Understanding Vehicle Emission Standards
Where your vehicle is registered will determine what type of MagnaFlow catalytic converter you’re legally permitted to purchase, install and use.
To learn more about government regulations around emission standards in California, Colorado, Maine, New York or all other states (Federal), please see the following external sources:
California emission standards
Colorado emission standards
Maine emission standards
New York emission standards
Federal emission standards
For an in-depth review of how to confirm which catalytic converter you need if you live in California, Colorado, Maine or New York, please review the following information.
FEDERAL VS. CARB
California car? California vehicle? California emissions vehicle? California certified emissions vehicle? California Air Resources Board (CARB) vehicle? No matter how you say it, this phrase means different things to different people. For those of you in the repair field or looking to get the correct converter for your vehicle, it has come to define our world.
The most important takeaway is to recognize that a vehicle meeting the stricter California standards from the factory has a catalytic converter, as well as other emission components on it, that is designed to meet those tougher standards. Therefore it is important to maintain the integrity of the system. In order to do that, you have to know what emission standard the vehicle is designed to meet and what components make up that system.
So how does a technician, retail counter person or vehicle owner retrieve this information? It can be found on the Vehicle Emission Control Information (VECI) label located in the engine compartment. Typically it will be located on the strut tower, radiator support, or on the underside of the hood. This label contains information about the emissions systems and components of that specific vehicle along with a statement referring to the standards to which that vehicle conforms. Refer to this information to help choose the proper catalytic converter for the vehicle.
INTERPRETING THE INFORMATION
The regulatory statement will indicate whether the vehicle conforms to EPA (Federal) or California (CARB) standards or both EPA and CARB (aka 50 State). As a side note, any label that has the phrase LEV (Low Emission Vehicle) in it conforms to California standards. Some examples are LEV, ULEV, SULEV, NLEV or TLEV to name a few. Any vehicle that meets CARB standards automatically meets EPA. The reverse however is not true.
Example of a CARB/50 State Vehicle VECI:
There are some differences between California, Colorado and New York regulations and Maine's version of these rules. California for instance does not distinguish between federal and CARB standard vehicles.
If the vehicle is registered in California, Colorado or New York, it requires a CARB certified converter. These converters are labeled with an Executive Order (EO) number that verifies it has been approved for sale and/or installation in California, Colorado or New York.
Maine however has indicated that they will allow non-CARB certified converters to be installed on vehicles that only meet the Federal or EPA standard, or if the year of the vehicle is 2000 or older.
Example of a Federal/EPA Vehicle VECI:
It is important to maintain the integrity of the original equipment systems on their vehicles. This does not necessarily mean using only OE parts, but it does mean using parts that are manufactured to perform equally as well. When it comes to tailpipe emissions, each vehicle is required to meet a specific standard as defined by the Federal Test Procedure (FTP). The emission systems on that vehicle were designed to accomplish that task.
Replacing the components of these systems with the proper parts is essential in maintaining the integrity of those systems and CARB regulations are designed to aid us in accomplishing the desired result. Using a replacement component not designed for the specific vehicle may cause unwanted problems such as illuminated MIL (Malfunction Indicator Light also referred to as "Check Engine Light"), drivability problem or failed emissions test.
MagnaFlow is dedicated to providing timely information concerning all changes within our industry. Technical or regulatory, if it applies to our business and our customers, we want to be your source for the latest information.