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Thieves typically cut the part off from beneath the vehicle with a power saw or blowtorch, and if they do a hatchet job, they can damage other systems as well, possibly affecting the vehicle’s driveability.
How do I know if my catalytic converter was stolen?
The following are 6 signs of a stolen catalytic converter: 1) Your Vehicle is Very Loud. 2) Your Check Engine Light is On. 3) You Are Getting a Headache When Your Windows are Down. 4) Less Low-End Torque. 5) You Have a Truck, Delivery Vehicle, or a Toyota Prius. 6) Components Are Missing Under Your Vehicle.
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 is a stolen catalytic converter worth?
Joseph Boche, who is a director with the International Association of Auto Theft Investigators (IAATI), explained that stolen converters can sell for as little as $50 to as much as $1,600 on the black market.
Can you drive a car without a catalytic converter?
What Happens When You Drive Without A Catalytic Converter? When facing the recovery costs of a stolen “cat,” many customers wonder, “Can I drive without my catalytic converter?” The answer is both yes and no. Technically, a car can function without a catalytic converter.
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 are people stealing catalytic converter?
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.
How long does it take to steal a catalytic converter?
The consensus was that it takes not more than 5-10 minutes to steal the part from the car’s underbelly. The process of stealing a catalytic converter is so fast and quiet that car owners do not know if this car part has been stolen until they start their car and hear a loud rattle.
How do I stop thieves from stealing my catalytic converter?
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. Park in well-lit areas. Install an anti-theft device.
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.
How much will it cost to replace a catalytic converter?
Catalytic converter replacement isn’t cheap. For most vehicles, the average cost of a catalytic converter repair is between $945 and $2475 including parts and labor. The catalytic converter cost itself can be up to $2250 of that.
What happens if I don’t replace my catalytic converter?
If it has begun to flow poorly due to being clogged up, it will cause the vehicle to run extremely poorly. The vehicle will lack power and fuel economy. In extreme cases, the catalytic converter can overheat and cause components on the undercarriage to combust, melt, smolder, or catch fire.
How much money do you get for a catalytic converter?
Recyclers will pay between $50 and $250 for a catalytic converter, according to the NICB. The metals can be sold for even more if lifted from hybrid gas-electric cars like a Prius. “All the newer hybrid vehicles, they’re going for scrap values of anywhere from $800 to $1,500,” according to Mead.
Is it worth fixing a catalytic converter?
Is it worth replacing your catalytic converter? Due to the cost involved, replacing your catalytic converter should be considered a last resort. This is especially true if your car is very old, has a lot of miles on it, is not particularly reliable, and you live in a state with tough smog laws.
Can you replace catalytic converter with a straight pipe?
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 long should catalytic converters last?
The catalytic converter, which converts harmful emissions into harmless gas, often lasts 10 years or longer and should be replaced only when needed. It can become clogged, physically damaged, or contaminated by oil or engine coolant. It can also overheat.
How many catalytic converters are in a car?
Most cars will have one catalytic converter. If you have a car with a dual exhaust system, however, your car will have two catalytic converters. If your catalytic converter needs to be replaced, you may notice one or more of these warning signs: Your check engine light is on.
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.
Why are catalytic converters so expensive?
Mainly because of the precious metals that are included in the converter, such as platinum, or platinum-like material such as palladium or rhodium. So, the more expensive the material, the more expensive it is to replace.
