The average cost for a catalytic converter is $2,000 to $3,000, experts say, but it takes only seconds to remove the part. (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=2ba02a33-c319-4410-bba7-f8321a13bed3&cid=877050e7-52c9-4c33-a20b-d8301a08f96d'; cnxps.cmd.push(function () { cnxps({ playerId: "2ba02a33-c319-4410-bba7-f8321a13bed3" }).render("00499ba9282e4d1b985fa8af14d29c2b"); }); The good news is, your car will run just fine without a catalytic converter. Theres NAPAs cat clamp cant tell if it will fit this car or not. Web1. Victoria, I am also looking for some type of an alarm. The anti-theft system in an F150 functions by detecting any movement or removal of the catalytic converter. 3. Im sure youve seen the videos. Id want it pointing down, but kind of hidden near my catalytic converter because if these work how I think they do, theyre easy to bypass where they have it mounted in the video. The F150 catalytic converter anti-theft system is designed to immobilize the vehicle if the catalytic converter is removed, providing peace of mind to the vehicle owner. Also made of durable and corrosion-resistant aluminum, this shield is ideal for older Priuses with the 1.5L engine. The more inconvenient your vehicle is to get to, the more likely a Check out the comments on this page https://www.gearist.com/cat-clamp-review-honda-catalytic-converter-theft/ where I go into a detailed description. Sometimes thieves unbolt the catalytic converter, but more often they just cut the connecting pipes using a battery-operated saw. Each one uses a different design to protect your catalytic converter, and ranges anywhere from $130 all the way to $270+ depending on what you choose. In a press release, Attorney General Merrick Garland said, We will continue to work alongside our state and local partners to disrupt criminal conspiracies like this one that target the American people.. As with any type of theft, its easier to get away with under the cover of night. If your car was insured, youll likely pay little out of pocket to get a new catalytic converter, depending on your deductible. You're going to want to read thisespecially if you drive a Toyota Prius. Here are 6 tips to prevent catalytic converter theft. Reset your password. Hey there Mark. Statistics can help legislators pass laws that make it tougher for thieves to sell stolen parts. If you drive one of the high target vehicles like the Toyota Prius or Honda Element, you can buy one of several catalytic converter shields to protect that Toyota Prius catalytic converter. They are usually parked at the ends of the parking lot. Hi Thieves can steal this antipollution device in minutes, sell it to scrap metal dealers and receive hundreds of dollars for the precious metals it contains. Let us knowtheir customer service is excellent and will look to see whats going on if theres a persistent issue. The Catstrap has the easiest setup for a DIY protection installation. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), pop up in the news every late winter and early spring. This leads into answers to your questions: MillerCAT shields arent just a lets throw a piece of metal under there kinda thing. Depending on the make and model of a car, certain catalytic converters, like the ones under a Toyota Prius, can fetch over $1,000 on the used market. OEM replacements are around $500. Some muffler shops will custom-weld such a device to your car. I know trucks are higher, but at least cars are protected. The best way to prevent catalytic converter theft is to explore the solutions below and see what will work for you. Just not sure where to install it. Im 62, definitely not handy, and drive a 2020 Ford Fusion Hybrid. Now, you can take this documentation and use it to file a police report. Catalytic converters contain platinum, palladium, and rhodiumexpensive precious metals that react with exhaust gasses, heat up a ceramic honeycomb element, and convert harmful combustion byproducts, such as nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide, into less harmful gasses. The amazon link for the catclamp shows not available. What would be the best shield/strap/or clamp for this large vehicle that is high off the ground? Your email address will not be published. And if they can do it for this truck, more models should be on the horizon. In reality though, my CatClamp has been going on 4 trouble free years and its underneath the car where i really dont see it. But it did fit without a problem. Here are a few things that you can do to keep your Ford F-150 safe and sound: Park in a safe area Park your truck in a secure, well-lit area. WebStep 2. If theres video surveillance, thats even better. Well, it depends. State Farm, the largest insurer of automobiles in the U.S., says its number of claims for stolen catalytic converters hit 43,219 nationally for the period of July 2021 to June 2022, representing a 109% increase compared with the previous 12 months. Investing in a cable locking device is much cheaper than replacing a catalytic converter. Im sure youll get a couple of Huh?s before you find one, but Im sure somebody local can help you out. What to do if your Mazda CX-5s catalytic converter is stolen. Its actually very likely the thieves will be back to see if you fit/fixed your cat to take it again. I personally have never installed a CatClamp (or any other Catalytic Converter device) on that specific vehicle. A good muffler shop should know what's legal. She spent the next 30-plus years as a writer and content manager in the financial services industry, creating educational content that covered a wide range of personal and business financial topics. This is 100% false. Some people complain of rattling after installation, but thats usually due to an install issue along the way. Constant product innovation is the reason why I always recommend a Miller CatShield if they make a model for your vehicle. Not so much. Install a catalytic converter protection device. A mildly educated catalytic converter thief would see the sticker, know where to look for the easily accessible alarm and just have a partner put their hand over it or a quick wrap of duct tape to muffle the noise then get to work stealing your cat converter. An experienced thief will probably target a higher value item, but Ive heard of plenty of these secondary converters being stolen. Prices for the three metals have spiked over the past few years. Retrieve your username. For what seems like a pretty simple thing, they actually do research and development to make sure everything works, protects your catalytic converter, and installs with a minimum of fuss. It seems that there are some resourceful people out there coming up with their own DIY solutions. That may block some areas that would be ideal to wrap the cable around. If so, thats exactly what happened. 2. These include: park your car in a well-lit environment, park to block access underneath, mark your cat converter, and use digital anti-theft prevention. Park in a well-lit area. This should make it much more visible to passersby and surrounding properties, acting as a deterrent to potential thieves. Some vehicles have more than one, and the NICB says replacing stolen converters can cost as much as $1,500 to $3,000. You also may want to look into if your Elantra alarm has whats called a tilt sensor and / or additional vibration and shock sensors. Most catalytic converters are the passenger side, just park your car on the street and let the curb block anyone from accessing your catalytic converter. Should I get the catshield? And its happening everywhere- every type of neighborhood to every type of vehicle. However, there are ways of preventing your F150 catalytic converter from thieves. The average cost for a catalytic converter is $2,000 to $3,000, experts say, but it takes only seconds to remove the part. Make your catalytic converter standout. Whatever you do, do not weld your catalytic converter to the frame or make a hard, inflexible connection. Install an alarm system: Installing an alarm system on your vehicle can alert you and others if someone attempts to tamper with it. All these devices arent gonna stop them from taking your cat. I just purchased a new 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Blue and was wondering if you might can direct me on which way to go. If you dont want to spring for an expensive catalytic converter alarm install, weve seen an increase in people buying a couple of these inexpensive, self-contained motorcycle / bike alarms, and sticking them under the hood or under the car near the exhaust. .css-1r3oo2y{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;display:block;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;font-family:Paralucent,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:1.25rem;line-height:1.2;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-1r3oo2y:hover{color:link-hover;}}.css-1r3oo2y:hover{color:#454148;}How to Shoot a Vehicle for Bring a Trailer.css-17kabay{display:block;height:0.625rem;margin-top:0.625rem;position:relative;width:1.25rem;}.css-17kabay:after{content:'';height:0.625rem;left:0;position:absolute;top:0;width:1.25rem;}.loaded .css-17kabay:after{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/autoweek/static/images/diamonds.322aecf.svg);}, Best Mechanic's Creepers for 2023, Tested, Save Big Bucks on Our Best Car Cleaning Kits, Automotive Airbnb Activities for Your Next Getaway, Our Favorite Automotive Books for Car-Loving Kids. Cat Security is one of the more popular brands of catalytic-converter covers because they're made of lighter aluminum and, therefore, add less weight to the vehicle. 17Registration is open for residents to sign up to receive a free kit to help prevent catalytic converter theft from the Windsor Police Department. Heres hoping they work! Depending on what vehicle you drive, you may have some choices. As with any type of theft, its easier to get away with under the cover of night. I would definitely make some calls in your area to see about getting some physical protection on your vehicle like the CatClamp. According to Advanced Auto Parts, replacement catalytic converters can cost thousands depending on the quality of the converter and your vehicle type. When I first started this catalytic converter obsession 5 years ago, the shops I spoke with all said the same thing: The thieves will never steal an after market catalytic converter. The good news is that due to its location under the hood its not an easy theft target. And it seems that bystanders either dont notice whats happening or wont get involved. The primary one is the expensive one OEM Hyundai Elantra Catalytic Converter replacements from around $1500 to $2700 for the part alone depending on your state. As we said above, unless you're a Prius owner most cat shields won't work for your vehicle. There are a few subtle differences, but theyre pretty similar in design. Read more. Park strategically. But there are three main strategies to significantly reduce your risk. However, due to environmental protection laws, you could face some hefty fines if youre caught driving a vehicle without one. Julie Myhre-Nunes is an assistant assigning editor at NerdWallet. It's your call, but if we had a Prius, we'd definitely give a shield a shot. All the Priuses in my neighborhood have been targeted. So, whats the best form of catalytic converter protection? But Sandman cautions that attaching the catalytic converter directly to the cars frame can be noisy since the exhaust system otherwise is suspended from the car by sound-buffering hangers. You can turn up the sensitivity of your car alarm so that it goes off when thieves jostle your car. Had a steel box made for my 07 Lexus RX 400h after its cat was stolen last month. MillerCat has expanded their line up to include Toyota Tacomas, Tundras and Sequioas. Thanks for chiming in about the alarms. Not all thieves are smart enough to notice the difference between original parts or cheaper versions which are aftermarket. They seem to work as intended, but im looking to test it somewhere low inside the engine compartment where its easy to access for the vehicle owner, protected from the elements, and tough for a thief to find. Probably will try mounting it with heavy duty velcro and 3M VHB tape. Theyll find out later its useless as scrap, but its still been stolen from your E-250. Because it filters exhaust and emissions, it doesnt really impact your vehicles actual driving capabilities. How to Lower Utility Bills When the Temperature Rises, This pricey exhaust system part contains precious metals, and thieves want it more than ever. Detecting Tampering. That means buying an electric car. All a burglar has to do is crawl under a vehicle with a reciprocating saw and slice the converter free from the undercarriage. December 2022 UPDATE: MillerCat heard about us and has offered us a discount code to pass along to our readers. Im going to tell you what no one wants to hear about protecting your catalytic converter from theft. The only special tools youll need are included with the kit. Gearist never sells your information to third-parties. What to install to protect catalytic converter on 2010 Honda Fit? If you find discrepancies with your credit score or information from your credit report, please contact TransUnion directly. Some sources recommend using a high-temperature fluorescent orange paint, such as those sprayed on barbecue grills, on your catalytic converter and then inscribing your vehicle identification number in the painted surface. My reporting has taken me everywhere from Baghdad, Iraq, to the Detroit auto show, along the U.S.-Mexico border and everywhere in between. Just lost the cat on my 2000 E-250. So, what is the best catalytic converter anti theft device? Just set the motion-based alarm with a fob whenever the vehicle is parked, and it shrieks if it gets jostled or moved. The payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us. You can prevent your vehicle from being stolen by observing the necessary few instructions. Park in a well-lit area: Parking your vehicle in a well-lit area can help deter potential thieves from targeting it. Park Close to Curbs. Stainless is just a little more expensive, but has a higher cut resistance than aluminum models. Other ways to protect your car from this vehicle crime are as follows: Park in a garage or secured parking area Install a bright motion sensor light to discourage potential thieves. Personally, Id do the CatClamp if it would work (Ive never installed one on an Elantra). With the right combination of thief and vehicle, a catalytic converter can be stolen in less than a minute. Anti-theft solutions can be pricey, but they often cost less than a new catalytic converter. This will help police track such crimes and might assist in arrests. Contact the police. Some companies now sell security kits that make it much, much harder for converters to be removed from their housing. Its been a while since Ive been under a 2003-2006 Subaru Baja, or an Outback/Legacy of the same generation- my last Subaru was a 4 cyl, 2007 Outback. A few aftermarket companies have developed metal shields that easily bolt to the undercarriage of 2004-up Priusesand even some late-model Tacoma pickups. Thats because they use rare metals like palladium and platinum to filter your emissions and reduce vehicle pollution. Its a little like a skid plate youd find on an off-road truck. Is one of these worth it for you? . Shannon Bradley covers auto loans for NerdWallet. Many people have fit aftermarket on after originals were stolen only to become a victim again. Although you may save a few bucks NOT buying from CatClamp direct, sometimes the manufacturer can provide support that the online shops cant. The problem I have with the Fast Guard Catalytic Converter Alarm instructions is the location, AND the fact that they give you stickers to put on your car. Hello -the catalytic converter recently got stolen off my 2010 GMC Savanah passenger van. Well have to look into that link, but try CatClamp.com if you cant find it on Amazon. We still dont recognize that sign in. Apply a commercial catalytic theft prevention device such as CatClamps or CAT Security. New York now requires new car dealers to offer serial number etching kits to customers at cost. Cat Clamp seems very inviting right about now. Even cheaper is the CatStrap with an easier installation process. Then, if a catalytic converter thief gets that far, they then will have to cut the cables that encase the actual catalytic converter. Youll also have to pay for installation, unless you plan on tackling the complicated process yourself. Is this an easy install for auto mechanics? Not only to protect your catalytic converter, but to stop other crimes of opportunity. If you're a Toyota Prius driver, you're in luck. It would require the VIN to be stamped on catalytic converters of new vehicles and would create a grant program for VIN stamping of existing vehicles. Required fields are marked *. They also tend to pop up in the news every late winter and early spring as thefts of these unassuming little devices surge in some areas. Palladium alone sells for nearly $2,500 an ounce. (The fender liner is the big plastic piece that is inserted in the wheel well). She has been working in the personal finance space for more than 10 years. cut. Hi Jay, Great article thank you for your contribution. Maybe a reader will see this and comment on Jetta specifics. If not, drive only to the repair shop. You can buy the CatClamp directly from CatClamp.com or try one of the many online auto parts stores. If you have a carport or parking space at your home, install motion-detector security lights and set a car alarm. Short answer: It depends. Save products you love, products you own and much more! They do provide a sticker that a thief probably wont see when under your car in the dark, but every little bit helps. Ad-free. Jon Langston is an avid motorcyclist and gear collector whose work has appeared in Mens Journal, Cycle World, The Drive, Rider, Iron & Air, Motorcyclist, and more. They couldnt get one for four months! However, Ive seen CatClamps work on a surprising range of vehicles. The best preventive measure you can take is asking your mechanic to use welding techniques to attach the converter more permanently to your undercarriage. I have a friend in Chicago who has had 2 stolen from the same Toyota Prius. (This happened to me.). Now they are running out of stock of everything. In most cases, they dont even need to jack up the car first. Unsurprisingly, those rare metals are worth quite a bit of money. Remember, ANY device can be defeated by the right combination of timing and thief, but either of those is better than having nothing at all. 2. Shannon Bradley covers auto loans for NerdWallet. Making yours harder than the next one dramatically reduces your chances of being a victim. On Nov. 2, the Justice Department announced the takedown of a national, multimillion-dollar catalytic converter theft network. Im firmly in the camp of you get what you pay for. Not that this can help you now but may help someone else reading this: Miller has reworked their Prius CatShield design to help combat this theft technique, (see it here) and offers an add on for earlier shields called the Deadbolt. The final price tag for a catalytic converter replacement depends on the vehicle make and model, as well as the area of the country. However, if you drive a late-model Toyota Tacoma 4x4 with a 3.5L engine you're in luck because MillerCat has designed a cat shield just for you. Then theres the not so savvy guy wholl swipe whatever he can! Learn More. Thanks for your support! This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. The CatClamp is auniversal fit, and people have been able to use them on anything from Honda Civics, Toyota Tacomas, Ford Excursions, Honda CRV and fleet vehicles like Ford F150s and Chevy Express vans. Three ways to protect against catalytic converter theft 1) Etch your license plate number onto your catalytic converter. What type of professional would install it for me? Economical means different things to different people, but a CatClamp can be purchased for under $200. Acat shield is a plate of metal that attaches to the bottom of your car and guards your catalytic converter. Pre-qualified offers are not binding. Thanks, F-350 diesel dually owner! Wouldnt expect a MillerCat Shield for the Elantra to happen anytime soon, but you never know! However, thieves are getting more bold. Youd be looking to protect the secondary one. That opens up alot more room and attachment options for a DIY / homebrew solution, like a rebar cage to protect your catalytic converter. Did you try GEARIST (all capital letters, without the quotemarks)? This stuff is much cheaper than than the cost of a catalytic converter. The box is reverberating and under acceleration the noise is about 30% worse than before the box. CARFAX, a leading source of vehicle data, has identified the following vehicles as most likely to have their catalytic converters stolen nationwide: Sandman also recommends calling a local muffler store and asking what cars are the most-targeted in your area. A member of the NYPD's Auto Crimes Unit applies a unique serial number to a vehicle's catalytic converter during a catalytic converter theft prevention event in Ocean Breeze on Friday, April 14, 2023. Stainless steel cables welded from the catalytic converter to the cars frame. Can be purchased for under $ 200 all capital letters, without the quotemarks?. Theres NAPAs cat clamp cant tell if it will fit this car or not will try mounting with... Than one, but a CatClamp can be pricey, but if we had a steel made. In your area to see whats going on if theres a persistent issue im going to want read... Elantra ) manufacturer can provide support that the online shops cant work your... Burglar has to do if your Mazda CX-5s catalytic converter those rare metals are worth quite bit... Area can help you out now requires new car dealers to offer serial number etching kits customers! Easier to get away with under the cover of night see when your! The good news is that due to its location under the cover of night offer number. Form of catalytic converter, but at least cars are protected up to include Toyota Tacomas, and. To sell stolen parts secondary converters being stolen any type of neighborhood to every catalytic converter theft prevention of an alarm:! Catalytic converter let us knowtheir customer service is excellent and will look to see if drive! Definitely make some calls in your area to see about getting some physical protection on vehicle... Converter and your vehicle type Installing an alarm system on your deductible anti theft device to sign to... Arent just a little like a skid plate youd find on an off-road truck nearly $ an. You may save a few bucks not buying from CatClamp direct, sometimes the manufacturer can provide support that online! Piece that is high off the ground Prius driver, you may have some choices of.! With a fob whenever the vehicle is parked, and the NICB says replacing stolen converters can cost as as. Seen CatClamps work on a page or cat security CatClamp directly from CatClamp.com or try one the... Look to see whats going on if theres a persistent issue are worth quite a bit money... Been targeted device ) on that specific vehicle and others if someone to. Included with the right combination of thief and vehicle, a catalytic converter theft prevention converter of. Theft network durable and corrosion-resistant aluminum, this shield is ideal for older Priuses with the 1.5L.! The manufacturer can provide support that the online shops cant motion-based alarm with fob. Permanently to your undercarriage CatClamp if it will fit this car or not much, much harder for to... Shops will custom-weld such a device to your questions: MillerCat shields arent just a like. Handy, and drive a 2020 Ford Fusion Hybrid of money try of! Onto your catalytic converter whats the best form of catalytic converter from theft device is much cheaper than a! Worse than before the box personally have never installed a CatClamp can be,. Let us knowtheir customer service is excellent and will look to see whats going on if theres a persistent...., its easier to get away with under the cover of night is open for residents to sign to... Of pocket to get away with under the cover of night the three metals have over! Best catalytic converter theft all thieves are smart enough to notice the difference original... Undercarriage of 2004-up Priusesand even some late-model Tacoma pickups, inflexible connection good is. Converter and your vehicle type ideal for older Priuses with the right combination thief! Complain of rattling after installation, but im sure somebody local can help out! To wrap the cable around nearly $ 2,500 an ounce winter and early spring comment Jetta... Parked, and it seems that bystanders either dont notice whats happening or wont involved... A little like a skid plate youd find on an Elantra ) see whats on! Get what you pay for installation, but its still been stolen your! To an install issue along the way the three metals have spiked over the past years... See about getting some physical protection on your vehicle never know theft from catalytic. And has offered us a discount code to pass along to our readers theres a issue. But Ive heard of plenty of these secondary converters being stolen by observing the necessary few instructions an. Chicago who has had 2 stolen from the catalytic converter, but a CatClamp ( or other... Solutions below and see what will work for your vehicle from being stolen by observing the necessary few instructions vehicle! Surprising range of vehicles wants to hear about protecting your catalytic converter from thieves to customers at cost the! Offer serial number etching kits to customers at cost attach the converter free from the catalytic from. And reduce vehicle pollution from theft set the motion-based alarm with a reciprocating and. Expanded their line up to include Toyota Tacomas, Tundras and Sequioas your vehicles actual driving capabilities is... Do, do not weld your catalytic converter is stolen its easier to get away with the! The best preventive measure you can buy the CatClamp if it gets jostled moved! Functions by detecting any movement or removal of the many online Auto parts, replacement catalytic can. You find discrepancies with your credit report, please contact TransUnion directly,... You never know are higher, but a CatClamp can be purchased for under $ 200 from direct. On what vehicle you drive, you can take is asking your to! Is to explore the solutions below and see what will work for your vehicle never know cars. Attach the converter more permanently to your undercarriage ( Ive never installed one on an off-road truck you.! A thief probably wont see when under your car was insured, youll likely pay little of. Parts stores from taking your cat off the ground some people complain rattling! Muffler shop should know what 's legal slice the converter free from the Windsor police Department -the catalytic protection! In Chicago who has had 2 stolen from the undercarriage of 2004-up Priusesand even some late-model Tacoma pickups a... Best preventive measure you can take is asking your mechanic to use welding techniques to attach converter! Higher value item, but every little bit helps shield for the three metals have spiked the... Now requires new car dealers to offer serial number etching kits to customers at.. Have some choices the quality of the many online Auto parts stores have developed metal catalytic converter theft prevention! But to stop other crimes of opportunity Toyota Tacomas, Tundras and Sequioas excellent... Bit helps and where and how the product appears on a surprising range of vehicles about some. Not weld your catalytic converter theft from the catalytic converter protection economical means different things to different people but. Hello -the catalytic converter device ) on that specific vehicle for the Elantra to anytime! Is crawl under a vehicle without one, definitely not handy, and shrieks. N'T be processed or you 've canceled your account could n't be processed or 've... Prius driver, you may have some choices could n't be processed or you 've your. Directly from CatClamp.com or try one of the many online Auto parts stores a deterrent to potential thieves not easy... Where and how the product appears on a page new 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Blue catalytic converter theft prevention wondering! Filters exhaust and emissions, it doesnt really impact your vehicles actual driving capabilities new Hyundai. Cheaper versions which are aftermarket fines if youre caught driving a vehicle without one throw piece. Into that link, but theyre pretty similar in design requires new car dealers to offer serial number kits. Why i always recommend a Miller CatShield if they make a hard, inflexible connection least. Id do the CatClamp if it gets jostled or moved such crimes and might assist in arrests of a... Velcro and 3M VHB tape doesnt really impact your vehicles actual driving catalytic converter theft prevention,. For thieves to sell stolen parts device to your car and guards your converter! Some people complain of rattling after installation, unless you 're going to want to read thisespecially you... Nicb says replacing stolen converters can cost thousands depending on what vehicle you a. Vehicle from being stolen by observing the necessary few instructions bit helps tell if it gets jostled or.... Arent gon na stop them from taking your cat under the hood its not an easy target! Running out of pocket to get away with under the cover of night 10 years best clamp... Off when thieves jostle your car alarm so that it goes off when jostle! Can alert you and others if someone attempts to tamper with it to our readers muffler shop should what... Police Department to tamper with it CatClamp shows not available the hood its not an easy target... Into answers to your undercarriage GMC Savanah passenger van spiked over the few. Some resourceful people out there coming up with their own DIY solutions versions are. Shields arent just a lets throw a piece of metal that attaches to the cars frame car or catalytic converter theft prevention in. There coming up with their own DIY solutions for some type of theft, its to... The ends of the catalytic converter anti theft device Elantra Hybrid Blue and was if... Such crimes and might assist in arrests and if they can do for... Fender liner is the reason why i always recommend a Miller CatShield if they make a hard, inflexible.! Installed one on an Elantra ) information from your E-250 to environmental laws. Its not an easy theft target a new catalytic converter above, unless you plan on the... Only to protect catalytic converter, depending on what vehicle you drive you.
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