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Thieves target catalytic converters because they contain precious metals.Three ways to protect against catalytic converter theft Etch your license plate number onto your catalytic converter. This makes the part identifiable to law enforcement. Park in well-lit areas. Install an anti-theft device.
Which cars are most likely to have catalytic converter stolen?
Low-Emissions Vehicles The higher the concentration of these expensive precious metals, the higher the profit of a thief who sells to a scrap yard. The car that experiences the most catalytic converter theft is the Toyota Prius, a very common low-emissions vehicle.
How much do thieves get for a catalytic converter?
Thieves can fetch as much as $700 per converter from unscrupulous scrap yards. And unfortunately, this can leave Prius owners with bills as high as $2,000. Trucks and SUVs are also common targets of catalytic converter theft because they are raised off the ground.
How do thieves remove catalytic converters?
The only tools a thief needs are a wrench (for converters that are bolted on) or a reciprocating saw (for converters that are welded in). Some thieves bring a mechanic’s creeper. Then all they do is slide under the vehicle, remove the bolts holding the converter, and take it.
Does insurance cover stolen catalytic converters?
If you have comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance policy, then you’re typically covered against catalytic converter theft. Comprehensive coverage will typically pay to replace the stolen catalytic converter and repair any related damage from its removal.
Why do thieves target catalytic converters?
Thieves are motivated to steal catalytic converters because they contain precious metals, such as platinum and rhodium. Then, the thieves often sell the car parts for money on the black market. The parts are also expensive to replace, ranging between $2,000 to $2,500 for each catalytic converter.
Why do thieves want catalytic converters?
It’s part of a system that cleans out pollutants and prevents them from entering the atmosphere. And it’s also the reason why thieves across the U.S. are sawing off catalytic converters in order to get their hands on a few precious grams of the world’s most valuable metal.
Who pays the most for catalytic converters?
In short, scrap yards are your best bet for selling your catalytic converter because they will focus on the value of the metals in your cat, not your cat as an auto part.
What happens if someone steals your catalytic converter?
In California, it’s a violation of the state vehicle code to steal a converter. The penalty is a misdemeanor offense. “You will go to jail,” emphasized Ryan Tujague, the Crime Prevention Officer with Pleasanton police, adding that there are more severe penalties if you’re found stealing multiple converters.
Can you tell if your catalytic converter has been stolen?
You may not be able to tell your catalytic converter was stolen by looking at your car, but you will know as soon as you start the engine. When the catalytic converter has been removed, your vehicle will make a loud roaring sound that will get louder as you push the gas pedal, says The Spruce.
Why are Prius catalytic converters stolen?
“The demand is high for catalytic converters, and they seem to know which ones command the highest prices, like those on the older Priuses.” Prices have soared for metals like platinum, rhodium, palladium and others, due to lower mining production in recent years, a trend that was exacerbated by the pandemic.
How do I protect my Prius from catalytic converter theft?
5 Ways to Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft Know if you’re a target for catalytic converter theft. Install an anti-theft device on your catalytic converter. Paint your catalytic converter. Set an alarm or camera to catch thieves. Check your car insurance.
What is the best catalytic converter to scrap?
Platinum – Platinum being used tends to be the best metal for overall performance in the catalytic converter field.
Can I get money for my old catalytic converter?
One of the perks that should motivate you to recycle your catalytic converter is the lucrative return you can receive. Catalytic converters are full of precious metals that can be recycled, and metal recycling plants are willing to pay top dollar for your cat converter.
How do I sell my old catalytic converter?
One of the best places for this is junkyards or scrap dealers. There are also catalytic converter recycling zones in several areas. They are the best places to sell or recycle your converter. Selling your catalytic converter to a recycling center is a better option compared to a scrap yard.
Can I put a straight pipe in place of my catalytic converter?
Originally Answered: Can you replace a catalytic converter with a straight pipe? Yes. However, it will then fail any safety inspection. If your locale does not require testing for exhaust emissions, you should be OK.
How much horsepower does removing a catalytic converter add?
At best, you can gain additional 15 horsepower when removing the CAT. This depends on the engine size – bigger engines have the potential to gain more horsepower when backpressure is decreased. If you bring your car to a tune after removing CAT, you can even double the horsepower gain to 30 horsepower.
How can I protect my catalytic converter?
Catalytic converters are vulnerable because they’re quick and easy to steal. Catalytic converters are expensive to replace.Three ways to protect against catalytic converter theft Etch your license plate number onto your catalytic converter. Park in well-lit areas. Install an anti-theft device.
