Catalytic converter thefts have risen by over 400% compared to 2020!
Contents
What Cars are Targeted for Catalytic Converter Theft?
Speaking of which, what is a catalytic converter? Why are thieves targeting this car part?
What is a Catalytic Converter?
According to Wikipedia, the catalytic converter is an exhaust emission control device that converts toxic gases and pollutants in exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine into less-toxic pollutants by catalyzing a redox reaction.
Why Are Catalytic Converters Being Stolen?
Because in a Catalytic Converter, precious metals like platinum, rhodium, and palladium are used to complete the process. There are different reasons why thieves steal them more than any other part of your vehicle.
1. Price:
Actually, the catalytic converter is one of the most valuable components in the vehicle. As mentioned, it consists of precious metals, and thieves steal them for their value.
2. Lightweight:
The catalytic converter is not significant, and it is light, making it very easy for thieves to carry it without being noticed.
3. Easy to take out:
The Catalytic Converter is in an area that is very easy to access. Which makes it really easy for thieves to take it out with a handheld power saw to cut around it without damaging it and without people noticing.
What should you do if your catalytic converter is stolen?
First, you must immediately notify your local authorities after discovering that your converter has been stolen. Then the authorities can use their tools to identify the potential thief.
After informing the authorities, you must inform your insurance company by calling them and describing what happened. Then, check with them if they will cover catalytic converter theft.
After you have informed both the authorities and your insurance company, you must install a new catalytic converter. Take your vehicle to your local mechanic and have them replace it.
Can your car run without the Catalytic Converter?
Yes, you can. However, you will face the following troubles:
- One of the first things you may notice immediately if your car doesn’t have the catalytic converter is a weird, loud, roaring noise. It will not prevent you from driving your car, but it is incredibly annoying.
- Without a catalytic converter, your vehicle will run rough, and your vehicle’s behavior changes noticeably, especially your acceleration; it’d be uneven.
- As a vehicle owner, you surely know about the annual emission test, and well without a catalytic converter, you will fail the emission test. If you fail, you must install a new catalytic converter, so no harmful gases get to the environment.
- The prominent role of a catalytic converter in a car is to convert harmful gases into less harmful emissions, and if your vehicle makes harmful gasses, not only you but other people around you will be in danger. It is also required by the United States law.
- If you drive without a catalytic converter, you may receive a serious, $250 fine. We say “may” because it does not apply to vehicles whose catalytic converters are stolen. However, you must prove to authorities that your catalytic converter was stolen, and you have to replace it as soon as possible. If it’s been proven that you are delaying replacing your catalytic converter, you may receive the fine.
Which cars are targeted for Catalytic Converter theft in the US?
1.Toyota Prius
According to experts, Toyota Prius is the vehicle with the most catalytic converter thefts because, in this car, the largest amounts of precious metals are used. A Toyota Prius converter could make at least $700 at junkyards only.
I bet they can make much more money when selling it in other locations. Unfortunately, Toyota Prius owners who had their catalytic converter stolen had to pay $2000 to install a new one.
2. SUVs & Trucks
Generally, SUVs and trucks are also targeted for catalytic converter thefts. SUVs and Trucks are typically raised above the ground, so it’s easy for thieves to sneak underneath and take the converter out without any problem.
3.Other cars
Mercedes-Benz and different Honda vehicles are also targeted the most. Just because your car is not among these, it doesn’t mean that you are safe.
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What Cars Are Targeted for Catalytic Converter Theft in the UK?
In the UK, Toyota and Honda cars are at risk of catalytic converter theft due to the fact that they contain the most significant portions of the precious metal in them and are more likely to preserve the converters.
To be more specific, the following cars are slightly more targeted for catalytic converter theft in the UK.
- Toyota Prius
- Toyota Auris
- Honda Jazz
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How to protect yourself from catalytic converter thefts?
The first thing that is recommended is safety features. Manufacturers and automotive experts say protective devices will lower catalytic converter theft attempts.
However, we must inform you that some of these devices are very expensive. So, check whether it’s worth installing or not.
A car alarm can be beneficial, and it isn’t as expensive. Some specific types of alarms target vibrations and can be very effective.
If someone tries to steal your catalytic converter, your vehicle will immediately activate the alarm and scare away the thief.
One thing you can do for free is to think about a safe parking spot. Experts recommend parking your car in:
- Bright areas like under streetlights.
- Areas were as busy as the parking lots of Walmart.
- Locations where security cameras are installed.
Why Catalytic Converter thefts have been increasing over the years?
The catalytic converter contains palladium, a precious metal, which plays a crucial role in the catalytic converter filtering system. By the year 2018, the price of palladium was about $1000 an ounce.
In 2022 palladium will be worth $2,372 per ounce. The thieves would remove the palladium lining on the exhaust and sell it to unsuspecting buyers.
Also, the pandemic has been a great help to thieve recently. Because of the reduced foot traffic during thieves who feel less likely to be caught to steal with ease, they just a few minutes to see the catalytic converter out of your car and leave you with thousands of dollars in damage.
