How long does it take to steal a catalytic converter off a car?

Stealing a converter takes just a few minutes and a battery-operated saw. "You slide under the car, slice through your exhaust system, and you're in and out usually within 30 seconds to a minute," Glawe said.

Do you know right away if your catalytic converter is stolen?

You may not be able to tell your catalytic converter was stolen by looking at your car, but you'll know as soon as you start the engine. When the catalytic converter has been removed, your vehicle will make a loud roaring sound that'll get louder as you push the gas pedal.

What cars are hardest to steal catalytic converter?

American cars such as Jeep, Chrysler, Ford, Dodge, and Chevrolet are least likely to be targeted as they have less valuable converters. Nissan, Mazda, Subaru, and Hyundai also limit the amount of precious metals used in the converter designs.

How easy is my catalytic converter to steal?

They are often targeted by thieves as they contain valuable metals and can be removed in less than a minute. Catalytic converter theft most frequently occurs in car parks, but they can happen anywhere. Thieves may then sell these converters via scrapyards, online, or ship them out of the country.

Why does it take so long to get a catalytic converter?

The time frame for getting the work done has also grown during the pandemic, Paul said. “As with many auto parts, there are ongoing supply chain issues,” Paul said. “As theft rises, the demand for catalytic converters increases. Unfortunately, this may result in a delay in getting your vehicle repaired.”

Catalytic converter thief run over by car he attempted to steal from: Sheriff's Department

Do you have to jack up a car to steal catalytic converter?

Catalytic convertors can be removed in just a few minutes with a saw or wrench. The thief simply crawls underneath a vehicle and slice the converter free. In most cases, they don't even need to jack up the car! They're highly valuable.

How do I park my car to avoid catalytic converter theft?

Park in a Garage

The only foolproof way to stop catalytic converter thieves at your home is to park inside a garage. They can't cut away and steal what they can't access.

Does insurance cover stolen catalytic converter?

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.

How fast can a catalytic converter be stolen?

Stealing a converter takes just a few minutes and a battery-operated saw. "You slide under the car, slice through your exhaust system, and you're in and out usually within 30 seconds to a minute," Glawe said.

How fast do thieves steal catalytic converters?

Catalytic converter theft is also common because the component is mounted beneath the vehicle, making it easily accessible to thieves. With the proper tools, thieves can remove a catalytic converter in less than two minutes and profit handsomely by reselling it.

How long does it take thieves to remove a catalytic converter?

Unfortunately, stealing a catalytic converter is very easy to do. Thieves usually slide underneath a car with a battery-powered reciprocating saw and cut it right out of the exhaust line. It takes about 2 to 3 minutes and makes as much noise as any other power tool.

What is the most common car for catalytic converter theft?

The common consensus seems to be that the Prius, Tacoma, Lexus SUVs, and the Accord are some of the most targeted cars for catalytic converter theft. So if you own one of these, make sure your car is locked up safe and sound.

How do you beat the catalytic converter theft?

If you really want to discourage thieves, you can weld a cage rebar or shield around your catalytic converter. You can also replace your original cat with an aftermarket catalytic converter, which has a smaller amount of precious metals in it.

What is worth stealing in a catalytic converter?

The reason for stolen converters is the explanation behind any theft — money. The rhodium, palladium and platinum used in these parts are valuable, and rhodium can go for $20,000 per ounce, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau.

How much do thieves get for a catalytic converter?

Criminals target catalytic converters because they contain expensive precious metals like rhodium, platinum and palladium. Thieves can expect to get anywhere from $50 to $300 if they sell the converters to scrapyards, which then sell them to recycling facilities to reclaim the precious metals inside.

How can you tell if someone took your catalytic converter?

What does your car sound like if the catalytic converter is stolen?

When the catalytic converter has been removed, your vehicle will make a loud roaring sound then the car is on and it gets even louder as you push the gas pedal. Your car might also make a sputtering sound as you change speed, or you'll notice it's not driving smoothly.

What does car sound like without catalytic converter?

You'll notice a loud rumbling or roaring sound when you turn on the engine if your catalytic converter is missing. This sound gets louder when you hit the gas. The exhaust is not working correctly, so the vehicle also drives rougher than usual, often with a sense of sputtering as you change speed.

Which cars are least likely to have catalytic converter stolen?

American brands such as Ford, Chevy, Jeep, Dodge, and Chrysler tend to have less valuable catalytic converters and are therefore less likely to get stolen. Some Nissan, Hyundai, Mazda, and Subaru models also fall into this category. Many brands used cat designs that limited how many precious metals were inside.

Where do stolen catalytic converters go?

Stealing a catalytic converter is easy: Thieves slide under the car and slice through the exhaust system using a battery-powered saw in 30 seconds to a minute, Glawe says. They then sell the part to a scrap metal yard for between $150 to $300.

Does spray painting your catalytic converter prevent theft?

By adding bright paint, you can create a visible deterrent to alert thieves to move on. This paint also signals law enforcement and recyclers to look deeper for serial numbers or identification marks. By clearly marking your catalytic converter you will be deterring the theft from happening in the first place.

Do cages prevent catalytic converter theft?

A catalytic converter cage is an effective anti-theft device. It consists of two clamps and a long, heavy-gauge stainless-steel cable.

What states have the most catalytic converters stolen?

Which cars are targeted for catalytic?

Which cars have the most valuable catalytic converters?