How to Prevent Catalytic Converters From Getting Stolen

Catalytic converter thefts have skyrocketed due to the high demand for platinum and rhodium metals found in small quantities inside a catalytic converter.

This 2020 Buick Enclalvbe has a total of four catalytic converters. The lower catalytic converters were stolen, as shown in this picture. The most stolen catalytic converters are from Toyota Prius, SUVs, and trucks. The catalytic converters in these vehicles are the easiest to steal due to the high ground clearance and the fact that these vehicles usually don’t have plastic shields under the car.

A vehicle low to the ground, such as sports cars and luxury vehicles, is more complicated to steal than catalytic converters. It is harder for a thief to get under these vehicles. These cars have sensitive alarm systems and catalytic converters that are very hard to access.

A vehicle with a stolen catalytic converter sounds extremely loud when you start it and even louder when you accelerate, plus the check engine light comes on. A thief can steal a catalytic converter in less than five minutes. A stolen catalytic converter can be sold for about $100 to $200 to scrap metal yards.

Why are thieves stealing catalytic converters?

The main reason that catalytic converters are stolen is that they’re valuable to scrap metal dealers. The catalytic converter contains precious metals, including rhodium, platinum, and palladium.

All gasoline cars sold in the US since 1974 have catalytic converters.

The only tool a thief needs to steal is a reciprocating saw. Some thieves bring a small jack to raise the vehicle and get under the car. There have been numerous reports of accidents where thieves were crushed while trying to steal a catalytic convert and the car jack failed. 

How much is a catalytic converter worth?

The function of a catalytic converter on a car is to reduce exhaust emissions. Catalytic converters are worth money, which is why they get stolen. Thieves steal catalytic converters (cats) because a catalytic converter contains precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium, which are worth a lot. Stolen catalytic converters can be sold to scrap metal yards for about $100-$200 a piece, depending on size.

Newer vehicles have anywhere from two to four catalytic converters, which means a thief can easily net $400 by selling two catalytic converters.

How can you protect your catalytic converter from being stolen?

To avoid stealing your catalytic converter, we strongly recommend spraying it orange with high-temperature red spray paint. Reputable scrapyards won’t purchase a catalytic converter that’s been marked; therefore, a thief has no use for a painted catalytic converter.

Any auto repair shop can paint your catalytic converter.

This is a simple DIY job that you can do yourself. Park the vehicle on level ground and set the parking brakes. Jack up the car and secure it with jack stands. Once the vehicle is secured, slide under the vehicle and spray the catalytic converters with high-temperature red paint.

If a thief tries to steal your catalytic converter, they will see that it is painted red and give up because a scrap metal yard will not buy a catalytic converter that is painted red. Another option is to have an auto mechanic install an anti-theft shield to prevent catalytic converter theft.

Steel plates are installed under the vehicle, restricting access to the catalytic converter. You can buy an anti-theft plate for cars such as Toyotas and install it yourself.

You can also minimize catalytic converter theft by:

• Parking in a well-lit area and near security cameras.
• Cleaning your garage and parking the car inside instead of parking it outside.
• Install an in-vehicle camera to monitor your vehicle when parked.

Do NOT Weld Catalytic Converter to Frame

Do not weld the catalytic converter to the frame to deter thieves. Welding, a catalytic converter to the frame, is a bad idea as it causes engine vibrations to be transferred to the cabin.

Welding a steel plate below the catalytic converter to prevent theft is acceptable as long as the plate only covers but does not weld or touch the exhaust. We have also seen vehicle owners install locks to prevent catalytic converter theft.

While installing a lock to prevent catalytic converter theft will make it harder to remove the catalytic converter, locks can be easily cut and are not as effective as installing a steel plate under the car or painting your catalytic converter red.

What to do if you had your catalytic converter stolen

If you had your catalytic converter stolen, we first recommend filing a police report. 

Next, call your insurance company and ask if they cover catalytic converter theft. If you have comprehensive coverage, your insurance company will cover your catalytic converter, but you still have to pay the deduction, which for most vehicle owners is $500 or $1000.

If you only have liability coverage, your insurance company will not cover a stolen catalytic converter, in which case you need to pay out of pocket for the repair.

While catalytic converter replacement cost varies depending on the vehicle, make, and model (and how many catalytic converters you need to be replaced), on average, the cost to replace a catalytic converter at a dealership or auto repair shop is between $850 and $2500, including parts and labor. On certain high-end luxury vehicles, the catalytic converter can cost up to $2500.

A cheaper alternative is to find a muffler shop in your area and have them retrofit an aftermarket catalytic converter. An aftermarket catalytic converter will cost you between $450 and $800, which is significantly cheaper than having the dealer replace your catalytic converter.

Another option is to replace the catalytic converter with a used one if you have an older vehicle. You can find a used catalytic converter for almost any vehicle on eBay or at a wrenching yard near you. If you purchase a catalytic converter, you do not have to do any welding as it is a simple bolt-on job.

How long does it take to steal a catalytic converter?

While most catalytic converts are stolen at night, thieves can remove a catalytic converter in less than two minutes, so theft can even occur in broad daylight.

This video shows thieves stealing catalytic converter in under one minute. Thieves can cut the catalytic converter or unbolt it in less than 10 minutes. Some cars can easily steal a catalytic converter from that thieves can steal a catalytic converter in under two minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

We hope you find the How to Prevent Catalytic Converters From Getting Stolen guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your vehicle.