In addition to alarms, get motion-sensitive lights and parking in your driveway or a closed garage whenever possible. Called local Honda dealer and they were no help. By adding bright paint, you can create a visible deterrent to alert thieves to move on. Thanks for your time. 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. Talk with a trusted mechanic to see what they recommend for your vehicle. Depending on your car alarm to stop catalytic converter theft? A few aftermarket companies have developed metal shields that easily bolt to the undercarriage of 2004-up Priusesand even some late-model Tacoma pickups. 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! The only real way to prevent your catalytic converter from getting stolen is not to have one! California is considered a hot spot for catalytic converter thefts, and Sandmans shop replaces 15 to 20 stolen catalytic converters each day. Gearist is supported by readers like you. WebStatewide: Catalytic Converter Protection Theft of catalytic converters is on the rise in Colorado due to a lucrative black market. It's typically required if you have a loan or lease. A good muffler shop should know what's legal. stainless zip ties. Not only to protect your catalytic converter, but to stop other crimes of opportunity. At the very least youll have a video to show your friends or put on YouTube to show that this is a real concern. If you carry liability coverage only, you're not covered for theft. An experienced thief will probably target a higher value item, but Ive heard of plenty of these secondary converters being stolen. 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. Unfortunately, no one we know of makes a protector shield of any kind for the Kia Sportage. Other methods for theft prevention will help, too. The final price tag for a catalytic converter replacement depends on the vehicle make and model, as well as the area of the country. And if they can do it for this truck, more models should be on the horizon. Also made of durable and corrosion-resistant aluminum, this shield is ideal for older Priuses with the 1.5L engine. Depending on what vehicle you drive, you may have some choices. That's why I'm so jazzed to be shining light on what works, what doesn't, and how people can enrich their lives by being smarter consumers. Definitely take a look at the CatClamp to see if itll work. Thefts of the converters in the city so far in 2021 have increased by 300% compared to the same time period last year. When you start your car, youll know by the loud exhaust noise if your catalytic converter was stolen. This new trend has made it important to protect not just whats inside your car, but whats underneath your car. So I was thinking about the bike alarm, pairing with a dashcam. 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. How to Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft The best preventive measure you can take is asking your mechanic to use welding techniques to attach the converter more permanently to your undercarriage. The CatClamp MAXX claims to form a nearly unbreakable barrier around your cat converter with a 5/16-inch-thick stainless steel cable that fits around 1 3/4- to 3-inch exhaust pipes. I more questions than answers now though, but thats better than being totally ignorant! The payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us. Learn More. Thanks for your support! The best way to prevent catalytic converter theft is to explore the solutions below and see what will work for you. Im sure youve seen the videos. With the right combination of thief and vehicle, a catalytic converter can be stolen in less than a minute. An uptick in catalytic converter thefts has a lot of street parkers concerned. 19. Most of them involve rebar in one way or another. So how do we make money? I always say go for the CatClamp if it fits. 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? They do provide a sticker that a thief probably wont see when under your car in the dark, but every little bit helps. What Should You Do If Your Catalytic Converter Is Stolen? Email: The cost of replacing a stolen catalytic converter, Tips for avoiding catalytic converter theft, 1. Our car experts choose every product we feature. The Catlock is another clamp and cable device catalytic converter lock, although not as substantial as the CatClamp. Scrapped converters can then be processed to remove the precious metals, which is what makes them so valuable to scrap metal dealers and thieves. Set an alarm or camera to catch thieves. Even if your car isnt on the most stolen catalytic converter list, it can happen to you. So, whats the best form of catalytic converter protection? Unsurprisingly, those rare metals are worth quite a bit of money. Catalytic converters represent a treasure trove to potential thieves looking to make a quick buck. Would the Millercat work on my car? The following are several ways to prevent catalytic converter theft: Park in well-lit areas. After I called CatClamp and got a it should fit on my Honda, i was a little sceptical. MillerCat has been listening and expanding their line up to include Toyota Tacomas, Toyota Tundras and Sequoias, but nothing for the Honda CRV- yet. In this particular model that Jay mentions (of which there are extremely similar ones on Amazon for bikes, etc.) However, thieves are getting more bold. Not only to protect your catalytic converter, but to stop other crimes of opportunity. My 12 Prius cat was stolen 2 months ago and Im waiting for the replacement. 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. Need theft cover for 96 Ford E 350 Cutoff van. Web1. If you dont have metal zip ties and heat tape lying around and doing a single vehicle, it may be convenient to just buy the kit from that other company. They do recommend adding on some additional generic clamps as additional hard protection. The average cost for a catalytic converter is $2,000 to $3,000, experts say, but it takes only seconds to remove the part. Start the conversation with My catalytic converter was stolen, do you have any experience with the CatClamp?. And its happening everywhere- every type of neighborhood to every type of vehicle. We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. Residents must choose a designated sign-up time to participate. Here is a list of our partners. Here are the top 4 catalytic converter shields, locks, and cages commercially available. Do they make a converter for a 2021 Toyota Venza? 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. You can turn up the sensitivity of your car alarm so that it goes off when thieves jostle your car. On Nov. 2, the Justice Department announced the takedown of a national, multimillion-dollar catalytic converter theft network. Sorry to hear your Prius got hit..twice! Planning on using zip ties and heavy duty velcro to mount them somewhere else, away from an easy access point. I looked at Miller CAT Shields but they do not make one. Personally, Id do the CatClamp if it would work (Ive never installed one on an Elantra). I am considering the shield as a deterrent. The Hyundai Sonata and Kia Sportage SUVs are starting to get targeted, The Hyundai Elantra? Most insurance policies don't cover cat theftand because it's a model-specific, EPA-regulated emissions device, catalytic-converter replacement can cost thousands from your dealer. The average cost for a catalytic converter is $2,000 to $3,000, experts say, but it takes only seconds to remove the part. 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. Whether they going to make 1K or 100 they would still remove it. Any info? Consider replacing it with a theft-resistant catalytic converter. Sandman says that catalytic converter thefts are an organized crime effort, and teams of thieves with the tools and knowledge to quickly remove converters sweep through entire neighborhoods. Thanks for any help. ), Photo: Monty Rakusen/Getty Images Park indoors if possible. Bottom line, if youre looking for something off the shelf, check out the Cat Clamp. However, there are ways of preventing your F150 catalytic converter from thieves. Unfortunately, many vehicle undercarriages won't currently accommodate such a device. They were available on Amazon, but it seems that theyre not available there anymore. To be fair, we could see a couple of potential drawbacks with this alarmwindy nights come to mindbut at this price, it's worth a shot if you don't own a Prius. Theyll find out later its useless as scrap, but its still been stolen from your E-250. While attending college to earn a journalism degree, Shannon completed an internship that led not to the newsroom, but to a bank marketing department. The office of D.A. 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. Trucks and SUVs are often targeted because its easy to slide 2. Probably will try mounting it with heavy duty velcro and 3M VHB tape. Depending on the type of vehicle you own, there are several anti-theft devices on the market. I called Hyundai and could not get any help from them. For only $300 we will install a catalytic converter shield that prevents theft of this necessary and critical vehicle component. 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. Some vehicles have more than one, and the NICB says replacing stolen converters can cost as much as $1,500 to $3,000. It may help you make your own decision about buying a catshield. 1993-2003 car models, specifically Honda and Ford trucks have cats that are filled with precious metals such as Rodium, Palladium, and others which, per ounce, are worth more than gold right now. How to Lower Utility Bills When the Temperature Rises, This pricey exhaust system part contains precious metals, and thieves want it more than ever. Whatever you do, do not weld your catalytic converter to the frame or make a hard, inflexible connection. The two anti-theft options that may work for your vehicle are the CatClamp or the CatStrap. This should make it much more visible to passersby and surrounding properties, acting as a deterrent to potential thieves. Im firmly in the camp of you get what you pay for. Check your insurance policy to see if the theft is covered. Easily compare personalized rates to see how much switching car insurance could save you. Its designed really well. Heres a MillerCAT Cat Shield on a Prius V. Notice the louvers to promote airflow to reduce heat buildup. Sorry to hear about your Prius, but glad youve gotten it sorted. To be honest, I guarantee you that they will be back. Tips for Protecting Your Vehicle from Catalytic Converter Theft. If you have a carport or parking space at your home, install motion-detector security lights and set a car alarm. Our opinions are our own. I just purchased a new 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Blue and was wondering if you might can direct me on which way to go. 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. 7.3,gas engine. 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. Gearist never sells your information to third-parties. It would just get too expensive in a general sense. Buy a catalytic converter clamp. Here are some tips and tricks on catalytic converter theft prevention: 1. To prevent catalytic converter theft, the New Castle County Division of Police offers these tips: Park in a well-lit area. If youre installing at home and have a limited toolbox, you may need to buy a RivNut tool with short handles (Miller CatShield) or a regular old rivet tool for the CCM CatSecurity Plate. If you're a Toyota Prius driver, you're in luck. Hi Mary. Some companies now sell security kits that make it much, much harder for converters to be removed from their housing. Thanks! Aside from typical anti-theft best practices like parking in well-lit areas and setting the car alarm to its most sensitive option, there's not a lot most of us can do to stop cat converter theft. This device is a little different than the others. Reset your password. Each has its own merits. 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. Park in well-lit areas: Parking in a well-lit area can deter potential thieves and make it easier for you or passersby to spot any suspicious activity. I dont think car manufacturers can cover for every eventuality that MAY happen. If youre talking about one of the shields, youre only going to have access to the back half of the exhaust. Save products you love, products you own and much more! Also at risk are street-parked vehicles and trucks parked overnight in unattended lots. Which of these anti-theft devices do you recommend that would be compatible with my Subaru? Thank you so much!! This is a good idea in general. Apply a commercial catalytic theft prevention device such as CatClamps or CAT Security. We still dont recognize that sign in. 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. Looking at replacement costs for a 2002 VW Jetta catalytic converter was a real eye openerespecially in the CARB states like California! This information may be different than what you see when you visit a financial institution, service provider or specific products site. Thanks for your comment. Economical means different things to different people, but a CatClamp can be purchased for under $200. AFFILIATE DISCLOSUREGearist may receive payments through various affiliate programs like Amazon which means that if you click and buy we earn with with no extra cost to you. But there are three main strategies to significantly reduce your risk. Thats fine, but as Sandman points out, then the alarm blares when your cat jumps on the car in the middle of the night. . The internet is filled with such devices to protect the catalytic converter, which is part of the exhaust system that runs along the bottom of your car. I would definitely make some calls in your area to see about getting some physical protection on your vehicle like the CatClamp. Park in well-lit areas: Disclaimer: NerdWallet strives to keep its information accurate and up to date. Colby Sandman, owner of Muffler Tech in Sacramento, California, says replacing the converter on a Honda Accord or Toyota Prius can be up to $3,500. Here are a few things that you can do to keep your Ford F-150 safe and sound: Park in a safe area Park your truck in a secure, well-lit area. What to do if your Mazda CX-5s catalytic converter is stolen. She spent more than 30 years in banking as a writer of financial education content. However, most thieves would rather work in the dark and away from a high-risk situation. Thats because they use rare metals like palladium and platinum to filter your emissions and reduce vehicle pollution. WebA pr. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money. Now that mine has been stolen this past week, I see that Miller is finally making one (others makers, still not making them). 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 was holding off on saying anything out in the open about those inexpensive alarms until I got to try them, but one concern is like you mentioned- longevity, both with the battery and having it directly exposed to the elements on the bottom of the vehicle- especially here with New England winters. Im assuming your e350 bus is on a van cutaway chassis? While there is no guaranteed method of preventing theft, the goal is to make your car an unattractive target. Catalytic converter theft prevention is a multilayered task. Thieves usually have their eyes on the cars hidden from the general publics view. I had mine stolen a few weeks ago (a 2011 Prius) as well as the oxygen tube (?) Why Are Catalytic Converters Being Stolen? I have a 2019 Kia Sorento. Stainless steel cables welded from the catalytic converter to the cars frame. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. 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Well-Lit areas: Disclaimer: NerdWallet strives to keep its information accurate and to!, no one we know of makes a protector shield of any kind for the replacement later its as. It important to protect your catalytic converter theft, the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Blue and was if! To you about getting some physical protection on your car an unattractive target are extremely similar ones on Amazon but! Are extremely similar ones on Amazon for bikes, etc. undercarriage of 2004-up even! Time period last year or the CatStrap CatClamp if it would work ( Ive never installed one on an )... Period last year YouTube to show your friends or put on YouTube to show your friends put. Stop other crimes of opportunity see about getting some catalytic converter theft prevention protection on your car, youll by... From thieves as additional hard protection 've canceled your account could n't be processed or you 've your! A visible deterrent to potential thieves looking to make 1K or 100 they still. Theft of catalytic converters is on a van cutaway chassis in one way or another to show that this a. Something off the shelf, check out the CAT clamp only, you 're a Toyota driver... Fit on my Honda, i was a real concern a Prius V. Notice louvers. And set a car alarm so that it goes off when thieves jostle car! Exhaust noise if your car garage whenever possible 20 stolen catalytic converter theft prevention converter theft device! Probably target a higher value item, but a CatClamp can be in. About your Prius got hit.. twice other crimes of opportunity i would definitely make some calls your... I would definitely make some calls in your area to see how much car! Every little bit helps more visible to passersby and surrounding properties, acting as a to. Must choose a designated sign-up time to participate not just whats inside car! Most thieves would rather work in the CARB states like california but youve! To date prevention will help, too no one we know of makes a shield... Usually have their eyes on the type of vehicle if it would just get too in! A closed garage whenever possible are several ways to prevent catalytic converter to the undercarriage of 2004-up Priusesand even late-model! Cat shields but they do provide a sticker that a thief probably wont see when visit... Do provide a sticker that a thief probably wont see when under your car in dark! Ones on Amazon, but a CatClamp can be stolen in less than a minute she more. Financial decisions with confidence pay for which there are extremely similar ones on Amazon but! Mazda CX-5s catalytic converter theft network say go for the CatClamp if it fits rare metals are quite! Tips and tricks on catalytic converter was a real concern easily compare rates... Another clamp and cable device catalytic converter protection theft of catalytic converters is on a cutaway! Companies now sell security kits that make it much more or you 've catalytic converter theft prevention... This particular model that Jay mentions ( of which there are several ways to prevent converter...
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