Why do they steal catalytic converters?

According to multiple sources, money is the main motivation for people stealing catalytic converters. According to NJ.com, they have precious metals like platinum and rhodium in them that have value on the black market. Cars.com also mention that the devices have palladium.

Which cars 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.

How can I prevent my catalytic converter from being stolen?

What are stolen catalytic converters worth?

Thanks to the increasing prices of the precious metals used in the production — i.e, platinum, rhodium and palladium — an ill-gotten catalytic converter can “typically” fetch between $50 and $250 when sold to an unscrupulous recycling facility, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB).

How long does it take to steal a catalytic converter?

Thieves can remove a catalytic converter quickly, often in less than two minutes, so theft can even occur in broad daylight. The only tools a thief needs are a wrench (for converters that are bolted on) or a reciprocating saw (for converters that are welded in). Some thieves bring a mechanic's creeper.

Understanding the wave of catalytic converter thefts

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.

Can I drive my car if the catalytic converter has been 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.

Does insurance cover catalytic converter theft?

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.

Can a car run 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.

Why are Toyota catalytic converters stolen?

Thanks to higher prices for platinum, rhodium, palladium and other metals found in the components, catalytic converter thefts rose from about 100 a month in 2018 to more than 1,200 a month in 2020, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau.

How do you tell if your catalytic converter has been stolen?

Why is a catalytic converter so valuable?

Catalytic converters have economic value as they contain precious metals. This is the main reason why they are sold as the most expensive scrap. Because it contains rhodium, palladium and platinum, which are among the most precious metals.

Can I replace my catalytic converter with a straight pipe?

The short answer is yes you can.

If you install a straight pipe, often called a test pipe, you will fail all emissions tests or smog checks.

What states require catalytic converters?

California became the first state to require the use of CARB-compliant catalytic converters on January 1, 2009. In subsequent years, other states including New York (6/1/2013) and Maine (6/1/2018) mandated the use of CARB-compliant converters for certain model year vehicles.

What does a car sound like without a catalytic converter?

Loud Vehicle Noises and Missing Catalytic Converter

You will find that when driving without your catalytic converter, it will sound like your vehicle is roaring—especially when starting or giving it gas.

How much does it cost to replace a catalytic converter?

Catalytic converter replacement isn't cheap. For most vehicles, the average cost of a catalytic converter repair is between $945 and $2475 including parts and labor. The catalytic converter cost itself can be up to $2250 of that. That might be close to your car's value or more!

Where are the catalytic converters located?

A catalytic converter is found underneath your car attached to the exhaust pipe with bolts. It's a vital element of your car's exhaust system because they reduce emissions of harmful compounds found in car exhaust.

Do all cars have a catalytic converter?

Every vehicle on the road has a catalytic converter — they've been required as of 1975 — meaning every vehicle is also a potential target for thieves. Some cars, however, may be at increased risk simply because of how they're built.

What do I do if someone stole my catalytic converter?

The first step is to call the police so they can write a police report on the situation. The police may not be able to find the person responsible for stealing your catalytic converter, but this report can help police stop future theft. Next, you need to contact your insurance company and file a claim.

How much is a Chevy catalytic converter worth?

Current used. The average current price for used chevy silverado catalytic converter is $165 from the last 240 listings.

How much is a Toyota catalytic converter worth?

Toyota catalytic converters' worth can range from $75 and $700 when sold as scrap. The worth of a catalytic converter can vary depending on the car's make and model. Some of the most valuable catalytic converters come from the Toyota Prius.

How can I make money with a catalytic converter?

Will removing catalytic converter hurt engine?

Modern engines create less of an impact, which means the device creates almost the same effect as a straight pipe for the average vehicle on the road today that is less than 10 years old. If you decide to remove the catalytic converter, then you'll experience a loss in your low-end torque while operating the vehicle.

Will removing cat make exhaust louder?

Removing a cat will always make the exhaust louder in any vehicle.

Will an O2 sensor work without a catalytic converter?

The in-cat or after-cat O2 sensors are just used to check the efficiency of the cat itself. Therefore, in most modern vehicles a car can run just fine without a cat.