If you own a car, you might think that the greatest risk of damage comes from getting rear-ended at a stop light, or maybe having someone nick the vehicle as they’re backing out of the adjacent parking spot. If we’re talking about statistical probability, though, one thing you should be on the lookout for is the theft of your vehicle’s catalytic converter. Since 2018, annual theft rates of catalytic converters have gone from 1,300 to 52,000 – that’s an increase of 40 times more units stolen annually. Unlike transmissions or other key parts of the engine, catalytic converters are valuable mainly because of the precious metals used to make them, such as palladium, rhodium, and platinum. Since a lot of people have fallen on hard times due to the pandemic and all the associated restrictions, this has driven them to steal items of value that are easy to access. Since catalytic converters are actually fairly simple to access and steal, this has led to them being targeted.

If someone’s catalytic converter gets stolen, they have to decide whether to replace the part, or replace the whole vehicle. Catalytic converters are often worth more than the total value of older vehicles, so it could actually be more cost-effective to buy a replacement vehicle. This leaves them with a car that’s missing a crucial part – now what? The good news is that they can generally make some money from companies like CashforCars.io, who buy junk cars in almost any condition.

Why catalytic converters are being targeted

In this particular instance, it’s all about opportunity. Other car parts could fetch just as much money, but they’re much harder to access and transport. A single catalytic converter can be removed with just a hacksaw and 15 minutes spent under the car; once it’s free, it can be carried away in one hand. There’s no need to use a car jack, and there’s very little pre-planning required.

Used catalytic converters can get a price between $25 and $300 for gas-powered cars, and as much as $1,400 if they’re from hybrid cars. Any non-commercial vehicle that was made after 1975 has a catalytic converter, so there’s no lack of opportunity when it comes to selecting a target.

What would it cost to replace a catalytic converter?

Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, you should expect to pay between $1,000 and $3,000 for a catalytic converter. If you have an exceptionally comprehensive insurance plan you might be able to get reimbursed for it, but that level of protection isn’t too common. For most people, the options are to pay for a replacement part or get a new vehicle.

New laws are being developed to discourage catalytic converter theft

Catalytic converters don’t typically have any identifying serial numbers or markings, so they can’t be traced once they’re stolen. However, we’ve seen some success in states that have made it more difficult to sell stolen converters. Some states are now requiring scrap metal dealers to be stricter about record-keeping, and others mandate that anyone who sells a catalytic converter to a scrapyard shows proof of ownership and a valid ID. A part that you can’t sell is useless, no matter how many precious metals are inside; hopefully these types of strategies will have the intended impact over the long term.

How to reduce the risk of falling victim to catalytic converter thieves

The only way to 100% guarantee that nobody will mess with your car is to not own a car. Even so, there are plenty of practical steps you can take to convince potential thieves that your car isn’t a good target.

• Instead of parking at the curb or in the driveway, put your car securely in the garage.
• Make sure you don’t park your car so that you’re providing a blind spot, where a thief could slip underneath the vehicle unnoticed.
• Avoid badly lit or dark parking spots.
• Put up motion-activated outdoor lights that cover all areas around your vehicle.
• Have the vehicle’s VIN engraved on the catalytic converter. This may not completely prevent theft, but the police will be able to track the part and find those responsible for stealing it.
• Anti-theft devices can be quite effective, but only if you choose the right one. Prius owners can get a protective shield that bolts over the catalytic converter, which makes it impossible to remove the part. A motion-activated alarm functions as a deterrent, but you’d have to remember to turn it on and off, and you might get false activations from time to time. The best option would be a catalytic converter “lock”, or a wire cage that goes around both the converter and the car frame. They’re pretty much impossible to cut through, and can be used on most vehicles.

Is it easy to tell if the catalytic converter has been removed from your car?

A car can still function without a catalytic converter, but it’s pretty obvious when the part is missing. You’ll hear a roaring noise as soon as you turn the car on, and it’ll get louder whenever you press the gas pedal. Acceleration will probably be unsteady, and the exhaust fumes will be extra strong. If you still aren’t sure, check the undercarriage; if you see sawn-through pipes, it’s official.

Which vehicles do catalytic converter thieves usually target?

Aside from the fact that most thefts happen with big-name brands, there isn’t really a distinct pattern. Below you’ll find the top ten vehicles that catalytic converter thieves targeted in 2021.

• 2001 – 2021 Toyota Prius
• 2005 – 2021 Chevrolet Equinox
• 1989 – 2020 Honda Accord
• 1997 – 2020 Honda CR-V
• 2007 – 2017 Jeep Patriot
• 1987 – 2019 Toyota Camry
• 1990 – 2022 Ford Econoline vans
• 2011 – 2017 Chrysler 200
• 1999 – 2021 Chevrolet Silverado trucks
• 1985 – 2021 Ford F-Series trucks

The takeaway

Between greater awareness and better laws, we can hopefully reduce the rates of catalytic converter theft in the US. Steps are already being taken to address the issue, and further advances are sure to come.

Recommended- Can You Really Get Fit by Riding an Ebike? Here’s the Answer