catalytic converter theft

What you need to know about catalytic converter theft

According to recent data, catalytic converter theft is increasing across the nation. Catalytic converters are pollution-control devices that contain precious metals that are in higher demand due to vehicle emissions regulations, and thieves are slipping under vehicles to steal them. With a battery-powered saw, catalytic converter removal takes only a few minutes. They are thereafter sold to scrap recyclers for a few hundred dollars. Your vehicle will make a roaring noise that becomes louder as you press the gas pedal if your catalytic converter has been stolen. When you accelerate, it can also create a sputtering sound. Exhaust smells can also get worse. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, replacing a catalytic converter can cost between $1,500 and $5,000. Also, insurance could not pay for it.

Catalytic converter

Well, in this article, we’ll be discussing the answers to the following questions:

  • Why do thieves target catalytic converters?
  • How much does a catalytic converter worth?
  • What are the most targeted vehicles by catalytic converter thieves?
  • How to prevent catalytic converter theft?

Read more: Understanding catalytic converter

Ok, let’s dive in!

Contents

Why do thieves target catalytic converters?

In catalytic converters, palladium, platinum, and rhodium are the three precious metals that are present. A converter can be stolen from a car and sold on the black market for scrap metal. Depending on the vehicle model, the resale price might range from $100 to $500 for a catalytic converter in a car and from $500 to $1,500 for one in a van or truck. Although there has long been a problem with catalytic converter theft, it has recently gotten worse. This is due to a considerable increase in the price of the precious metals contained therein, with some of them even quadrupling in value over the previous three years.

catalytic converter theft

2 more of these precious metals are needed to make catalytic converters function more efficiently as more automobiles strive to meet stricter pollution regulations. This has increased demand for the metals inside, driving up the price of those metals recently. While a thief can make a decent profit on this one component, replacing it would cost the owner of the vehicle far more. You can be looking at a cost between $1,500 and $2,500 depending on the model of your car and the catalytic converter you choose as a replacement.

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How much does a catalytic converter worth?

A catalytic converter’s worth may range from $800 to $1200. The amount of dangerous compounds that cars produce is reduced thanks to catalytic converters, which are found between the engine and the muffler. They contain valuable precious metals. According to the insurance crime bureau, the value of these metals per ounce has risen and is currently averaging: rhodium: $10,700; palladium: $1,568; platinum: $1,010. Catalytic converter theft is covered by comprehensive insurance. If you reside in a high-risk region or own a car that is frequently targeted, you should acquire comprehensive insurance or think about raising your deductible.

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What are the most targeted vehicles by catalytic converter thieves?

CARFAX recently performed deep-dive research in the United States to determine which automobiles were the most frequently targeted by catalytic converter thieves the previous year. The following is a list of the cars catalytic converter thieves target the most according to CARFAX:

RankModelMake
1FORDF SERIES TRUCK
2HONDAACCORD
3TOYOTAPRIUS
4HONDACR-V
5FORDEXPLORER
6FORDECONOLINE
7CHEVROLETEQUINOX
8CHEVROLETSILVERADO
9TOYOTATACOMA
10CHEVROLETCRUZE

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How to prevent catalytic converter theft?

How to prevent catalytic converter theft

If you’re really worried about your car’s catalytic converter being stolen, you should attempt one or all of the methods listed below to try to prevent it:

  • Park in well-lit areas or secure garages. Install security cameras and motion-activated lights if you park in your driveway. Park close to the entrance in public parking lots and garages.
  • Put your phone number and vehicle’s VIN inscribed on the catalytic converter. This may help law enforcement in tracking down and identifying the stolen component. Find local catalytic converter marking events that are open to the public.
  • Install an alarm—either one that protects the entire vehicle or just the catalytic converter—or turn up the sensitivity of your car alarm to receive a warning if someone tampers with your vehicle.
  • Add a steel plate or cage as a catalytic converter anti-theft device.
  • Place a security sticker on your windshield. A sticker indicating that your car has an alarm system may deter thieves.
  • Spray high-temperature automotive paint on your catalytic converter. It can warn scrap recyclers to watch out for VIN etchings.
  • Inform the police and your insurance provider about the theft. Statistics can be used to support legislation that makes it more difficult for thieves to steal catalytic converters.

The fact is that there is no foolproof method to stop catalytic converter theft. Nonetheless, deterrents can delay theft. While some of them are pricey, replacing your catalytic converter is often more expensive.

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Catalytic converter theft FAQs

Why do people steal a catalytic converter?

The primary driving force behind catalytic converter thieves is money. Platinum, palladium, and rhodium are some of the most expensive mined elements, according to Mining Technology News.

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What catalytic converter cars are most likely to be stolen?

The following are cars that their catalytic converter are most likely to be stolen

  • Ford E-Series.
  • Toyota Prius.
  • Honda Accord.
  • Chevrolet Silverado.
  • Ford Explorer.
  • Chevrolet Equinox.
  • Honda CR-V.
  • Ford F-150.

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How do you stop a catalytic converter theft?

Here are a few ways to stop catalytic converter theft:

  • Install a catalytic converter anti-theft device. A catalytic converter replacement is substantially more expensive than purchasing a cable-locking device.
  • Paint your catalytic converter.
  • Set an alarm or a camera to catch the thieves.
  • Check your auto insurance.

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Which car has the most expensive catalytic converter?

Ferrari F430

The Ferrari F430 is not a cheap car, as you might expect, so all of its parts are extremely pricey, including the catalytic converter. The catalytic converter for the F430 costs upwards of $3,700, making it incredibly expensive.

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Why Toyota catalytic converters are stolen?

Because the Priuses is a hybrid car, mechanics claim that it is a target because its catalytic converters have more unused valuable metals. Although there is no assurance, shields and etching the VIN number on the catalytic converter can serve as theft deterrents.

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How do I know if my catalytic converter is stolen?

When you start the engine, you’ll be able to detect that your catalytic converter was stolen even though you can’t tell by looking at your vehicle. Your car will produce a loud roaring sound when the catalytic converter has been removed, and the sound will increase louder as you press the gas pedal.

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How long does it take to steal a catalytic converter?

The fact that the catalytic converter is placed underneath the car makes it simple for thieves to steal the device. With the right equipment, thieves can steal a catalytic converter in about two minutes and make a tidy profit by selling it.

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Do all cars have a catalytic converter?

They play a crucial role in the exhaust system of your car by lowering the emissions of dangerous compounds. Catalytic converters are necessary for all vehicles manufactured after 1974 in order to transform these pollutants into less damaging compounds before they exit your vehicle’s exhaust system.

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How much is a catalytic converter worth?

A catalytic converter’s worth may range from $800 to $1200.

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What happens to catalytic converter thieves?

More priceless metals than gold are found in catalytic converters, including platinum, rhodium, and palladium. When a part is stolen, thieves sell it to a recycler or scrap yard for money.

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Why is a catalytic converter so valuable?

It transforms the toxic pollutants produced by internal combustion engines into less harmful emissions. Around the middle of the 1970s, they made their debut in vehicles before being put elsewhere.

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That is all for this article, where the answers to the following questions have been discussed:

  • Why do thieves target catalytic converters?
  • How much does a catalytic converter worth?
  • What are the most targeted vehicles by catalytic converter thieves?
  • How to prevent catalytic converter theft?

I hope you learn a lot from the reading. If you do, kindly share it with others. Thanks for reading; see you around!