Catalytic converters play a crucial role in vehicles, yet they often attract a lot of interest from the wrong people. Theft incidents are ever on the rise, making car owners jittery, and for good reason.
Purchasing a new cat converter can range from $900 to $3000, whereas the one stolen is sold for between $50 and $1500. For your own comfort and to avoid unnecessary expenditure, the tips below will help you prevent catalytic converter theft.
But first, why the interest in catalytic converters?
Reasons for Catalytic Converter Theft
A catalytic converter is located beneath a vehicle and is part of the exhaust system. Its function is to reduce the impact of pollutants and toxic gases released from the engine. It does this through the conversion of those hazardous emissions into less-toxic gases.
Note that these devices are stolen because of
- The precious metals they contain, such as palladium, rhodium, and platinum, are very valuable
- It's easy to pinch them given their location on your car
How to Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft
Since it takes a thief less than a minute to remove the converter and sell it as scrap, it's essential to take precautions. Here are some ways to stop yours from being stolen with site visibility.
Install security devices
You may not be able to physically watch your car all the time. Instead, installing security cameras and lights will offer site visibility when at home. Ascertain that the cameras allow real-time viewing and have motion-sensor lights. You can also use wildlife trail cameras when you're out on a road trip. If not, try to park your car where there is CCTV filming, for instance, near financial institutions, busy places, and malls.
Consider where and how you park your car
Whenever possible, park your car in a garage. Otherwise, pull up close to a wall, building, or fence to hinder access, bearing in mind that a thief has to crawl under the car to get to the device and detach it. Similarly, avoid parking with two wheels on the pavement. Additionally, always leave your car in well-lit and highly-visible areas to make it difficult for thieves to duck under.
Mark your converter
Marking your converter makes it visible once it's stolen and is likely going to attract attention. Generously spray your device with BBQ grill paint or high-temperature automotive exhaust paint to make it very noticeable to thieves who will not want to yank it out. In case they take it, the colored catalytic converter will alert the police or recyclers to check it carefully.
You can also use temperature-resistant decals to mark your catalytic converter or better still, engrave a serial number. This can be part of your VIN or your number plate. You can go a step further and place a sticker on your window to show that your device is marked.
Invest in car alarms
Adjust your car alarm's settings so that it goes off whenever it senses vibrations. Further, purchase a Cat Eye Sonic Lock or Fast Guard Alarms. They are very effective as they are activated immediately when they detect someone under the vehicle. They only stop once the intruder leaves. In addition, install rear and front dash cams to protect your catalytic converter.
Wrapping Up
It is possible to avoid the theft of your catalytic converter by using one or more of the above ways. Doing so saves you replacement cash and gives you peace of mind. Also, safeguard your fleet of vehicles by hiring a security guard to watch over them. For more information regarding fleet management, contact us, Wilmar, today.
