Myths surrounding aftermarket catalytic converters.

Here are some of the most common myths, along with the facts to debunk them:

Myth #1: Aftermarket converters are illegal.

Fact: Aftermarket converters are legal, as long as they meet the same emissions standards as the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) converters. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets emissions standards for aftermarket converters, and converters that meet those standards are legal for use in all 50 states.

Myth #2: Aftermarket converters are inferior to OEM converters.

Fact: Many aftermarket converters are designed to perform as well as or better than OEM converters. In fact, some aftermarket converters use higher-quality materials than OEM converters, which can make them more durable and longer-lasting.

Myth #3: Aftermarket converters void the vehicle's warranty.

Fact: The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act prevents manufacturers from voiding a vehicle's warranty simply because an aftermarket part has been installed. The manufacturer must prove that the aftermarket part caused the problem in order to deny warranty coverage.

Myth #4: Aftermarket converters are cheap and low-quality.

Fact: While there are certainly low-quality aftermarket converters on the market, there are also high-quality options available. The price of an aftermarket converter will depend on factors such as the quality of the materials used, the design of the converter, and the manufacturer's reputation.

Myth #5: Aftermarket converters don't reduce emissions as well as OEM converters.

Fact: Aftermarket converters that meet emissions standards will reduce emissions just as effectively as OEM converters. In fact, some aftermarket converters may even perform better than OEM converters, depending on the design and materials used.