7 Catalytic Converter Theft Prevention Tips

Chances are good you’ve already known someone who has had their catalytic converter stolen if you live in the Twin Cities area, where nearly 1500 thefts occurred in 2020. That’s because over the past few years, there has been a nationwide increase in catalytic converter thefts, and the problem is only getting worse as time goes by. Not only does this lead to expensive replacements for car owners, but it has also caused a national shortage of replacement cats, especially for some models of vehicles.

In this post from Mobile Installation in Brooklyn Park, we’re taking a closer look into why catalytic converter thefts are on the rise and what you can do about it. Check out these catalytic converter theft prevention tips and then give us a call to discuss aftermarket security solutions for your vehicle today.

What Happens When Your Catalytic Converter Gets Stolen

If you’re not familiar with catalytic converters, you will be once yours gets stolen. It happens a little something like this: You’re out for the afternoon grocery shopping or you’ve left your car parked for a while in a less secure location.

You start your car to head home and notice that it just doesn’t sound right. In fact, it’s awfully loud, so you take it into the shop to have it looked at. There, you learn that your catalytic converter was stolen, probably in less than a five-minute time frame, and with no serial number, you’ll probably never find the thief. At as much as $3500 for replacement, there’s also a good chance you’ll have to wait for your part to be back-ordered, which means you could go as long as a month without driving.

Which Vehicles Are Most Vulnerable?

If you drive a car with a catalytic converter, it’s vulnerable to theft, but cars with higher ground clearance can make theft much easier. Additionally, most Hondas, the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, and the Toyota Prius hybrid are even more vulnerable because they are used less frequently, leaving the metals inside of them in better condition. And it’s those metals that make catalytic converters go for as much as $200 a pop at a scrapyard.

Once you’ve shelled out to replace your catalytic converter, you’re faced with another problem: How do you keep it from happening again? At Mobile Installation, we can help you prevent catalytic converter theft based on the make and model of your vehicle.

These are just a few things you can do to reduce your chance of becoming a victim:

1.      Park in a garage that has its own security.

2.      Park only in areas with plenty of lighting. However, remember that many thieves can be bold, and many catalytic converter thefts occur in broad daylight.

3.      Purchase a car alarm that activates with motion and alerts you on your mobile.

4.      Install a steel cage over the converter.

5.      Install a camera on your vehicle.

6.      Paint your catalytic converter neon orange or pink to make it traceable.

7.      Don’t hesitate to report suspicious behavior in a parking lot or on a street.

Invest in Mitsubishi Catalytic Security

If you’re driving a Honda, Toyota, Mitsubishi, or SUV with a catalytic converter, now is the time to protect your vehicle from catalytic converter thieves. To learn more about Prius and Outlander cat security, call 612-986-3332 or call for a free quote on catalytic converter security solutions today.