catalytic converter theft preventioncatalytic converter theft prevention
We recommend our users to update the browser. Most people are surprised to find out that their alarms primarily stop a thief from moving /entering a car without key, but do nothing to trigger when a window is broken or a vehicle is moved like during catalytic converter theft. Lead Writer | Personal finance, car buying, loans. Also get to know your neighbors and join neighborhood networks such as NextDoor to be aware of strangers in the area or reports of theft. We respect your privacy. Would the Millercat work on my car? More modern vehicles however, with better technology, their cars are mainly filled with Titanium and metals that are essentially worthless on small quantities. What to do if your Mazda CX-5s catalytic converter is stolen. Alarmsboth full vehicle systems and special converter-specific onesalso can be effective deterrents. WebA pr. Quick and Easy Install: Apply CATETCH/CATGUARD labels directly to your clean, cool, and dry catalytic converter and use supplied etching fluid (with the brush) to the label as instructed. This never influences our opinions or review content, and your support helps keep this site running. Thats the best you can hope for, but its a good strategy. If I remember correctly, A 2013 Hyundai Elantra has two catalytic converters, one built into the manifold up at the engine and one underneath the car as part of the exhaust run. If your car is parked in a crowded place, most thieves wont run the risk of spending the extra time to defeat one of these devices and move on to an easier target. The office of D.A. Sometimes thieves unbolt the catalytic converter, but more often they just cut the connecting pipes using a battery-operated saw. If you can change your own oil or are mechanically inclined, DIY install is within your reach. That's why I'm so jazzed to be shining light on what works, what doesn't, and how people can enrich their lives by being smarter consumers. What kind of Cat lock do you recommend for a 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4xe? I agree with Erhan on this. When I'm not reporting, I can usually be found at home with my family, at the beach surfing, or in my driveway, wrenching on my hot rod '74 Olds sedan. It may help you make your own decision about buying a catshield. In addition to alarms, get motion-sensitive lights and parking in your driveway or a closed garage whenever possible. Id want it pointing down, but kind of hidden near my catalytic converter because if these work how I think they do, theyre easy to bypass where they have it mounted in the video. Web1. 3. The thief jacked up my car in the middle of floor pan, causing a dent in the floor in addition to the theft. May 13, 2021 - Investigators in the Houston Police Department Auto Theft Division are warning motorists to be aware of a rising national crime that has also hit Houston: catalytic converter thefts. Jon Langston is an avid motorcyclist and gear collector whose work has appeared in Mens Journal, Cycle World, The Drive, Rider, Iron & Air, Motorcyclist, and more. 1993-2003 car models, specifically Honda and Ford trucks have cats that are filled with precious metals such as Rodium, Palladium, and others which, per ounce, are worth more than gold right now. My question is, I was told it was unlikely that the replacement catalytic converter would be stolen. What type of professional would install it for me? I have Ford E350 shuttle buses and I have the Catstrap on all of them. WebStatewide: Catalytic Converter Protection Theft of catalytic converters is on the rise in Colorado due to a lucrative black market. Your exhaust system is designed to move around a little bit, and that hard connection can cause other issues down the road with other components. When you start your car, youll know by the loud exhaust noise if your catalytic converter was stolen. Yep. Hi Jay, Great article thank you for your contribution. You can buy the CatClamp directly from CatClamp.com or try one of the many online auto parts stores. Now, you can take this documentation and use it to file a police report. She spent more than 30 years in banking as a writer of financial education content. December 2022 UPDATE: MillerCat heard about us and has offered us a discount code to pass along to our readers. The GMC dealer has nothing to offer me as far as protection from it happening again. the reviewers mentioned a few concerns and I have a few too. To be honest, not so sure about their strategy. Sorry to hear about your Prius, but glad youve gotten it sorted. If not, drive only to the repair shop. They seem to work as intended, but im looking to test it somewhere low inside the engine compartment where its easy to access for the vehicle owner, protected from the elements, and tough for a thief to find. Hi Shari. Our car experts choose every product we feature. In an attempt to steal the catalytic converter, thieves have to slide under the automobile and use cutting tools to detach the box from the pipes around it. Looking at replacement costs for a 2002 VW Jetta catalytic converter was a real eye openerespecially in the CARB states like California! Some vehicles have more than one, and the NICB says replacing stolen converters can cost as much as $1,500 to $3,000. Which would be most effective to deter successful vicious thieves, the Cat Strap or the Cat Clamp? An uptick in catalytic converter thefts has a lot of street parkers concerned. These are actually the cars targeted the most. Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. 3. these inexpensive, self-contained motorcycle / bike alarms. Park indoors if possible. In this particular model that Jay mentions (of which there are extremely similar ones on Amazon for bikes, etc.) ), Photo: Monty Rakusen/Getty Images The final price tag for a catalytic converter replacement depends on the vehicle make and model, as well as the area of the country. Also at risk are street-parked vehicles and trucks parked overnight in unattended lots. And it seems that bystanders either dont notice whats happening or wont get involved. Ive come to find out thats not so true anymore. But there are three main strategies to significantly reduce your risk. Heres a MillerCAT Cat Shield on a Prius V. Notice the louvers to promote airflow to reduce heat buildup. The standard CatClamp is meant to be a universal fit, which really means the CatClamp may or may not fit. According to Advanced Auto Parts, replacement catalytic converters can cost thousands depending on the quality of the converter and your vehicle type. Web3. NerdWallet Compare, Inc. NMLS ID# 1617539, NMLS Consumer Access|Licenses and Disclosures, California: California Finance Lender loans arranged pursuant to Department of Financial Protection and Innovation Finance Lenders License #60DBO-74812, Property and Casualty insurance services offered through NerdWallet Insurance Services, Inc. (CA resident license no. For every device listed here, ive seen both the pros and cons of each. This means parking your car close to walls, curbs or fences will make theft much more difficult. Sorry to hear about your van. They couldnt get one for four months! For around 30 bucks or so for a twin pack it may be worth a shot. We haven't tried it, but we're eager to hear from those who have. I dont know what I would use and Id like to get something to ease my mind! Out of the box it requires no special tools. Read more. Plus, catalytic converters dont carry any sort of identification number, so its pretty much impossible to identify them as stolen property. So, whats the best form of catalytic converter protection? It may take a little effort, but itll payoff more than painting your catalytic converter, etc. Comprehensive insurance covers events like theft and weather damage, but many people who have older, less valuable cars dont carry it because the premium isnt worth the potential payout if something goes awry. Cat Clamp seems very inviting right about now. Some users complain of rattling after installing heat shields such as this, but that's nothing some heat-resistant sealant such as Permatex can't fix. If Im remembering correctly, the Subarus of this era had two catalytic converters: One primary tucked up near the engine, and a secondary cat in the usual spot under the vehicle. NICB says insurance policies can cover replacement of a stolen catalytic converter, but only if theres a comprehensive policy in place. As with any type of theft, its easier to get away with under the cover of night. Maybe a reader will see this and comment on Jetta specifics. Sign up and well send you Nerdy articles about the money topics that matter most to you along with other ways to help you get more from your money. Its a little like a skid plate youd find on an off-road truck. It's a crime of convenience. These may be the cheapest catalytic converter alarm on Amazon! The average cost for a catalytic converter is $2,000 to $3,000, experts say, but it takes only seconds to remove the part. I just purchased a new 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Blue and was wondering if you might can direct me on which way to go. Catalytic converters represent a treasure trove to potential thieves looking to make a quick buck. (There are just over 28grams in 1 ounce. The nice thing is there are lots of options to protect your vehicle from theft once you assess your own situational risk! While there is no guaranteed method of preventing theft, the goal is to make your car an unattractive target. One of the shops I use had a customer who insisted on an OEM (Original Equipment from the Manufacturer) Catalytic Converter replacement for their Honda Accord. My mechanic is currently treating a new Cat-mounted alarm but the truth is, until laws enforcement cracks down on the scrapyards and mechanics buying the illegal parts, this problem will persist and there is little that can be done. Also made of durable and corrosion-resistant aluminum, this shield is ideal for older Priuses with the 1.5L engine. Scrapped converters can then be processed to remove the precious metals, which is what makes them so valuable to scrap metal dealers and thieves. Read more. The Catlock is another clamp and cable device catalytic converter lock, although not as substantial as the CatClamp. If you dont have metal zip ties and heat tape lying around and doing a single vehicle, it may be convenient to just buy the kit from that other company. For only $300 we will install a catalytic converter shield that prevents theft of this necessary and critical vehicle component. Officials said they would seek $545 million in forfeitures of cash, luxury cars and real estate from those arrested in the operation. . Park close to building entrances or the nearest road in public parking lots. Both require some minor drilling for install. Trucks, which are higher off the ground, are at greater risk, simply because the converters are easier for thieves to access. Contact your insurance company and take pictures of the damaged exhaust pipe where the catalytic converter used to be. There were a little under 60,000 Prius and 82,000 Toyota Tundras sold in the US just in 2021 alone, all of them high targets for expensive catalytic converter theft. The heavy-duty wire acts like a cage around your converter, effectively tying it to your frame. My 12 Prius cat was stolen 2 months ago and Im waiting for the replacement. If you dont want to spring for an expensive catalytic converter alarm install, weve seen an increase in people buying a couple of these inexpensive, self-contained motorcycle / bike alarms, and sticking them under the hood or under the car near the exhaust. How do I know? Thanks for your time. 1 guy had his stolen 4 times 1 month apart each time he fixed it. It's typically required if you have a loan or lease. Some muffler shops will custom-weld such a device to your car. Even if your car isnt on the most stolen catalytic converter list, it can happen to you. As theyre expanding their cat shield line up, it looks like theyre tackling the vehicles that are likely targets for catalytic converter theft. Otherwise, as Ive said to Kathryn and Paige in the comments: Make a few phone calls to some independent garages and muffler shops and see if they heard of the CatClamp. What Bike Tools Should I Carry On A Ride? Since we first wrote this article, MillerCat has expanded their line up. When it comes to catalytic converter theft, insurance coverage can vary depending on the policy. Gearist is supported by readers like you. Let us know how it works out for you! The catalytic converter is an exhaust system part thats necessary for your car to pass safety and emissions inspections in many states. Theres a recent trend of Prius cat thefts happening where the thief pries/ unbolts the passenger side fender liner. You can turn up the sensitivity of your car alarm so that it goes off when thieves jostle your car. Thefts of the converters in the city so far in 2021 have increased by 300% compared to the same time period last year. Do not sell or share my personal information. File a police report, which can easily be done online in many jurisdictions. Thieves can steal this antipollution device in minutes, sell it to scrap metal dealers and receive hundreds of dollars for the precious metals it contains. 4. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. Youll also have to pay for installation, unless you plan on tackling the complicated process yourself. I was wondering if you have a recommendation on how to install the bike alarm option? Not all thieves are smart enough to notice the difference between original parts or cheaper versions which are aftermarket. To be fair, we could see a couple of potential drawbacks with this alarmwindy nights come to mindbut at this price, it's worth a shot if you don't own a Prius. Her personal finance insight has been featured on Forbes, The Boston Globe and CNBC throughout the years. Economical means different things to different people, but a CatClamp can be purchased for under $200. Etch the catalytic converter. So yes, go for the safe, well lit area over the dark quiet alley. If you find discrepancies with your credit score or information from your credit report, please contact TransUnion directly. Some statesincluding the Carolinas, Indiana, and Texashave passed laws requiring scrap metal dealers to ask for vehicle titles or other documentation before theyll buy used catalytic converters. OEM replacements are around $500. Ive looked all over internet and cant find one that says it will work on it. Some companies now sell security kits that make it much, much harder for converters to be removed from their housing. Well have to look into that link, but try CatClamp.com if you cant find it on Amazon. I had mine stolen a few weeks ago (a 2011 Prius) as well as the oxygen tube (?) I know trucks are higher, but at least cars are protected. A stolen catalytic converter replacement can cost up to $3,500 for the most-targeted vehicles. Sorry to hear your Prius got hit..twice! Can a Car Run Without a Catalytic Converter? Purchase some high-temperature (1,300 to 2,000 0F), automotive exhaust spray paint in a bright color, and spray a generous amount onto the converter. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Gearist specializes in real use, unbiased product and gear reviews for endurance sports and outdoor adventures. Gearist never sells your information to third-parties. So, what is the best catalytic converter anti theft device? Seriously though, If youre not ready for an electric car- try the two things above to keep your catalytic converter where it belongs. Our opinions are our own. California is considered a hot spot for catalytic converter thefts, and Sandmans shop replaces 15 to 20 stolen catalytic converters each day. It would require the VIN to be stamped on catalytic converters of new vehicles and would create a grant program for VIN stamping of existing vehicles. Regulating who can buy and sell catalytic converters and then requiring buyers to keep detailed transaction records. Where you park your car wont make a difference and where you live doesnt matter. All a burglar has to do is crawl under a vehicle with a reciprocating saw and slice the converter free from the undercarriage. 3. Pre-qualified offers are not binding. I called Hyundai and could not get any help from them. About $2,000 to $3,000, according to CARFAX. Protect Your Catalytic Converter from Theft with One of These Devices, How to Shoot a Vehicle for Bring a Trailer, Watching a Catalytic Converter in Action Is Absolutely Mesmerizing, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. This cage acts like lock around your catalytic converter, providing a substantial visual deterrent and physically making it very difficult for the casual thief to steal your cat converter. Youd be looking to protect the secondary one. And reviewers on the bike alarm model said that you can get in a situation with a weak or dead remote battery and be unable to turn off or disarm the darn thing. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. MORE: Update your old car with new-car tech. PRIVACY POLICY & TERMS OF USEWe respect your privacy. At the low end, youve probably spent at least a couple of hundred $$$ on the replacement- Why not spend a little more for some peace of mind knowing youve done all you can? My question, did the Miller shield make any additional noise? Jeffrey, The box is reverberating and under acceleration the noise is about 30% worse than before the box. Can you tell us what year Prius you have? This device is a little different than the others. However, thieves are getting more bold. Although professional installation is suggested, If youre comfortable changing your own oil you shouldnt have a problem installing this yourself. We still dont recognize that sign in. Statistics can help legislators pass laws that make it tougher for thieves to sell stolen parts. Anti-theft solutions can be pricey, but they often cost less than a new catalytic converter. Save products you love, products you own and much more! In reality though, my CatClamp has been going on 4 trouble free years and its underneath the car where i really dont see it. Oil or are mechanically inclined, DIY install is within your reach there are just 28grams! 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Trend of Prius Cat was stolen 2 months ago and Im waiting for the most-targeted vehicles requires no special.! Or lease information from your credit report, please contact TransUnion directly only theres! Weeks ago ( a 2011 Prius ) as well as the oxygen (! Detailed transaction records only if theres a comprehensive policy in place arrested in the operation looking make! Pries/ unbolts the passenger side fender liner replacement of a stolen catalytic converter it. Is, i was told it was unlikely that the replacement catalytic converters dont carry any sort of identification,... Seems that bystanders either dont notice whats happening or wont get involved and it seems that either. Loud exhaust noise if your car wont make a quick buck so true anymore MillerCat shield! Any help from them be stolen little different than the others just purchased a new catalytic converter is exhaust! 2021 have increased by 300 % compared to the theft 's typically required if you can... 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