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Catalytic converters were invented in the 1950s to help reduce the harmful emission from the car’s combustion engine. Unfortunately, the rate of catalytic converter theft seems to be rising, leaving many people to fork out for a new one.
What Are Catalytic Converters?
A catalytic converter is part of the exhaust system in a car. It takes the harmful emissions from the engine, such as carbon monoxide, nitric oxide, and hydrocarbons, and turns them into less harmful substances, such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and water.
Not all cars have catalytic converters. They are needed for vehicles with combustion engines, especially those manufactured after the 1970s. This includes hybrid cars; however, fully electric vehicles do not need them.
Why Steal Catalytic Converters?
Catalytic converters contain rare metals that are integral to the function of the converter. These metals are platinum, palladium, and rhodium. These metals are worth about $30 per gram each. In a typical catalytic converter, there are anywhere between three and seven grams of these metals.
Unfortunately, the presence of these rare metals in catalytic converters makes them at risk of being stolen as they have enormous value on the black market.
The rate of catalytic converter theft seems to be increasing. According to the insurance company State Farm, it is estimated that from July 2020 to June 2021, the rate of catalytic converter theft increased by almost 293% across the U.S.
In 2021, in Elizabethtown, KY, a man was arrested for catalytic converter theft. In Jefferson County, LMPDs sixth division (areas such as Hikes Point, Saint Joseph, Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, and Newburg) had the most reports of stolen catalytic converters.
How Can You Tell If A Catalytic Converter Has Been Stolen?
Look out for a few signs if you suspect your catalytic converter has been stolen.
Check Engine Light
Probably one of the most obvious signs will be that your check engine light will turn on. That is because the computers in your car run tests while you drive and will pick up that something is off.
Loud Noise When Driving
Another obvious sign that a catalytic converter has been stolen is the noise your car will make when you drive. It will sound more like an airplane than a car. The noise is very loud, and you cannot miss it.
Missing Car Parts
If you suspect you are a victim of catalytic converter theft, look under your car if it looks like parts of the vehicle are missing and have been cut out. Likely, this is exactly the case. If you are unsure what it should look like down there, watch some YouTube tutorials, ask a knowledgeable friend, or take your car to a mechanic to get some help.
Headache When Windows Are Down
Because the function of a catalytic converter is to reduce the harmful emissions from an engine, if a catalytic converter is stolen, these harmful emissions will be released.
These chemicals are not only bad for the environment but also for our health. For example, if you are driving your vehicle with the window down and get constant headaches, it is another sign that your car is emitting dangerous substances.
Most Stolen Catalytic Converters
Any vehicle with a catalytic converter is at risk of it being stolen; however, here is a list of cars that tend to have their catalytic converters stolen the most often:
- Chevrolet Equinox (2005-2021)
- Chevrolet Silverado pickup trucks (1999-2021)
- Chrysler 200 (2011-17)
- Ford Econoline vans (1990-2022)
- Ford F-Series pickup trucks (1985-2021)
- Honda Accord (1989-2020)
- Honda CR-V (1997-2020)
- Jeep Patriot (2007-2017)
- Toyota Camry (1987-2019)
- Toyota Prius (2001-2021)
How Much Is A Catalytic Converter?
Catalytic converter prices vary depending on the type of car and the model. However, a general estimate could be anywhere from $1000 to $3000, including labor costs.
The price will also increase depending on the damage done to the car when the catalytic converter was stolen. The catalytic converter was likely sawed-off, possibly damaging other parts of the vehicle.
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