Catalytic converters are targeted by thieves due to the valuable metals they contain (platinum, rhodium, and palladium), which are sold at scrap yards. However, specific catalytic converters are less likely to have their converters stolen.
These include those priced lower on the aftermarket and those with fewer valuable metals. Examples include Ford, Dodge, Mazda, Chevrolet, Mazda, and Hyundai.
These are less likely to be stolen as they do not have valuable metals; therefore, they are not worth very much. However, this does not mean that they are not susceptible to theft, but that probability is extremely low.
What Car Has The Most Valuable Catalytic Converter For Scrap?
According to the Automobile Association of America (AAA), hybrid cars and the Toyota Prius are targeted heavily because they have fewer wear converters than conventional cars. Vehicles with higher ground clearance are also targeted because it allows more accessible access to the converter. This means that delivery vehicles and buses are at risk too.
Catalytic converters are stolen because they are expensive, and one stolen converter can be sold for as much as $800 on the black market. Other thieves will remove the platinum and rhodium from a catalytic converter, put it in a scrap yard, and then sell it for good money.
The process is silent, takes just minutes, and you do not even notice that the catalytic converter is gone until you turn on your engine. When you start the car with the missing converter, it blares like it is nearly blowing up; this signals that the catalytic converter is gone.
Unfortunately, there is not a lot that can be done to keep the stealth out. However, you may want to fit a splash shield under your car’s catalytic device’s underside. This helps to protect your converter. Guards are expensive, but protecting your vehicle goes a long way. Also, you may want to park your car in a secure garage or parking garage with good lighting.
Cars without catalytic converters are all-electric cars only. That is because they donat release any gases. To recharge an electric car’s batteries, you just need to plug it into an energy source, as it does not use gas or diesel.
Examples of these cars include; Jaguar I-Pace, Tesla models, Audi E-Tron, and the Volkswagen E-Golf. They have no catalysts because they are electric. There are no hybrid cars that are without a catalytic converter. Under the law, 100% of all new vehicles powered by gasoline will have a catalytic converter.
Generally, the larger a car’s engine, the more worth a converter. Thieves are more likely to target vehicles with expensive catalytic converters, as they receive a higher value for their scrap. Ferraris F430 has the most costly catalytic converters. According to the data from 2020, the Ferrari F430 Catalytic Converter costs $3,770.00. Additionally, two converters are required; thus, the total cost will be $7,540 before adding in labour costs.
The second-most expensive converter is for Lamborghini Aventadors, which costs $3,120. Like the Ferrari F430, Lamborghini requires two catalysts; therefore, a total replacement would cost $6,240. Catalytic converters for both may sound really expensive, but if you can afford the car, you can afford catalytic converters. The third vehicle with the most costly catalytic converters is the Ram 2500.
It is not as exotic as a Ferrari or a Lamborghini. So it is replaced for as much as $3,460.
The fourth most expensive is the Ford F-250, which costs $2,804, which indicates that it is priced significantly lower than the other three. The fifth most valuable convert is the Ford Mustang, costing $1,500, which is a moderate price. The average catalytic converter is priced at $800 to $1200. The price for the catalytic converter depends on the car type and model.
How To Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft
Catalytic converter theft is rampant everywhere right now. Thieves will steal a converter and sell it to scrap dealers in minutes.
It can be pretty expensive to change your catalytic converter, depending on the model of your vehicle. Here are a few tips to help you avoid stealing your catalytic converter and reduce the costs associated with replacing it.
Know If Your Car Is A Target For Catalytic Converter Theft
If you are curious about cars targeted by thieves in your local area, call one of the local muffler shops and ask. I am sure they will be nice enough to explain the affected cars in your neighbourhood. They will tell you about recent cars with their catalysts replaced at their shop.
For example, the Prius is a car that is often stolen, as it has lower emissions. Trucks and SUVs are also common targets, as they can slide under the vehicle rather than having to jack the car. Anti-theft devices can help keep the catalyst safe and are cheaper than replacing one.
Installing steel shields to protect the catalytic converter requires more time and tools to get to the converter.
Install Anti-Theft Component On Your Catalytic Converter
Installing high-strength steel cages on top of converters makes it harder to cut. Custom welds the stainless steel cables from the converters to the vehicle chassis.
Paint Your Catalytic Converter
If you paint the catalyst in high-temperature fluorescent paint, such as orange, and write down the car’s ID number, that makes tracking down your motivation easier. Also, reputable dealers will not take you up on the sale.
Invest In A Camera Or Set An Alarm To Catch Thieves
You can install an automobile alarm that allows you to have it sound if thieves make contact with your car. However, specific alerts may be activated if your cat knocks on your vehicle, so you need to be careful that you do not go all-in for nothing.
Therefore, a motion-sensitive camera could alert you of theft or even capture a thief’s vehicle license plate. Also, investing in motion-sensitive lights is advisable, as is making sure you park the vehicle in an enclosed garage or driveway.
Catalytic converters are targets for thieves due to their high cost of precious metals. Cars made before 1974 are least likely to have their catalytic converters stolen, as there are no such things. However, all vehicles must have a converter now.
Therefore, cars with lower-value metals are the least likely to have their catalysts stolen. Other vehicles with converters fitted into the engine components are also less targeted by thieves, as they are harder to steal. Regardless, this does not mean thieves will not steal them, so always keep your converter safe from theft.