Thieves nationwide are targeting catalytic converters—the small part under your car that filters emissions—because they contain platinum, palladium, and/or rhodium. At a scrap yard, these materials sell for a pretty penny.
If stolen, a catalytic converter can cost a large sum to replace and repair, and both must be done because driving without one is bad for your car and illegal.
Here's how to protect your car against catalytic converter theft:
- Install an anti-theft alarm or camera system with a highly sensitive alarm
- Engrave your VIN or license plate number onto your converter
- Park your vehicle in well-lit, heavily trafficked, and secure places
- Install a specific catalytic converter protection device (e.g. Cat Shield or Cat Clamp)
