In Under Two Minutes: Catalytic Converter Theft

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Auto Insurance Tips In Under Two Minutes: Catalytic Converter Theft

They're Valuable and Easy To Steal, but You Can Prevent It
By Kimberly Yap, Contributor
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You walk out to your car and it's gone. Not your car itself, thenavigation system or even your cell phone. The "it" is yourcatalytic converter. If you don't happen to notice it right away,the moment you start your car, you will. The sound has beendescribed as "a deep loud noise," "an unmistakable roar," and evenlike "a Harley Davidson."

Dan McColl of Upland, California, remembers when it happened tohim.

"When I got out of the gym, I started up my truck and it soundedlike there was a hot rod in the parking lot," said McColl. "Infact, I didn't even think it was my truck at first. But when I cutthe engine and it stopped, I knew that it was me. I was able todrive it, but it was like the gas wasn't really engaging. I droveit to the mechanic and he was able to tell me right away that thecatalytic converter had been stolen."

The catalytic converter was mandated for all U.S. cars and trucksin 1975, to convert harmful pollutants into less harmful emissionsbefore they left the exhaust system. Precious metals such asplatinum, palladium, rhodium or gold are used as the catalyst.Depending on which metal was used, thieves can sell the convertersto metal recyclers for $20-$200. The recyclers then extract themetal and resell it for as much as $6,000 an ounce, as in the caseof rhodium. While national theft figures are not recorded forcatalytic converter theft, the crime has risen in tandem withsharply rising metal prices.

The unfortunate vehicle owner will have to pay $1,000 or more for areplacement converter to be installed, depending on parts and laborcharges. If the thief damages the vehicle's wiring or fuel line inthe process, the vehicle could be left in a dangerous state andcost far more to repair. If the thief steals your converter withoutcausing additional damage, you should still be able to drive yourvehicle, but you'll need to install a replacement converter as soonas possible if the law still requires one. Ironically, during thewriting of this article, a catalytic converter was stolen from aToyota truck belonging to the brother-in-law of Edmunds.comDirector of Vehicle Testing Dan Edmunds. The quote to replace itwas $1,200, but because the truck is so old, a converter is notrequired to meet smog tests, so it won't be replaced.

An Easy Grab and Go
Thieves can remove a catalytic converter quickly, often in lessthan two minutes, so theft can even occur in broad daylight. Theonly tools a thief needs are a wrench (for converters that arebolted on) or a reciprocating saw (for converters that are weldedin). Some thieves bring a mechanic's creeper. Then all they do isslide under the vehicle, remove the bolts holding the converter,and take it. Thieves can remove the unit within a minute or two.

Typically, catalytic converters are stolen from cars and trucks indriveways, strip malls or in parking garages. "Anywhere cars areexposed," says Detective Abram Yap of the Long Beach PoliceDepartment.

The most commonly hit vehicles are SUVs and trucks, especiallylate-model Toyotas, because they sit higher off the ground (makingfor easier access) and the bolts that connect the converter areeasily removed. Yap says his department has been seeing moreNissans targeted as well.

Rudy Espinoza, wholesale parts manager for Surf City Nissan inHuntington Beach, agrees, noting an uptick in requests from ownersof older-model Nissan Frontiers . "It's crazy," he says. "We get calls, "How much is a catalyticconverter? Mine was stolen!"

How To Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft
There are a few options that may help prevent this type of theft.Some mechanics suggest welding the heads on the catalytic converterbolts — or simply shearing them off.

The aftermarket has responded by designing products to deter andprevent catalytic converter theft. The idea behind such devices isthat if it takes too long to make the steal, the thieves will moveon to easier pickings. The CatClamp , for example, which starts at $225, is a hard-to-defeat cageinstalled around the catalytic converter. Another product, the CatCuff ($49.99) is made up of six stainless-steel aircraft cables, and isdesigned to protect your entire exhaust system. Both can beinstalled by a mechanic or at home (CatClamp provides a specializedtool), and both companies offer a money-back guarantee.

While most owners don't give much thought to their catalyticconverter, those with vehicles high off the ground might want tothink twice. It's always wiser to park in well-lit or protectedpublic parking lots, and to park your car in your home garage ifpossible. Owners whose vehicles have easy clearance underneathmight want to take it a step further with an aftermarket product.Taking these precautionary measures will hopefully deter thievesand keep your car running smoothly.

Disclosure: Detective Abram Yap is the author's husband and helpedcontribute to this story.
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