Catalytic Converter Theft
Make sure your car is protected from this unexpected theft.
A recent jump in the price of certain precious metals has caused an increase in catalytic converter thefts. Catalytic converters, which convert your car’s pollutant gas into less harmful ones, are one of the easiest car parts to steal. If you notice a loud rumbling sound as soon as you turn on your engine, your catalytic convert has likely been stolen. Let’s take a look at ways you can prevent this common theft from happening to you:
Make it harder to steal
Park in a garage.
This is an obvious one, but is easy to do if you have access to a garage.
Park in well lit areas, near high foot traffic.
If your vehicle is near a building entrance or gets passed often by onlookers, it is less likely to be a target.
Install security cameras.
Again, your vehicle is less likely to be a target if thieves notice they will be recorded.
Block access to the underside of your vehicle.
In order to steal your converter, the thief will need to slide under your vehicle and use butting tools to detach the box. If you park your car close to fences, curbs or walls, it will make the theft more difficult.
Mark your converter with your serial number.
Some garages will do this for you so that it can be easily identified if stolen. The sticker they provide you for your vehicle is also a deterrent for thieves who are targeting your vehicle.
Weld the bolts.
Garages will also weld the bolts for you to make it more difficult to remove.
Protect it
With an alarm
Most vehicles have a car alarm, but if yours doesn’t, it might be a good idea to invest in one. If you do have one, calibrate it so that vibration will set it off.
With a CatClamp
This device clamps to your exhaust pipes, which allows different sized and shaped converters to be protected. This removes any risk of causing damage to your converter while still making it harder to steal.
What if despite your best efforts, your converter is stolen? Make sure you notify the police. If you engraved your VIN number on it, make sure you provide them with the number as well. You might also call local scrap yards and leave your phone number, so they can notify you if your converter shows up. Don’t forget to call your insurance agent as well!