When buying a car, you might be worried about thieves stealing any precious metal parts. A stolen car catalytic converter can make your life difficult. Do you imagine the stress you can endure when a catalytic converter is stolen?
So, which cars are least likely to have catalytic converters stolen? Read on to learn why thieves steal catalytic converters and the cars which are least likely to have catalytic converters stolen.
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Why Thieves Steal Catalytic Converters?
Catalytic converters are easy to access, and a thief can easily remove them with an angle grinder that cuts deep into the metal. Thieves can take off the catalytic converter with a single tug, as the catalytic converters are lined with rare and essential minerals.
The minerals fetch so much in the black market. The palladium used to filter harmful chemicals from the exhaust system is expensive, and its price continues to rise. The rare metal costs $3000 per ounce, and the price increment does not seem to stop.
Price projection indicates the metal might cost more than gold in the foreseeable future. The metal filters emissions such as carbon monoxide and nitrous oxide into environmentally friendly gases. Palladium is more effective in filtering these gases; thus, it attracts thieves and has a growing demand in the black market.
Car Models with the Least Catalytic Converter Thefts
Catalytic converter thieves steal converters from hybrid cars as they remain in better condition as the cars release fewer toxins. All cars built before 1974 are least likely to fall victim to converter thieves as they did not have converters.
However, the government cleaned the vehicles, making it mandatory for cars to have converters. Cars with less precious metals are least likely to have their converters stolen, but it does not mean the thieves won’t steal them.
For instance, cars with bead catalytic converters fetch little to no price in the scrap yard and thus might not fall under thieves’ hands. Moreover, diesel converters do not have any value as they lack precious metals.
Besides those cars, newer car models, such as Honda’s 2015 Accord and Jazz models, have their catalytic converter installed inside the engine compartment so it’s harder for thieves to steal them.
Ford, Chevy, Jeep, Dodge, Mazda, Nissan, Subaru, Hyundai, and Chrysler have the least valuable converters. Thieves might not think about stealing their converters as they have no value due to the lack of precious metals.
The possibility of stealing the converters from these cars is very low, but you should care for your car as you might not know when a thief can steal other car parts. All pickups and SUVs are prone to converter theft even when the price is low; therefore, it would be better to care for these cars.
Electric cars don’t have catalytic converters as they do not emit gaseous substances. The car is plugged into a power source to replenish the batteries and does not consume diesel or gasoline.
Cars such as Audi E-Tron, BMW i3, Jaguar I-Pace, Kia Soul EV, Tesla models, and Volkswagen e-Golf are common electric cars used nowadays, so they don’t have catalytic converters.
Cars Most Likely To Have Catalytic Converters Stolen
In a previous article, I wrote that Hybrid cars like Toyota Tacoma, Tundra and Prius, Ford F-250, and Honda CRV & Element are at risk of catalytic converter theft. These cars have a high concentration of palladium as they do not overwork cleaning the toxins.
How to Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft
Thieves steal catalytic converters from cars parked on crowded, dark, and raised surfaces. Therefore, it would be better to park your car in private car parks, and if the car park is busy, it would be better to go for a well-lit space as the catalytic converter thieves will not steal from parking spots exposed.
Unfortunately, catalytic converter thefts can occur even when taking serious precautions, especially if the car is a hybrid model.
An engraved VIN might make thieves avoid taking them, however, what matters the most are the expensive metals inside these catalytic converters.
Leave your car in a locked garage where it will be difficult for the catalytic converters to steal car parts. If your home garage is not well protected, you can install a CCTV camera as thieves break-in at night.
You may use an anti-theft device or weld the converter to the vehicle’s frame. A sensitive alarm might also help as it will go off when the catalytic thieves break off the car parts.
What to Do After the Catalytic Converter Is Stolen
Catalytic converter thieves might target cars within an area, and it is possible to find your converter easily if you report it quickly to the authorities. Moreover, timely reporting of the matter makes it possible to get other thieves within an area, making it possible for the police to stop the crime.
Insurance companies cover most catalytic converters, and you should claim the insurance money immediately after you learn it has been stolen. You will use the police catalytic theft report to claim the insurance from the company, as comprehensive coverage is likely to cater for stolen catalytic converters.
You may pay more for catalytic converter replacement if you don’t have a comprehensive cover. Furthermore, if the insurance company does not want to pay a reasonable amount for the stolen catalytic converter, you can seek representation from an attorney. The insurance company will react positively as they know they will face repercussions and retaliation from an attorney.
Final thoughts
Although thieves steal catalytic converters from almost all car models, some car models might not fall under the thieves’ hands compared to other car models. Therefore, which cars are least likely to have catalytic converters stolen?
Thieves don’t steal catalytic converters from cars that have less precious metals. These catalytic converters have low value in the market; they include Ford, Chevy, Jeep, Dodge, Mazda, Nissan, Subaru, Hyundai, and Chrysler. Moreover, diesel converters do not have any value as they lack precious metals, and the thieves will not steal these converters.
All pickups and SUVs are prone to converter theft even when the price is low; therefore, it would be better to care for these cars. Electric cars which don’t have catalytic converters are safe from thieves. In conclusion, it would be better to care for your car to avoid theft.
