What do people do with catalytic converters after they steal them?

Catalytic converters contain metals that are more precious than gold, such as platinum, rhodium and palladium. When stolen, thieves take the part to a scrap yard or recycler in exchange for cash. Wilders auto repair shop says nearly 20 catalytic converters were stolen over the past year in three different instances.

What do the thieves do with stolen catalytic converters?

Reported catalytic converter thefts increased by 325% between 2019 and 2020. 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 does a stolen catalytic converter sell for?

Catalytic converter thieves can see returns of around $150 to $1500 for a catalytic converter, depending on the type of catalytic converter stolen. Scrap yards will buy them and have their metals recovered to sell again.

What do they do with catalytic converter?

The catalytic converter helps to reduce airborne pollutants that could harm people as well as the environment, turning 90% of harmful emissions into less harmful gasses. A well-maintained catalytic converter improves the efficiency of your car, directly affecting its overall health and performance.

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.

Understanding the wave of catalytic converter thefts

Can you run a car without a catalytic converter?

Without the catalytic converter, your car won't perform as well as it would if it were equipped with one. Without a cat, the oxygen sensors installed before and after the cat will not operate within range. Engine fault codes will be generated, and engine performance will suffer as a result.

What car has most catalytic converters stolen?

Hybrid cars like the Toyota Prius have higher standards for cleaning emissions, so their converters are more expensive and are primarily targeted by thieves. Older rides produced after 1974 also have more metals inside their catalytic converters, and luxury models like Lamborghinis and Ferraris.

Is it worth reporting a stolen catalytic converter to insurance?

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 cars are hardest to steal catalytic converter?

What 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.

Can a car be driven if the catalytic converter is stolen?

The good news is, your car will run just fine without a catalytic converter. Because it filters exhaust and emissions, it doesn't really impact your vehicle's actual driving capabilities. However, due to environmental protection laws, you could face some hefty fines if you're caught driving a vehicle without one.

Why do scrap yards buy stolen catalytic converters?

The Appeal of Catalytic Converters

Catalytic converters contain platinum, rhodium, and palladium. The metals are expensive, and thieves sell the converters to scrap yards for several hundred dollars per piece, depending on the size of the converter and the current rate on the metals inside it.

How much are catalytic converters worth thieves?

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.

What state has the highest catalytic converter theft?

Insurance company ranks California with highest catalytic converter thefts.

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.

What is the easiest car to steal a catalytic converter from?

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 stop criminals from stealing your catalytic converter?

How do I stop someone from stealing my catalytic converter?

What does it look like after a 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.

Why are thieves stealing catalytic converters?

Today, catalytic converters are worth more than gold – literally. Platinum, palladium and rhodium are each worth thousands of dollars per ounce. Catalytic converters typically have just a few combined grams of these metals. That would still fetch a price of at least a few hundred dollars, possibly up to $1,000.

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.

Will check engine light come on if catalytic converter is stolen?

Check Engine Warning

The first time that you start your automobile after the catalytic converter has been stolen the check engine light will turn on. It will remain on until you replace the catalytic converter and repair any exhaust system damage.

What does a 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 have the most valuable catalytic converters?

How much is a single catalytic converter worth?

The average catalytic converter ranges between $800 and $1,200, depending on the vehicle's make and model. In general, the larger the engine, the more expensive the converter.

What is the street value of a catalytic converter?

Typically, a reseller will pay anywhere from $50 to $250 for a catalytic converter. According to the Universal Technical Institute, a typical converter will include between three and seven grams of platinum, between two and seven grams of palladium, and between one and two grams of rhodium.