What cars are most at risk of catalytic converter theft?
Catalytic converter theft has become a growing problem across the United States, with certain vehicles being more vulnerable to this type of theft than others. Catalytic converters are targeted by thieves because they contain valuable precious metals, such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium, which can be sold for a high price on the black market.
Vehicles Most Targeted for Catalytic Converter Theft
According to law enforcement and insurance industry data, the vehicles most at risk of catalytic converter theft include:
- Toyota Prius - The Prius is a popular target due to its high ground clearance, which makes the catalytic converter easily accessible.
- Ford F-Series trucks - Trucks, particularly older models, are targeted because their catalytic converters are easily accessible from underneath the vehicle.
- Honda Accords and Civics - These popular sedan models are often targeted due to their high resale value for the precious metals in their catalytic converters.li>
- Older SUVs and vans - Vehicles with a higher ground clearance, such as older model SUVs and vans, are more vulnerable to catalytic converter theft.
These vehicles are often targeted because their catalytic converters are easily accessible, and the precious metals they contain can be quickly and anonymously sold on the black market.
Preventing Catalytic Converter Theft
To help prevent catalytic converter theft, experts recommend the following steps:
- Park in well-lit areas - Thieves are less likely to target vehicles in areas with good lighting and visibility.
- Install a catalytic converter shield or cage - These physical barriers can make it more difficult for thieves to remove the converter.li>
- Engrave your vehicle's VIN on the catalytic converter - This can help law enforcement identify stolen converters and deter thieves.li>
- Consider installing a catalytic converter alarm - These alarms can detect vibrations and alert the vehicle owner if the converter is being tampered with.li>
By taking these preventive measures, vehicle owners can help reduce the risk of their catalytic converter being targeted by thieves.
How do I make sure nobody steals my catalytic converter?
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. Install motion-sensitive lights and cameras in your parking area. Paint your catalytic converter to deter buyers – some local police departments even offer free programs for painting.
Does insurance cover a stolen catalytic converter?
Is a stolen catalytic converter covered by insurance? If you have comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance policy, then you're typically covered against catalytic converter theft. Comprehensive coverage will typically pay to replace the stolen catalytic converter and repair any related damage from its removal.
Which cars are least likely to have a catalytic converter stolen?
Which cars are least likely to have their catalytic converter stolen?
- A vehicle that is lower to the ground (if it's too hard to get under, it's not going to be a fast and easy theft!)
- All vehicles that are older than 1974 were not made with those valuable components.
What cars are not targeted for catalytic converter theft?
6 TYPES OF CARS LEAST LIKELY TARGETED BY CATALYTIC CONVERTER THIEVES
- Vehicles Built Before 1974.
- Vehicles With Low Ground Clearance.
- Non-Hybrid American and Asian Models.
- Models With Diesel Catalytic Converters.
- Newer Models With The Converter In The Engine.
- Electric Vehicles.
What vehicles have the most valuable catalytic converters for scrap?
Especially SUV type vehicles use larger catalytic converter and this causes more use of elements such as platinum rhodium. We can give models such as Audi Q7, Audi Q5, Audi Q3 as examples. In addition, we can show them as examples such as BMW X5, BMW X4, BMW X3.
What vehicles get catalytic converters stolen most?
The Most Common Vehicles to Have Their Catalytic Converters...
- Ford F Series Trucks. The Ford F-150 truck has been the best selling vehicle in the country for 41 years, according to the automaker.
- Honda Accord.
- Toyota Prius.
- Honda CR-V.
- Ford Explorer.
- Ford Econoline E-150.
- Chevrolet Equinox.
- Chevrolet Silverado.
Why can't junkyards sell catalytic converters?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers it a violation of its policies for consumers to install a used converter from a salvage yard or sell it for reuse unless it has been properly tested and labeled.
What car is least likely to have catalytic converter stolen?
Which cars are least likely to have their catalytic converter stolen?
- A vehicle that is lower to the ground (if it's too hard to get under, it's not going to be a fast and easy theft!)
- All vehicles that are older than 1974 were not made with those valuable components.
How to park your car to avoid catalytic converter theft?
To avoid becoming a victim of catalytic converter theft, consider the following:
- Park in a garage when possible.
- Park in an area covered by surveillance video.
- Park close to curbs to deter access underneath your vehicle.
- Park in well-lit areas.
Are newer cars safe from catalytic converter theft?
The valuable metals in a catalytic converter degrade as they pull pollutants out of exhaust gas. Hybrids have lower emissions than purely gasoline-powered cars. So the metals in their catalytic converters tend to last longer. For the same reason, newer cars are at greater risk than older cars.
