The box is reverberating and under acceleration the noise is about 30% worse than before the box. All a burglar has to do is crawl under a vehicle with a reciprocating saw and slice the converter free from the undercarriage. Of course, a determined thief will just remove the guard to get to the cat, but remembercatalytic converter thieves exist because cats are easy and fast to steal. Im googling and not seeing a good video, but this seems like the best option I could afford right now. Planning on using zip ties and heavy duty velcro to mount them somewhere else, away from an easy access point. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Im 62, definitely not handy, and drive a 2020 Ford Fusion Hybrid. And its happening everywhere- every type of neighborhood to every type of vehicle. This week my catalytic converter has been almost stolen twice. A member of the NYPD's Auto Crimes Unit applies a unique serial number to a vehicle's catalytic converter during a catalytic converter theft prevention event in Ocean Breeze on Friday, April 14, 2023. Hi Mary. Park in a well-lit area: Parking your vehicle in a well-lit area can help deter potential thieves from targeting it. Start the conversation with My catalytic converter was stolen, do you have any experience with the CatClamp?. The office of D.A. This information may be different than what you see when you visit a financial institution, service provider or specific products site. Any info? Catalytic converter theft is on the rise and to a shocking degree. This is exactly why its important to do everything you can outlined in the article, especially a physical deterrent, to reduce your chances of catalytic converter theft. Most people are surprised to find out that their alarms primarily stop a thief from moving /entering a car without key, but do nothing to trigger when a window is broken or a vehicle is moved like during catalytic converter theft. Out of the box it requires no special tools. 4. Youll also have to pay for installation, unless you plan on tackling the complicated process yourself. If you have a personal garage, keep your car parked inside with the door shut. Ive come to find out thats not so true anymore. Julies writing has been published by USA Today, Business Insider and Wired Insights, among others. All email addresses you provide will be used just for sending this story. If I remember correctly, A 2013 Hyundai Elantra has two catalytic converters, one built into the manifold up at the engine and one underneath the car as part of the exhaust run. Passwords are 6-20 characters with at least one number and letter. Even F-150 pickups are joining the Tundra as big targets for catalytic converter theft. Aside from comprehensive insurance coverage and setting your alarm to its most sensitive setting, is there anything we vehicle owners can do to make sure we're not stuck with expensive repairs? I really like the thought of this and you can purchase this separately from the CatStrap. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. If youre parking on the street, try to pick a well-lit one with plenty of traffic. Plus, catalytic converters dont carry any sort of identification number, so its pretty much impossible to identify them as stolen property. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. By clearly marking your catalytic converter you will be deterring the theft from happening in the first place. Shannon is based in Newburgh, Indiana. Before joining NerdWallet, Julie oversaw editorial teams at NextAdvisor, Red Ventures and Quote.com. All these devices arent gonna stop them from taking your cat. The two big players in this market are Miller Cat Shield and CCM Cat Security. Now they are running out of stock of everything. I was lucky, so to speak, in getting an immediate replacement of the converter and had to wait for the oxygen thing. Whether they going to make 1K or 100 they would still remove it. Cages made of high-strength steel that's difficult to cut. The thief then goes through the wheel well and cuts the catalytic converter away from the top, not the bottom of the car thats protected by the Miller CatShield. Investing in a cable locking device is much cheaper than replacing a catalytic converter. Anything else would get a CatClamp. What to do if your catalytic converter is stolen. Of course, a determined thief will just remove the guard to get to the cat, but remembercatalytic converter thieves exist because cats are easy and fast to steal. Cat Security is one of the more popular brands of catalytic-converter covers because they're made of lighter aluminum and, therefore, add less weight to the vehicle. Prius owners can relax a bit more than the rest of us (they seem pretty chill and unperturbed already anyway), because it's relatively easy to bolt a metal shield under their car. WebPrevent Catalytic Converter Theft Starting At $159.99 Specific Solutions for: Gas and Hybrid Vehicles, RVs - Class A & C, and Heavy Diesel Trucks TM PHYSICAL LOCK - CATSTRAP : Extremely Difficult to Cut: Turns a Normal 60sec Theft into a Struggle that Overwhelms Thieves and Prevents You from Being an Easy Target Prices for the three metals have spiked over the past few years. When evaluating offers, please review the financial institutions Terms and Conditions. Theres also a the thought that cars parked this way will obscure the thief from the street, letting him steal your cat converter out of sight of traffic. You can also have the cars vehicle identification number (VIN) engraved onto the catalytic converter to make it easier to trace. 4. MillerCat has expanded their line up to include Toyota Tacomas, Tundras and Sequioas. You can read my catclamp review here. Park in well-lit areas. Make Your Car a Difficult Target. Some people complain of rattling after installation, but thats usually due to an install issue along the way. The downside it doesnt look like a substantial physical deterrent like the other options. But ive been hearing so much about these that Ive got a few coming my way for testing. The office of D.A. Thanks (or no thanks) to the increase in catalytic converter thefts there are several different devices on the market that can add a layer of physical protection to your catalytic converter. Here are 6 tips to prevent catalytic converter theft. Sorry to hear about your Prius, but glad youve gotten it sorted. But back to your SavanahId suggest the Cat Clamp MAXX. New York now requires new car dealers to offer serial number etching kits to customers at cost. While attending college to earn a journalism degree, Shannon completed an internship that led not to the newsroom, but to a bank marketing department. Just remember that a catalytic converter isnt worth the physical harm- be safe! A huge increase in thefts of catalytic converters has hit the nation, for at least the second time this century. Tips for Protecting Your Vehicle from Catalytic Converter Theft. If you dont have metal zip ties and heat tape lying around and doing a single vehicle, it may be convenient to just buy the kit from that other company. I dont know what I would use and Id like to get something to ease my mind! Sorry to hear it happened to you. Here are a few steps that can get you going again: Aftermarket catalytic converters are cheaper, but make sure they're allowed in your state. Seems to me there are way too many catalytic converter thefts and really, not a real good way to prevent a "SAWZALL/GRINDER cutting wheel " from getting through such things as Stainless Steel Wire Rope - just cut off the bracket/lock. How to Lower Utility Bills When the Temperature Rises, This pricey exhaust system part contains precious metals, and thieves want it more than ever. Otherwise, as Ive said to Kathryn and Paige in the comments: Make a few phone calls to some independent garages and muffler shops and see if they heard of the CatClamp. Maybe a reader will see this and comment on Jetta specifics. This should make it much more visible to passersby and surrounding properties, acting as a deterrent to potential thieves. 3. Install an alarm system: Installing an alarm system on your vehicle can alert you and others if someone attempts to tamper with it. The best way to prevent catalytic converter theft is to explore the solutions below and see what will work for you. I had never heard of this happening before. Read more. Most catalytic converters are the passenger side, just park your car on the street and let the curb block anyone from accessing your catalytic converter. In some cases, an aftermarket catalytic converter will be less desirable and prevent future thefts. Park in well-lit areas: Parking in a well-lit area can deter potential thieves and make it easier for you or passersby to spot any suspicious activity. Hate to say it, but with the economy going the way it is, desperation can bring out the worst in people. Shannon Bradley covers auto loans for NerdWallet. For every device listed here, ive seen both the pros and cons of each. Unfortunately, this is one of those things that we dont think about until it happens to us. Ad-free. Hi! Depending on your car alarm to stop catalytic converter theft? Theres NAPAs cat clamp cant tell if it will fit this car or not. This never influences our opinions or review content, and your support helps keep this site running. Read more. Hello, Protect Your Catalytic Converter from Theft with One of These Devices, How to Shoot a Vehicle for Bring a Trailer, Watching a Catalytic Converter in Action Is Absolutely Mesmerizing, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. The more inconvenient your vehicle is to get to, the more likely a If you find discrepancies with your credit score or information from your credit report, please contact TransUnion directly. They are usually parked at the ends of the parking lot. To compound the problem, were starting to hear of stolen catalytic converters being sold and used on the secondary market not for scrap, but as replacement parts by less than honest folks. https://www.catstrap.net/product-page/cateye-electronic-alarm. Like the CatClamp above, the cables make cutting off your catalytic converter more difficult. Vehicles with ultra low-emissions are bigger targets, because they have catalytic converters that contain more rhodium, palladium and platinum that render pollutants harmless while increasing the value for thieves. Anti-theft solutions can be pricey, but they often cost less than a new catalytic converter. I had mine stolen a few weeks ago (a 2011 Prius) as well as the oxygen tube (?) The Cat Clamp is a unique device that uses a combination of clamps and cables to create a type of catalytic converter cage. I'm thinking a "skid plate" covering the catalytic converter, attached to the FRAME may be the best route to go. There is only 1 way you can stop it from happening and that is not to have 1. Kinda like a thief who steals fake diamonds- they dont know it until they try and sell em, but theyve still been stolen! However, this does not influence our evaluations. My mechanic is currently treating a new Cat-mounted alarm but the truth is, until laws enforcement cracks down on the scrapyards and mechanics buying the illegal parts, this problem will persist and there is little that can be done. Thefts of catalytic converters continue to climb at an alarming rate, and the pandemic and its resulting economic issues have made their resale value rise .css-p0u9qf{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:.0625rem;text-decoration-color:#595959;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:#595959;-webkit-transition:background 0.4s;transition:background 0.4s;background:linear-gradient(#ffffff, #ffffff 50%, #FFC84E 50%, #FFC84E);-webkit-background-size:100% 200%;background-size:100% 200%;}.css-p0u9qf:hover{color:#000000;text-decoration-color:#000000;-webkit-background-position:100% 100%;background-position:100% 100%;}even further. Hybrid vehicles are particularly vulnerable, because those cats utilize even more of the precious metals within. I do think the Amazon catalytic converter alarms can be an inexpensive part of your strategy for protection, but just not out in the open. 19. .css-o0tten{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;text-decoration-thickness:.0625rem;text-decoration-color:#595959;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:#fff;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;display:inline-block;background:linear-gradient(#ffffff, #ffffff 50%, #FFC84E 50%, #FFC84E);-webkit-background-size:100% 200%;background-size:100% 200%;background-color:#000000;font-family:Paralucent,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:0.75rem;line-height:1;letter-spacing:0.2rem;padding:0.625rem 0.9375rem;text-transform:uppercase;width:auto;}.css-o0tten:hover{color:#fff;text-decoration-color:#000000;-webkit-background-position:100% 100%;background-position:100% 100%;background-color:#cb1418;opacity:1;}.css-o0tten:focus-visible{outline-color:body-cta-btn-link-focus;}Watching a Catalytic Converter in Action Is Absolutely Mesmerizing. 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