A skilled thief can steal your catalytic converter in less than 5 minutes.
The average cost to replace a catalytic converter is over $3000. The average theft deterrent enhancement is about $150.
Your catalytic converter is attached to your exhaust system and is located underneath your car. Catalytic converters contain expensive precious metals, which are popular on the black market, like platinum, palladium and rhodium.
1. Weld metal rebar to the pipes
This makes it more difficult to get a pipe cutter around the access areas thieves use to cut a converter off. A thief can still cut out your converter but it will take longer and make a lot more noise. Average cost: $100
2. Weld a cage system under your vehicle
Some muffler shops have designed cross-bar cages that eliminates access to the pipes and converters. The downside may be, if you need work done on your car, you may have to pay to have the cage removed before the work is done. Average cost: $250
3. Etch your converter with identifiable info
Etching your catalytic converter may reduce your chances of theft because the thief may think twice before stealing a piece of identifiable property. Some muffler shops offer this as a free or limited cost service but you’ll have to contact them for details.
4. Park your vehicle in a closed, locked garage
This free simple solution may not work for everyone but if it’s an option for you, we strongly encourage parking your vehicle inside.
5. Park defensively
Park in areas where your vehicle will most easily be seen by passers-by. Park under lights after dark, park near windows at a business, or park near security cameras, if possible. Criminals don’t like to be seen or heard so parking in well-traveled areas may help.