Catalytic converters are a piece of metal that attaches to your exhaust pipe. Its function is to work as a catalyst in the combustion process and refine the emissions that come out of your car’s exhaust. It does this by reacting to the emission inside your car and filtering out most of the pollutants that the emission holds. The reason why this auto part has value in the eyes of the criminal is not that it is expensive, instead, thieves are more interested in the metals inside a catalytic converter.
To filter the gasses that launch out of your exhaust pipe, manufacturers need to install precious metal deposits that can cause a chemical reaction with the pollutant, resulting in the conversion of most harmful components into less harmful forms, hence the name, converter. These precious metals inside a catalytic converter are in very low quantities.
Despite metals such as Rhodium, Platinum, and Palladium being in scarce amounts, thieves can accumulate many catalytic converters and extract these metals to make a decent amount. These metals can sell for thousands of dollars even in low quantities. The price of an ounce of Rhodium, according to today’s market is close to 2000 dollars, which accounts for the rise in catalytic converter theft.
In this hostile environment, you must take certain protective steps to avoid suffering from a loss.
Park Your Car at Safe Spots
You must be very careful about where you choose to park your car. Ultimately, there will come a time when you will have to leave your car unsupervised for a long period of time. This is when you will have to make the important decision of picking out a parking spot that is the safest option.
Ideally, you should look to park your car at a spot that is not secluded, or dark. Thieves find isolated, dark, and quiet spots to be the best stealing grounds. You have to, therefore, pick a spot that puts your car within your sight, or select a spot that is the busiest.
Install a Metal Grill or Plate
Installation of a metallic plate or grill can be expensive, however, it is one of the best preventative steps against catalytic converter theft. This step requires you to purchase a protective steel grill and also hire technicians for installing it. Nonetheless, keep in mind that if a thief has to choose between a car with a grill/plate and one without, they will always find it easier to steal a converter that is easily reachable.
Steel Cables
Cables are the cheaper alternatives to a metallic plate installation. You can find them at any store for fewer than 10 dollars, and you can wrap them around the converter underneath your car without any assistance. You can take many steps to prevent criminals from getting to your converter. The best one however is to take multiple steps at once. This way, you can leave them no chance of carrying out the crime.