Why do thieves want 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.

How much do thieves get for a catalytic converter?

Thieves, on average, can earn $200 per catalytic converter — about 1/10th of what it costs to replace a stolen one.

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.

What do thieves do with a catalytic converter?

Catalytic converter theft is on the rise nationwide. Thieves can steal this antipollution device in a matter of minutes and sell it to scrap metal dealers for several hundred dollars for the precious metals it contains.

How much is a 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. Keep in mind that these prices only include the cost of the converter unit itself.

Understanding the wave of catalytic converter thefts

Why are catalytic converters 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.

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.

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 so many catalytic converters being stolen?

Money is the main reason catalytic converters are often stolen. They contain three metals that aid in the chemical reaction that makes exhaust pollutants less harmful: platinum, palladium and rhodium. The prices of these metals have risen dramatically during the early 21st century.

Why are crooks stealing 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.

What cars do they steal catalytic converters from?

Those vehicles most often targeted for catalytic converter theft during the past three years in California are the Toyota Prius, Honda Element, Honda Accord, Ford Econoline, Honda CRV, Ford F-250, Toyota Tundra, Toyota Sequoia, Ford Excursion and the Toyota Tacoma.

Which state has the most catalytic converters stolen?

New data shows California is ranked number one in catalytic converter thefts. New numbers on the high cost of stolen catalytic converters. A report released by State Farm Insurance shows that residents in our state have been hit harder than any other state, making California number one in thefts.

How do you stop thieves from stealing catalytic converters?

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 I stop someone from stealing my catalytic converter?

Can you drive car if 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.

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.

Can you tell if your catalytic converter has been 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 catalytic converters are worth the most in scrap?

Why do Prius catalytic converters get stolen?

Car experts say since the Prius is a hybrid, the catalytic converter corrodes less than on other cars, keeping the precious metal coating in better shape. It's also one of the most expensive to replace, costing between $2700 and $4100. Thieves steal catalytic converters to get the precious metals rhodium and platinum.

What does a car sound like without a 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.

How much gold is in a catalytic converter?

Catalytic converters contain Platinum, Rhodium and Palladium. However, there is no gold in catalytic converters.

How much is the platinum in a catalytic converter worth?

On average a catalytic converter generally contains 0.1 to 0.3 ounces (3 to 7 grams) of platinum. According to Kitco the bid price of platinum is $977 USD per ounce (April 9 2022) meaning there are between $110 and $300 dollars worth of platinum in a typical OEM catalytic converter.

Why are catalytic converters being stolen in California?

Catalytic converters, a critical automobile part to reduce emissions, are being increasingly stolen across California and the country, stripped and sold for the precious metals they are made of – partly because they're easy to remove.

Is California doing anything about catalytic converter theft?

CALIFORNIA RANKED #1 IN CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFTS

On the Central Coast, there were more than 1,000 catalytic converters reported stolen in 2021 alone and hundreds more in 2022 so far. The hardest-hit areas in 2021 were: Unincorporated Santa Barbara County — 285 reported thefts.