Have you heard of the recent trend of catalytic converter thefts? Thieves are targeting these car parts and causing a significant headache for car owners. But which cars are most at risk?
Catalytic converters are valuable since they encompass precious metals which can be sold at a high profit. Unfortunately, this has led to a rise in thefts, and some cars are more prone to being targeted than others. With this in mind, knowing which cars are most at risk is essential.
If you own a car, you may be at risk of catalytic converter theft. Some cars are more targeted due to the metals used in their converters or the location of the part.
To help you understand the risk and potentially prevent theft, we’ve compiled a list of the common cars which are a high risk of catalytic converters theft
Why Are Catalytic Converters At A High Risk Of Being Stolen?
Rhodium, palladium, and platinum, which can be sold for considerable amounts in scrap metal markets, are found in catalytic converters. Thieves steal catalytic converters from vehicles to sell the metals, especially in areas where regulations require stricter emissions control.
The theft of catalytic converters has become prevalent in recent years due to the high demand for precious metals and the ease of stealing these emission control devices.
Top 8 Cars At Greatest Risk For Catalytic Converter Theft
Ford F-series cars
The fact that catalytic converter burglars most commonly target an extremely prevalent car in North America shouldn’t come as a surprise. Due to the fact that there are millions of Ford F-series pick-up trucks on the road, many of them are parked in sheds and driveways across the country.
For purely practical reasons, such as the fact that it sits higher off the ground than the normal car, the F-series is regularly attacked. An F-series vehicle’s catalytic converter may now be taken out more rapidly and effortlessly by sliding beneath the car.
Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius makes catalytic converter theft more alluring. This can be explained in part by the fact that the gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain’s internal combustion engine doesn’t run as furiously as it would if the electric motors that go along with it weren’t there.
Ironically, given the Prius’s reputation for being environmentally benign, this meant that more precious metals were required in the catalytic converters used to clean up the cooled exhaust of the Prius.
Hybrid vehicles like the Prius put less stress on its catalytic converters; as a result, these vehicles’ cats are still valuable even after many years of operation.
Chevy Silverado
The Chevy Silverado is another popular target for catalytic converter theft. The truck’s high ground clearance and valuable precious metals make it a lucrative target for thieves.
Honda Element
The Honda Element has been one of the most popular targets for catalytic converter theft in recent years. The vehicle has a high ground clearance, making it easier for thieves to crawl underneath and cut off the device. Honda Elements produced between 2003 and 2011 are especially at risk.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord has been a popular car model for decades, and its popularity extends to thieves targeting its catalytic converter. The Accord’s design allows easy access to the converter, making it a prime target for theft.
Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma has two major flaws that draw catalytic converter thieves to it: its accessibility and its board height, which makes it simpler to steal a Taco’s catalytic converter.
Chevrolet Equinox
Perhaps the most typical car sold in the nation is the Chevrolet Equinox. But something tells us that when criminals steal catalytic converters, they don’t give a damn about performance or appearance.
Chevrolet Express/GMC Savana
The Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana are popular cargo vans and targets for catalytic converter thieves. They have a high concentration of precious metals in their catalytic converters, and they’re also easy to access due to their high-ground clearance.
What You Can Do to Protect Your Vehicle?
You can engage in the necessary steps to protect your vehicle from catalytic converter theft. One of the most effective options is to install a catalytic converter anti-theft device, which can make it more difficult for thieves to access the catalytic converter.
You can also mark your catalytic converter with your VIN, making it more difficult for thieves to resell. Other preventive measures include:
- Parking in well-lit areas.
- Installing security cameras.
- Locking your car when parked.
The Bottom Line
Catalytic converter theft is a growing problem that can cost vehicle owners thousands of dollars. By understanding which cars are most at risk, you can take steps to protect your vehicle and prevent this type of theft from happening.
Be sure to take preventive measures to safeguard your car and invest in anti-theft devices to deter thieves from targeting your vehicle.
