5 Tips to Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft

As automakers look to make their cars more efficient and reduce their vehicles’ carbon footprints each year, the importance of catalytic converters becomes more pronounced. These exhaust components are responsible for filtering out unspent fuel and other nasty combustion byproducts that might otherwise wind up blown out into the world as you drive your car.

Catalytic Converter Car Service

What does a catalytic converter do and why steal them?

The catalytic converter sits in the exhaust system and uses many rare and precious metals to effectively filter out toxins as your vehicle burns fuel. The metals inside make catalytic converters desirable targets for theft because their components often fetch hundreds of dollars at metal scrap yards and catalytic converters can be cut away from many vehicles in under 90 seconds.

Luckily, legislators have taken notice of the sharp uptick in catalytic converter thefts—they broke up a catalytic converter theft ring in 2022 and are working to enact regulations to make these components more difficult to buy and sell, hopefully reducing their attractiveness to thieves.

For those looking to prevent their catalytic converter from being stolen, the good news is that there are solutions available. Drivers can also take conscious steps to make their vehicles a more difficult target for theft.

Install a steel anti-theft device

There are a number of anti-theft devices that make your vehicle’s catalytic converter less desirable. While none of these can fully prevent a determined thief from getting to your converter, they will certainly make it a more arduous experience. Steel covers, steel cages, and even some thick, steel cable systems can be welded or bolted to your vehicle’s frame, making the catalytic converter much more difficult to remove.

Paint your converter

Painting your converter with bright, conspicuous colors can make it less attractive to thieves trying not to call attention to themselves. Often, brightly painted catalytic converters are a big red flag to potential buyers, making them more difficult to sell for a profit.

Etch your VIN into the converter

One of the best ways to protect your converter from theft is to have your VIN and/or license plate number etched or stamped into its metal housing. A Federal Bill called the PART Act has been introduced in late 2022 which would require all new vehicles to have this done on the assembly line, there are etching kits available at some dealerships and auto shops that can do this for you.

Park smart

Make wise choices when parking. Park in high-traffic areas near entrances or exits, when possible. Always try to park in well-lit areas as well. Parking in a spot that makes your vehicle easy to see can sometimes make all the difference.

LIFTED VEHICLE ARE TARGETS
For catalytic converter thieves, getting in and out quickly without being noticed is critical. Because of their height and how easy it is to slide under them, lifted pickups and other high-riding trucks are very desirable targets for thieves.

While there’s no tried-and-true method to completely foil a determined catalytic converter thief, there are plenty of steps drivers can take to protect themselves. Whether it’s installing proactive, anti-theft devices or reducing the desirability of your vehicle as a target, there’s plenty you can do right away to protect your vehicle.