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Catalytic Converter Replacement Near You

Learn more about what a cat converter replacement is, when to book one and how much it costs

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How Much Does a Catalytic Converter Replacement Cost?

A catalytic converter replacement usually costs between £300 and £1,000, depending on your car. The part itself makes up most of the bill, because catalytic converters contain precious metals whose prices rise and fall regularly.

Your make and model, whether your garage fits a manufacturer part or an approved aftermarket one and how easy the exhaust is to work on all affect the price you'll pay, which is why catalytic converter prices vary so much from one car to the next.

Typical UK costs based on published industry estimates as of 29th September 2026. Prices are representative figures only as costs vary depending on your make and model, the parts used and your chosen garage. Enter your reg and postcode to compare instant prices from local garages for your exact car.

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What is a Catalytic Converter Replacement?

A catalytic converter replacement returns your vehicle’s exhaust system to proper working condition.

A catalytic converter, or cat for short, speeds up the removal of harmful exhaust gases produced during combustion, making your vehicle more environmentally friendly, in line with Euro standards.

The replacement process usually removes the faulty or worn-out catalytic converter and fits a new part in its place, but it can also involve fitting a completely new cat if yours was stolen.

 

Who Can Help with My Catalytic Converter Repair?

You can book a catalytic converter replacement at most static garages. Some mobile mechanics may also offer the service, but this is less likely as it is a lot of work to fit a new cat and can be difficult to do without a ramp.

 

Where Can I Book a Catalytic Converter Replacement?

To find a local garage to help you fix your catalytic converter, you can search directly for ‘catalytic converter replacement near me’ which will show a list of local garages that offer this service.

If you’re looking for the best place to replace your catalytic converter, you can either ask family and friends for a good recommendation or compare local garages to find the best one for you. We always recommend comparing your options before booking an appointment to ensure you get the right value for your needs.

 

What are the Signs My Car Needs its Catalytic Converter Replaced?

If you notice any of the following symptoms, then you may have a bad catalytic converter:

  • An illuminated warning light

  • Slower engine performance

  • The engine cuts out

  • Reduced acceleration range

  • Increased fuel consumption

  • Excessive white smoke

  • Blue smoke

  • A rattling noise from the exhaust

  • Additional heat under your car

  • Smell of rotten eggs from exhaust

  • Dark smoke from exhaust

 

Another good sign you need to book a replacement is if you look under your car and can’t see your catalytic converter attached to the exhaust system.

 

Will a Faulty Catalytic Converter Fail Its MOT?

Yes, it can. During the MOT, the tester checks that your car's exhaust emissions are within the limits for its age and fuel type, and a catalytic converter that has stopped working properly will often push those readings too high.

A cat that has been removed or stolen means an automatic fail, as every petrol car registered since 1992 and every diesel since 2001 must have one fitted. If your engine management light is on because of a catalytic converter fault, that's treated as a major fault too, which is one of the ways an engine management light can cause an MOT fail.

Replacing the cat before your test saves you from an MOT failure and the retest that comes with it.

What Should I Do If My Catalytic Converter Has Been Stolen?

You'll usually notice straight away, as your car will sound much louder than normal when you start it. Report the theft to the police as soon as you can, as you'll need a crime reference number for your insurer.

Next, get in touch with your insurer. Comprehensive policies usually cover catalytic converter theft, subject to your excess, so it's worth checking your policy before deciding how to pay for the replacement.

Once you know where you stand, you can compare local garages and book a replacement. As it's illegal to drive without a catalytic converter, it's best to have your car recovered to the garage rather than driving it there.

Can I Replace a Catalytic Converter Myself?

No, you shouldn’t attempt to repair or replace your catalytic converter yourself. It’s a vital part of your exhaust system and you can cause serious and expensive problems if you botch a repair or replacement.

You should leave the repair to a professional, experienced technician who has the required specialist equipment to complete the job safely.

 

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*Some mobile technicians (that come out to you) may require an upfront payment or commitment, please check this with them first.

These are just some of the reasons to choose BookMyGarage – enter your reg and postcode to compare local garages and book your catalytic converter replacement in seconds. No surprises, no confusion – expect a straightforward service you can rely on.

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Frequently asked questions

Yes, you may be able to repair a catalytic converter if the part is damaged or worn as opposed to missing.

A technician will be able to advise you on the safest course of action during their inspection.
A catalytic converter should last between 70,000 and 100,000 miles, though this will vary depending on your driving habits.
The following issues can cause your car’s catalytic converter to wear out sooner than necessary:
- Poor engine maintenance
- Using the wrong oil
- Coolant leaks
- Broken oxygen sensor
- Misfiring spark plugs

You may also wear the part out if you constantly use your vehicle for short trips. The catalytic converter only works when it reaches a certain temperature and, if it doesn't get hot enough, it will not burn the hydrocarbons completely.
A catalytic converter replacement takes about 1 to 2 hours, on average.
While a car repair is usually expensive because of the labour costs involved, a catalytic converter replacement is a fairly straightforward job. It’s expensive because of the precious metals used to make the part.

Cats contain platinum, or platinum-like metals such as palladium and rhodium, as a catalyst – and these can cost hundreds of pounds a gram because of their rarity! Plus, the price of these precious metals keeps fluctuating, so the cost of your repair or replacement can change regularly.
Yes, your car needs a catalytic converter.

By law, every car registered in the UK must have one. This has been standard for petrol vehicles since 1992, and 2001 for diesel vehicles.

There are different types of catalytic converters for petrol and diesel engines, as they combust differently.
It is bolted to the exhaust assembly underneath the back of your car.

If you can’t see it, you should have your car towed to a local garage right away as you may be the victim of catalytic converter theft which is becoming an increasing problem in the UK.
No, it’s illegal to drive a car on public roads in the UK without a catalytic converter and you can be fined up to £1,000 if caught doing so by the police.

Not only that, it will lead to an MOT failure (as your car won’t pass the emissions test) and you may cause additional damage to your exhaust system in the long-term as modern cars are designed to use this part while running.
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