* Before the muffler, in the exhaust system: This is the most common location. You'll typically find it underneath the vehicle, near the engine's exhaust manifold, and before the muffler. It's often a cylindrical or oval-shaped metal canister.
* Integrated into the exhaust manifold: Some newer vehicles have the catalytic converter integrated directly into the exhaust manifold to improve efficiency. This makes it harder to spot as it's part of the manifold itself.
To find it on *your* specific vehicle, I recommend:
* Consulting your owner's manual: This is the best resource. The manual will have diagrams showing the location of major components, including the catalytic converter.
* Searching online: A quick image search for "[your vehicle year, make, and model] catalytic converter location" will often yield pictures and diagrams showing its placement.
* Looking under your car: (Use caution and jack it up safely if necessary, never work under a car held up only by a jack!) Look for a heat-resistant metal canister in the exhaust system, often somewhere near the middle or toward the front of the vehicle.
Remember safety first. Exhaust systems get extremely hot, so never touch them while the engine is running or recently running. If you're unsure where it is, it's best to consult a mechanic.
