How to Combat Catalytic Converter Theft

Many people never stop to think about their catalytic converter at all. However, there is a reason that the industry for catalytic converter manufacturing is as big as it is. Every year, the 177 businesses that make up the catalytic converter manufacturing industry in the United States have an estimated market size of over $8 billion!

Of course, that number might not be as big as it is if it were not for catalytic converter theft. Unfortunately, many people have to spend extra money to buy another catalytic converter when people steal them.

However, there is some good news. There are actually some very simple techniques you can use to protect yourself from catalytic converter theft.

So what exactly should you be doing in response to any rises in catalytic converter theft in your area? Read on to learn all about the simple and effective techniques you can use to protect yourself from possible theft!

People Target Catalytic Converters That Are Easy To Access

There is an old story about two people walking in the jungle. When a tiger starts to stalk them, one of them sits down and quickly puts on his running shoes. The other person asks why he is bothering since there is no way that he would be able to outrun a tiger.

His reply is that he doesn't have to outrun the tiger, he only has to outrun the other person.

This basic idea also applies to catalytic converter theft. You don't have to make it impossible for people to steal your catalytic converter. All you have to do is make your catalytic converter a less desirable target for theft than other options.

As a result, you can go a long way with surprisingly simple techniques for protecting your catalytic converter.

For one thing, you can simply weld your catalytic converter onto your car frame. The more places your catalytic converter is attached to your car, the harder it will be to remove. Thieves are far more likely to move on to another target than they are to spend all of their time trying to undo such an extensive welding job.

Keep in mind that if you do not do this, it will probably be pretty easy for people to remove your catalytic converter. A few minutes with a saw will generally suffice to detach a catalytic converter from a car.

Deter Catalytic Converter Theft By Parking In The Right Place

Even if it is easy to remove your catalytic converter, you can deter theft by parking in the right place. Once again, thieves are likely to be looking for prime targets. It is surprisingly simple to make yourself very much not a prime target.

For one thing, you can park your car in a lit area. The more light there is, the more leery a thief is likely to be about committing a crime where people can see it.

On top of that, you can park your car near entrances. Thieves are likely to be concerned about people who might suddenly arrive from behind closed doors.

Lastly, you can simply park your car in a garage. Of course, it is possible to break into a garage to steal a catalytic converter. However, thieves are likely to simply find a car that is not parked in the garage rather than go to that extra trouble.

Use Special Security Features Around Your Exhaust System

There are also special security systems you can use to protect your catalytic converter. For example, you can install a skid plate to cover up the bottom of your car. That provides an extra layer of difficulty for thieves to get through it if they are thinking about stealing your catalytic converter.

Change Your Vehicle Alarm System

Not every car has an alarm system. Thieves are much more likely to spend several minutes near a car trying to steal the catalytic converter when it is silent.

Of course, even some cars with alarms do not deter thieves. In particular, if your alarm does not go off unless somebody tries to open the door, then it may not provide any protection against catalytic converter theft at all. Experts have thought about this problem and come to a solution.

You can get a car alarm that goes off when your vehicle is unexpectedly jacked up on one side. That is the standard way that thieves gain access to the part of your car where the catalytic converter sits.

Paint Your Catalytic Converter

Painting your catalytic converter can make it a less desirable target for theft. After all, if you paint it an extremely bright color, then it will be much more conspicuous. That may not seem like much, but thieves are not likely to go to the extra trouble of repainting a catalytic converter when they can simply try to move on and steal another one that is not painted.

People sometimes try to steal catalytic converters because recycling catalytic converters can mean getting some money in return for scrapping them. If you are interested in recycling your catalytic converter, you might want to check out a quality establishment that will take it off your hands.

Many people get more concerned about the possibility of catalytic converter theft when there is an increase in theft rates in their area. However, people are often relieved to find out that they can make themselves a very unattractive target for theft using very simple techniques to fight back.

Understand How To Fight Back Against Catalytic Converter Theft 

We hope that some of the ideas in this brief article about how to fight back against catalytic converter theft have been helpful for you. 

Catalytic converters are expensive and important. It is worth taking a little bit of time to learn how to protect yours. To learn more about how to combat catalytic converter theft or to speak with experts who can help you recycle your catalytic converter, feel free to reach out and get in touch with us! Remember recycling with a licensed certified catalytic converter processing center will contribute to diminish this problem.