Catalytic Converter Theft: How to prevent this costly and unexpected crime
Written by: Michael Hernandez | March 12, 2021
When thinking about vehicle repair services, most people aren’t considering what their next comprehensive or collision damage claim will be, and that’s for a very simple reason—they hope it never happens. Unfortunately, comprehensive claims do happen more often than we’d like and lately, one has been happening at a growing rate and that is the theft of your vehicle’s catalytic converter.
Fortunately, there are a number of things that can be done as preventative measures to help protect you from this unexpected act of crime. If you’re not an auto repair specialist like us, do not worry; Our purpose for writing this article is no different than the one we value at our shop—it’s to provide you with peace of mind.
So before we jump into it, let’s define the issue with a real life story.
The Late-Night Catalytic Surgery
A local woman and her daughter had a tough introduction to this rising crime trend affecting motorists all over the nation. The vehicle-owner’s daughter had parked her 2009 Toyota Prius in the street outside their home about two weeks ago.
When she started the car the next morning, the strange engine noise showed something was wrong. Thinking at first that it was mechanical failure, she soon learned that a thief had cut away the catalytic converter and taken it for some unknown reason. This was a crime she and her family hadn’t heard of before. She also found that her family was far from alone.
Hello Precious Metal
Catalytic converter thefts are not new, but throughout the state and nation, that act that many never expect, has been increasing due to the value of precious metals in these devices designed to prevent or reduce excess pollutants from being emitted from vehicles into the atmosphere. Equipped with nothing more than a flashlight and a battery-powered saw, a thief can yank a converter from your vehicle’s exhaust in less than two minutes.
What Can I Do To Protect My Catalytic Converter?
Consider these tips to help protect your car from catalytic converter theft:
- When possible, park in well-lit areas and close to building entrances.
- If you have a garage at your house, park your car inside and keep the garage door shut.
- Have the catalytic converter welded to your car’s frame, which may make it harder to steal.
- At Bill’s Quality Auto Care, we’ll even engrave your vehicle’s VIN number so there is no mistake when identifying your missing catalytic converter.