A catalytic converter is a part of your car’s exhaust system that reduces harmful emissions. They use precious metals to convert exhaust gases into less toxic compounds. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, thefts of catalytic converters have skyrocketed in recent years. These parts are among the most valuable car parts to thieves.
Catalytic Converters Are Made Of Precious Metals
Catalytic converters for sale are muffler-shaped devices that are installed on the underside of cars and trucks to remove harmful pollutants from engine emissions. They use a catalyst process to convert hydrogen, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide into less harmful compounds such as water, oxygen and carbon dioxide. Precious metals such as platinum, palladium and rhodium are used to power these systems. They have an intrinsic value that means they are worth salvaging and recycling when a car is scrapped.
The price of these precious metals has skyrocketed over the past few years. As a result, catalytic converters are becoming more and more expensive to replace. To combat these price spikes, manufacturers have developed new designs that use less precious metals to purify exhaust emissions. They can reduce the amount of precious metals required by up to 70 percent.
They Are Expensive
A catalytic converter is a type of equipment that helps your car clean its exhaust. It converts harmful toxins and gases into less toxic ones, making driving safer. But catalytic converters are expensive, thanks to the precious metals they use as catalysts. These include platinum and palladium. The current spot price of platinum is $1,135 per ounce. Palladium is more expensive, at $2,332 per ounce. These expensive materials make catalytic converters extremely valuable to thieves. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, catalytic converter thefts have risen 1,215% in the past year.
They Are Easy To Remove
Catalytic converters are very easy to remove, which is why they are a common target for car thieves. With the right tools, a thief can steal a converter in less than two minutes and profit handsomely by selling it for scrap metal. A good way to protect your vehicle from theft is to park it in a well-lighted, secured, and alarmed parking lot. This will deter thieves and help you avoid a costly replacement.
You can also install an aftermarket catalytic converter theft prevention device that will make it harder for a thief to take the converter. These devices are typically sold by mechanics for a fee and can be a good investment. It is also important to keep your catalytic converter inspected regularly. If it is leaking or clogged, you should get it fixed as soon as possible. It will not only increase the life of your converter, but it will also save you money on your insurance premiums.
They Are Easy To Steal
Catalytic converters are a popular target for thieves because they contain rare earth metals, like platinum, palladium and rhodium. These precious metals are on the rise in price, which has encouraged a surge in theft. The National Insurance Crime Bureau reports that reported catalytic converter thefts have skyrocketed in recent years. They increased from 1,298 in 2018 to 14,433 in 2020, an increase of more than 1,000 percent. Luckily, there are several ways to prevent catalytic converter theft. One is to purchase an anti-theft device that encases the exhaust system component in a physical barrier. The Exhaust Parts for Car system is an essential part of your vehicle, guiding waste gases from the engine away from the passengers and interior.
These devices can be more expensive than regular cat shields, but they come with tamper-proof screws and removal tools that will make it harder for thieves to steal your car’s catalytic converter. Additionally, state lawmakers are taking action to combat this growing trend by introducing laws that regulate who can sell catalytic converters and tighten record-keeping requirements for scrap metal dealers.
Final Thought
Catalytic converters are an important part of your vehicle’s emissions system. They change harmful pollutants into harmless gases as they pass through a honeycomb of precious metals, usually platinum, rhodium and palladium. The value of these rare metals is soaring. Combined with their easy-to-get-under nature, catalytic converters have become a major target for thieves.
