Are Honda Accords targeted for catalytic converter theft?
Yes, Honda Accords are frequently targeted by thieves for their catalytic converters. Catalytic converters, which are part of a vehicle's exhaust system, contain valuable precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium that can be sold for a high price on the black market. Thieves often target Honda Accords and other popular models because their catalytic converters are relatively easy to access and remove.
Why Are Honda Accords Targeted?
There are a few key reasons why Honda Accords are particularly vulnerable to catalytic converter theft:
- Popularity of the Model: The Honda Accord is one of the best-selling and most popular sedan models in the United States. This makes Accords a common target, as thieves can easily find and steal the catalytic converters from these vehicles.
- Accessibility of the Catalytic Converter: The catalytic converter on a Honda Accord is located underneath the vehicle and is relatively easy to access and remove, making it a quick and easy target for thieves.
- Value of the Metals: The catalytic converter in a Honda Accord contains valuable precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium. These metals can be sold for hundreds of dollars on the black market, providing a strong incentive for thieves to target Accords and other popular vehicle models.
In addition to the factors above, the rise in the prices of precious metals used in catalytic converters has also contributed to the increase in thefts targeting Honda Accords and other vehicles.
How Can Honda Accord Owners Protect Their Vehicles?
To help prevent catalytic converter theft, Honda Accord owners can take several steps:
- Park in well-lit, secure areas: Thieves often target vehicles parked in dark, isolated areas, so parking in well-lit, high-traffic locations can deter them.
- Install a catalytic converter lock or shield: These devices make it more difficult for thieves to remove the catalytic converter, deterring them from targeting the vehicle.
- Engrave the catalytic converter: Engraving the vehicle's VIN or other identifying information on the catalytic converter can make it harder for thieves to sell the stolen part.
- Install a catalytic converter alarm: These alarms are designed to detect when the catalytic converter is being tampered with and sound an alert to scare off thieves.
By taking these precautions, Honda Accord owners can help protect their vehicles from catalytic converter theft and reduce the risk of becoming a victim of this increasingly common crime.
How do I protect my Honda Accord catalytic converter?
5 ways to protect against catalytic converter theft
Park in well-lit areas close to public entrances, regularly move your car's spot or use a closed garage. Install an anti-theft device.
What cars are not targeted for catalytic converter theft?
What Cars Do Catalytic Converter Thieves Avoid
- Gasoline-powered engines made before 1974 don't have catalytic converters.
- Diesel engine converters don't contain the precious metals that thieves want.
- Electric cars do not have catalytic converters.
Which Hondas are targeted for catalytic converter theft?
The vehicles most vulnerable to catalytic converter theft include the Ford F-series, Honda Accord, Toyota Prius, Honda CR-V, Ford Explorer, Ford Econoline/E-Series, Chevrolet Equinox, and Chevrolet Silverado.
Which cars are most likely to have a catalytic converter stolen?
Here are some of the top vehicles with the most stolen catalytic converters:
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500.
- Ford F-150.
- Toyota Prius.
- Honda Accord.
- Toyota Tacoma.
- Chevrolet Equinox.
- Honda CR-V.
- Ford E-Series Van.
