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Why do people steal 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.
How much does 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.
Is a Cadillac converter necessary?
Your catalytic converter is an essential part of your vehicle, designed to reduce the pollutants and toxic gas your emissions system produces. It uses precious metals like platinum, rhodium, and palladium to complete this process.
What is so special about a Cadillac converter?
Catalytic converters on the underside of vehicles help reduce emissions. But rising prices for some metals has led to a jump in them being stolen, and some unique theft prevention methods.
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.
Which cars are at risk of catalytic converter theft?
According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), vehicles that sit higher off the ground — or high-clearance vehicles — are common targets as they allow thieves easier access to converters. These types of vehicles include trucks, SUVs and vans, although buses and delivery vehicles are also at risk.2 days ago.
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.
Why is it so expensive to replace a catalytic converter?
The converter uses specific expensive metals, which not only help keep the exhaust clean, but it promotes the longevity of this part. So to put it simply, replacing the catalytic converter is expensive because it can be a bit finicky to replace on some model, but mainly because it’s made of precious metals.
How much does a Cadillac converter sell for?
The average catalytic converter ranges between $800 and $1,200, depending on the vehicle’s make and model. In general, the larger the engine, the more expensive the converter.
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 urgent is it to replace a catalytic converter?
A catalytic converter in your vehicle converts bad emissions into harmless gas. The catalytic converter usually lasts around 10 years so that’s when you should replace it. You should also replace the converter if you run into other apparent problems such as clogging, or physical damages.
What states require catalytic converters?
California became the first state to require the use of CARB-compliant catalytic converters on January 1, 2009. In subsequent years, other states including New York (6/1/2013) and Maine (6/1/2018) mandated the use of CARB-compliant converters for certain model year vehicles.
What does a Decat do?
A Decat / De-Cat or Decat Pipe is simply a straight piece of tube that is used to replace a catalytic converter. Modern engines have a sensor positioned after the catalytic converter which sends information back to the ECU instructing the ECU how to control the fuel/air mixture.
Why do tweakers steal catalytic converters?
Thieves are motivated to steal catalytic converters because they contain precious metals, such as platinum and rhodium. Because the process is so quiet and fast, most people do not know if their catalytic converters have been stolen until they start their engines and hear a loud rattle.
How much is my catalytic converter worth UK?
Summary. A catalytic converter can cost between £150 and £800 for the average UK driver. This is because it contains Platinum, Rhodium or Palladium (three rare precious metals). This value also makes it a lucrative target for thieves who sometimes steal catalytic converters in broad daylight!Mar 18, 2021.
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.
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.
How do thieves steal a catalytic converter?
Thieves generally steal a catalytic converter by sliding underneath the car and sawing it out of the exhaust system. With a hand-held power saw, the whole operation can take just a few minutes. Thieves target new cars because the concentration of valuable rare metals in a catalytic converter degrades over time.
