How much platinum is in a catalytic converter?

Of all the parts on your car, the catalytic converter may be one of the most expensive, which is why it’s commonly a target for theft. It’s the precious metals inside that make this component so valuable, leading you to wonder – how much platinum is in a catalytic converter?

We will be discussing how the platinum can be removed from the catalytic convertor and the various metals found within. This guide will also help you protect your catalytic converter from theft. 

How much platinum is in a catalytic converter?

The catalytic converter should contain between 3 and 7 grams of platinum (0.1 to 0.33 ounces). It’s also made of several other materials, such as palladium and rhodium. They are very valuable scrap materials, even though there is not much of each in the converter.

Is there any way to recover as much platinum from a catalytic converter?

The recycling process can recover nearly all of what was in the catalytic convertor. It might not be 100% of the platinum, but it’s close, with averages hitting 95% or higher. By being able to recover almost all of the 3 to 7 grams of platinum, you get the highest return when it’s time to recycle it. 

Platinum prices change frequently, so it’s important to check the current rate at the time of recycling. An example: Right now the price of a pound of platinum is about $940. 

This amount of platinum can only be recovered if the process is complex. It’s important to have a professional handling the materials during recycling. 

How does platinum get removed from the Catalytic Convertor?

It is best to have a professional remove the platinum and other materials from the catalytic converter because it’s a dangerous operation. Before anything is done, it’s imperative that all proper safety precautions are followed. By wearing the proper personal protective equipment (PPE), you ensure that toxic fumes aren’t inhaled, thereby preventing dangerous respiratory illnesses. 

The inner honeycomb needs to be leached in order to extract the platinum from catalytic converter. Platinum is not able to dissolve in most acids due to its inert nature. To dissolve platinum, you will need to mix a solution using a powerful oxidizing agent with specific acids. The leaching process allows the platinum to be separated from base metals and is used for their recycling. 

Catalytic Converter Material

Platinum isn’t the only metal people are looking to get out of the catalytic converter. Yes, you can get a lot of money for this precious material, but there’s also the palladium and rhodium included in the construction that are important. 

The average price is now more than $2,000 an ounce. There’s also rhodium to consider. The most costly of all three is rhodium, which currently costs $15,000 per ounce. The catalytic converter can only hold about one gram of Rhodium. 

Many people believe that there is gold in the catalytic converter, but that’s not the case. Although there is no mention of any precious metals in the converter's build, many materials are included. Depending on your car, the core of the catalyst or the substrate can be made from a variety of materials. It could be ceramic, which seems to be popular because it’s inexpensive. There could also be metallic foil monoliths constructed of iron-aluminum-chromium combinations. 

Is a catalytic converter worth it?

After you have finished using your catalytic convertor, you can bring it to the nearest scrap yard. You will get cash. Depending on many factors, your average earnings could be between $50 and $2,000 Because some vehicles have higher amounts of precious metals, it doesn't matter what model your catalytic converter is from. This also depends upon how old the converter has been. Some degrade in value with time.

Keep in mind that the recycler can’t pay you every dollar for what those metals are worth. They have to perform an expensive leaching process to remove these materials, so you can’t get every penny out of it. A yard must also make money. Still, you aren’t going to get the metals out on your own, nor would you want to. It’s much easier to take it to the recycler and let them do the work while throwing a little money your way. 

RELATED: Find the Catalytic Converter's Scrap Value by Serial Number

Which catalytic converters have the most platinum?

Some vehicles are notorious for using excessive amounts of platinum in their cat construction. This is why converters are frequently the targets of thieves. These cars, which are high-performance and expensive, tend to be the best. You will pay the highest price for your Lamborghini Aventador or Ferrari F430 catalytic converter. 

However, there are a lot of precious metals in other models that don’t cost this much to drive. You will get a decent amount for your hybrid converter or the Ford Mustang’s cat. The price of trucks is also higher, as the Super Duty model costs far more. You should take preventative measures if you find out that you vehicle has a costly catalytic converter. 

RELATED : Which Cars Are More Likely To Have Their Catalytic Conversions Stolen?

How to protect the catalytic converter against being stolen

You don’t want to spend the money that comes with putting on a new catalytic converter. It can cost you a lot to replace your catalytic converter, but not just because it is expensive, but also because the part itself. To prevent this happening, it is more sensible to do everything in your power to stop catalytic convert theft.

Here are some ways to protect your car.

1. Find out which cars are being targeted. It’s important to know if thieves are after your catalytic converter. The top three choices are usually trucks, SUVs, and hybrids. If you own a luxury vehicle, theft is a concern. 
2. Your catalytic converter's VIN should be etched. A scrap dealer might take the catalytic converter and contact authorities to get it paid for. It might also be worth considering painting the catalytic conversion. Most thieves won’t want to deal with this identification and police departments often recommend the practice.
3. You should be careful where you park. If you are in a public place, park where there’s plenty of light and traffic. If you are at home, park the car in a garage. 
4. You can install an alarm system on your vehicle. Consider setting the sensitivity so people can’t get close to the vehicle without it going off. It can be irritating, particularly if the vehicle is parked in busy areas. Use your judgement accordingly.
5. Increase your home's security. Install cameras in the area and motion-activated lights that help you notice when there’s a problem. 

All of the steps don't require much effort. You can see the value of these techniques when you add the time and cost involved in preventing theft.

RELATED: Protecting Your Car from Catalytic Converter Theft