Why Is The Catalytic Converter Stolen?

Why is the catalytic converter stolen?

Catalyst converter is the core component of automobile exhaust system, which can reduce the harmful pollution of exhaust pipe.

The catalyst converter first appeared on American cars in 1975. Helps to convert hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides(all harmful substances) into water vapor and carbon dioxide(substances we can afford).

In the catalyst converter, the catalyst(platinum, iridium, iridium form) is coated on the ceramic honeycomb on the package of muffler form connecting the exhaust pipe.

Where is the catalytic converter?

The catalyst converter is located at the bottom of the car, in the exhaust system between the exhaust manifold and muffler.

How was the catalytic converter stolen?

Thieves usually slide under the vehicle and use a powerful portable electric saw to cut through the catalyst converter. This electric saw can cut metal at a high speed. The whole process may take less than a minute.

In the past, the automobile maintenance stations that had 2 to 3 such thefts per month reported that such thefts had increased to 5 to 10 per day in the past year or so.

How to judge whether the catalyst converter is stolen

When the catalyst converter is separated, the car or truck will make a loud noise, and the sound will become louder and louder when stepping on the accelerator.

Depending on the vehicle, the engine check light can also be turned on. Most of the latest vehicles are equipped with engine controls, also known as ECM, which are used to monitor various sensors of the engine.

You can see under your car. If you can’t see the catalytic converter, you’ll see someone cut a chunk out of your exhaust system.

What should I do if my converter is stolen?

Phase II: Contact local authorities/police

If the catalytic converter is found to be stolen, it is better to immediately contact the local authority/police, check the nearby cameras, start the investigation, and confirm whether it can help arrest the person or group responsible for the theft. In addition, police reports may be important for obtaining insurance compensation.

Step 2: Contact the insurance company

Depending on your vehicle insurance, your vehicle insurance may include replacing your catalyst converter. If your vehicle is fully insured, you will usually be insured against theft of catalytic converters.

Step 3: Access maintenance personnel

After sales of most automobiles, it will be necessary to weld the market catalyst converter to the automobile exhaust pipe.

The average cost of replacing the catalyst converter is between 500 dollars, including parts and labor, which is expected to reach 2500 dollars. Prices vary according to year, brand and model.

It usually takes 1 to 2 hours to replace a normal catalyst converter.

When installing a new catalytic converter, technicians may be required to add anti-theft devices.

Can you drive without a catalytic converter?

Most vehicles can be driven physically without damaging the vehicle without catalyst converter. However, it may be illegal to drive a vehicle without catalyst converter in your state, and your vehicle may not pass the emission test during the inspection.

How to prevent the catalyst converter from being stolen

1. Park in a well lit area

It is always a good idea to park in the area with as much light as possible. If you have a private garage, shut your car in the garage when you don’t use it.

2. Vibration trigger device

Some of the latest vehicles have security settings that give an alarm when you feel a shock. The sawing of the catalyst converter is sufficient to trigger this alarm. After Market notifications can also be installed on most vehicles at a low price.

3. The license plate number is engraved on the catalyst converter

In this way, the catalyst converter can be identified by law enforcement agencies. The idea is that if you see a thief who has been detected, you can move to a more easy target. Some community police cooperated with local car repair shops to sponsor etching activities. You can contact the local engineer to confirm whether this service is provided.

4. Monitor videos around the garage or driveway

If the budget is adequate, it is also useful to set up video surveillance around the garage or driveway. Most thieves will automatically leave when they see the camera.

5. “Metal cage/steel shield”

The removal of the steel guard installed on the catalyst converter requires time and additional tools.

Cage made of steel bars or other high-strength steel difficult to cut

Stainless steel cable welded to the lathe on the catalyst converter.

If the converter is welded in place, disassembly will become more difficult.