[ad_1]
We’ve all heard tales of car break-ins the place thieves goal a handbag, stereo system or different valuables left contained in the car. However not too long ago, a brand new sort of automotive crime is on the rise: catalytic converter theft.
In response to the Nationwide Insurance coverage Crime Bureau, there have been greater than 64,000 catalytic converter thefts reported in 2022. Thefts elevated considerably between 2020 and 2022 – from 16,660 claims in 2020 to 64,701 in 2022! And sadly, this alarming pattern exhibits no indicators of slowing down.
However what precisely is a catalytic converter? And how will you stop your car from turning into a goal? Hold studying to search out out.
What’s a Catalytic Converter?
A catalytic converter is a key part of your automobile’s exhaust system. Its job is to assist scale back dangerous emissions by slicing down on the quantity of pollution that exit the tailpipe.
How Does a Catalytic Converter Work?
Inside combustion engines generate energy by burning gasoline, like gasoline or diesel. When this gasoline is burned, it produces exhaust gasses. Interested in what the distinction in numbers on the pump means? Learn our weblog story: What’s The Difference Between Regular and Premium Gas?.
Nearly all of this exhaust gasoline incorporates nitrogen, carbon dioxide and water vapor – emissions that are principally innocent. Nonetheless, as a result of your automobile is unable to burn 100% of the gasoline that enters the engine, it additionally produces some dangerous pollution: particularly carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxide. When all these emissions enter the environment, they will produce smog and acid rain.
We’ll spare you the total chemistry lesson, however a catalytic converter makes use of a “catalyst” to “convert” these dangerous emissions into the less-harmful byproducts of nitrogen, carbon dioxide and water vapor.
To perform this, the converter makes use of a ceramic honeycomb-type construction to warmth the exhaust gasoline. The ceramic is coated with a number of sorts of treasured metals (platinum, rhodium and palladium), which function the catalyst. When your automobile’s exhaust gasoline interacts with these metals, they create chemical reactions that scale back the quantity of dangerous pollution exiting the tailpipe.
Why Do Individuals Steal Catalytic Converters?
There are two the explanation why catalytic converters are being focused for theft.
- Scrap steel for money: The dear metals used as catalysts are priceless… and costs are on the rise. At present, rhodium costs are round $12,000 an oz.. Whereas the value of those metals continuously fluctuate, a typical catalytic converter will be scrapped for between $50 to $250.
- Resale for elements: Stolen catalytic converters will be offered to people or less-than-honest restore retailers wanting to economize over shopping for a brand new alternative half.
So between metals recycling and black market auto half gross sales, there’s cash to be produced from stealing catalytic converters.
How Do I Know if My Catalytic Converter Has Been Stolen?
You possibly can’t inform in case your catalytic converter has been stolen by merely your automobile. However you’ll know as quickly as you begin the engine.
To steal a catalytic converter, a thief might want to crawl beneath your car, reduce either side of the converter and take away it from the exhaust system. Meaning your automobile will primarily be operating with out a muffler, making the engine extraordinarily loud.
What Ought to I Do if My Catalytic Converter Has Been Stolen?
In case your catalytic converter has been stolen, it’s a good suggestion to name the native authorities and file a police report. Then, it’s best to organize to get your car towed to a close-by restore store.
Can I Drive My Automobile if My Catalytic Converter Has Been Stolen?
Since your catalytic converter is simply a part of the exhaust system, your automobile can technically run with out it. Nonetheless, that doesn’t imply it’s a good suggestion to only drive off.
When the catalytic converter has been reduce out, exhaust gasses might be launched beneath your car as an alternative of behind it. Not solely will this make your car be loud, however you additionally run the danger of these dangerous exhaust gasses getting into the cabin.
And right here’s another factor to think about. If a thief has simply been sawing away on the underside of your automobile, there’s a chance different essential parts may have been broken, too.
How A lot Does it Price to Change a Catalytic Converter?
In response to CARFAX, the common value for a brand new catalytic converter ranges between $2,000 to $3,000. However for luxurious autos and sports activities automobiles, it may value much more.
Do I Should Change My Catalytic Converter?
Given the excessive alternative value, you might be questioning if it is advisable to exchange the catalytic converter. Sadly in your pockets, the reply is sure.
As a result of your catalytic converter is designed to take away dangerous pollution, it’s really federally unlawful to take away it out of your exhaust system. Moreover, a lacking “cat” can set off a verify engine gentle, impression the efficiency of your car and end in some foul exhaust smells.
Does Automobile Insurance coverage Cowl Catalytic Converter Theft?
In case your catalytic converter has been stolen, you might not must foot the invoice alone. That’s as a result of the non-obligatory comprehensive coverage in your auto insurance coverage coverage will pay for damages that happen exterior of a automobile accident, similar to vandalism, hearth or theft. At Erie Insurance coverage, this protection contains catalytic converter theft.
Meaning in case you select to file an insurance coverage declare, all you’ll must pay is your deductible (the sum of money you pay towards repairing your automobile earlier than insurance coverage kicks in). In case your catalytic converter is stolen, your native insurance coverage agent might help you evaluation your protection (together with your deductible) and discuss you thru your choices earlier than you file a declare.
Are Some Automobiles at Greater Danger for Catalytic Converter Theft?
Catalytic converter theft is an opportunistic crime by nature. The better it’s for the thief to get away, the extra probably they’re to focus on your car. This usually places high-riding autos like vehicles and SUVs at higher threat as a result of they don’t must be jacked up for the catalytic converter to be eliminated.
How Can I Forestall Catalytic Converter Theft?
With the current rise in catalytic converter thefts, some corporations have began to make protecting cages that may be put in over your exhaust system. Since that is principally against the law of comfort, a cage will make your automobile much less of a straightforward goal. You can too get your VIN quantity etched in your catalytic converter.
Past that, your greatest probability at defending towards catalytic converter theft is to observe the identical precautions that protect your car against vandalism – like putting in an alarm or parking in a secure, well-lit space.
How Can I Get My VIN Etched?
In case you’re trying to get your VIN quantity etched in your automobile, there are a number of methods you possibly can go about it. The NICB is partnering with companies throughout the U.S. to carry VIN etching occasions. You possibly can verify for occasions close to you on their Regional News web page.
You can too contact an area muffler store and request a VIN etching. They’ll spray it with a extremely seen high-heat paint, which might help deter potential thieves.
Defend What Issues
Discovering that you just’ve been the sufferer of theft or vandalism is sufficient to wreck anybody’s day. However with auto insurance from ERIE, you don’t must face it alone. We do every part we are able to to make our claims course of handy and quick. As a result of the earlier we are able to resolve your declare and exchange your loss, the earlier your life returns to regular. See what makes us completely different and discover a local car insurance agent near you.
[ad_2]
