pollution in your car, all 50 states must have a catalytic convertor. While you probably won’t harm the vehicle by driving without it, you are causing more damage to the environment. For this reason alone, you don’t want to drive for long periods without it. You should have your vehicle replaced as soon as possible. 

The Consequences Of Driving Without A Catalytic Converter

1. Loud Exhaust Sound

When they try to turn the engine on, most people discover that the catalytic convert has been taken. The vehicle will emit a loud exhaust note immediately.

The car sounds like it’s roaring instead of purring softly. You will hear the car roaring more if you push the pedal. There’s simply no denying the sound a car makes without its catalytic converter. It’s also sure to turn a lot of heads as you travel down the road. 

2. Performance is not perfect

If the exhaust system has not been installed properly, it is possible for the engine to start to run rough. You should see the Check Engine Light on your dash. When this component isn’t in place, the computer will not be able to read the oxygen in the exhaust properly and will lead to engine performance issues. 

The performance change won’t be as dramatic as if there was a misfire, but you should notice it. Of course, you will already know what’s causing it because of the sound, so you won’t be wondering what’s going on. 

3. Inspection/Emissions Failure

It’s required in every state to have a catalytic converter on your vehicle. If you attempt to go for a yearly inspection, it’s quite possible that the mechanic will fail your vehicle. There are many things that must be checked during an inspection. However, the main check is to ensure your exhaust remains intact. A working catalytic convert is essential for your vehicle. In most cases, the state will inspect the exhaust pipe, muffler, and any other components.

Additionally, the catalytic converter is required to convert dangerous toxins into byproducts that aren’t as harmful. After the chemical reaction, anything that is harmful quickly becomes water vapor and carbon dioxide. If you don’t have a catalytic converter in place, you won’t be able to filter out the emissions and this chemical reaction can’t take place. The car will fail an emission test if it is not taken to the station. You will have to replace the converter before your car is given a pass grade. 

4. Police Fine

If you had a catalytic converter stolen, it’s your responsibility to have it replaced in a reasonable timeframe. The good news? Most police agencies are well aware of the widespread theft of catalytic converters. It’s important that you report the theft as soon as you realize it’s occurred. This will not only help you to prevent future thieves, but also it makes sure that the police have a record of the theft, which can save some time.

Most police aren’t going to bother you if your catalytic converter was stolen. You could face a stiff fine if the converter is removed. It’s illegal in every state to tamper with the emissions control system if it causes failure. The amount you will pay for this fine depends on what state you are in and how many previous tickets you’ve received for the same issue. In the end, it’s best to put the catalytic converter back on and avoid this unnecessary cost. 

RELATED: What Cars are Most Likely to Get Catalytic Converters Stealed?

Catalytic Converter Theft Prevent

1. Make sure you have protective gear

With so many catalytic converters being stolen each year, there’s a market for protective devices. It is possible to have one of these devices, which makes it less likely that the catalytic conversion will be stolen. However, most people don’t take this step until the catalytic converter has first been stolen and they need to protect the new one. Each protection comes at a cost.

The cost of installation and the device can range from $200-$500, although this will only be a fraction of what it costs to replace your catalytic convertor. There are many options, including straps or other kinds of gear. Most people will choose a shield. 

READ MORE: Protecting Your Car from Catalytic Converter Theft

2. Park Wisely

You can avoid a lot headaches by planning ahead. The garage is the ideal place to park your car at the end. However, this isn’t always possible, especially if you don’t own a garage or you are out and about. Consider these cleverer parking solutions in such situations.

• Place your vehicle in areas where there is plenty of natural light. If it’s nighttime, park under bright lights or near street lights.
• You should park where other people are. If you have to choose a parking garage or lot, don’t park where there are no other cars. Although this can help protect your car from any damage, thieves could make it a lucrative target. You want an area with a lot of foot traffic, showing thieves that they won’t easily get away with any shenanigans. 
• Park close to security cameras. Try to park in a place where you are not visible from security cameras. Security cameras will deter thieves from looking around to see if they can escape with their crime. 

These practices will increase your chances of keeping your vehicle, catalytic converter, and possessions safe. You have the best chance to recover anything stolen between your cameras and any eye-witnesses. 

3. Set up an alarm

A security alarm can be installed in your vehicle to prevent the theft of catalytic convertors. Keep in mind, however that not all alarms will work in this scenario. Some don’t go off unless the car is physically broken into.

You want your car alarm to register vibrations. You can catch thieves moving your car and cutting the catalytic convert. The alarm will trigger and give you a warning to thieves so they scatter.