catalytic converter replacement in Dartford, made easy

Hassle-free MOT, Service and Car Repair

Double line
We collect
We fix
And we return your car
Fixie
Part of Renault
Part of Renault

Trusted by 50,000+ people

350+
Partner Garages Nationwide
100,000
Bookings completed
2500+
5 Star TrustPilot reviews
 
 
Mascot

We have

your back...

We find and vet the top rated garages so you don't have to.

We negotiate the best prices on your behalf.

Fair prices based on real time market data.

Save time with our car collection and delivery.

All work is guaranteed for 12 months.

Our reviews

Takes a lot of stress away

I would definitely recommend this company: knowing someone was keeping an eye on everything to make sure I wasn't being overcharged for parts and labour takes a lot of stress out of having the work done. I felt really well looked after. Thank you Fixter.

Kathleen Hodge, West Yorkshire

Excellent service

Excellent service. On time to pick up my car & drop it back. Full service cost £179, main dealer quoted me £700-lots different!

Muhammad, Birmingham

Total game-changer!

Just had my MOT done through Fixter for the first time. It took about 5 minutes of my time in total to book, hand over the key, and get it back when the car was returned. So I was able to carry on looking after my 2 year old. Total game-changer!

Oliver Woodford, London

No need to drive to a garage

Can't get more convenient than someone turning up, taking the car from the house for its MOT and returning it a few hours later. No having to drive to a garage (often miles from anywhere or in the middle of an industrial estate) or hanging around waiting.

Darren, Pontefract

I literally cannot fault them

This is the 3rd time I have used Fixter and I recommend to everyone. It makes getting an MOT super easy for me. Everyone I speak to on the phone is incredibly helpful and polite, and they seem to be the most cost effective. I literally cannot fault them.

Julia M, Bristol

Our expert insights into catalytic converter replacement

What does a catalytic converter do?

A catalytic converter is an essential part of your exhaust system. Its job is to change harmful substances in a car’s exhaust gasses, such as carbon monoxide nitric oxide, and hydrocarbons, into less harmful gases.

What are the symptoms of a failing catalytic converter?

Below are the top three symptoms that could indicate you need to replace your catalytic converter:

  • The smoke from your exhaust is heavier or darker than normal.

  • You smell something similar to rotten eggs or sulphur coming from your car’s exhaust.

  • You notice a reduction in engine performance.

What happens during a catalytic converter replacement?

Our certified mechanics will:

  • Raise your car completely off the ground, making sure that the exhaust has had time to cool down before they begin the replacement.

  • Locate the catalytic converter. It usually looks like a box in the middle of the exhaust system underneath the car.

  • Remove the catalytic converter, inspect it and fit a replacement if necessary

  • Test the new catalytic converter, taking care to double check that the replacement catalytic converter is up to the correct specifications for the vehicle’s emissions standards.

Daniel, from LondonDaniel, from London

Hey Fixter, can I drive with a broken or missing catalytic converter?

Your car will be drivable, however bad catalytic converters are terrible for the environment and can cause further damage to your car. If you get caught with a broken catalytic converter you may be fined by the police.

Collection and delivery - anywhere

How Fixter works

Simply book online and we'll handle the rest

How fixter works

How Fixter works

55 secs
First accordion item imageBook now, pay later

Upfront, fair pricing, with free collection & return and no hidden costs. Our in-house experts will then choose the ideal garage to work on your car.

Accordion item 2 imageWe drive your car to the best garage

A fully-insured Fixter driver will pick up your car, whenever and wherever works for you. (If you’d prefer to drive your car to the garage yourself, that’s not a problem!).

Accordion item 3 imageWe return your car the same day

Our in-house experts will keep you updated, and your card is only charged once all work has been satisfactorily completed and approved by our team. Your driver will then drop the car back when it’s convenient for you.

Want to learn more about catalytic converter replacement in Dartford?

Dartford

Dartford, situated in the county of Kent, is a bustling town known for its strategic location near the River Thames. With a population of approximately 107,000, it is a vibrant hub for both commuters and locals alike.

When it comes to car ownership in Dartford, the data reveals some interesting trends. The Ford Fiesta takes the top spot as the most popular car in the town, favored by Dartford residents for its reliability and fuel efficiency. Following closely behind are the Volkswagen Golf, Vauxhall Corsa, BMW 3 Series, and the Audi A3.

In addition to these popular choices, Dartford residents also show a preference for SUVs and crossover vehicles, such as the Nissan Qashqai and the Range Rover Evoque. This reflects the town's diverse needs, from urban commuting to weekend adventures exploring the picturesque countryside.

Vehicle numbers in Dartford

Dartford boasts a significant number of licensed vehicles, with approximately 70,000 cars registered in the town. This high number reflects the town's reliance on private transportation and the need for efficient and reliable car maintenance services.

Postcodes and suburbs in Dartford

Dartford is divided into several postcodes and suburbs, each with its own unique charm. Some notable areas include DA1 (Dartford town center, Crayford, and Barnes Cray), DA2 (Dartford Heath, Joydens Wood, and Wilmington), DA4 (Farningham, Eynsford, and South Darenth), and DA9 (Greenhithe and Stone). These diverse neighborhoods contribute to the vibrant automotive landscape of Dartford.

As a car maintenance platform catering to the needs of Dartford residents, we understand the importance of providing top-notch services to keep their beloved vehicles running smoothly. Whether it's regular servicing, MOT testing, or repairs, our platform connects car owners with trusted professionals who are well-versed in the specific requirements of Dartford's automotive landscape.

What does a catalytic converter do?

A catalytic converter is a key component of your exhaust system. It changes harmful substances in a car’s exhaust gasses, such as carbon monoxide nitric oxide, and hydrocarbons, into less harmful gases, such as water vapour. Every car registered in the UK must have a catalytic converter fitted by law. It became standard for petrol vehicles in 1992, and 2001 for diesel cars.

A typical catalytic converter is made of ceramic blocks with a porous structure. By coating the pores with a selection of valuable metals: platinum, rhodium and palladium, they act as a filter to break down the toxic exhaust gases produced by burning petrol.

The metal coatings work far better as filters when they’re heated, so their position next to the engine offers the ideal environment for just that. The converter can then perform the chemical reaction required to break down the poisonous gasses into less harmful products with much greater ease.

How often should a catalytic converter need replacing?

A catalytic converter will usually need to be replaced after 70,000-100,000 miles, or if you begin to experience any of the above symptoms. Regular maintenance and checks (including an MOT) will determine whether you need to replace your converter or if it’s good to go for a few more miles.

How you drive, and the typical usage of your car, will affect its lifespan too. Your converter could wear out quicker if your car is predominantly used for short journeys in stop/start traffic. Your converter works better at a required temperature, so if it’s not getting the chance to heat up properly, it isn’t going to be as efficient. This could shorten its effective life.

The law, vehicle regulations and your MOT

Your vehicle’s emissions will be measured during your MOT test. If your car is found to break the legal limits, then that’s an immediate fail.

In 2020, almost 1.3 million vehicles failed their MOT test last year due to dangerously high emissions. If you’re trying to keep your motoring costs down, then MOT retests are easily avoidable with regular checks and good car maintenance.

What happens during a catalytic converter replacement?

Our certified mechanics will:

  • Raise your car completely off the ground, making sure that the exhaust has had time to cool down before they begin the replacement.

  • Locate the catalytic converter. It usually looks like a box in the middle of the exhaust system underneath the car.

  • Remove the catalytic converter, inspect it and fit a replacement if necessary

  • Test the new catalytic converter, taking care to double check that the replacement catalytic converter is up to the correct specifications for the vehicle’s emissions standards.

What causes a catalytic converter to break?

Most catalytic converters will last the lifetime of a vehicle. But in some cases, a converter will go bad and need to be replaced. Almost all problems with a catalytic converter are due to an engine issue. It is usually caused by excess fuel entering the exhaust system due to an incorrect air/fuel mixture, failing spark plugs, incorrect engine timing, a faulty oxygen sensor, or other issues where fuel leaves the engine’s combustion chamber unburned.

When this happens, the catalytic converter gets too hot and begins to melt, causing significant performance problems. Without proper maintenance, carbon deposits can also clog the catalytic converter, or worst case, block it completely.

When should a catalytic converter be replaced?

The expected lifespan of a catalytic converter is usually between 70,000 and 100,000 miles. Regular maintenance and checks (including an MOT) will determine whether you need to replace your converter or if it’s good to go for a few more miles.

How you drive, and the typical usage of your car, will affect its lifespan too. Your converter could wear out quicker if your car is predominantly used for short journeys in stop/start traffic. Your converter works better at a required temperature, so if it’s not getting the chance to heat up properly, it isn’t going to be as efficient. This could shorten its effective life.

What are the symptoms of a bad catalytic converter?

Usually, there a few signs you can look for:

  • Significantly reduced engine performance.

  • Dark smoke is coming from the exhaust.

  • Poor fuel efficiency.

  • If you experience issues while accelerating.

  • If you can smell sulfur (rotten eggs) coming from your car.

  • When the ‘check engine’ warning light illuminates.

How often should you replace your catalytic converter?

A catalytic converter will usually need to be replaced after 70,000-100,000 miles, or if you begin to experience any of the above symptoms. Regular maintenance and checks (including an MOT) will determine whether you need to replace your converter or if it’s good to go for a few more miles.

How you drive, and the typical usage of your car, will affect its lifespan too. Your converter could wear out quicker if your car is predominantly used for short journeys in stop/start traffic. Your converter works better at a required temperature, so if it’s not getting the chance to heat up properly, it isn’t going to be as efficient. This could shorten its effective life.

What happens during a catalytic converter replacement?

Our certified mechanics will:

  • Raise your car completely off the ground, making sure that the exhaust has had time to cool down before they begin the replacement.

  • Locate the catalytic converter. It usually looks like a box in the middle of the exhaust system underneath the car.

  • Remove the catalytic converter, inspect it and fit a replacement if necessary

  • Test the new catalytic converter, taking care to double check that the replacement catalytic converter is up to the correct specifications for the vehicle’s emissions standards.

What is the average life of a catalytic converter?

This can vary from car to car and from driver to driver, however the estimated lifespan of a catalytic converter is between 70,000-100,000 miles, or if you begin to experience any of the symptoms previously mentioned.

Can you drive with a broken or missing catalytic converter?

Your car will most likely still be drivable, however bad catalytic converters are terrible for the environment, and driving without one is even worse. A blocked or damaged converter can cause further damage to your car, resulting in a more expensive repair in the long run.

There are strict regulations and laws around vehicle emissions, therefore if you get caught by the police with a broken or missing catalytic converter you may be fined.

What happens if you don't change a broken catalytic converter?

Failing to replace a catalytic converter can result in more damage to your car, poor fuel efficiency and a potential fine from the police. If the converter has begun to function poorly due to it being clogged up, it will cause the vehicle to run extremely poorly.

Need a hand understanding your car needs?

Our in-house experts know cars, our garages and our drivers inside out.

As featured in

The times
Bloomberg
Honestjohn