Car theft is a real issue for vehicle owners. In 2020, the number of vehicles stolen was up twelve percent from seven hundred twenty-five thousand in 2019. Whenever there is something worth money, there are always going to be thieves.
However, apart from stealing the vehicles themselves, thieves can spend more time looking underneath your vehicle. Many parts are valuable in more ways and sell fast with no questions asked.
One such part is catalytic converters. This post is going to discuss what it does, what they are worth, and what associations are doing to help hinder theft and offer safeguarding.
What Is a Catalytic Converter?
Catalytic converters initially made their appearance in the middle of the seventies and fast began to be used globally. It is a part of a vehicle’s exhaust system that turns bad engine-exhaust contaminants into a less damaging exhaust to the atmosphere using a chemical reaction. A lot of nitrogen oxides, CO, and hydrocarbons, turn into the “less harmful” nitrogen, CO, and water vapors.
Driving around devoid of one would be very detrimental to the environment. Regrettably, thieves don’t care about that and would happily steal it off your vehicle for its monetary value.
What are Catalytic Converters Worth?
Catalytic converters do have value. But how much they are worth is subject to the kind of vehicle and it’s age.
The horrible news is that should you become a victim of theft, replacing one is going to hit your pockets. A lot of catalytic converters cost around $800 to $1,200. In some cases, you are going to have to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 to repair your car. They used to cost about $350, but COVID created shortages, impacting the costs.
How To Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft
There are a couple of measures you could personally take to stave off thieves. Ultimately, a stolen converter costs a good sum of money. You can do the below to mitigate the risks:
- Etch your VIN or plate number or install an anti-theft mechanism
- Park in a garage, close to entrances or in well-lit areas and have a car alarm installed
- Maybe consider installing a motion sensor light
- Park in a way that restricts thief’s access underneath your car (near a wall or other cars)
- Buy a converter lock and have it professionally installed
In Conclusion
The strategies listed above are going to ensure a certain level of protection and contentment. Nevertheless, they are not an end-all-be-all. Always be aware of your vehicle and exercise precautions when needed. If you notice that your car is too loud and something’s not right, it is possible you have had your converter stolen. In this case, you should get a hold of your insurance company and verify if they are covered through your policy.
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