WebThe CatClamp was invented to prevent thieves from stealing your catalytic converter. He adds that its a crime of opportunity, and car owners can take steps to encourage thieves to move on to easier prey. However, there are ways of preventing your F150 catalytic converter from thieves. A prevention campaign, as with any crime, is key. Ill try all 3. My reporting has taken me everywhere from Baghdad, Iraq, to the Detroit auto show, along the U.S.-Mexico border and everywhere in between. You can turn up the sensitivity of your car alarm so that it goes off when thieves jostle your car. Shannon is based in Newburgh, Indiana. The anti-theft system in an F150 functions by detecting any movement or removal of the catalytic converter. If youre parking in a driveway, consider installing motion sensor lights. To prevent catalytic converter theft, the New Castle County Division of Police offers these tips: Park in a well-lit area. Park in a well-lit area. I think the MillerCat discount code is case-sensitive. Powered by consumers. A good muffler shop should know what's legal. These may be the cheapest catalytic converter alarm on Amazon! Unfortunately, this is one of those things that we dont think about until it happens to us. Reset your password. If I remember correctly, A 2013 Hyundai Elantra has two catalytic converters, one built into the manifold up at the engine and one underneath the car as part of the exhaust run. Lead Writer | Personal finance, car buying, loans. Our opinions are our own. Bottom line, if youre looking for something off the shelf, check out the Cat Clamp. Now, you can take this documentation and use it to file a police report. What type of professional would install it for me? They do provide a sticker that a thief probably wont see when under your car in the dark, but every little bit helps. Secure parking: Park overnight in a locked garage, or in a well-lit, enclosed lot if you can. Strategy 1: Park in a safe, well lit place with lots of traffic. Sandman says that catalytic converter thefts are an organized crime effort, and teams of thieves with the tools and knowledge to quickly remove converters sweep through entire neighborhoods. Wouldnt expect a MillerCat Shield for the Elantra to happen anytime soon, but you never know! Hello -the catalytic converter recently got stolen off my 2010 GMC Savanah passenger van. About the author: Shannon Bradley covers auto loans for NerdWallet. Other methods for theft prevention will help, too. That was so funny about the electric car. The catalytic converter is an exhaust system part thats necessary for your car to pass safety and emissions inspections in many states. That means buying an electric car. these inexpensive, self-contained motorcycle / bike alarms. The Cat Clamp is a unique device that uses a combination of clamps and cables to create a type of catalytic converter cage. 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. Why are thieves targeting catalytic converters? Sorry to hear about your Prius, but glad youve gotten it sorted. Scrapped converters can then be processed to remove the precious metals, which is what makes them so valuable to scrap metal dealers and thieves. Thanks for your comment. If your car is parked in a crowded place, most thieves wont run the risk of spending the extra time to defeat one of these devices and move on to an easier target. On Nov. 2, the Justice Department announced the takedown of a national, multimillion-dollar catalytic converter theft network. Youll also have to pay for installation, unless you plan on tackling the complicated process yourself. (The fender liner is the big plastic piece that is inserted in the wheel well). It may take a little effort, but itll payoff more than painting your catalytic converter, etc. This makes it traceable, and in theory at least, a reputable scrap metal dealer might decline to buy it. The two big players in this market are Miller Cat Shield and CCM Cat Security. Youd be looking to protect the secondary one. Economical means different things to different people, but a CatClamp can be purchased for under $200. To be fair, we could see a couple of potential drawbacks with this alarmwindy nights come to mindbut at this price, it's worth a shot if you don't own a Prius. The nice thing is there are lots of options to protect your vehicle from theft once you assess your own situational risk! If youre installing at home and have a limited toolbox, you may need to buy a RivNut tool with short handles (Miller CatShield) or a regular old rivet tool for the CCM CatSecurity Plate. Theft of this pricey part rose 325 percent nationwide between 2019 and 2020, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). Some weld a piece or two lengthwise (like the Catstrap above) to provide more cut resistance. It's typically required if you have a loan or lease. Prices for the three metals have spiked over the past few years. How to prevent catalytic converter theft from a Ford F-150 But all is not lost! Not all thieves are smart enough to notice the difference between original parts or cheaper versions which are aftermarket. My older model Prius had its 2nd cat stolen even though it had a Miller cat shield. The box is reverberating and under acceleration the noise is about 30% worse than before the box. WebUltra-destruct self-etching labels CATETCH/CATGUARD labels with unique PIN codes for your catalytic converters. Just lost the cat on my 2000 E-250. If you find discrepancies with your credit score or information from your credit report, please contact TransUnion directly. These are actually the cars targeted the most. Which would be most effective to deter successful vicious thieves, the Cat Strap or the Cat Clamp? Some people complain of rattling after installation, but thats usually due to an install issue along the way. Check your passenger side fender liner and see if its loose and/or missing bolts. Thats why I say buy the two pack!. Catalytic converter theft prevention is a multilayered task. 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. Sorry to hear your Prius got hit..twice! The Toyota Priusa popular gasoline-electric hybrid with two convertersis a favorite target, according to the NICB. Take a picture of the location where the cat was stolen and the spots where it was cut off and/or unfastened. WebStep 2. Park Close to Curbs. Isnt it possible that a thief could cut the exhaust pipe on BOTH ends of the anti-theft device, defeating its purpose? If youre parking on the street, try to pick a well-lit one with plenty of traffic. 3. Thats the best you can hope for, but its a good strategy. If not, drive only to the repair shop. A huge increase in thefts of catalytic converters has hit the nation, for at least the second time this century. Some companies now sell security kits that make it much, much harder for converters to be removed from their housing. The first thing you should do is document the theft. Web1. If you can change your own oil or are mechanically inclined, DIY install is within your reach. Stainless is just a little more expensive, but has a higher cut resistance than aluminum models. 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. State lawmakers across the country have already been responding to the surge in catalytic converter thefts, and the NICB is tracking more than 150 pieces of legislation either enacted or under consideration to prevent these thefts. If you can, park your car in a well-lit area. It's typically required if you have a loan or lease. And its happening everywhere- every type of neighborhood to every type of vehicle. You can buy the CatClamp directly from CatClamp.com or try one of the many online auto parts stores. It's exclusive, award-winning, patented cable cage design surrounds the catalytic converter with aircraft-grade wire rope that is very difficult to cut, even with power tools. Thanks, F-350 diesel dually owner! They were available on Amazon, but it seems that theyre not available there anymore. Catalytic converters on the underside of vehicles help reduce emissions. A stolen catalytic converter replacement can cost up to $3,500 for the most-targeted vehicles. This Grill Caddy Carries Utensils, Condiments and More for Smoother Barbecues, Upgrade Your Garage with This Family Handyman Approved DeWalt Socket Wrench Set, Family Handyman Approved: Sea Foam Motor Treatment, Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Check your insurance policy to see if the theft is covered. In October, California and New York were two states to pass such laws that tend to fall into three categories. Thanks! Its a little like a skid plate youd find on an off-road truck. Advising the public of the following could help prevent or slow down catalytic converter thefts in your jurisdiction: Park vehicles in a garage. Set an alarm or camera to catch thieves. These covers are easy to install too, with no welding required. While there is no guaranteed method of preventing theft, the goal is to make your car an unattractive target. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money. Your email address will not be published. The internet is filled with such devices to protect the catalytic converter, which is part of the exhaust system that runs along the bottom of your car. Shannon Bradley covers auto loans for NerdWallet. Vehicles with ultra low-emissions are bigger targets, because they have catalytic converters that contain more rhodium, palladium and platinum that render pollutants harmless while increasing the value for thieves. If your Sorento was anything like the 2019 im familiar with 4cyl, AWD, the expensive cat is up near the engine, and theres a secondary one underneath. When evaluating offers, please review the financial institutions Terms and Conditions. I have heard that once your more valuable older vehicle cat is stolen the thieves will have no interest in the replacements as there is not as much valuable metal in them. You can check out Primitive Racing for skidplates, but I dont think any will protect the secondary cat thats out in the open. Miller Cat Shield wouldnt take the discount code Gearist! I personally have never installed a CatClamp (or any other Catalytic Converter device) on that specific vehicle. Older cars converters are more likely to be stolen for the same reason the Prius converters are more likely to be stolen: more precious metal content. Some vehicles have more than one, and the NICB says replacing stolen converters can cost as much as $1,500 to $3,000. And theres a new rattle when the engine starts under hard acceleration. That may block some areas that would be ideal to wrap the cable around. The idea of driving an old beater is false. Residents must choose a designated sign-up time to participate. Consider replacing it with a theft-resistant catalytic converter. Thefts of catalytic converters continue to climb at an alarming rate, and the pandemic and its resulting economic issues have made their resale value rise .css-p0u9qf{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:.0625rem;text-decoration-color:#595959;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:#595959;-webkit-transition:background 0.4s;transition:background 0.4s;background:linear-gradient(#ffffff, #ffffff 50%, #FFC84E 50%, #FFC84E);-webkit-background-size:100% 200%;background-size:100% 200%;}.css-p0u9qf:hover{color:#000000;text-decoration-color:#000000;-webkit-background-position:100% 100%;background-position:100% 100%;}even further. Here are the best ways to prevent catalytic converter theft: If you have a garage, always park your car there rather than leaving it in the driveway. The short handles help with the limited clearance when youre crawling under your car. 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. Tips for avoiding catalytic converter theft 1. WebPrevent Catalytic Converter Theft Starting At $159.99 Specific Solutions for: Gas and Hybrid Vehicles, RVs - Class A & C, and Heavy Diesel Trucks TM PHYSICAL LOCK - CATSTRAP : Extremely Difficult to Cut: Turns a Normal 60sec Theft into a Struggle that Overwhelms Thieves and Prevents You from Being an Easy Target 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. Anti-theft solutions can be pricey, but they often cost less than a new catalytic converter. What to do if your catalytic converter is stolen. Making yours harder than the next one dramatically reduces your chances of being a victim. I have Ford E350 shuttle buses and I have the Catstrap on all of them. 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. Install an anti-theft device on your catalytic converter, 4. For example, if you have a $1,500 deductible to keep your monthly premium low, you wouldnt file a claim on a repair that cost $1,200. All financial products, shopping products and services are presented without warranty. All a burglar has to do is crawl under a vehicle with a reciprocating saw and slice the converter free from the undercarriage. Plus, catalytic converters dont carry any sort of identification number, so its pretty much impossible to identify them as stolen property. I agree with Erhan on this. Seems to me there are way too many catalytic converter thefts and really, not a real good way to prevent a "SAWZALL/GRINDER cutting wheel " from getting through such things as Stainless Steel Wire Rope - just cut off the bracket/lock. But it did fit without a problem. Youre probably talking about the oxygen SENSOR, but yes, supply chain issues arent helping with the increased demand. Mechanics and law enforcement agencies offer these tips to avoid a wrenching experience and costly repair. After I called CatClamp and got a it should fit on my Honda, i was a little sceptical. Thats because they use rare metals like palladium and platinum to filter your emissions and reduce vehicle pollution. You also may want to look into if your Elantra alarm has whats called a tilt sensor and / or additional vibration and shock sensors. Always follow safety procedures or contact a professional. Hi Mary. The secondary, inline catalytic converter under the car is the one to worry about. Any info? The only real way to prevent your catalytic converter from getting stolen is not to have one! By adding bright paint, you can create a visible deterrent to alert thieves to move on. And California is the state with the highest number of thefts of catalytic converters, with Texas coming in second. Some statesincluding the Carolinas, Indiana, and Texashave passed laws requiring scrap metal dealers to ask for vehicle titles or other documentation before theyll buy used catalytic converters. Making it easier to track stolen catalytic converters. I do remember the owner saying it was a very tough fit (no pun intended), but it was CatClamp friendly. They couldnt get one for four months! Is that true? 1993-2003 car models, specifically Honda and Ford trucks have cats that are filled with precious metals such as Rodium, Palladium, and others which, per ounce, are worth more than gold right now. Thanks. If Im remembering correctly, the Subarus of this era had two catalytic converters: One primary tucked up near the engine, and a secondary cat in the usual spot under the vehicle. A federal bill called the Preventing Auto Recycling Theft Act, or PART Act, was introduced in early 2022 and is still making its way through Congress. Also at risk are street-parked vehicles and trucks parked overnight in unattended lots. Install an alarm system: Installing an alarm system on your vehicle can alert you and others if someone attempts to tamper with it. Check out the selection of cat shields and covers below, as well as a couple of other suggestions: a device designed to "lock" your catalytic converter in place and a motion-sensitive alarm to sense when the cat itself it being messed with. Much like the rest of life, catalytic converter thieves come in all levels of skill and preparation. Can you imagine crawling under the car to replace those 3x AAA batteries every 6 months or so? Community members can receive one or more heat and destruction-proof theft prevention do-it-yourself kits that engrave a serial number into the catalytic converter, according to a Windsor Police Department news release. If your car was insured, youll likely pay little out of pocket to get a new catalytic converter, depending on your deductible. My question, did the Miller shield make any additional noise? Hi Julie. The Hyundai Sonata and Kia Sportage SUVs are starting to get targeted, The Hyundai Elantra? Talk with a trusted mechanic to see what they recommend for your vehicle. A number of other states have proposed legislation. Hi https://www.catstrap.net/product-page/cateye-electronic-alarm. In most cases, they dont even need to jack up the car first. Theyll find out later its useless as scrap, but its still been stolen from your E-250. Im sure youll get a couple of Huh?s before you find one, but Im sure somebody local can help you out. Comprehensive insurance covers events like theft and weather damage, but many people who have older, less valuable cars dont carry it because the premium isnt worth the potential payout if something goes awry. Web3. The converters contain precious Not only to protect your catalytic converter, but to stop other crimes of opportunity. Most people who are leasing or making payments on a car are required to carry comprehensive coverage, but whether or not someone files a claim on a stolen converter depends on the policys deductible and how much it costs to replace the part. Even if your insurance covers replacement of a stolen catalytic converter, parts delays and repair shop backups are common right now, meaning you may have to wait a while for repairs. I drive a Ford E350 bus. Depending on the type of vehicle you own, there are several anti-theft devices on the market. . New York now requires new car dealers to offer serial number etching kits to customers at cost. Usually if its a model I dont have hands on experience with I can make a few calls and see whats been working, but coming up empty for the 2002 Jetta! Julie Myhre-Nunes is an assistant assigning editor at NerdWallet. Hope that helps. Detecting Tampering. Good Luck. However, if youre doing multiple vehicles, just buy the metal ties and heat tape. Many people have fit aftermarket on after originals were stolen only to become a victim again. Sometimes thieves unbolt the catalytic converter, but more often they just cut the connecting pipes using a battery-operated saw. Also made of durable and corrosion-resistant aluminum, this shield is ideal for older Priuses with the 1.5L engine. Investing in a cable locking device is much cheaper than replacing a catalytic converter. 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. If youre talking about one of the shields, youre only going to have access to the back half of the exhaust. If you cant park your car in a closed garage, make sure you leave it in a well-lit, highly-visible location. Let us knowtheir customer service is excellent and will look to see whats going on if theres a persistent issue. (There are just over 28grams in 1 ounce. Catalytic converters use high heat to do their job, and Miller has also done thorough testing on their products to insure that your catalytic converter doesnt damage itself due to extra heat buildup. If it was my money and I was protecting a Prius or an Element, Id go for one of the cat shields. Although professional installation is suggested, If youre comfortable changing your own oil you shouldnt have a problem installing this yourself. We haven't tried it, but we're eager to hear from those who have. Whatever you do, do not weld your catalytic converter to the frame or make a hard, inflexible connection. With the right combination of thief and vehicle, a catalytic converter can be stolen in less than a minute. Thank you so much!! Use a security system. Personally, Id do the CatClamp if it would work (Ive never installed one on an Elantra). Just not sure where to install it. You can buy the Miller Cat Shield directly from the manufacturer, and the CCM CatSecurity on Amazon. Alarm 2-Pack Park close to building entrances or the nearest road in public parking lots. Advice totally makes sense! Pre-qualified offers are not binding. If you park your car in your driveway, install some motion sensor lights (theyre cheap nowadays) and try a car alarm with a tilt-sensor and vibration detection. Can a Car Run Without a Catalytic Converter? 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. The payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us. Not sure if you checked out my review of the CatClamp here. How to Lower Utility Bills When the Temperature Rises, This pricey exhaust system part contains precious metals, and thieves want it more than ever. Then, if a catalytic converter thief gets that far, they then will have to cut the cables that encase the actual catalytic converter. The leader in catalytic converter theft prevention Home OUTDOOR & TRAVEL Because life doesnt always move fast, check out our content and reviews for camping, backpacking, adventure travel and gear for your everyday life. Hi! A California bill that would have required car dealers to etch converters with a vehicles unique vehicle identification number (VIN) did not pass. AFFILIATE DISCLOSUREGearist may receive payments through various affiliate programs like Amazon which means that if you click and buy we earn with with no extra cost to you. 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. The downside it doesnt look like a substantial physical deterrent like the other options. Save products you love, products you own and much more! How do I know? The office of D.A. Im assuming your e350 bus is on a van cutaway chassis? For around 30 bucks or so for a twin pack it may be worth a shot. It seems that there are some resourceful people out there coming up with their own DIY solutions. 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. 19. Learn More. Thanks for your support! Well have to look into that link, but try CatClamp.com if you cant find it on Amazon. Her personal finance insight has been featured on Forbes, The Boston Globe and CNBC throughout the years. Heres a MillerCAT Cat Shield on a Prius V. Notice the louvers to promote airflow to reduce heat buildup. 2. Most of them involve rebar in one way or another. So, what is the best catalytic converter anti theft device? I always say go for the CatClamp if it fits. At the very least youll have a video to show your friends or put on YouTube to show that this is a real concern. However, with the e350 you have the advantage of having an actual frame instead of unibody construction like most passenger cars and SUVs. 4. It may help in a very minor way to inconvenience a thief if you park just right with the curb blocking any space to get a jack underneath. Most people are surprised to find out that their alarms primarily stop a thief from moving /entering a car without key, but do nothing to trigger when a window is broken or a vehicle is moved like during catalytic converter theft. If not in a garage, park in a well-lit area. 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. If you start your car and hear a low, loud rumble, one of the first things you should check is whether your catalytic converter has been stolen. If you're a Toyota Prius driver, you're in luck. The anti-theft devices Sandmans shop installs range from $300 to $800. The cars that are most commonly targeted for their catalytic converters are the Toyota Prius, Honda Element, A physical deterrent is one of the best ways to deter a thief and move on to an easier target. This is a good idea in general. From what were seeing, theres been a huge increase in cat converter theft on pickup trucks and vans like your Ford E-250. So how do we make money? About $2,000 to $3,000, according to CARFAX. Park in well-lit areas: Parking in a well-lit area can deter potential thieves and make it easier for you or passersby to spot any suspicious activity. Here are the top 4 catalytic converter shields, locks, and cages commercially available. WebStatewide: Catalytic Converter Protection Theft of catalytic converters is on the rise in Colorado due to a lucrative black market. what went wrong? File a police report, which can easily be done online in many jurisdictions. Before joining NerdWallet, Julie oversaw editorial teams at NextAdvisor, Red Ventures and Quote.com. In some cases, an aftermarket catalytic converter will be less desirable and prevent future thefts. They left the resonator hanging, but did not cut the cat shield. But what really makes catalytic converters an appealing target is how easy they are to steal. And if they can do it for this truck, more models should be on the horizon. You're going to want to read thisespecially if you drive a Toyota Prius. But if youre asking outright for my opinion Ill say Yes, get a physical theft deterrent for your replacement cat converter! It's "universal" because it hangs loosely via metal hose clamps to the exhaust under the car, so, theoretically, it should fit nearly any car or truck. Park in a well-lit area. The best bet: if you have a garage, clean out all of that old sports equipment and park your car in there instead! 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. The thieves dont care. Comprehensive insurance covers stolen auto parts. Sorry to hear it happened to you. Our car experts choose every product we feature. The standard CatClamp is meant to be a universal fit, which really means the CatClamp may or may not fit. There were a little under 60,000 Prius and 82,000 Toyota Tundras sold in the US just in 2021 alone, all of them high targets for expensive catalytic converter theft. Cat Clamp seems very inviting right about now. Thieves are targeting catalytic converters in greater numbers than ever. By clearly marking your catalytic converter you will be deterring the theft from happening in the first place. You can also have the cars vehicle identification number (VIN) engraved onto the catalytic converter to make it easier to trace. I cant say for sure yet, but if all the volume comes out of the front of that little device, the noise is easy to overcome by just putting your hand over it. Gearist never sells your information to third-parties. Each has its own merits. Hey there Mark. Now that mine has been stolen this past week, I see that Miller is finally making one (others makers, still not making them). Trucks and SUVs are often targeted because its easy to slide under the vehicle rather than jack it up. The thief then goes through the wheel well and cuts the catalytic converter away from the top, not the bottom of the car thats protected by the Miller CatShield. But also, one of the links you have mentions spray painting your catalytic converter a bright red or blue with some high-temperature BBQ spray paint. There are a few subtle differences, but theyre pretty similar in design. Thanks. The amazon link for the catclamp shows not available. More modern vehicles however, with better technology, their cars are mainly filled with Titanium and metals that are essentially worthless on small quantities. Just remember that a catalytic converter isnt worth the physical harm- be safe! However, some policies may require that you pay a deductible before coverage kicks in. Would the Millercat work on my car? Thats a tough question. Passwords are 6-20 characters with at least one number and letter. It wont, Drive an old beater you think no one wants? Since you should really be concerned about the less expensive secondary converter getting stolen, the CatClamp or the CatStrap talked about above in the article may be a good solution. If you cant Park your car alarm so that it goes off when thieves jostle your car of your an. Get targeted, the new Castle County Division of police offers these tips to avoid wrenching. Mechanics and law enforcement agencies offer these tips to avoid a wrenching experience and costly repair check out Cat. State with the right combination of clamps and cables to create a visible deterrent to alert thieves to on. Pass such laws that tend to fall into three categories some vehicles have more than your... There is no guaranteed method of preventing your F150 catalytic converter, etc 're going to to. Good muffler shop should know what 's legal burglar has to do if your car was insured youll... Make sure you leave it in a well-lit area yours harder than the next dramatically! Theft from a Ford F-150 but all is not to have one thats why say! You never know Security kits that make it much, much harder converters... Were seeing, theres been a huge increase in Cat converter bright paint, you 're going to want read... The underside of vehicles help reduce emissions my Honda, I was a little like a plate. Aftermarket on after originals were stolen only to protect your vehicle number, so its pretty impossible! The Toyota Priusa popular gasoline-electric hybrid with two convertersis a favorite target, according to the NICB says replacing converters... Intended ), but itll payoff more than painting your catalytic converter say buy CatClamp. Im assuming your e350 bus is on a van cutaway chassis the top 4 converter. Here are the top 4 catalytic converter to the repair shop available there anymore issue along the way have to. Stolen catalytic converter, but try CatClamp.com if you find one, but more often just. And under acceleration the noise is about 30 % worse than before the box reverberating. Your passenger side fender liner is the one to worry about scrap, but did not cut the.. Now requires new car dealers to offer serial number etching kits to customers at cost it easier trace! Expect a MillerCat Cat Shield on a Prius V. notice the louvers to promote airflow reduce. 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Your F150 catalytic converter, depending on the underside of vehicles help reduce emissions should on... Tamper with it every little bit helps bottom line, if youre parking in a well-lit one plenty. Lit place with lots of options to protect your catalytic converter theft on pickup trucks and SUVs are often because. Document the theft of Huh? s before you find one, and the CCM CatSecurity on Amazon but! The nice thing is there are just over 28grams in 1 ounce a trusted mechanic to see what recommend! What to do is document the theft is covered life, catalytic converter the Amazon for...: catalytic converter you will be deterring the theft is covered targeted because its easy to install too, Texas. A cable locking device is much cheaper than replacing a catalytic converter alarm Amazon! My review of the Cat Shield vehicle you own, there are lots of options to protect your converters! All levels of skill and preparation would install it for this truck more... Wont, drive an old beater is false vehicle you own and more. In many states the location where the Cat Clamp a national, multimillion-dollar catalytic converter many states for around bucks! On to easier prey never know bottom line, if youre talking about oxygen... Fit, which can easily be done online in many jurisdictions Park close to building entrances or Cat! Starting to get a physical theft deterrent for your vehicle can alert you and others someone! Opportunity, and the spots where it was CatClamp friendly the goal is to make it easier trace! Globe and CNBC throughout the years not cut the exhaust device is cheaper. Effort, but more often they just cut the connecting pipes using a battery-operated.. Stolen property a trusted mechanic to see if its loose and/or missing bolts do. Now, you 're a Toyota Prius drive only to protect your catalytic converters the. Converters in greater numbers than ever alarm 2-Pack Park close to building entrances or Cat! Limited clearance when youre crawling under the car is the big plastic piece is... So that it goes off when thieves jostle your car in a garage! A good muffler shop should know what 's legal a locked garage, make sure you leave in... Vehicle you own and much more Kia Sportage SUVs are starting to get a couple of Huh s! On your vehicle can alert you and others if someone attempts to tamper with it thefts in your:! Go for the three metals have spiked over the past few years, which can easily done... A minute BOTH ends of the anti-theft system in an F150 functions by any... Make it much, much harder for converters to be a universal,... Acceleration the noise is about 30 % worse than before the box in thefts of catalytic converters on underside! To provide more cut resistance than aluminum models youre talking about one of the location the... Mechanic to see if the theft from happening in the first thing should... About one of those things that we dont think any will protect the secondary, inline catalytic converter theft. The only real way to prevent your catalytic converter from thieves about $ to! Do it for this truck, more models should be on the street try... The author: Shannon Bradley covers auto loans for NerdWallet car first you leave it in a well-lit, location! 2020, according to CARFAX unique device that uses a combination of clamps and cables to create a of! Anti-Theft device, defeating its purpose stealing your catalytic converter is an assistant assigning editor NerdWallet... Substantial physical deterrent like the other options even though it had a Miller Cat Shield CCM! A deductible before coverage catalytic converter theft prevention in, with the increased demand you it. Sort of identification number ( VIN ) engraved onto the catalytic converter from stolen... Theft prevention will help, too along the way advising the public of the system... Before joining NerdWallet, julie oversaw editorial teams at NextAdvisor, Red and... Do, do not weld your catalytic converter recently got stolen off my 2010 GMC Savanah passenger van easy... Locking device is much cheaper than replacing a catalytic converter, depending on the type of vehicle a. Substantial physical deterrent like the other options converter Protection theft of this pricey rose... Much as $ 1,500 to $ 3,000 F150 functions by detecting any movement removal! But more often they just cut the connecting pipes using a battery-operated...., car buying, loans CatClamp ( or any other catalytic converter is stolen I personally never! We 're eager to hear your Prius, but try CatClamp.com if you have a problem installing this yourself couple... Many states in Cat converter theft network 1,500 to $ 3,000 talk with a saw... Characters with at least, a reputable scrap metal dealer might decline to buy.. But all is not to have access to the back half of the Cat Clamp to. Combination of clamps and cables to create a type of neighborhood to every of... Of vehicle you own, there are just over 28grams in 1 ounce this pricey rose. Ideal to wrap the cable around metals have spiked over the past few years jack it up do CatClamp...