Which cars are least likely to have catalytic converter stolen? Theft of catalytic converters is a frustrating issue that could set you back hundreds of dollars to fix. You can lower your risks by becoming familiar with how these crooks work. You depend on your automobile to get about if you’re like most drivers. And if you’re like most people, you want to save the environment while keeping your car in good shape for as long as possible.
Auto parts like catalytic converters are crucial for lowering hazardous emissions. Unfortunately, thieves also target catalytic converters because they may steal expensive metals and resell them on the black market. If you’re seeking to purchase a vehicle, you should choose one with a low risk of having its catalytic converter stolen. Thus, in this article, we’ll be discussing which cars are least likely to have a catalytic converter stolen.
So, let’s dive in!
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Which cars are least likely to have catalytic converter stolen
The least probable makes of cars to be targeted include those from Jeep, Chrysler, Ford, Dodge, Chevrolet, Nissan, Mazda, Subaru, and Hyundai. These vehicles are less valuable to steal because they utilize smaller catalytic converters that contain fewer precious metals.
Additionally limiting the amount of precious metals utilized in the converter designs are Nissan, Mazda, Subaru, and Hyundai. Some of them employ a different kind of converter called a “bead converter,” which is useless to thieves.
Because they are placed close to the engine rather than at the tail end of the exhaust system, converters in some cars are less likely to be stolen. Similar to some Honda models, European vehicles like Volkswagen, BMW, and Audi feature such designs.
Prior to 1974, catalytic converters were optional; however, once emissions regulations tightened, they became required. Since electric vehicles don’t emit any emissions, they also don’t need converters. As all diesel-powered vehicles lack precious metals in their converters, they are all included on the safe list.
Trucks and SUVs, particularly the Toyota Tacoma, Honda CRV, and Ford F-250, are the vehicles that converter hunters find to be the most alluring. Their converters are close to the edge, and the large clearance makes it simple to maneuver an instrument underneath the automobile.
Due to the greater criteria for cleaning emissions in hybrid vehicles like the Toyota Prius, their converters are more expensive and frequently stolen.
More metals are found inside the catalytic converters of older vehicles built after 1974, including high-end models like Lamborghinis and Ferraris. They are difficult to obtain because they are seldom seen outside of private parking lots and have little clearance.
Which cars Have the Easiest Catalytic Converters to Steal?
The list of automobiles and trucks with the highest number of catalytic converter crimes is as follows:
- 1985-2021 Ford F-Series
- 1989-2020 Honda Accord
- 2007-17 Jeep Patriot
- 1990-2022 Ford Econoline
- 1999-2021 Chevrolet Silverado
- 2005-21 Chevrolet Equinox
- 1997-2020 Honda CR-V
- 1987-2019 Toyota Camry
- 2011-17 Chrysler 200
- 2001-21 Toyota Prius
Last but not least, criminals can target vehicles that are left in the same spot at the same time every day. letting them know that nobody is nearby to stop them. You may help prevent this theft from happening to your car by becoming aware of the vulnerabilities it may have.
Why do thieves steal catalytic converters?
A converter’s purpose is to purify the engine’s harmful exhaust fumes. It is often found beneath the car before the muffler for the exhaust system. Inside a converter with a microscopic cell structure are two ceramic blocks. Palladium, rhodium, and platinum are the precious metals used to cover the sidewalls of cells. Nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide, two hot gases, pass through the cells and interact with the metal surfaces there. The metals stimulate the breakdown and recombination of toxic chemicals, releasing nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide deeper into the exhaust pipe.
Precious metals on the global market increased in price by two to three times during the Covid lockdowns. Converters got increasingly expensive as their prices increased, whether they were new or old. Since palladium costs about $2000 per ounce and recently hit about $3000, it is the most desirable metal to thieves. Even more expensive than gold is palladium. A converter typically includes 0.1 ounces of palladium and may be purchased for $300 on the illicit market.
How to avoid catalytic converter theft?
If you would like, you can put an alarm that vibrates to sound or a security mechanism that makes it more difficult to remove the converter.
Ask your mechanic to engrave your license plate number on the converter if you want to go the additional mile. Since recycling centers will report tagged converters to the authorities, this etching aids investigators in the event that the converter is recovered and might deter thieves.
Related Article
- Do Diesel Engines Have Catalytic Converters?
- Symptoms Of a Bad or Clogged Catalytic Converter
- How to clean a catalytic converter
- How to prevent catalytic converter theft
- Catalytic converter replacement cost (part and labor prices)
- What you need to know about catalytic converter theft
Watch the video below to learn more
FAQs
What cars are least targeted for catalytic converters?
- Cars Built Before 1974.
- Cars With Low Ground Clearance.
- Non-Hybrid American and Asian Models.
- Models With Diesel Catalytic Converters.
- Newer Models With The Converter In The Engine.
- Electric cars.
What cars are most likely to have catalytic converters stolen?
- Ford Explorer.
- Ford Econoline.
- Honda CR-V.
- Toyota Tacoma.
- Ford F Series Truck.
- Subaru Forester.
- Toyota Camry.
- Nissan NV.
Are Toyota Corolla catalytic converters stolen?
Because they are so simple to steal, catalytic converters are frequently stolen. The catalytic converter on the Corolla is typically tougher to access, but many other cars have readily accessible, visibly exposed catalytic converters that may be removed in a matter of minutes by a skilled thief.
Are Camry catalytic converters stolen?
The Toyota Camry is among the vehicles with the highest risk of having their catalytic converters stolen, and regrettably, anything may happen.
What cars have the highest-paying catalytic converters?
Ferrari F430 $7540, Lamborghini Aventador $6240, Ram 2500 $3460 Ford F-250 $2804, and Ford But are mostly found in the $1,500 range.
How do I protect my catalytic converter from being stolen?
Use a locked garage, regularly shift your car’s place, or park in well-lit areas close to exits for the general public. Install a theft-prevention device. Install cameras and motion-activated lights in your parking area. To discourage purchasers, paint your catalytic converter; some local police agencies even provide complimentary painting services.
What is the hardest car to steal?
- 2023 Tesla Model X.
- 2023 Audi A4.
- 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan.
- 2023 Hyundai Tucson.
- 2023 Tesla Model 3.
- 2012 Lexus HS 250H.
- 2023 Audi A6 4WD.
- 2023 Tesla Model Y.
Are Honda Civic catalytic converters stolen?
Theft of catalytic converters has increased over the past few years, and Honda Civics are among the most often targeted vehicles. The National Insurance Crime Bureau reports that the theft of catalytic converters rose by 326% in 2020 and by a further 353% in 2021.
That’s all for this article where we discussed Which cars are least likely to have catalytic converter stolen? Hope it was helpful. If so, kindly share. Thanks for reading.
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