Which Cars Are Most Likely to Have Catalytic Converters Stolen?

Most automobile house owners are common with autos being stolen for a variety of elements including rims, alternators, transmissions, and compressors. But a single element that several are not conscious of is the catalytic converter. The rise and theft of catalytic converters from 19 2019 to 2020 was about 325%, according to the Nationwide Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). But what vehicles are much more likely to have catalytic converters stolen? And why do robbers steal this certain part?

car and road dividerWhat Is A Catalytic Converter?

Catalytic converters are found on the base of your vehicle and run along the exhaust method. They are created of a variety of metals, and by means of a variety of chemical reactions, aid transform toxic fumes this kind of as nitric oxide and carbon monoxide into much less damaging vapors and gasses..

These considerably less toxic gasses are then transferred out of the vehicle through the exhaust pipe. Each and every modern day automobile is outfitted with a catalytic converter and some autos (this sort of as the Ford F150) even have two catalytic converters.

Catalytic Converter Close up
Image Credit: Ulianenko Dmitrii, Pixabay

Which Cars Are Most Likely to Have Catalytic Converters Stolen?

Some automobile can make and versions are at enhanced danger of getting their catalytic converters stolen. Listed here are the most common kinds focused.

Pickup Trucks and SUVs

Tall cars this sort of as SUVs and pickup trucks are frequently specific since they have larger catalytic converters and they are usually far more handy to steal because of to the height of these cars. Some of these cars also have substantial-price converters (that have a higher resale worth), generating them more appealing. Widespread cars focused contain the Ford F150, Toyota 4Runner, and Toyota Tacoma.

Low-Emissions Cars

Cars that have low emissions are also targets of catalytic converter theft due to the high quality of the converter and the higher filtration abilities of these autos. The converters in these vehicles are typically manufactured of valuable metals such as palladium, rhodium, and platinum, which can outcome in large earnings in chop outlets and scrap yards.

Vehicles in this group frequently include hybrid cars these kinds of as the Toyota Prius (which is one particular of the most significant targets of catalytic converter theft), Nissan Rogue, Hyundai Sonata, and Honda CR-V.

Honda CR-V 1.5 Turbo
Honda CR-V 1.5 Turbo (Image Credit: Alex Neman, Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 4.0)

Routine Car Parking

Routinely parked vehicles are also frequent targets of catalytic conversion theft. If you regularly leave your vehicle in a certain room, this kind of as an uncovered garage or out on the road, it may have a larger possibility of getting qualified for theft.

This is also more very likely to occur if you adhere to a particular timetable through most of the week for school or function. So, it is ideal to just take observe of your driving and parking behavior if you think that your vehicle will be specific.

Why Are Catalytic Converters Stolen?

There are various causes why robbers could concentrate on your vehicle for its converter. Below are the major ones.

Precious Metals

The metals used in many catalytic converters have a quite large resale price. These beneficial elements are normally the major fascination for catalytic converter thieves. They can remove the converters, disassemble the metal pieces, and then resell them to unscrupulous vehicle dealers, chop shops, and metallic resellers for anyplace from $fifty to $five hundred for each converter.

Quick Access

The area of catalytic converters also can make them a primary target for automobile theft. Unlike thieving tires or rims, catalytic converters can be removed without obtaining to shift the motor vehicle or complete extensive labor. They are also located beneath the taxi of automobiles which makes it possible for burglars to stealthily dissemble them in minutes without attracting significantly attention.

Aftermarket Converters Are Much Cheaper

Yet another cause why robbers go for catalytic converters is their aftermarket price and resell ability. A brand new catalytic converter can cost anywhere in between $600 and $1,800, relying on the make and model of your motor vehicle. Thieves know that catalytic converters will typically promote even if they are taken from older vehicles–which is why junkyards and scrap outlets normally have them in big provide.

How To Prevent Your Car’s Catalytic Converter From Being Stolen

There are a amount of ways that you can reduce the chance that a car’s catalytic converter will be stolen–and some of them won’t price you something.

Catalytic Converter
Image Credit: Ulianenko Dmitrii, Shutterstock

Be Diligent About Parking

If feasible, try to park your vehicle in a safe location this sort of as a garage, carport, or covered garage that has a stability guard. Many car burglars are basically opportunists that look for automobiles sitting in open up spaces with not a lot road exercise.

If you do park on the avenue, attempt to choose an region that is effectively-lit and has a lot of every day traffic. Also, attempt not to park in the same location or space each and every time you go to function or school–mix factors up.

Get An Alarm

It could seem to be apparent, but possessing an successful auto alarm can help avert your catalytic converter from currently being stolen. Thieves who have their eyes on your vehicle are considerably less very likely to follow by means of with making an attempt to take away the converter if they see a blinking alarm light within the car.

Also, they’ll require to physically saw by means of the metallic on the converter to remove it from the exhaust technique. The vibrations to the car will normally trigger the car’s alarm to sound off, which is a very powerful deterrent.

Car Alarm
Image Credit: Pixabay

Install An Anti-Theft Device

You can also avert your converter from getting stolen by merely setting up an anti-theft system on your automobile. There are a few diverse choices to select from such as metal shields, thick metallic cables that weld the converter to the frame of the car, rebar cages, and personalized converter alternatives. The price for these units will fluctuate but could be really worth the money if you have a automobile that is frequently qualified for its converter.

car and road dividerConclusion

Don't forget that no anti-theft plan is one-hundred-% foolproof. However, it is constantly greater to be diligent when it will come to parking and making use of your automobile alarm regularly. And notice that you can also acquire vehicle insurance policy that will go over the value to change the theft of your catalytic converter.

Sources

Highlighted Graphic Credit score: Ulianenko Dmitrii, Shutterstock

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