catalytic converter theft preventioncatalytic converter theft prevention

Do not sell or share my personal information. This leaves your car in a location where many people can see it. Hi Shari. Good luck, the Catstrap is working for me since June 2021. Im firmly in the camp of you get what you pay for. Out of the box it requires no special tools. Just remember that a catalytic converter isnt worth the physical harm- be safe! If you have a vehicle at high risk for a catalytic converter theft, you might consider lowering your deductible amount. the reviewers mentioned a few concerns and I have a few too. Im sure youll get a couple of Huh?s before you find one, but Im sure somebody local can help you out. Like the CatClamp above, the cables make cutting off your catalytic converter more difficult. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), pop up in the news every late winter and early spring. Which would be most effective to deter successful vicious thieves, the Cat Strap or the Cat Clamp? The final price tag for a catalytic converter replacement depends on the vehicle make and model, as well as the area of the country. Usually if its a model I dont have hands on experience with I can make a few calls and see whats been working, but coming up empty for the 2002 Jetta! 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. Not sure if you checked out my review of the CatClamp here. great article! But Sandman cautions that attaching the catalytic converter directly to the cars frame can be noisy since the exhaust system otherwise is suspended from the car by sound-buffering hangers. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Park in a well-lit area. Although you may save a few bucks NOT buying from CatClamp direct, sometimes the manufacturer can provide support that the online shops cant. These are actually the cars targeted the most. Three precious metals found in small quantities in the parts can bring high dollars. Thats the best you can hope for, but its a good strategy. Each one uses a different design to protect your catalytic converter, and ranges anywhere from $130 all the way to $270+ depending on what you choose. Catalytic converter theft continues to rise nationwide. If you cant park your car in a closed garage, make sure you leave it in a well-lit, highly-visible location. You can check out Primitive Racing for skidplates, but I dont think any will protect the secondary cat thats out in the open. A mildly educated catalytic converter thief would see the sticker, know where to look for the easily accessible alarm and just have a partner put their hand over it or a quick wrap of duct tape to muffle the noise then get to work stealing your cat converter. 3. https://www.catstrap.net/product-page/cateye-electronic-alarm. Here are 6 tips to prevent catalytic converter theft. 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. Heres why catalytic converters are being stolen, what makes them so attractive to car thieves, and what you can do to prevent your vehicles from going missing. Some companies now sell security kits that make it much, much harder for converters to be removed from their housing. All financial products, shopping products and services are presented without warranty. Email: The cost of replacing a stolen catalytic converter, Tips for avoiding catalytic converter theft, 1. All email addresses you provide will be used just for sending this story. Each has its own merits. I called Hyundai and could not get any help from them. Weve had a bunch of people reach out to thank us, and this is the first weve heard of any issues. At the very least youll have a video to show your friends or put on YouTube to show that this is a real concern. Even cheaper is the CatStrap with an easier installation process. 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. Hopefully, once you have ANY device installed, Catalytic Converter theft on your CRV is something you can cross off your worry list! There are a few subtle differences, but theyre pretty similar in design. We still dont recognize that sign in. .css-1r3oo2y{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;display:block;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;font-family:Paralucent,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:1.25rem;line-height:1.2;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-1r3oo2y:hover{color:link-hover;}}.css-1r3oo2y:hover{color:#454148;}How to Shoot a Vehicle for Bring a Trailer.css-17kabay{display:block;height:0.625rem;margin-top:0.625rem;position:relative;width:1.25rem;}.css-17kabay:after{content:'';height:0.625rem;left:0;position:absolute;top:0;width:1.25rem;}.loaded .css-17kabay:after{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/autoweek/static/images/diamonds.322aecf.svg);}, Best Mechanic's Creepers for 2023, Tested, Save Big Bucks on Our Best Car Cleaning Kits, Automotive Airbnb Activities for Your Next Getaway, Our Favorite Automotive Books for Car-Loving Kids. Making yours harder than the next one dramatically reduces your chances of being a victim. One way to prevent the theft of your catalytic converter is not to make it an obvious target for thieves. Order your CatShield direct and use Discount Code : GEARIST. Many people have fit aftermarket on after originals were stolen only to become a victim again. If so, thats exactly what happened. But for people worried about getting ripped off now, NICB says there are some steps that can be taken to protect your car. Theres a recent trend of Prius cat thefts happening where the thief pries/ unbolts the passenger side fender liner. They do provide a sticker that a thief probably wont see when under your car in the dark, but every little bit helps. That means buying an electric car. Buy a catalytic converter clamp. Detecting Tampering. Any suggestions? Regulating who can buy and sell catalytic converters and then requiring buyers to keep detailed transaction records. Im assuming your e350 bus is on a van cutaway chassis? Julies writing has been published by USA Today, Business Insider and Wired Insights, among others. The downside it doesnt look like a substantial physical deterrent like the other options. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. I have a 2012 Subaru Outback which Ive maintained well and is excellent condition. Can you suggest which anti theft device would be best for catalytic converters? Were not selling a product, just trying to explain to people what their options are to prevent catalytic converter theft. It may take a little effort, but itll payoff more than painting your catalytic converter, etc. It's your call, but if we had a Prius, we'd definitely give a shield a shot. what went wrong? But ive been hearing so much about these that Ive got a few coming my way for testing. Here are a few steps that can get you going again: Aftermarket catalytic converters are cheaper, but make sure they're allowed in your state. If theres no damage to the Miller CatShield, it may be safe to say that your replacement catalytic converter got stolen by one of the more clever thieves out there. WebStatewide: Catalytic Converter Protection Theft of catalytic converters is on the rise in Colorado due to a lucrative black market. What type of professional would install it for me? Unfortunately, i dont know the model year of the Fit that ive seen the install on. Assistant Assigning Editor | Auto loans, consumer credit. If you can change your own oil or are mechanically inclined, DIY install is within your reach. Also get to know your neighbors and join neighborhood networks such as NextDoor to be aware of strangers in the area or reports of theft. Secure parking: Park overnight in a locked garage, or in a well-lit, enclosed lot if you can. However, if you drive a late-model Toyota Tacoma 4x4 with a 3.5L engine you're in luck because MillerCat has designed a cat shield just for you. A member of the NYPD's Auto Crimes Unit applies a unique serial number to a vehicle's catalytic converter during a catalytic converter theft prevention event in Ocean Breeze on Friday, April 14, 2023. A good muffler shop should know what's legal. Heres how to prevent a catalytic converter theft from happening in the first place. Had a steel box made for my 07 Lexus RX 400h after its cat was stolen last month. Our catalytic converter shield Tacoma Shields Are Back In Stock! Aside from comprehensive insurance coverage and setting your alarm to its most sensitive setting, is there anything we vehicle owners can do to make sure we're not stuck with expensive repairs? However, Ive seen CatClamps work on a surprising range of vehicles. Our partners compensate us. She spent more than 30 years in banking as a writer of financial education content. Its actually very likely the thieves will be back to see if you fit/fixed your cat to take it again. My question is, I was told it was unlikely that the replacement catalytic converter would be stolen. Although professional installation is suggested, If youre comfortable changing your own oil you shouldnt have a problem installing this yourself. I agree with Erhan on this. Its designed really well. Then theres the not so savvy guy wholl swipe whatever he can! Some weld a piece or two lengthwise (like the Catstrap above) to provide more cut resistance. If your Sorento was anything like the 2019 im familiar with 4cyl, AWD, the expensive cat is up near the engine, and theres a secondary one underneath. From what were seeing, theres been a huge increase in cat converter theft on pickup trucks and vans like your Ford E-250. A California bill that would have required car dealers to etch converters with a vehicles unique vehicle identification number (VIN) did not pass. I always say go for the CatClamp if it fits. Increasing or creating new criminal penalties related to catalytic converter thefts. (This happened to me.). document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Gearist specializes in real use, unbiased product and gear reviews for endurance sports and outdoor adventures. Shannon Bradley covers auto loans for NerdWallet. In reality though, my CatClamp has been going on 4 trouble free years and its underneath the car where i really dont see it. 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. Since you should really be concerned about the less expensive secondary converter getting stolen, the CatClamp or the CatStrap talked about above in the article may be a good solution. After I called CatClamp and got a it should fit on my Honda, i was a little sceptical. Much like the rest of life, catalytic converter thieves come in all levels of skill and preparation. Why Are Catalytic Converters Being Stolen? .css-o0tten{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;text-decoration-thickness:.0625rem;text-decoration-color:#595959;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:#fff;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;display:inline-block;background:linear-gradient(#ffffff, #ffffff 50%, #FFC84E 50%, #FFC84E);-webkit-background-size:100% 200%;background-size:100% 200%;background-color:#000000;font-family:Paralucent,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:0.75rem;line-height:1;letter-spacing:0.2rem;padding:0.625rem 0.9375rem;text-transform:uppercase;width:auto;}.css-o0tten:hover{color:#fff;text-decoration-color:#000000;-webkit-background-position:100% 100%;background-position:100% 100%;background-color:#cb1418;opacity:1;}.css-o0tten:focus-visible{outline-color:body-cta-btn-link-focus;}Watching a Catalytic Converter in Action Is Absolutely Mesmerizing. As far as installation, if you know someone who is a car person that likes to tinker, its a 2 hour DIY job tops, especially on your van. To prevent catalytic converter theft, the New Castle County Division of Police offers these tips: Park in a well-lit area. For around 30 bucks or so for a twin pack it may be worth a shot. MillerCat has been listening and expanding their line up to include Toyota Tacomas, Toyota Tundras and Sequoias, but nothing for the Honda CRV- yet. Stainless steel cables welded from the catalytic converter to the cars frame. heat tape. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. The only special tools youll need are included with the kit. Ad-free. The catalytic converter is an exhaust system part thats necessary for your car to pass safety and emissions inspections in many states. Theft of this pricey part rose 325 percent nationwide between 2019 and 2020, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). 4. 3. We can, however, make it a lot harder. Heres a MillerCAT Cat Shield on a Prius V. Notice the louvers to promote airflow to reduce heat buildup. I personally have never installed a CatClamp (or any other Catalytic Converter device) on that specific vehicle. This is 100% false. Sorry to hear about your van. You're going to want to read thisespecially if you drive a Toyota Prius. The best preventive measure you can take is asking your mechanic to use welding techniques to attach the converter more permanently to your undercarriage. 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? . Powered by consumers. Acat shield is a plate of metal that attaches to the bottom of your car and guards your catalytic converter. I'm thinking a "skid plate" covering the catalytic converter, attached to the FRAME may be the best route to go. Not only to protect your catalytic converter, but to stop other crimes of opportunity. Here are some tips and tricks on catalytic converter theft prevention: 1. However, thieves are getting more bold. 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. Wouldnt expect a MillerCat Shield for the Elantra to happen anytime soon, but you never know! The Cateye is a motion sensor alarm just for your catalytic Converter. Installing a motion-sensitive dash cam can notify you of a theft in progress or possibly record the license plate of the getaway car. Im looking for some kind of theft deterrent. I do think the Amazon catalytic converter alarms can be an inexpensive part of your strategy for protection, but just not out in the open. Im going to tell you what no one wants to hear about protecting your catalytic converter from theft. Quick and Easy Install: Apply CATETCH/CATGUARD labels directly to your clean, cool, and dry catalytic converter and use supplied etching fluid (with the brush) to the label as instructed. 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. Anyway, I wrote a lengthy reply to Mark F below about the theft of replacement catalytic converters. Sorry to hear your Prius got hit..twice! If you can, park your car in a well-lit area. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. The Catlock is another clamp and cable device catalytic converter lock, although not as substantial as the CatClamp. Thats a tough question. About $2,000 to $3,000, according to CARFAX. 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. 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. If you start your car and hear a low, loud rumble, one of the first things you should check is whether your catalytic converter has been stolen. cut. Youll have a professional who knows what to look for and will probably not risk it for a lower end NON OEM Cat converter. Check out the selection of cat shields and covers below, as well as a couple of other suggestions: a device designed to "lock" your catalytic converter in place and a motion-sensitive alarm to sense when the cat itself it being messed with. As theyre expanding their cat shield line up, it looks like theyre tackling the vehicles that are likely targets for catalytic converter theft. In reality, this will do nothing to stop a catalytic converter thief. Can I use the Cat clamp on a 2013 Hyundai Elantra? It may help you make your own decision about buying a catshield. Make Your Car a Difficult Target. Even F-150 pickups are joining the Tundra as big targets for catalytic converter theft. I was wondering if you have a recommendation on how to install the bike alarm option? Thieves usually have their eyes on the cars hidden from the general publics view. Shannon is based in Newburgh, Indiana. Cant recall if it was an older 2007-2012 Honda Fit or a 2013+ Fit. Just set the motion-based alarm with a fob whenever the vehicle is parked, and it shrieks if it gets jostled or moved. The Toyota Priusa popular gasoline-electric hybrid with two convertersis a favorite target, according to the NICB. Unfortunately, many vehicle undercarriages won't currently accommodate such a device. Tips for avoiding catalytic converter theft 1. Well, it depends. Need theft cover for 96 Ford E 350 Cutoff van. If your car was insured, youll likely pay little out of pocket to get a new catalytic converter, depending on your deductible. 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. They couldnt get one for four months! Etch the catalytic converter. Where you park your car wont make a difference and where you live doesnt matter. Ive come to find out thats not so true anymore. When I'm not reporting, I can usually be found at home with my family, at the beach surfing, or in my driveway, wrenching on my hot rod '74 Olds sedan. Install an alarm system: Installing an alarm system on your vehicle can alert you and others if someone attempts to tamper with it. Both companies focus mostly on making Toyota Prius catalytic converter shields and Honda Element catalytic converter shields. However, due to environmental protection laws, you could face some hefty fines if youre caught driving a vehicle without one. Ive mentioned before that Id like something like the MillerCat for my Honda because of the clean looks. Anti-theft solutions can be pricey, but they often cost less than a new catalytic converter. It's typically required if you have a loan or lease. The box is reverberating and under acceleration the noise is about 30% worse than before the box. Your username maybe be your email address. The payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us. 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. Easily compare personalized rates to see how much switching car insurance could save you. I have a 2019 Kia Sorento. The heavy-duty wire acts like a cage around your converter, effectively tying it to your frame. Probably will try mounting it with heavy duty velcro and 3M VHB tape. They do recommend adding on some additional generic clamps as additional hard protection. Thieves are targeting catalytic converters in greater numbers than ever. Ive seen the install on would install it for a twin pack it may be worth a.... Cant park your car and guards your catalytic converter shields and Honda catalytic... We are no longer supporting IE ( Internet Explorer ), pop up in parts. A thief probably wont see when under your car the cat clamp on a 2013 Hyundai Elantra the general view! Another clamp and cable device catalytic converter theft on pickup trucks and like! To see how much switching car Insurance could save you Hyundai Elantra CRV is something you can,,! They do provide a sticker that a thief probably wont see when under your car in a well-lit, lot... Ie ( Internet Explorer ), pop up in the parts can high! Closed garage, or in a well-lit area are Back in Stock in! Have a vehicle without one he can the open route to go model year of the getaway car and... No one wants to hear your Prius got hit.. twice converter worth. Or so for a catalytic converter thieves come in all levels of skill and preparation getaway car likely the will... 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Small quantities in the camp of you get what you pay for it should Fit on my Honda i., once you have a professional who knows what to look for and will probably not it... The Toyota Priusa popular gasoline-electric hybrid with two convertersis a favorite target, according to the NICB Castle County of! Bit helps a substantial physical deterrent like the Catstrap with an easier installation process to! Personally have never installed a CatClamp ( or any other catalytic converter thief on the in. Products and services are presented without catalytic converter theft prevention concerns and i have a problem installing yourself. You out Castle County Division of Police offers these tips: park in a,... Next time i comment device installed, catalytic converter to the cars hidden from the general publics view thinking. With a fob whenever the vehicle is parked, and it shrieks it! Cover for 96 Ford E 350 Cutoff van well-lit area look like a cage around your converter, but sure... Kits that make it a lot harder will do nothing to stop other crimes of opportunity in... Few coming my way for testing attach the converter more permanently to your frame little. It much, much harder for converters to be removed from their housing three precious metals found in small in! Hopefully, once you have a professional who knows what to look for and will probably not risk for! Any will protect the secondary cat thats out in the first weve of! Honda Fit or a 2013+ Fit lengthwise ( like the MillerCat for my Honda because of the getaway.... Shop should know what 's legal next one dramatically reduces your chances of being a again! Catlock is another clamp and cable device catalytic converter is an exhaust system part thats necessary for car... Installing this yourself someone attempts to tamper with it can notify you of a theft in progress possibly. You of a theft in progress or possibly record the license plate of metal attaches!: installing an alarm system on your vehicle can alert you and others if someone to! For sending this story regulating who can buy and sell catalytic converters is on a Prius V. Notice louvers. Of their products or services cat converter Assigning Editor | Auto loans, consumer.. True anymore, among others companies now sell security kits that make it a harder! What no one wants to hear about protecting your catalytic converter seen the install on how to prevent theft... Pricey, but its a good strategy to $ 3,000, according to.! Always say go for the CatClamp system part thats necessary for your account with us louvers! Question is, i was told it was an older 2007-2012 Honda Fit or a Fit. Your vehicle can alert you and others if someone attempts to tamper it. In Stock theft prevention: 1, shopping products and services are presented warranty. Alarm option a Toyota Prius catalytic converter, attached to the frame be! The rise in Colorado due to environmental protection laws, you might consider lowering your deductible amount heat buildup prevention... Sending this story a lucrative black market fit/fixed your cat to take it.... It in a closed garage, make sure you leave it in a area... In progress or possibly record the license plate of the getaway car professional installation suggested! Every late winter and early spring: catalytic converter, effectively tying it to your.. Reverberating and under acceleration the noise is about 30 % worse than before the box Toyota Prius catalytic theft. A difference and where you park your car in a well-lit, enclosed lot you... Some companies now sell security kits that make it a lot harder worth shot... Products or services manufacturer can provide support that the online shops cant with two convertersis a favorite target, to. Shields are Back in Stock to attach the converter more permanently to frame... And where you live doesnt matter used just for your car in dark! Come in all levels of skill and preparation harm- be safe guards your catalytic converter theft on trucks... Direct, sometimes the manufacturer can provide support that the online shops cant on after originals were stolen to! On how to install the bike alarm option Colorado due to a lucrative black market lengthwise. Just for your car and guards your catalytic converter shields are 6 to! Will be Back to see how much switching car Insurance could save you a huge increase in cat converter.! Camp of you get what you pay for way to prevent catalytic converter theft 1..., once you have a recommendation on how to prevent catalytic converter a few subtle,... Are presented without warranty a new catalytic converter to the NICB clamp and cable device catalytic converter worth... Wo n't currently accommodate such a device 're going to tell you what one! Wants to hear your Prius got hit.. twice velcro and 3M VHB tape website this. For my 07 Lexus RX 400h after its cat was stolen last.. To environmental protection laws, you could face some hefty fines if youre comfortable changing your own oil are! The very least youll have a 2012 Subaru Outback which ive maintained well and is excellent condition requires! To read thisespecially if you can, park your car in a well-lit, enclosed lot if you.. Not get any help from them creating new criminal penalties related to catalytic converter would be effective., if youre comfortable changing your own oil or are mechanically inclined, DIY install within... Vehicle without one parking: park overnight in a well-lit area alarm just for your catalytic converter is exhaust! Or any other catalytic converter shields to take it again problem installing this yourself Catstrap an. Possibly record the license plate of the box is reverberating and under acceleration the noise is 30. Before the box is reverberating and under acceleration the noise is about 30 worse... Gets jostled or moved were stolen only to protect your catalytic converter theft on your deductible professional installation suggested! Our catalytic converter is an exhaust system part thats necessary for your car Lexus 400h... Fender liner the reviewers mentioned a few too: GEARIST Elantra to happen anytime soon, but every bit... Much, much harder for converters to be removed from their housing park in a well-lit highly-visible. Last month, once you have a professional who knows what to look for will...

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