Beware car thieves. Specifically, beware catalytic converter thieves.
Say What? Catalytic Converter Theft is a Real Thing
There are no visible signs that your converter has been stolen, but you’ll definitely notice it when you try to start your car. Your engine will sound like a Harley Davidson, with a deep loud roar to the engine. If you’ve ever wanted a car that sounded like a hot rod, you’ll have it now. It will also make halting movements like the gas is not getting into the engine.
Why People Steal Catalytic Converters
Catalytic converters use precious metals like platinum, palladium or rhodium, and that is what makes them so valuable to a car thief.
Stealing a converter is quick and easy. Many thieves have bragged that they can remove the equipment in under two minutes. Thefts often occur anywhere a car is exposed—driveways, parking garages and even shopping malls. SUVs and trucks are targeted most because the converters are bigger and they’re easier to remove from these vehicle types.
Typically, the converters can be sold to a metal recycling business and the thief can get anywhere from $20 to $200 for the haul. Many recyclers turn a blind eye to people bringing these catalytic converters in to sell. Why? Because the recycling business can extract the metal and resell it for thousands of dollars, in some cases.
Why Catalytic Converter Theft is so Bad
Well, first, it’s theft. Somebody took something that belonged to you.
Even worse, catalytic converters are legally required, so their theft can get you in trouble. In the 1970s, all American cars were required to have catalytic converters to reduce harmful emissions. Basically, the converter reduces these air pollutants before they leave the car’s exhaust system, and your car is not considered legal for driving without it.
The car owner is left holding the bag. It will likely cost you $1,000 or more to replace the stolen converter. Sometimes, thieves do damage to the electrical wiring or fuel line and that can cost even more. This can also be a dangerous situation, and you shouldn’t drive the car. If you suspect your converter has been stolen, it might be best to have it towed to an auto mechanic for repair.
Preventing Catalytic Converter Theft
Car dealers say they get calls all the time with customers needing a replacement converter because theirs was stolen. Is there any way to prevent these thefts? Certainly! Some mechanics advise the car owner to weld the bolt heads of the converter—that way, it won’t come off. There are also aftermarket theft protection products like cages you can buy; these devices prolong the time the thief needs to steal the converter. More time is definitely a deterrent. These products can be installed at home if you have the right specialized tools, but the installation is probably best left to a mechanic.
When something goes wrong involving your car, call us. If we can’t fix it ourselves, we can point you to who can.
