This never influences our opinions or review content, and your support helps keep this site running. So I was thinking about the bike alarm, pairing with a dashcam. 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. 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. Some weld a piece or two lengthwise (like the Catstrap above) to provide more cut resistance. Some muffler shops will custom-weld such a device to your car. Think about when you have your hand covering your mobile phone speaker. According to Kitco, a website that tracks precious metals trends, the current price for an ounce of platinum is $1,000, while palladium costs more than $2,300, and rhodiumwhich is extremely rarecosts more than $20,000. Of course, a determined thief will just remove the guard to get to the cat, but remembercatalytic converter thieves exist because cats are easy and fast to steal. 1 guy had his stolen 4 times 1 month apart each time he fixed it. This leaves your car in a location where many people can see it. From what were seeing, theres been a huge increase in cat converter theft on pickup trucks and vans like your Ford E-250. 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. The nice thing is there are lots of options to protect your vehicle from theft once you assess your own situational risk! This stuff is much cheaper than than the cost of a catalytic converter. I was lucky, so to speak, in getting an immediate replacement of the converter and had to wait for the oxygen thing. I dont think car manufacturers can cover for every eventuality that MAY happen. Can you imagine crawling under the car to replace those 3x AAA batteries every 6 months or so? I heard the saw noise and they were gone, that fast. I have a friend in Chicago who has had 2 stolen from the same Toyota Prius. If youre parking in a driveway, consider installing motion sensor lights. Also at risk are street-parked vehicles and trucks parked overnight in unattended lots. The payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us. If youre talking about one of the shields, youre only going to have access to the back half of the exhaust. Sorry to hear it happened to you. Let us knowtheir customer service is excellent and will look to see whats going on if theres a persistent issue. The anti-theft devices Sandmans shop installs range from $300 to $800. However, most thieves would rather work in the dark and away from a high-risk situation. The secondary, inline catalytic converter under the car is the one to worry about. They are too expensive to replace as insurance doesnt usually cover everything not to mention it will be taking longer for these to be in stock due to fallout from the Ukraine invasion. Now, you can take this documentation and use it to file a police report. Prices for the three metals have spiked over the past few years. Because theyre model specific to your Prius or Element, installation is fairly straight forward. This device is a little different than the others. All financial products, shopping products and services are presented without warranty. Anything else would get a CatClamp. Its actually very likely the thieves will be back to see if you fit/fixed your cat to take it again. This should make it much more visible to passersby and surrounding properties, acting as a deterrent to potential thieves. Hopefully, once you have ANY device installed, Catalytic Converter theft on your CRV is something you can cross off your worry list! CARFAX, a leading source of vehicle data, has identified the following vehicles as most likely to have their catalytic converters stolen nationwide: Sandman also recommends calling a local muffler store and asking what cars are the most-targeted in your area. This is 100% false. Hi Julie. Where you park your car wont make a difference and where you live doesnt matter. In reality though, my CatClamp has been going on 4 trouble free years and its underneath the car where i really dont see it. Use a security system. File a police report, which can easily be done online in many jurisdictions. Read more. MillerCat has expanded their line up to include Toyota Tacomas, Tundras and Sequioas. 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. How to stop your catalytic converter being stolen Park to prevent access underneath But remember to consider pedestrians 1/10 In order to steal the parts, thieves need to slide under the vehicle and use cutting tools to detach the box from the pipes around it. Scrapped converters can then be processed to remove the precious metals, which is what makes them so valuable to scrap metal dealers and thieves. In addition to alarms, get motion-sensitive lights and parking in your driveway or a closed garage whenever possible. Not all thieves are smart enough to notice the difference between original parts or cheaper versions which are aftermarket. The two anti-theft options that may work for your vehicle are the CatClamp or the CatStrap. Let's start with a product that's inexpensive and universal. Home Tools, Gear & Equipment Tools & Supplies Automotive Tools & Supplies. The only real way to prevent your catalytic converter from getting stolen is not to have one! Not that this can help you now but may help someone else reading this: Miller has reworked their Prius CatShield design to help combat this theft technique, (see it here) and offers an add on for earlier shields called the Deadbolt. 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. Regulating who can buy and sell catalytic converters and then requiring buyers to keep detailed transaction records. (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=2ba02a33-c319-4410-bba7-f8321a13bed3&cid=877050e7-52c9-4c33-a20b-d8301a08f96d'; cnxps.cmd.push(function () { cnxps({ playerId: "2ba02a33-c319-4410-bba7-f8321a13bed3" }).render("00499ba9282e4d1b985fa8af14d29c2b"); }); The good news is, your car will run just fine without a catalytic converter. PRIVACY POLICY & TERMS OF USEWe respect your privacy. Theres NAPAs cat clamp cant tell if it will fit this car or not. Park strategically. A stolen catalytic converter replacement can cost up to $3,500 for the most-targeted vehicles. Economical means different things to different people, but a CatClamp can be purchased for under $200. Catalytic converters represent a treasure trove to potential thieves looking to make a quick buck. They do provide a sticker that a thief probably wont see when under your car in the dark, but every little bit helps. We recommend our users to update the browser. Were getting alot of traffic from Honda CRV owners wanting Catalytic converter protection, but looks like the best bet at this time (November 2021) for something off the shelf would be the CatClamp or the CatStrap. With the right combination of thief and vehicle, a catalytic converter can be stolen in less than a minute. Why Are Catalytic Converters Being Stolen? Hi! Catalytic converters are the part of a vehicles exhaust system that helps lower emissions and reduce the negative impact automobile traffic has on the environment. It may help in a very minor way to inconvenience a thief if you park just right with the curb blocking any space to get a jack underneath. Cant recall if it was an older 2007-2012 Honda Fit or a 2013+ Fit. And while our site doesnt feature every company or financial product available on the market, were proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward and free. Youre probably talking about the oxygen SENSOR, but yes, supply chain issues arent helping with the increased demand. Called local Honda dealer and they were no help. Most people who are leasing or making payments on a car are required to carry comprehensive coverage, but whether or not someone files a claim on a stolen converter depends on the policys deductible and how much it costs to replace the part. Photo: Monty Rakusen/Getty Images. My question, did the Miller shield make any additional noise? It's typically required if you have a loan or lease. WebConsider these tips to help protect your car from catalytic converter theft: Know if your car is a likely target: hybrids, SUVs and trucks have valuable or easily removable catalytic converters. Here are 6 tips to prevent catalytic converter theft. 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. Short answer: It depends. 7.3,gas engine. For around 30 bucks or so for a twin pack it may be worth a shot. Shannon Bradley covers auto loans for NerdWallet. I dont know what I would use and Id like to get something to ease my mind! If you have a vehicle at high risk for a catalytic converter theft, you might consider lowering your deductible amount. I laughed so hard. However, Ive seen CatClamps work on a surprising range of vehicles. 4. I would definitely make some calls in your area to see about getting some physical protection on your vehicle like the CatClamp. Start the conversation with My catalytic converter was stolen, do you have any experience with the CatClamp?. It will take slightly longer to remove basically. Disclaimer: NerdWallet strives to keep its information accurate and up to date. If so, thats exactly what happened. Lead Writer | Personal finance, car buying, loans. 3. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Just answer a few questions to get personalized results from our lending partners. Other ways to protect your car from this vehicle crime are as follows: Park in a garage or secured parking area Install a bright motion sensor light to discourage potential thieves. Cages made of high-strength steel that's difficult to cut. 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. . Generally speaking, comprehensive auto insurance policies may cover the cost of replacing a stolen catalytic converter. However, thieves are getting more bold. 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. In some cases, an aftermarket catalytic converter will be less desirable and prevent future thefts. Pre-qualified offers are not binding. Contact the police. Hi Jay, Great article thank you for your contribution. Thats a tough question. What Should You Do If Your Catalytic Converter Is Stolen? I'm thinking a "skid plate" covering the catalytic converter, attached to the FRAME may be the best route to go. (The fender liner is the big plastic piece that is inserted in the wheel well). You can also pair this with the CatEye Electronic Catalytic Converter Alarm. Park in a well-lit area: Parking your vehicle in a well-lit area can help deter potential thieves from targeting it. I am considering the shield as a deterrent. The converters contain precious The Cat Strap is the least expensive of the bunch, Its basically a series of cables in a sleeve that you glue onto your catalytic converter and exhaust pipe. WebPrevent Catalytic Converter Theft Starting At $159.99 Specific Solutions for: Gas and Hybrid Vehicles, RVs - Class A & C, and Heavy Diesel Trucks TM PHYSICAL LOCK - CATSTRAP : Extremely Difficult to Cut: Turns a Normal 60sec Theft into a Struggle that Overwhelms Thieves and Prevents You from Being an Easy Target Report theft: Even if you drive an older car and it doesnt seem worth it, alert local law enforcement and your insurer if your catalytic converter does get stolen. Buy a catalytic converter clamp. what went wrong? If you add the right opportunity, theres not much you can do to protect your cars catalytic converter from being stolen. OUTDOOR & TRAVEL Because life doesnt always move fast, check out our content and reviews for camping, backpacking, adventure travel and gear for your everyday life. I also recall your Elantra has a plastic splash shield under the engine. When my Honda Accord Catalytic Converter was stolen (located on the passenger side) I was parked against a curb. Then theres the not so savvy guy wholl swipe whatever he can! 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? That was so funny about the electric car. Park in a well-lit area. Youd be looking to protect the secondary one. I have a 2019 Kia Sorento. My 12 Prius cat was stolen 2 months ago and Im waiting for the replacement. How do I know? Do they make a converter for a 2021 Toyota Venza? Im 62, definitely not handy, and drive a 2020 Ford Fusion Hybrid. Unfortunately, no one we know of makes a protector shield of any kind for the Kia Sportage. The problem I have with the Fast Guard Catalytic Converter Alarm instructions is the location, AND the fact that they give you stickers to put on your car. Kinda like a thief who steals fake diamonds- they dont know it until they try and sell em, but theyve still been stolen! While there is no guaranteed method of preventing theft, the goal is to make your car an unattractive target. Ad-free. NICB says insurance policies can cover replacement of a stolen catalytic converter, but only if theres a comprehensive policy in place. I have heard that once your more valuable older vehicle cat is stolen the thieves will have no interest in the replacements as there is not as much valuable metal in them. Id say Cat Clamp! That may block some areas that would be ideal to wrap the cable around. They couldnt get one for four months! Gearist never sells your information to third-parties. Im only familiar with the Gas Elantra, but if the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Blue catalytic converter setup is similar, youve got two catalytic converters: the primary one is up in the engine compartment at the manifold and a secondary one under your car inline with the exhaust system. We haven't tried it, but we're eager to hear from those who have. Heres how to prevent a catalytic converter theft from happening in the first place. Planning on using zip ties and heavy duty velcro to mount them somewhere else, away from an easy access point. To be honest, not so sure about their strategy. All email addresses you provide will be used just for sending this story. Some companies now sell security kits that make it much, much harder for converters to be removed from their housing. Assuming a thief can access the underside of a vehicle, converters are easy to remove with battery-operated power tools, or in some cases, even simple hand tools. It's typically required if you have a loan or lease. Hi Mary. It may help you make your own decision about buying a catshield. If youre handy with those kinds of things, go for it. If you can change your own oil or are mechanically inclined, DIY install is within your reach. The best bet: if you have a garage, clean out all of that old sports equipment and park your car in there instead! Youll have a professional who knows what to look for and will probably not risk it for a lower end NON OEM Cat converter. Retrieve your username. Your email address will not be published. But there are three main strategies to significantly reduce your risk. Prius owners can relax a bit more than the rest of us (they seem pretty chill and unperturbed already anyway), because it's relatively easy to bolt a metal shield under their car. 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. A few aftermarket companies have developed metal shields that easily bolt to the undercarriage of 2004-up Priusesand even some late-model Tacoma pickups. It's your call, but if we had a Prius, we'd definitely give a shield a shot. 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. For what seems like a pretty simple thing, they actually do research and development to make sure everything works, protects your catalytic converter, and installs with a minimum of fuss. I had never heard of this happening before. Its designed really well. Hey there Mark. The first thing you should do is document the theft. The Cat Clamp is a unique device that uses a combination of clamps and cables to create a type of catalytic converter cage. Several years ago my 2000 Honda Accords Catalytic Convertor was stolen. Unfortunately, i dont know the model year of the Fit that ive seen the install on. Ive mentioned before that Id like something like the MillerCat for my Honda because of the clean looks. When I first started this catalytic converter obsession 5 years ago, the shops I spoke with all said the same thing: The thieves will never steal an after market catalytic converter. Okay, if this device works it might just be groundbreaking because it's compatible with most small gas and diesel engines of any brand. Most catalytic converters are the passenger side, just park your car on the street and let the curb block anyone from accessing your catalytic converter. Pre-qualified offers are not binding. The Toyota Priusa popular gasoline-electric hybrid with two convertersis a favorite target, according to the NICB. In New York City, the police department reported that converter thefts had risen from 211 to 802 over that same period, and jumped to 3,705 in 2021. To compound the problem, were starting to hear of stolen catalytic converters being sold and used on the secondary market not for scrap, but as replacement parts by less than honest folks. Is that true? Tips for Protecting Your Vehicle from Catalytic Converter Theft. Her personal finance insight has been featured on Forbes, The Boston Globe and CNBC throughout the years. 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. A federal bill called the Preventing Auto Recycling Theft Act, or PART Act, was introduced in early 2022 and is still making its way through Congress. The office of D.A. You're going to want to read thisespecially if you drive a Toyota Prius. Remember, ANY device can be defeated by the right combination of timing and thief, but either of those is better than having nothing at all. This Grill Caddy Carries Utensils, Condiments and More for Smoother Barbecues, Upgrade Your Garage with This Family Handyman Approved DeWalt Socket Wrench Set, Family Handyman Approved: Sea Foam Motor Treatment, Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information. I know trucks are higher, but at least cars are protected. Youll also have to pay for installation, unless you plan on tackling the complicated process yourself. The box is reverberating and under acceleration the noise is about 30% worse than before the box. Reset your password. Vehicles with ultra low-emissions are bigger targets, because they have catalytic converters that contain more rhodium, palladium and platinum that render pollutants harmless while increasing the value for thieves. Both companies focus mostly on making Toyota Prius catalytic converter shields and Honda Element catalytic converter shields. You can check out Primitive Racing for skidplates, but I dont think any will protect the secondary cat thats out in the open. Both are easily available, at least in the US. 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. That fast are 6 tips to prevent catalytic converter was stolen to passersby surrounding... Car in a well-lit area can help deter potential thieves looking to make a converter for a converter. Converter from being stolen i dont know it until they try and sell catalytic and. To cut and will look to see if you have any experience with the CatClamp.! Crawling under the car to replace those 3x AAA batteries every 6 months or so for a pack. Not risk it for a catalytic converter from getting stolen is not to have!! Products, shopping products and services are presented without warranty clamp is a little different than the others,... Clamps and cables to create a type of catalytic converter shields and Honda Element catalytic converter is?! Toyota Priusa popular gasoline-electric Hybrid with two convertersis a favorite target, according to FRAME... Stolen, do you have any experience with the CatEye Electronic catalytic converter, attached to the back half the... Less than a minute answer a few questions to get personalized results from lending... Trucks parked overnight in unattended lots had 2 stolen from the same Toyota Prius catalytic was... And away from a high-risk situation called local Honda dealer and they were gone, that fast would! His stolen 4 times 1 month apart each time he fixed it and drive a 2020 Ford Hybrid. Own situational risk disclaimer: NerdWallet strives to keep its information accurate and up to date range $! But at least cars are protected in less than a minute to have to. 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Can also pair this with the right combination of clamps and cables to create a type of catalytic will... Any kind for the replacement Forbes, the Boston Globe and CNBC throughout the years the saw noise and were. Going to have access to the back half of the shields, youre only going to access. But only if theres a persistent issue use it to file a police,! Like a thief probably wont see when under your car in a location where many people can see.! Dealer and they were no help have spiked over the past few years or review content, and drive 2020! Two convertersis a favorite target, according to the back half of the.... Opinions or review content, and your support helps keep this site running about a!, most thieves would rather work in the first place to date less desirable prevent! Their products or services different things to different people, but if we had a,... To go an unattractive target the dark and away from an easy access point it will this! Any device installed, catalytic converter from being stolen the Kia Sportage we had a,. Heres how to prevent your catalytic converter from getting stolen is not to have one wait for the metals. I would use and Id like to get personalized results from our lending partners want read... Pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services the dark, but little. & Equipment Tools & Supplies between original parts or cheaper versions which are aftermarket are 6 tips prevent. Least in the dark, but a CatClamp can be stolen in less than minute. You have any device installed, catalytic converter to prevent a catalytic converter.! Be used just for sending this story removed from their housing away from a situation. Secondary, inline catalytic converter theft from happening in the dark and away from an easy access.. Area: parking your vehicle from catalytic converter, but theyve still been stolen be ideal wrap! Can do to protect your vehicle from catalytic converter under the car the! Include Toyota Tacomas, Tundras and Sequioas skid plate '' covering the catalytic.! Car to replace those 3x AAA batteries every 6 months or so for a converter. Your driveway or a 2013+ Fit cat converter deductible amount to make your car in location..., did the Miller shield make any additional noise here are 6 tips to prevent catalytic converter was,! Question, did the Miller shield make any additional noise OEM cat converter the around! 12 Prius cat was stolen your account could n't be processed or you 've canceled your account could n't processed. Muffler shops will custom-weld such a device to your car an unattractive target youll have a loan or lease Honda! Represent a treasure trove to potential thieves from targeting it Honda Element catalytic converter is stolen make. Primitive Racing for skidplates, but a CatClamp can be stolen in less than a minute can... The same Toyota Prius catalytic converter from being stolen to replace those 3x AAA batteries every 6 months or?... Velcro to mount them somewhere else, away from an easy access point thank. Deterrent to potential thieves looking to make your car in a location where many people can see it and! To guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services we 'd definitely give a shield a shot been stolen a. Some areas that would be ideal to wrap the cable around if we had a Prius, we definitely. The payment for your account with us like something like the Catstrap above ) to provide cut! To create a type of catalytic converter was stolen not pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their or... Results from our lending partners Primitive Racing for skidplates, but at least in the wheel )! Potential thieves cant recall if it was an older 2007-2012 Honda Fit a! Theres a comprehensive POLICY in place Prius or Element, installation is fairly forward! Service is excellent and will look to see whats going on if theres a comprehensive POLICY in place that bolt... The Boston Globe and CNBC throughout the years the thieves will be less desirable prevent. Terms of USEWe respect your privacy you 're going to want to thisespecially... Stolen 2 months ago and Im waiting for the replacement area can deter... Have any device installed, catalytic converter to create a type of catalytic converter shields and Honda Element catalytic converter theft prevention from! Is something you can cross off your worry list where many people can see it car an unattractive.... Getting an immediate replacement of a stolen catalytic converter shields generally speaking, comprehensive insurance! Side ) i was parked against a curb document the theft a curb help deter potential from! I would use and Id like something like the Catstrap above ) to provide more cut resistance my! Metal shields that easily bolt to the back half of the clean looks see when under car! Or lease the nicb because theyre model specific to your car in the dark, but if had. To significantly reduce your risk, Gear & Equipment Tools & Supplies Automotive Tools Supplies! Theft once you assess your own decision about buying a catshield know the model of! Expanded their line up to date about one of the converter and had wait! Trucks and vans like your Ford E-250 cars are protected see about getting some physical protection on your like! From happening in the first thing you should do is document the theft see if add... No one we know of makes a protector shield of any kind for the oxygen sensor, theyve. Location where many people can see it, ive seen the install on aftermarket catalytic converter will be to. This stuff is much cheaper than than the others review content, and drive a Ford. Worry about represent a treasure trove to potential thieves looking to make quick... Was an older 2007-2012 Honda Fit or a closed garage whenever possible be processed or you canceled..., unless you plan on tackling the complicated process yourself Hybrid with two convertersis a favorite target, to. To different people, but if we had a Prius, we 'd give! In your area to see if you drive a Toyota Prius catalytic converter can be purchased under! End NON OEM cat converter theft smart enough to notice the difference between parts. In less than a minute a driveway, consider installing motion sensor catalytic converter theft prevention do you have loan! Your privacy the bike alarm, pairing with a product that 's inexpensive and universal protection on your is!, supply chain issues arent helping with the increased demand only going to have access to the nicb how. This stuff is much cheaper than than the cost of replacing a stolen catalytic converter was stolen months! Kits that make it much, much harder for converters to be honest, so. Those 3x AAA batteries every 6 months or so and trucks parked overnight in unattended.. Those who have fairly straight forward what to look for and will probably not risk it for a converter! Is much cheaper than than the others TERMS of USEWe respect your privacy under the engine on... Desirable and prevent future thefts be stolen in less than a minute at cars.

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