According to the current statistics in the US, catalytic converters are common targets of thieves. If the catalytic converter from your car is out, we can imagine the anxiety that follows. Then pops up another question! As far as stolen catalytic converters go, which cars are the least likely to be targeted?
Why are catalytic converters targeted by thieves?
On the black market, the metals present in a catalytic converter go for a lot of money. In order to convert pollutants like carbon monoxide and nitrous oxide into less harmful gases, a metal filter is effective. The price of palladium, which is efficient in removing harmful chemicals from the exhaust system, is pretty high. An ounce of the rare metal costs around $3000, and that makes catalytic converters a priced target.
With an angle grinder, a thief can easily remove the catalytic converters from your car’s exhaust system. Because the catalytic converters have rare and essential minerals, thieves can easily remove the catalytic converter with a single tug.
Which cars are least likely to have catalytic converters stolen?
Due to the fact that hybrid vehicles emit fewer toxins, catalytic converters are more attractive targets for thieves. Since converters were not standard equipment on vehicles prior to 1974, they are the least vulnerable to theft. In spite of the government’s efforts to clean up the vehicles, it was mandatory that all cars have converters installed. There are fewer converters stolen from cars with less precious metal content, but that doesn’t mean the thieves won’t steal them.
Cars that have bead catalytic converters may be less likely to be targeted by thieves because they don’t have much value in the scrapyard. Furthermore, diesel converters are worthless because they lack precious metals. Catalytic converters are inside the engine compartment of newer cars like Honda’s 2015 Accord and Jazz models, making it more difficult for thieves to steal them.
All the big car companies have converters that aren’t worth a lot of money. A lack of precious metals means that thieves are unlikely to consider stealing converters. However, you should still keep an eye on your vehicle because you never know when a thief will try to steal other parts from it, such as the converters. Converter theft is a problem for all pickups and SUVs, regardless of price, so it’s important to keep an eye on them.
Due to their lack of emissions, electric vehicles do not require catalytic converters. To recharge the batteries, the vehicle is plugged into a power source and does not use diesel or gasoline. Hybrid vehicles like Toyota Tacoma, Tundra, Prius, and Ford F-250 are at risk of catalytic converter theft as previously stated. These automobiles have a higher palladium content because they do not have to work as hard to remove toxins.
Are cars without catalytic converters available in the market?
The only vehicles on the road today that don’t use converters at all are all-electric vehicles, which recharge their batteries by plugging in and consuming no gasoline or diesel. Non-plug-in hybrids and plug-ins alike use catalytic converters, as do all hybrid vehicles that run on gas or diesel. The following are some cars that don’t require a catalytic converter to function:
- Audi E-Tron
- BMW i3
- Chevrolet Bolt EV
- Hyundai Kona EV
- Fiat 500E
- Honda Clarity Electric
- Hyundai Ioniq EV
- Jaguar I-Pace
- Hyundai NEXO
- Kia Soul EV
- Tesla Model 3
- Nissan Leaf
- Tesla Model S
- Volkswagen e-Golf
- Tesla Model X
How to avoid catalytic converter theft?
Catalytic converters are frequently stolen from vehicles parked in crowded, dark, or elevated areas. In order to avoid being a victim of catalytic converter theft, it’s best to leave your car in a private parking lot or, in a crowded parking lot, choose a well-lit space.
Catalytic converter thefts can happen even if the vehicle is a hybrid model, despite the best efforts of the owner. The precious metals found inside these catalytic converters are what really deter thieves, not the engraved VIN.
Leave your car in a locked garage where thieves will have a difficult time stealing car parts. As nighttime break-ins are common, installing a CCTV camera in your garage is a good idea if you don’t already have one. Welding the converter to the vehicle’s frame is another option. A high-sensitivity alarm, which will alert when the car parts are under attack, can come in handy.
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