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How to Theft-Proof Your Catalytic Converter

Updated on Sep 30, 2024

In recent years, we’ve seen a massive rise in cat burglary–and we aren’t talking about a few petty thieves breaking into unsuspecting victims’ homes. Catalytic converter thefts have nearly quadrupled in recent years; from 2020–2022 alone, vehicle insurance reports of catalytic converter theft skyrocketed from approximately 16,000 to 64,000 plus!

What begins as a quick buck at the scrapyard for thieves often leaves victims with headaches and multi-thousand-dollar mechanic bills, requiring exhaust systems repairs, replacement sensors, and even bodywork from hastily raising your vehicle for rapid access to the undercarriage. With this trend plaguing so many individuals, how can you protect your vehicle’s exhaust system?

In this article, we’re tackling catalytic converter theft, including what makes these components so valuable, how thieves make away with tens of thousands of them annually, and how to prevent your truck, Jeep, or SUV from becoming a target. Whether you’ve already been a victim of catalytic converter theft or are fearful of becoming one, the experts at RealTruck are here to help.

What is a Catalytic Converter?

Before we get into some methods of catalytic converter protection, let’s first discuss the history and science of a catalytic converter, namely what it is and what it does.

History

Catalytic converters are a component of your vehicle’s emission system installed in line with the exhaust system. This handy little invention was first patented in 1952; however, it didn't make its way into mainstream auto manufacturing until the Clean Air Act of 1970, which required all manufacturers to lower tailpipe emissions by a whopping 75 percent within five years! This push was made possible by concerned citizens and politicians as news of the internal combustion engine’s harmful effects on air quality reached front-page news.

While catalytic converters were previously ineffective in automobiles due to fouling from the leaded gas used before the 1970s, unleaded fuels didn’t pose the same issues. The catalytic converter gained widespread success thanks to this new fuel type, installed in every new vehicle produced after 1975.

The Science

Catalytic converters utilize a relatively simple process to reduce tailpipe emissions. Within the catalytic converter is a ceramic substrate embedded with precious metals like palladium (Pd), rhodium (Rh), and platinum (Pt). This porous weave allows maximum surface contact with passing exhaust gasses which, upon contact, converts any harmful chemicals from the combustion process, like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons, into less harmful compounds.

While not 100 percent effective, modern catalytic converters significantly reduce tailpipe emissions; however, as emissions standards continually increase, auto manufacturers require more-efficient catalytic converters and more of them! For instance, most modern vehicles feature two pre-catalytic converters directly after the exhaust manifolds, which rapidly heat and cut emissions while your vehicle warms up, and a primary catalytic converter between the pre-cats and muffler, which accomplishes the majority of the emissions control.

Why Are Catalytic Converters So Valuable?

With multiple catalytic converters on every modern vehicle and the constant push for more efficient converters, modern vehicles feature increasingly greater precious metal concentrations per vehicle. A recent study shows that catalytic converters are responsible for 35–40 percent of platinum mining, 50–70 percent of palladium mining, and 80 percent of rhodium mining! That’s a lot of precious metals and a lot of money.

The implementation of catalytic converters created an entirely new industry: catalytic converter recycling. In every junkyard and auto recycling plant, one of the first actions is removing the catalytic converters to sell to recyclers, who pay a premium. These recyclers then extract and refine the metals, which are resold to manufacturers to produce the next generation of catalytic converters! While there are countless legal avenues for catalytic converter recycling, as with any industry, individuals are looking to exploit the system for profit.

Most recyclers pay anywhere from $50–$500 for used catalytic converters, and up until recently, this practice was largely unregulated. With no questions asked and no documentation required, what was stopping criminals from stealing catalytic converters and selling them for a profit? Unfortunately, nothing, hence the crisis of widespread catalytic converter theft.

How Do Thieves Steal Catalytic Converters?

Catalytic converter technology isn’t the only thing that’s progressed in the past decade, so have tools, namely those required to quickly and discreetly lift a vehicle and slice up the exhaust system.

With a battery-powered reciprocating saw, a couple of charged batteries, and a lightweight, rapid-pump floor jack, thieves can drive to your home, elevate your car, cut off the catalytic converters, and disappear into the night in mere minutes; by the time you’re awoken by a barking dog or security camera notification, they’re already gone! While some unlucky thieves trigger car alarms or suffer the consequences of poor jack placement, most get away unscathed with hundreds of dollars in scrap metal.

How to Tell if You’ve Been the Victim of Catalytic Converter Theft

Most victims of catalytic converter theft won’t find out until the following morning while attempting to drive their vehicle to work. Upon starting, the first notable symptom of a missing catalytic converter is noise. Removing the catalytic converter enables exhaust gasses to bypass the remainder of the exhaust system, including the resonator and muffler(s). As a result, your vehicle will sound as if it’s straight-piped and dumped directly below your feet!

If the raucous exhaust note isn’t enough of an indicator, the removal of the catalytic converter and any related sensor damage will likely trigger a check engine light accompanied by power loss and other drivability issues.

As a final indicator, you’ll experience a noticeably pungent smell from the exhaust, similar to raw fuel.

Which Vehicles Are Prone to Catalytic Converter Theft?

Several modern vehicles are commonly targeted by catalytic converter thieves; this is due to two key factors: the concentration of precious metals in the catalytic converter and its position under the vehicle. Some of the most susceptible models include:

Toyota Prius
Ford F-Series
Ford Explorer
Ford Econoline (E-Series)
Honda Accord
Honda CR-V
Chevrolet Equinox
Chevrolet Silverado
Chevrolet Cruze
Toyota Tacoma

It’s important to follow the necessary precautions to prevent catalytic converter theft if you happen to own any of the aforementioned makes.

How to Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft

While no catalytic converter is immune to theft, that doesn’t mean you can’t dissuade thieves! In most cases, if the job will take longer than a few minutes, the score isn’t worth the potential to get caught.

Park in a Locked Garage Overnight

While this isn’t an option for everyone, parking in a garage is one of the most effective means of protecting your vehicle from catalytic converter theft. Not only does this make accessing your vehicle difficult, but it’ll also tack on breaking and entering charges if they get caught.

Park in an Illuminated Area Overnight

If parking in your garage isn’t an option, consider parking in a well-illuminated area, like directly under a streetlight. Once again, this increases the risk of the thief getting caught or identified, which is often enough to dissuade them.

Modify Your Catalytic Converter's Appearance to Deter Thieves

Recycling stolen catalytic converters has become increasingly difficult after the recent rise of thefts, often requiring documentation. Authorities often recommend modifying the appearance of your vehicle’s catalytic converter with high-temp spray paint or etching, signaling to recyclers that the component is stolen. There’s a good chance that thieves will leave your catalytic converter alone if it looks heavily modified, beyond a quick cleaning.

Install Motion-Sensing Lights on Your Driveway

One of the best means of deterring thieves is increasing the risk factor, that’s why parking in a well-illuminated area is effective. However, not all driveways are properly illuminated. If your driveway is relatively dark and inconspicuous, consider installing motion-sensing lights near your vehicle, the higher, the better! These lights trigger whenever someone walks onto your driveway, which should deter thieves so as not to draw attention to themselves.

Install an Anti-Theft Device

As a final line of defense, consider installing a device marketed towards theft-proofing a catalytic converter. Devices like cat cages, cat wraps, and cat shields, like the Cali Raised Catalytic Converter Shield, create a physical barrier between the thief and your catalytic converter. In most cases, a thief won’t accept the extra challenge; instead, they’ll move to an easier target in the area.