Catalytic converter theft is skyrocketing across the country. Here’s why thieves are after these valuable car parts and what you can do to prevent yours from getting stolen.
You’ve probably heard the term “catalytic converter” recently. Unfortunately, it’s likely for all the wrong reasons. Theft of this important car part has skyrocketed in the last few years. In 2019, 3,389 catalytic converters were reported stolen across the country, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau. That number skyrocketed 1,215% in 2021.
It’s all part of a larger crime wave that saw more than 900,000 vehicles stolen in the United States in 2021, according to the Insurance Information Institute. That number is a 6% jump from 2020, and a 17% increase since 2019. The NICB cites the pandemic, economic downturn, loss of youth outreach programs, and public safety budgetary and resource limitations as contributors to the upswing in auto related thievery.
What is a Catalytic Converter?
A catalytic converter is an important feature of your car’s exhaust system. Its purpose is to limit the amount of harmful pollutants emitted by an internal combustion engine. These devices convert toxic gases found in car emissions, such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides, into less harmful substances like carbon dioxide and water vapor.
Catalytic converters are filled with precious metals, which act as the catalysts. Most often, these include palladium, rhodium and platinum. When the engine emissions’ harmful gases pass through the device, they make contact with these metals and undergo a chemical reaction. This process alters their molecular structure, converting them into safer substances.
Why are Catalytic Converters Stolen?
The reason these catalytic converters are stolen so often lies in what’s inside them. There is both a high demand and limited supply of the precious metals contained in these devices. Recent disruptions in supply chains have made them even more difficult to source and, in turn, even more expensive.
Catalytic converters can be removed in a matter of minutes. Today, catalytic converters are worth more than gold – literally. Platinum, palladium and rhodium are each worth thousands of dollars per ounce.
Cars Most Likely to Have Catalytic Converter Stolen
Hybrid vehicles converters fail to heat up to optimal temperatures and therefore have more of the precious (and expensive) metals. The engine in the hybrid vehicle is not always in use so the converters do not heat up. Larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks are victims of their own circumstance. A higher ground clearance makes it easier for a thief to slide under the vehicle and remove the convertere.
How to Tell If Your Catalytic Converter Is Stolen
Without a catalytic converter, your car will make a loud, roaring sound once the engine starts. You may also notice the check engine light on and the vehicle not driving smoothly.
How to Protect Your Catalytic Converter From Getting Stolen
- Install an Anti-Theft Device
- Etch your License Plate Number or VIN onto the catalytic converter
- Park in a Smart Spot inside a closed garage or in your driveway.