By Arnab Dey
Catalytic converter theft prevention is becoming more and more rampant with each passing day. Studies confirm that thieves now proceed to steal these catalytic converters fearlessly and shamelessly in broad daylight.
A catalytic converter is an exhaust emission control that converts toxic gas and pollutants from your vehicle, making them less toxic and harmful to the environment at the release point.
Why Is Catalytic Converter Theft On The Rise?
There are two main reasons why, as a car owner, you need to stay wary as you may fall victim to a catalytic converter theft. How to pick the best catalytic converter theft prevention system?
Here are some of the qualities which every catalytic converter theft prevention system has.
- Catalytic converters are easy to steal. It’s a simple job to execute as you only need less care for what the law says, a hand jack, an angle grinder, and a few minutes to get the job done. That is the reason every car should have a catalytic converter theft prevention system.
- You will find most of the catalytic converters on modern cars underneath the vehicle. It makes it a comfortable spot for thieves because all they will do is lift your vehicle from the back and cut out the entire catalytic converter in a short time.
How To Know Your Catalytic Converter Has Been Stolen?
It’s difficult to tell if your catalytic converter has been stolen or not by just looking at your car. However, you’ll notice a difference and immediately know it’s missing the moment you start your engine.
Here are a few signs to look out for that are a clear indication your catalytic converter is missing:
- You will hear a roar that increases when you accelerate
- Increase in exhaust fumes that exude an unusual smell
- Missing essential parts beneath your vehicle
- Lack of exhaust regulation that leads to uneven acceleration
- Engine or inspection light failure
How To Prevent Catalytic Converter Stealing?
If you are looking for ways to prevent your modern car’s catalytic converter from being stolen, here are a few tips for catalytic converter theft prevention.
1. Buy A Catalytic Converter Clamp
You can buy catalytic converter shields that act like a cage and keep your catalytic converter safe from theft. Toyota is an excellent example of a modern car model offering some specifically designed catalytic converter theft prevention clamps for their vehicles.
2. Park Off The Road
If driving and need to stop for a few minutes, find out if there’s available off-road parking you can utilize. When you park your car on the street, you’re exposing it to easy access to thieves. A more isolated car scares thieves away and makes it difficult for them to make their mischief in time.
3. Park Your Car In A Well-Lit Area
Like any theft, your modern car is more prone to theft in a secluded and dark area. There’s no one on the watch, and thieves find it easy to dismantle your vehicle and get away with the catalytic converter theft prevention. Your car is more visible to passers making it difficult for anyone to stay away.
4. Mark Your Catalytic Converter
When purchasing your catalytic converter, ensure that it’s marked. In the event you lose it through theft, it becomes easily traceable. If you have already lost your lock, then search with catalytic converter theft prevention near me. And find the nearest dealers of the converters.
5. Improve Your Home Security
If you intend to park your car directly outside your house, ensure to invest in security cameras. The cameras help you notice any irregular and suspicious activity from wherever you are.
If you do not have security cameras, ensure to park your car safely inside your compound and have an additional staff looking out for the vehicle and the entire compound.
6. Leave Your Car Closer To The Fences
If you cannot park your vehicle off the road, make sure it’s closer to a fence or curb. Doing so makes it difficult for thieves intending to steal the catalytic converter from accessing it.
The best solution to prevent theft is to install the catalytic converter theft prevention lock underneath your car.
What To Do When You Lose Your Catalytic Converter To Theft?
After losing your catalytic converter to thieves, the first step you need to take is to report to the police. If the police cannot get hold of the person responsible, they are more alert in putting stringent measures to prevent further theft.
If you were fortunate enough to mark your catalytic converter theft prevention, the police would deploy a team who would assist in tracking the converter. This also means they can catch the thieves and take necessary action against them.
The second step is to raise a claim with your insurance to ensure you get compensated for the loss.
Lastly, ensure you find a reliable mechanic to ensure that the catalytic converter you replace is put in its proper place and will not cause future mechanical problems.
Final Thoughts
The cost of replacing your new catalytic converter can be pretty high. It can cost as much as $3,000 but will sometimes depend on the insurance claim. To prevent incurring these theft costs, ensure you take the necessary preventive measures to keep your catalytic converter and your modern vehicle safe by installing a catalytic converter theft prevention lock.
Read Also:
