However, this does not influence our evaluations. In New York City, the police department reported that converter thefts had risen from 211 to 802 over that same period, and jumped to 3,705 in 2021. 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. Shannon is based in Newburgh, Indiana. I would definitely make some calls in your area to see about getting some physical protection on your vehicle like the CatClamp. The best way to prevent catalytic converter theft is to explore the solutions below and see what will work for you. If so, thats exactly what happened. I laughed so hard. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Thieves are targeting catalytic converters in greater numbers than ever. Park indoors if possible. Catalytic converter theft continues to rise nationwide. Youll never be able to stop a determined thief. Community members can receive one or more heat and destruction-proof theft prevention do-it-yourself kits that engrave a serial number into the catalytic converter, according to a Windsor Police Department news release. Your username maybe be your email address. 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. 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. Pre-qualified offers are not binding. A few aftermarket companies have developed metal shields that easily bolt to the undercarriage of 2004-up Priusesand even some late-model Tacoma pickups. What to do if your catalytic converter is stolen. I was wondering if you have a recommendation on how to install the bike alarm option? Reset your password. Thanks. There are a few subtle differences, but theyre pretty similar in design. Gearist never sells your information to third-parties. It will help give you a heads up if someone is poking around around your vehicle. A California bill that would have required car dealers to etch converters with a vehicles unique vehicle identification number (VIN) did not pass. New York now requires new car dealers to offer serial number etching kits to customers at cost. Quick and Easy Install: Apply CATETCH/CATGUARD labels directly to your clean, cool, and dry catalytic converter and use supplied etching fluid (with the brush) to the label as instructed. This week my catalytic converter has been almost stolen twice. I am waiting on them to contact me but thought you might have a suggestion. These include: park your car in a well-lit environment, park to block access underneath, mark your cat converter, and use digital anti-theft prevention. When you start your car, youll know by the loud exhaust noise if your catalytic converter was stolen. Depending on the type of vehicle you own, there are several anti-theft devices on the market. Usually if its a model I dont have hands on experience with I can make a few calls and see whats been working, but coming up empty for the 2002 Jetta! Shannon Bradley covers auto loans for NerdWallet. They are too expensive to replace as insurance doesnt usually cover everything not to mention it will be taking longer for these to be in stock due to fallout from the Ukraine invasion. If not in a garage, park in a well-lit area. Report theft: Even if you drive an older car and it doesnt seem worth it, alert local law enforcement and your insurer if your catalytic converter does get stolen. The catalytic converter is an exhaust system part thats necessary for your car to pass safety and emissions inspections in many states. Julie Myhre-Nunes is an assistant assigning editor at NerdWallet. The good news is that due to its location under the hood its not an easy theft target. 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 We may earn money from the links on this page. Bottom line, if youre looking for something off the shelf, check out the Cat Clamp. Plus, catalytic converters dont carry any sort of identification number, so its pretty much impossible to identify them as stolen property. 1. Well have to look into that link, but try CatClamp.com if you cant find it on Amazon. I also recall your Elantra has a plastic splash shield under the engine. Our catalytic converter shield Tacoma Shields Are Back In Stock! Hi Your email address will not be published. A federal bill called the Preventing Auto Recycling Theft Act, or PART Act, was introduced in early 2022 and is still making its way through Congress. I just purchased a new 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Blue and was wondering if you might can direct me on which way to go. To prevent catalytic converter theft, the New Castle County Division of Police offers these tips: Park in a well-lit area. What type of professional would install it for me? But it did fit without a problem. I had never heard of this happening before. Our car experts choose every product we feature. Were getting alot of traffic from Honda CRV owners wanting Catalytic converter protection, but looks like the best bet at this time (November 2021) for something off the shelf would be the CatClamp or the CatStrap. 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. By 2021, there were 18,026 thefts, a 1400% increase since 2019! What to do if your Mazda CX-5s catalytic converter is stolen. You can watch their install video here. Since you should really be concerned about the less expensive secondary converter getting stolen, the CatClamp or the CatStrap talked about above in the article may be a good solution. Right now in my neighborhood the Honda CRVs are being targeted. Theres a company which I wont even mention that is taking what looks like the same alarm, throwing in a couple 2-cent metal zip ties and a small piece of heat tape then charging twice as much as youd pay for these alarms on Amazon. . Im firmly in the camp of you get what you pay for. I'm thinking a "skid plate" covering the catalytic converter, attached to the FRAME may be the best route to go. They are usually parked at the ends of the parking lot. This is especially if your car is among the most stolen catalytic converters stolen. Catalytic converters are generally easy to access; it takes an average of three minutes for a thief to slide under a car or (especially) a truck and simply cut it out with a hacksaw or Sawzall. Not only to protect your catalytic converter, but to stop other crimes of opportunity. I always say go for the CatClamp if it fits. If you carry liability coverage only, you're not covered for theft. Three ways to protect against catalytic converter theft 1) Etch your license plate number onto your catalytic converter. If you find discrepancies with your credit score or information from your credit report, please contact TransUnion directly. Im sure youve seen the videos. In some cases, an aftermarket catalytic converter will be less desirable and prevent future thefts. Park strategically. Most of them involve rebar in one way or another. 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. The anti-theft devices Sandmans shop installs range from $300 to $800. Heres how to prevent a catalytic converter theft from happening in the first place. Her personal finance insight has been featured on Forbes, The Boston Globe and CNBC throughout the years. I called Hyundai and could not get any help from them. Just not sure where to install it. Much like the rest of life, catalytic converter thieves come in all levels of skill and preparation. The problem I have with the Fast Guard Catalytic Converter Alarm instructions is the location, AND the fact that they give you stickers to put on your car. And theres a new rattle when the engine starts under hard acceleration. As theyre expanding their cat shield line up, it looks like theyre tackling the vehicles that are likely targets for catalytic converter theft. They also tend to pop up in the news every late winter and early spring as thefts of these unassuming little devices surge in some areas. I think the MillerCat discount code is case-sensitive. If youre parking in a driveway, consider installing motion sensor lights. According to a recent article in Waste Advantage magazine, a typical catalytic converter contains 3to 7grams of platinum, 2to 7grams of palladium, and 1to 2grams of rhodium. Thats because they use rare metals like palladium and platinum to filter your emissions and reduce vehicle pollution. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money. The thieves dont care. I looked at Miller CAT Shields but they do not make one. If youre installing at home and have a limited toolbox, you may need to buy a RivNut tool with short handles (Miller CatShield) or a regular old rivet tool for the CCM CatSecurity Plate. Home Tools, Gear & Equipment Tools & Supplies Automotive Tools & Supplies. So I was thinking about the bike alarm, pairing with a dashcam. That opens up alot more room and attachment options for a DIY / homebrew solution, like a rebar cage to protect your catalytic converter. Protect Yourself From Indoor Air Pollution, 21 Small Kitchen Appliances for $100 or Less, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. In October, California and New York were two states to pass such laws that tend to fall into three categories. Sometimes thieves unbolt the catalytic converter, but more often they just cut the connecting pipes using a battery-operated saw. Stainless steel cables welded from the catalytic converter to the cars frame. Cat Clamp seems very inviting right about now. Use a security system. Buy a catalytic converter clamp. Here is a list of our partners. That was so funny about the electric car. The thief jacked up my car in the middle of floor pan, causing a dent in the floor in addition to the theft. Tips for Protecting Your Vehicle from Catalytic Converter Theft. Thats a tough question. Take a picture of the location where the cat was stolen and the spots where it was cut off and/or unfastened. Ive had a few in person conversations with people whove had the same experience as above- catalytic converter thieves physically threatening the owner when caught in the act. Youd be looking to protect the secondary one. Ad-free. The heavy-duty wire acts like a cage around your converter, effectively tying it to your frame. Its a little like a skid plate youd find on an off-road truck. Park in a well-lit area: Parking your vehicle in a well-lit area can help deter potential thieves from targeting it. My question, did the Miller shield make any additional noise? What kind of Cat lock do you recommend for a 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4xe? Your email address will not be published. According to Kitco, a website that tracks precious metals trends, the current price for an ounce of platinum is $1,000, while palladium costs more than $2,300, and rhodiumwhich is extremely rarecosts more than $20,000. Get more smart money moves straight to your inbox. But ive been hearing so much about these that Ive got a few coming my way for testing. If your car was insured, youll likely pay little out of pocket to get a new catalytic converter, depending on your deductible. Making it easier to track stolen catalytic converters. If your car is parked in a crowded place, most thieves wont run the risk of spending the extra time to defeat one of these devices and move on to an easier target. To fall into three categories and was wondering if you have a suggestion fits! Location under the engine a garage, park in a well-lit area: your. 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