6 Ways to Protect Your Car from Catalytic Converter Theft

A catalytic converter can be removed within minutes and sold to make fast cash. If you are preparing for a road trip this summer, learn how to protect your car against catalytic converter theft. Angel’s Transmission & Auto Repair shares tips to keep your car safe.

What is a Catalytic Converter?

A catalytic converter is a filter in your car’s exhaust system to reduce harmful emissions: harmful pollutants are converted to harmless gasses. It is located on the underside of gas-powered vehicles and contains many precious metals – like rhodium, platinum, or palladium – that make them valuable to steal and resell. All fuel-powered cars manufactured after 1974 have catalytic converters, but the ones in low-emission vehicles contain the most precious metals. In some rare cases, certified mechanics can replace the catalytic converter if it does not work correctly.

NCIB ranked California in the top 5 states for catalytic converter theft. Catalytic converters are vulnerable because they can be cut off in about three minutes and sold for fast cash. There is no way to track the catalytic converter once it is stolen, and they are expensive to replace.

Targeted Cars for Theft

The cars targeted for catalytic converter theft are hybrid cars, SUVs, and trucks. Forbes highlighted that in 2020 catalytic converter thefts from Toyota Prius skyrocketed to 40 times higher than those reported in 2016. Hybrid cars do not run as hot as non-hybrid vehicles, so their catalytic converters must have more precious metals. Over the years, the mining production of the metals has declined, and the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated it. Catalytic converters can be sold for higher prices.

Here’s the list of top 10 car models targeted in the West:

1. Toyota Prius (models 2001-2021)
2. Ford F-Series Pickup Trucks (models 1985-2021)
3. Honda Accord (models 1989-2020)
4. Ford Econoline (models 1990-2022)
5. Chevrolet Silverado (models 1999-2021)
6. Subaru Outback (models 2007-2020)
7. Jeep Patriot (models 2007-2017)
8. Honda Element (models 2003-2011)
9. Subaru Forester (models 1998-2020)
10. Toyota Tacoma (models 1995-2021)

Signs Your Catalytic Converter is Stolen

The best way to determine if your catalytic converter was stolen is to start your car and listen to your engine. If your engine makes a loud roaring sound that increases as you press your foot on the gas, then the catalytic converter has been stolen.

These are the telltale signs of a missing catalytic converter:

• A loud roaring sound that increases as you accelerate
• Unusual exhaust smells or increases in fumes
• Missing parts leading to the muffler
• Sputtered acceleration due to missing exhaust part

Ways to Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft

Here are some measures you can take to safeguard your car’s catalytic converter from being stolen, especially if you drive one of the highly-targeted car models:

1. Install Catalytic Converter Anti-Theft Device – There are plenty of options out in the market: cages that can enclose the converter, plates that can cover the entire converter from front to back, or a strap-style device that runs the length of a converter.
2. Park In Your Garage – The garage is the safest place to park your car. If parking is in front of your house, make sure you move your car frequently. This can deter theft as most thefts occur overnight in residential areas.
3. Park in a Safe & Well-Lit Area – In public areas, parking in a safe, well-lit, and highly-visible location helps protect your car against catalytic converter theft. If possible, find a spot near security cameras. If you have a truck or SUV, it’s best to park in between low-profile cars whenever possible, as this will make access to the catalytic converter more difficult for the crooks.
4. Install a Dash Cam – Some dash cams use motion sensors and will record anyone close enough to your car to get to the catalytic converter. The presence of a camera can be enough to scare thieves off to find easier prey.
5. Etch or Paint Your Car’s Catalytic Converter – You may consider engraving or etching your VIN or license plate on your catalytic converter so that a metal scraper can identify and return the catalytic converter to its rightful owner. Another solution would be to paint the exhaust part because it deters buyers when the thief tries to sell it.
6. File a Police Report – If you’re a victim of catalytic converter theft, the first thing you need to do is file a police report, which your car insurance company may require for coverage. You should also contact your insurance company to determine if your policy covers catalytic converter theft.

If your car’s catalytic converter has been stolen, the next best thing to do is to arrange a replacement as soon as possible. While the new converter is being installed, you may want to consider adding a protection device to keep it from being stolen again in the future.

At Angel’s Transmission and Auto Repair, our certified mechanics have the extensive experience and expertise to provide competitive catalytic converter replacement and other auto repairs to help your car run at its best. Fill out our contact form or call (949) 587-9060 to schedule a free estimate.