Catalytic Converter
The car Catalytic Converter reduces harmful emissions from the engine’s exhaust by converting them into less harmful gases.
A car Catalytic Converter is important because it helps to reduce harmful emissions from the engine and prevent air pollution.
The car Catalytic Converter is operating whenever the engine is running and has reached operating temperature.
The car Catalytic Converter is located in the exhaust system, between the engine and the muffler.
A car Catalytic Converter works by using a catalyst to convert harmful exhaust gases into less harmful ones through a chemical reaction.
Catalytic converter theft has become an increasingly common problem in recent years. In 2022, according to the public data company BeenFound, “cat” thefts were up 540% over all of 2020 with over 150,000 being stolen! Why are they so popular? Many catalytic converters contain precious metals such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium, which thieves can sell for a significant profit. And while a thief may make a few hundred dollars on their bounty, it can cost you thousands of dollars to replace, and the process of replacing it can be time-consuming and inconvenient as not all insurance companies will cover the loss. Fortunately, there are several steps car owners can take to deter catalytic converter thefts though completely preventing a determined thief is near impossible.
- Park in well-lit areas and garages: Thieves are less likely to target a car parked in a well-lit area or parking garage because they are more likely to be seen. Park in areas that are well-lit and visible to the public.
- Put a security sticker on your windshield: Thieves are typically looking for the easiest/lowest barrier to thievery so if they think your car is outfitted with an alarm, there is a greater chance they will turn to the car next to yours.
- Install motion sensor lights: Motion sensor lights can scare off potential thieves by illuminating the area around your car.
- Invest in a car alarm or up the sensitivity on your alarm: A car alarm can alert you and others in the area if someone attempts to steal your catalytic converter. Ensure the sensitivity is set to alert if anything on the vehicle is touched/tampered with especially if you can’t always park in safer areas.
- Engrave the catalytic converter with your VIN: Etching a unique identification number on the catalytic converter can make it easier to identify if it is stolen.
- Use an anti-theft device or a cover: There are several anti-theft devices available that can help deter catalytic converter theft. For example, a catalytic converter lock can make it more difficult for thieves to remove the component. A cover can also be placed over the converter and while thieves can cut through them fairly quickly if two cars are next to each other and one has a cover and the other doesn’t….which is going first?
