Having your car parts stolen might make your life a lot more challenging. If your car’s catalytic converter was stolen, what would you do? There has been a rise in the number of catalytic converter thefts over the past few years, which means that there is a greater chance of being targeted.
Catalytic converter theft is a problem for some vehicles. Using a powerful tug, the burglar can easily remove the catalytic converter with an angle grinder that cuts deeply into the metal.
Catalytic converters with vital minerals are highly sought for by thieves of cars with the highest number of catalytic converter thefts. Catalytic converter theft is a major problem for Toyota Priuses and Hondas, for example. Because hybrid cars use less catalysts, the metal within them is worth more.
Owners of vehicles with catalytic converters are forced to pay the price because it can take a few weeks to restore a converter that has been stolen.
Why have Catalytic Converter Thefts Increased So Much over the Years?
The car’s catalytic converter removes hazardous poisons from the exhaust of the vehicle’s engine. Palladium, a priceless metal, is one of the most critical components inside. In spite of the fact that this metal is extremely uncommon, its price has risen significantly over the years.
The price was at $1000 an ounce in 2018, and it has since risen above $3000 an ounce, with no sign of a halt in sight.. Thieves are drawn to it since it is now more valuable than gold.
It is possible to safely convert toxic emissions like nitrous oxide and carbon monoxide using palladium as a lining in the catalytic converter. Palladium is an excellent anti-emissions weapon, making it an attractive target for criminals.
As a result, not all automobiles emit the same amount of pollution. Cars like the Toyota Prius and Mercedes are among the most popular targets for thieves because they have lower emissions and palladium remains fresh over time.
In order to combat global warming, environmental groups demand that manufacturing enterprises limit their carbon dioxide emissions. Cars that do not utilize the catalytic converter on the exhaust system are more likely to be targeted by thieves because of their lack of the mineral.
The thieves would remove the exhaust’s palladium lining and sell it to unsuspecting customers. Palladium is highly sought after by recyclers because of the technical difficulties involved in processing the metal, which makes it a desirable commodity.
What Cars Are Targeted For Catalytic Converter Theft In The US?
Catalytic converters are standard equipment on vehicles manufactured after 1974, and most thieves target these vehicles for their catalytic converters. Most commonly targeted by auto thieves in the United States are trucks like the Toyota Tundra, Prius, Tacoma, Ford F 250, and Element & CRV from Honda.
It is possible for thieves to conceal the removal of a catalytic converter in a noisy parking lot during the day, even though most of these thefts take place at night.
What Cars Are Targeted for Catalytic Converter Theft in the UK?
Toyota and Honda vehicles in the UK are particularly vulnerable to catalytic converter theft because they contain the largest percentage of hybrid vehicles, which are more likely to keep their converters intact.
Catalytic converter thieves target Toyota Prius, Toyota Auris, and Honda Jazz because of the high concentration of the mineral on the converter.
Wha Cars Are Targeted For Catalytic Converter Theft in Australia?
Thieves in Australia choose low-emission vehicles like the Toyota Prius, Mercedes Benz, and various Honda models.
Palladium, Rhodium, and Platinum, which are scarce and pricey, are found in the Prius converters. Catalytic converter parts can be sold illegally for so much money.
What to Do When Your Catalytic Converter Is Stolen?
You have the right to report the theft of your catalytic converter to the appropriate authorities. They may start an inquiry into the thieves because they are likely to steal from other cars in the neighborhood.
Immediately after discovering that the catalytic converter has been stolen, do not move the vehicle. When filing a claim with your insurance provider, you can instead opt to wait for the useful police report.
he stolen catalytic converters would be covered under comprehensive coverage, which is a greater level of protection. But if you do not have comprehensive coverage, you may be responsible for the difference.
How Can You Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft?
A catalytic converter theft might occur if you leave your vehicle in a crowded area for a long period of time. Thieves like to steal the converters from vehicles that are elevated above the ground.
If you park in a popular, well-lit part of the parking lot, you can stay safe from pickpockets because they won’t bother to steal if they can see you.
The VIN or license plate number can be etched inside the converter for easy identification. If you have the support of police and investigators, you may simply locate the catalytic converter by inspecting the carved symbols.
If you need to leave your automobile for a lengthy period of time, you can secure it in a closed garage.
The converters are more likely to be stolen while you are asleep at night, so consider installing video surveillance cameras outside your house to deter burglars. Mechanics also have the ability to weld on a catalytic converter or install an anti-theft device.
As a last resort, you can equip your automobile with an alarm system that will sound automatically if someone attempts to remove the catalytic converter from the vehicle.
Final Thoughts
Catalytic converter theft is most common in cars built after 1974, but hybrids like the Toyota Prius, Mercedes-Benz, and Honda Accord are also at risk. Because the converters aren’t used to their full potential, the automobiles are vulnerable to theft.
Metals like palladium in the catalytic converters have increased in value over time. Palladium is a scarce metal, therefore criminals target cars to get their hands on it, then resell it for a profit.
Parking in well-lit areas and installing tracking devices on the conservators can help prevent catalytic theft, but it’s not foolproof.
