If someone steals your catalytic converter, you’re out of luck. Unfortunately, thieves know how much these parts are worth and will go to great lengths to get them. How should you respond?
Here are six strategies to protect your car from catalytic converter theft.
1. Park in Secure Areas
Start by being proactive and parking your vehicle in safe places. If you own a home, the most secure place might be the garage because it’s out of sight from the general public. Thieves have to go through a lot more trouble to break into a garage because of the extra security layer.
If you rent your living space, you need other options. Prioritize well-lit areas where thieves are less likely to roam and look for catalytic converters. Experts say all forms of light are useful in deterring crime, so find illuminating streetlights. Parking garages could also be a safe option, especially if they hire guards to monitor the premises.
2. Protect Your Converter With a Cage
While catalytic converters can be worth thousands, carjackers might not mess with your car if they see a cage. This mechanism locks up your valuable part and secures it to the vehicle’s frame. Creating a strong physical barrier means thieves can’t simply use a saw or a bolt cutter to get in.
If you get a catalytic converter cage, check the materials to ensure they’re durable and resistant to thieves. Most of these mechanisms include heavy-duty steel to provide the utmost protection. Car thieves will need some serious power from angle grinders or hacksaws to cut through steel cages. Lighter alternatives may include aluminum or rebar to reinforce the converters.
3. Use a Classic Car Alarm
What’s wrong with the classics? A car alarm should be just one part of your security apparatus when protecting your catalytic converter. This system uses sensitive sensors to detect when somebody seeks unauthorized access to your vehicle. The noise brings unwanted attention to thwart the thief.
Using alarms for your catalytic converter requires adjusting the sensitivity. Consult the owner’s manual before installing the device into your car to understand the settings. Once you alter the device, check it by causing vibrations near the catalytic converter’s location. Taps and bumps should make the alarm go off without a hitch.
4. Label Your VIN on the Converter
Experts say catalytic converter theft rose almost 900% from 2019 to 2023, so how should you respond? You must get creative with your security solutions. Start by labeling the vehicle identification number (VIN) on the converter to make it easier to track. If thieves somehow get their hands on it, you’ll have a much easier time getting it back.
Labeling your catalytic converter can happen in a few different ways. The most straightforward idea might be etching the VIN with a burnisher or drypoint needle. If you want a challenge, use a metal stamp, which is one of the most permanent engraving forms. Regardless, it’s wise to embed the VIN and protect your vehicle.
5. Lower the Suspension
Another creative way to reduce catalytic converter theft is to lower the suspension. A car that’s low to the ground can thwart thieves before they even glance at your car. Less ground clearance means your vehicle has limited space between the suspension and the road. Ultimately, you make the thievery more challenging for carjackers.
You don’t necessarily need the suspension of a stock car, which can be just an inch or two from the ground. Some vehicles have low suspensions to help their cornering and stability, such as the Toyota C-HR and its 5-inch ground clearance when unladen. Before lowering the suspension, understand it could lead to stiffer rides or bottoming out.
6. Consider a GPS Tracker
Americans use GPS for over 900 million devices, and it could be useful for your catalytic converter. Install a tracking device on this crucial car part to know when somebody is tampering with your prized possession. Small ones will easily fit onto your converter and won’t be easily noticeable to thieves.
Attach the GPS tracker to your catalytic converter by welding it. If that’s not an option, consider using a strong adhesive or a metal strap to secure the device. Conceal it as much as possible by painting it the same color as your catalytic converter or placing it in a strategic location. Then, regularly check the battery via your smartphone.
Keeping Your Catalytic Converter Safe and Sound
Catalytic converters are mandatory on most vehicles because they control emissions. Each device contains heat-resistant catalysts coated with precious metals, making them pretty valuable. Unfortunately, thieves are aware of the black market prices and may try to steal yours.
Protect your car with these simple safety measures that go a long way.
Author Bio: Oscar Collins is the editor-in-chief of Modded. He has over five years of experience writing in the auto space, having published with Automotive News, Carwash and InAutomotive. Follow him on X @TModded for frequent updates on his work.
