We’ve all heard tales of automotive break-ins the place thieves goal a handbag, stereo system or different valuables left contained in the automobile. However not too long ago, a brand new sort of automotive crime is on the rise: catalytic converter theft.
In accordance with the Nationwide Insurance coverage Crime Bureau, there have been 1,298 catalytic converter thefts reported in 2018. By the top of 2020, that quantity had climbed to 14,433 – a greater than 1,000% improve! And sadly, this alarming development exhibits no indicators of slowing down.
However what precisely is a catalytic converter? And how will you stop your automobile from turning into a goal? Preserve studying to search out out.
What’s a catalytic converter?
A catalytic converter is a key part of your automotive’s exhaust system. Its job is to assist scale back dangerous emissions by slicing down on the quantity of pollution that exit the tailpipe.
How does a catalytic converter work?
Inner combustion engines generate energy by burning gasoline, like gasoline or diesel. When this gasoline is burned, it produces exhaust gasses.
(See additionally: What’s The Distinction Between Common and Premium Gasoline?)
Nearly all of this exhaust gasoline accommodates nitrogen, carbon dioxide and water vapor – emissions that are largely innocent. Nonetheless, as a result of your automotive is unable to burn 100% of the gasoline that enters the engine, it additionally produces some dangerous pollution: specifically carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxide. When these kind of emissions enter the ambiance, they’ll produce smog and acid rain.
We’ll spare you the total chemistry lesson, however a catalytic converter makes use of a “catalyst” to “convert” these dangerous emissions into the less-harmful byproducts of nitrogen, carbon dioxide and water vapor.
To perform this, the converter makes use of a ceramic honeycomb-type construction to warmth the exhaust gasoline. The ceramic is coated with a number of forms of treasured metals (platinum, rhodium and palladium), which function the catalyst. When your automotive’s exhaust gasoline interacts with these metals, they create chemical reactions that scale back the quantity of dangerous pollution exiting the tailpipe.
Why do folks steal catalytic converters?
There are two the explanation why catalytic converters are being focused for theft.
- Scrap metallic for money: The valuable metals used as catalysts are helpful… and costs are on the rise. Actually, in March 2021, rhodium costs peaked at practically $30,000 an oz.! Whereas the value of those metals ceaselessly fluctuate, a typical catalytic converter can include wherever from $200 to greater than $1,000 price of scrap metallic.
- Resale for components: Stolen catalytic converters could be bought to people or less-than-honest restore retailers wanting to economize over shopping for a brand new substitute half.
So between metals recycling and black market auto half gross sales, there’s cash to be produced from stealing catalytic converters.
How do I do know if my catalytic converter has been stolen?
You possibly can’t inform in case your catalytic converter has been stolen by merely taking a look at your automotive. However you’ll know as quickly as you begin the engine.
To steal a catalytic converter, a thief might want to crawl below your automobile, lower either side of the converter and take away it from the exhaust system. Meaning your automotive will basically be operating and not using a muffler, making the engine extraordinarily loud.
What ought to I do if my catalytic converter has been stolen?
In case your catalytic converter has been stolen, it’s a good suggestion to name the native authorities and file a police report. Then, it’s best to organize to get your automobile towed to a close-by restore store.
Can I drive my automobile if my catalytic converter has been stolen?
Since your catalytic converter is just a part of the exhaust system, your automotive can technically run with out it. Nonetheless, that doesn’t imply it’s a good suggestion to simply drive off.
When the catalytic converter has been lower out, exhaust gasses will probably be launched beneath your automobile as a substitute of behind it. Not solely will this make your automobile be loud, however you additionally run the danger of these dangerous exhaust gasses getting into the cabin.
And right here’s another factor to think about. If a thief has simply been sawing away on the underside of your automotive, there’s a chance different necessary parts might have been broken, too.
How a lot does it price to exchange a catalytic converter?
In accordance with CARFAX, the typical price for a brand new catalytic converter ranges between $1,800 to $2,000. However for luxurious autos and sports activities vehicles, it might price much more.
Do I’ve to exchange my catalytic converter?
Given the excessive substitute price, you might be questioning if it’s essential to substitute the catalytic converter. Sadly to your pockets, the reply is sure.
As a result of your catalytic converter is designed to take away dangerous pollution, it’s really federally unlawful to take away it out of your exhaust system. Moreover, a lacking “cat” can set off a test engine gentle, impression the efficiency of your automobile and lead to some foul exhaust smells.
Does automotive insurance coverage cowl catalytic converter theft?
In case your catalytic converter has been stolen, you might not must foot the invoice alone. That’s as a result of the non-compulsory complete protection in your auto insurance coverage coverage pays for damages that happen outdoors of a automotive accident, similar to vandalism, hearth or theft. At Erie Insurance coverage, this protection consists of catalytic converter theft.
Meaning in the event you select to file an insurance coverage declare, all you’ll must pay is your deductible (the sum of money you pay towards repairing your automotive earlier than insurance coverage kicks in). In case your catalytic converter is stolen, your native insurance coverage agent will help you evaluate your protection and discuss you thru your choices earlier than you file a declare.
See additionally: Easy methods to Select a Deductible
Are some vehicles at greater danger for catalytic converter theft?
Catalytic converter theft is an opportunistic crime by nature. The simpler it’s for the thief to get away, the extra probably they’re to focus on your automobile. This typically places high-riding autos like vehicles and SUVs at higher danger as a result of they don’t must be jacked up for the catalytic converter to be eliminated.
How can I stop catalytic converter theft?
With the current rise in catalytic converter thefts, some firms have began to make protecting cages that may be put in over your exhaust system. Since that is largely a criminal offense of comfort, a cage will make your automotive much less of a simple goal.
Past that, your greatest likelihood at defending in opposition to catalytic converter theft is to observe the identical precautions that shield your automotive in opposition to vandalism – like putting in an alarm or parking in a secure, well-lit space.
Defend what issues
Discovering that you simply’ve been the sufferer of theft or vandalism is sufficient to damage anybody’s day. However with auto insurance coverage from ERIE, you don’t must face it alone. We do every thing we will to make our claims course of handy and quick. As a result of the earlier we will resolve your declare and substitute your loss, the earlier your life returns to regular. See what makes us totally different and discover a native automotive insurance coverage agent close to you.
