Everything You Need to Know About Stolen Catalytic Converters

Visit your local Auto Body Shop Mark Ficken Collision Center in Charlotte, North Carolina

The rate of catalytic converter theft is increasing. In 2021, police-reported almost 1,500 catalytic converter thefts in Charlotte and Mecklenburg, NC. This article covers everything you need to know about catalytic converters and how to prevent theft.

What Are Catalytic Converters?

Catalytic converters are a part of the exhaust system of combustion engine vehicles. They take the harmful carbon monoxide, nitric oxide, and hydrocarbons from the engine and turn them into carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and water, respectively, to reduce the harmful emissions.

Do All Cars Have Catalytic Converters?

No, they don’t. Most cars with combustion engines do, but there are some exceptions. For example, most cars made pre-1970s will not have them, as catalytic converters weren’t a standard feature in car manufacturing until the 70s.
Additionally, fully electric vehicles will not have catalytic converters, as they do not have combustion engines. However, hybrid cars will. It is important to note that while not all vehicles have catalytic converters, removing or damaging them is illegal. It must have one if your car was manufactured with a catalytic converter.

Why Are Catalytic Converters Being Stolen?

Catalytic converters contain rare metals that are crucial to their functioning. They pull certain atoms off the harmful molecules and bind them to others to create the less-harmful substances.

These metals are:
Palladium
Rhodium
Platinum
Rhodium is worth nearly $17,000/oz, palladium is worth $2,000/oz, and platinum, $1,000/oz. Typically, each catalytic converter contains 3-7 g of these metals. This makes catalytic converters ideal targets for theft, and they sell for high prices on the black market.

Why Is It So Easy To Sell Stolen Catalytic Converters?

Catalytic converters are positioned underneath a car towards the back, in a position that is very accessible to a thief. They can also be easily cut out using a saw, simply by lifting the car a little and cutting it out. This would only take a few minutes.
Cars higher off the ground, such as SUVs, are at higher risk of catalytic converter theft as they do not need to be lifted.

How To Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft

Park In Well-Lit Areas
Parking in a well-lit area will help ensure that they will be spotted if a thief tries to steal your catalytic converter. Conversely, parking in dark areas makes it easier for catalytic converter theft.
Anti-Theft Device
There is a range of catalytic converter anti-theft devices out there. Two common ones are a steel shield and stainless-steel cables. The shield fits over the catalytic converter, making it take longer for a thief to remove the converter and requiring extra tools. The cables are welded to the catalytic converter and the car frame, making removal more difficult for the thief.
Paint It
Painting your catalytic converter will help you recognize if it is stolen and being sold. Firstly, it will be more noticeable when looking at your car if it has been stolen, making it easier to recognize if you see it being sold.
Mark Ficken Collision Center is here to help you. We have experts trained to provide Catalytic Converter repair services. To Learn about our collision center’s repair services in Charlotte, North Carolina, contact us today!