Do Thieves steal diesel catalytic converters?

Catalytic converter thefts are on the rise everywhere—especially if you drive a hybrid vehicle or large pickup truck. In fact, catalytic converter theft has increased from 3,389 reported thefts in 2018 to 14,443 in 2020, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB).

Do Thieves target diesel catalytic converters?

Thieves crawl under cars, trucks, and SUVs, and can steal a catalytic converter in less than a minute, according to experts. Repairs can set you back hundreds to thousands of dollars. The National Insurance Crime Bureau, tracks thefts reported to insurance companies.

Are diesel catalytic converters worth anything?

Diesel catalytic converters come from diesel engines. A lot of times the diesel engine cats are not worth too much money due to the lack of precious metals inside like platinum, palladium, and rhodium. However, there are some diesel cats that are worth a decent amount of money.

What cars are least likely to have catalytic converter stolen?

Which trucks are most likely to have catalytic converter stolen?

Carfax data shows that the Ford F-Series trucks that sit atop the national list for converter theft (their high ground clearance makes them especially easy to purloin in this regard) are the most targeted models in all parts of the country except western U.S. states.

Understanding the wave of catalytic converter thefts

Do diesels have catalytic converters?

Every diesel system will have a Diesel Oxidation Catalyst. It is what converts the carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide and also breaks down any un-spent fuel. Functionally, this aspect of the diesel catalyst system performs just like it does in a gas cat.

What vehicles are the easiest to steal catalytic converters?

Does insurance cover stolen catalytic converters?

Is a stolen catalytic converter covered by insurance? If you have comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance policy, then you're typically covered against catalytic converter theft. Comprehensive coverage will typically pay to replace the stolen catalytic converter and repair any related damage from its removal.

What vehicles have the most valuable catalytic converters?

According to data from 2020, the most expensive catalytic converter belonged to the Ferrari F430, with a mind-popping $3,770.00 price tag. Moreover, the F430 needed two of them, so a full replacement would run car owners $7,540 before labor costs.

How do I protect my car from catalytic converter theft?

What is inside a diesel catalytic converter?

Diesel engines

For compression-ignition (i.e., diesel) engines, the most commonly used catalytic converter is the diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC). DOCs contain palladium and/or platinum supported on alumina. This catalyst converts particulate matter (PM), hydrocarbons, and carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide and water.

What year cars are targeted for catalytic converter theft?

In the western part of the country, the following cars are the top targets: 2001-2021 Toyota Prius. 1985-2021 Ford F-Series. 1989-2020 Honda Accord.

Where is the catalytic converter on a diesel truck?

The catalytic converter is usually on the underside of the car or truck as part of the exhaust system, situated between the engine and the muffler.

Do heavy duty trucks have catalytic converters?

Whether you have been driving big rigs for many years, or you're just beginning your journey driving semi trucks, you may have wondered, “Do semi trucks have catalytic converters?” In short— yes, they do!

What are the most valuable catalytic converters to scrap?

How much is a catalytic converter worth on the black market?

According to The Pew Charitable Trusts, a global non-profit organization with a focus in public policy, criminals typically sell stolen catalytic converters for $50-$500 to internet buyers or scrapyards.

What happens to stolen catalytic converters?

In the current market, catalytic converters can be resold to recyclers for as little as $50 or to precious metal dealers for as much as thousands of dollars per ounce, reported the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB).

How much do stolen catalytic converters sell?

A catalytic converter stolen from some hybrid models can sell online for as much as $1,500 because it contains a larger amount of rhodium, which is resistant to corrosion and currently sells for more than $15,000 an ounce.

How long can you drive without a catalytic converter?

As part of a car's exhaust system, the catalytic converter helps to reduce air pollution. You will not harm your engine or your car in any way by driving without a catalytic converter. It's not always a good idea to drive around without one, even if it works.

How do I know if someone stole my catalytic converter?

Why are Toyota catalytic converters stolen?

Currently, Prius is being targeted because catalytic converters of hybrids need more of the precious metals to work properly because they don't get as hot as those installed on conventional vehicles, since the combustion engines of hybrids only run part of the time.

When did diesels start having catalytic converters?

The catalytic converter has been around on gasoline powered vehicles for a very long time: Thirty-eight years to be exact. For vehicles powered by Diesel engines, catalysts began to be installed in the late nineteen-nineties.

How long do diesel catalytic converters last?

The catalytic converter, which converts harmful emissions into harmless gas, often lasts 10 years or longer and should be replaced only when needed. It can become clogged, physically damaged, or contaminated by oil or engine coolant.