vehicleclassics.com

Protecting Your Car From Catalytic Converter Theft

Even though your vehicle’s exhaust system performs an important job, few drivers give it much thought until one of the parts fails. Your muffler, sensors, manifold, and tailpipe are all susceptible to failure, but can continue doing their respective jobs for years. A new trend has emerged over the past few years which is driving motorists to their local repair garages. Catalytic converters have become the popular target of thieves.

Below, I’ll explain why this component has become a favorite item for the unscrupulous. We’ll also take a look at who is most vulnerable to having it stolen. Lastly, I’ll provide a few tips for minimizing the danger.

Why Thieves Steal This Component

Catalytic converters are manufactured from a variety of materials. Among them are precious metals such as rhodium and palladium. In the same way that gold prices fluctuate, so too, do the prices for an ounce of rhodium and palladium. For example, an ounce of platinum (another precious metal found in this part) often commands prices above $1,000 an ounce.

Thieves realize this. They know that stripping this part can fetch up to $150 from scrapyards and $300 from various metal buyers. What’s more, with a few tools (i.e. a pry bar, reciprocating saw, and a sturdy jack), stealing it can be accomplished quickly and easily. With little risk and a potentially high financial reward, thieves are swiping them from vehicles in broad daylight. Unfortunately, replacing a single catalytic converter can cost several hundreds of dollars.

Who Is At Risk?

Every vehicle is at risk, especially those which use more than one catalytic converter. That said, SUVs and trucks tend to be targeted more often by bandits. The reason is twofold. First, SUVs and trucks are often higher off the ground than sedans. Second, the parts and systems are often less crowded. As a result, there is more room for thieves to maneuver under the vehicle which makes it easier for them to strip the cat.

It’s worth emphasizing that although trucks and SUVs are targeted more often, it is relatively easy to remove this part from any vehicle, even sedans.

How To Prevent Theft

There’s no foolproof way to secure a catalytic converter and rebuff every attempt to steal it. But, there are preventative steps you can take to make your car, truck, or SUV a less appealing target for bandits. For example, try to park your vehicle in a garage overnight. When you’re forced to park outside, try to do so in an area that has plenty of light and traffic. A thief is less likely to spend a few minutes under your car if he (or she) is exposed to other drivers. Also, consider investing in an alarm system that is triggered through a shock or motion sensor.

As long as catalytic converters are manufactured with precious metals and are easy to remove, they will be the target of thieves. By taking a few preventative measures, you can help ensure your cat stays attached to your vehicle.