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What metal is in a Toyota catalytic converter?

The main metal found in a Toyota catalytic converter is platinum. Catalytic converters are essential components in modern vehicles that help reduce harmful emissions by converting toxic pollutants into less harmful substances.


Catalytic Converters and Their Role in Emissions Reduction


Catalytic converters are devices installed in the exhaust systems of vehicles to convert carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides into less toxic compounds. They play a crucial role in meeting environmental regulations and reducing the environmental impact of vehicle emissions.


The Metals Used in Toyota Catalytic Converters


Toyota catalytic converters typically contain the following precious metals:



  • Platinum (Pt) - The primary catalyst in the converter, responsible for the majority of the emissions reduction.

  • Palladium (Pd) - Another catalyst that helps convert carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons.

  • Rhodium (Rh) - Helps convert nitrogen oxides into nitrogen and oxygen.


The specific ratio and amount of these metals can vary depending on the vehicle model and the manufacturer's design. However, platinum is generally the most abundant and essential metal in Toyota catalytic converters.


Why Platinum is Used in Catalytic Converters


Platinum is an ideal material for catalytic converters due to its high catalytic activity and resistance to heat and corrosion. The platinum-based catalyst in the converter helps facilitate the chemical reactions that convert harmful emissions into less toxic substances. This makes platinum a critical component in ensuring the effective operation of a catalytic converter and the overall emissions reduction performance of a vehicle.


The use of precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium in catalytic converters has made them valuable targets for theft, as the metals can be extracted and sold for a profit. This has led to increased security measures and efforts to combat catalytic converter theft.

How much is 1 gram of rhodium worth?


Rhodium Historical Price Movement
At today's price of $164.30 per gram, rhodium has changed +1.11% this year and +6.31% since the start of last year.



How much do scrapyards pay for catalytic converters?


It's possible to get up to $1,000 for your catalytic converter. The amount you may be offered at a local scrapyard can vary tremendously since the precious metals inside the converter (namely platinum, palladium, and rhodium) will ultimately determine what the converter is worth.



What Toyotas are targeted for catalytic converter theft?


The Toyota Prius has consistently been one of the most targeted vehicles for catalytic converter theft. In 2020, theft claim frequency for 2004-2009 Prius models was over 40 times higher compared to 2016 . Nationally, the Prius ranked as the third most targeted vehicle in 2022, up from seventh in 2021 .



How much does a Toyota catalytic converter cost?


The average cost for a Toyota Corolla Catalytic Converter Replacement is between $1,799 and $1,835. Labor costs are estimated between $125 and $158 while parts are priced between $1,674 and $1,677. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your unique location.



How much is the metal in a catalytic converter worth?


Metal/MaterialCurrent Price
Small Foreign Cat Small foreign cat. GET QUOTE VIEW METAL DETAILS$15-$207/each
Medium Foreign Cat Medium cat from foreign cars. GET QUOTE VIEW METAL DETAILS$36-$408/each
Pre-Domestic Cat Pre-Domestic Cat. GET QUOTE VIEW METAL DETAILS$14-$86/each



How much do scrap yards pay for catalytic converters?


It's possible to get up to $1,000 for your catalytic converter. The amount you may be offered at a local scrapyard can vary tremendously since the precious metals inside the converter (namely platinum, palladium, and rhodium) will ultimately determine what the converter is worth.



Will insurance cover a stolen catalytic converter?


Insurance claims for a stolen catalytic converter in 2020 ranged from $500 to $3,000, according to the Highway Loss Data Institute. Most comprehensive vehicle insurance can help cover a stolen catalytic converter.



How much is a Toyota catalytic converter worth scrap?


The actual value you get for your Toyota catalytic converter depends on your car model and the size and weight of the catalytic converter, and the price can range from $75 to $700 when sold as scrap.



What vehicle has the most expensive catalytic converter to scrap?


If you are wondering which are the vehicles with the most expensive catalytic converter, we can give an example of luxury vehicles. Especially SUV type vehicles use larger catalytic converter and this causes more use of elements such as platinum rhodium. We can give models such as Audi Q7, Audi Q5, Audi Q3 as examples.



What makes the Toyota catalytic converters so valuable?


Most people wonder what makes a Catalytic Converter so valuable. This is mostly because three precious metals are used to create this device. Platinum is most commonly used, but Palladium and Rhodium are also used.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.