Andy Close
Catalytic converter thefts are on the rise across the country again after spiking during the pandemic.
July is National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month and AAA East Central has tips for motorists to protect their vehicles.
Catalytic converters change harmful substances in a car’s exhaust gases into less-harmful substances like carbon dioxide and water vapor. They contain the rare earth metals rhodium and paladium, which are each worth more per ounce than gold and have a high value when sold for scrap in person or online.
Thieves cut the catalytic converters from beneath vehicles, sometimes using power saws or hacksaws. SUVs, trucks and vans are frequently targeted, as are Toyota Priuses because they have two catalytic converters.
Scrap metal recyclers typically pay $50 to $250 per catalytic converter, while the cost to replace the parts could be thousands of dollars — sometimes up to $3,000.
AAA East Central has tips to prevent catalytic converter and auto theft:
- Park in well-lit areas and close to building entrances. If you have a garage, park your car inside and keep the garage door shut.
- Store high-clearance vehicles like trucks or SUVs in secure locations.
- Have the catalytic converter welded to your car’s frame, which may make it harder to steal.
- Look into buying a converter-protection device which has been developed for the Prius and other vehicles. Locks also are available that attach to converters, making them harder to steal.
- Engrave your vehicle identification number or license plate number on the catalytic converter. This may alert a scrap dealer that it was stolen and make it easier to find the owner.
- Calibrate your car alarm to go off when it detects vibration.
- Carry a good insurance policy. Most insurance companies cover catalytic converter replacement under optional comprehensive coverage for damages not caused by a crash.
