Catalytic converter theft is a very important problem that we are facing today. The most common reason for it, they are generally very easy to take and very easy to sell in different markets. And their worth is very good according to the risk taken. Here you can find information about the signs of a stolen catalytic converter from your car. And also you can find out how to take the required precautions to prevent these problems.
What are the Signs of a Stolen Catalytic Converter?
Here you can find the most common signs of the stolen catalytic converter from your car. First of all, we need to state that, you can not understand first if the catalytic converter of your car is stolen. Because this part is underneath your car. And you can not understand it at first look. This is another reason why burglars decide to steal the catalytic converters. These are the general signs.
Noisy Start of Your Car
The first thing that you will notice is the roar once you start your car. This is because the catalytic converter makes the exhaust noise down. And if it is replaced, you will hear a very bad sound coming from your exhaust system.
Bad Exhaust Fumes and Smell
Also, these two important things are the most important things that you will notice. The catalytic converter must decrease the bad fumes and harmful exhaust gases to nature. And also by reducing these harmful gases, they decrease the amount of NOx that smells very bad. But if the catalytic converter of your car is replaced or removed, you will see an unusual smell and unusual exhaust fumes coming from your exhaust system.
Lack of Exhaust Regulation System
For some modern cars, exhaust regulation is a very important thing to harvest the maximum power from the engine. And if a part like the catalytic converter is removed, this will be a very bad problem for you.
Check Engine Light Will be On at Dashboard
Another important thing to consider is the check engine light on the dashboard. If there is a problem with the catalytic converter, you will see the check engine light is on on the dashboard.
Missing Catalytic Converter
Once you look at the bottom side and the exhaust tailpipe side of your car, you will notice that some parts are mission. Som fastener sections are empty. And you will get the feeling that there must be a part in here. Probably this is the place of the catalytic converter.
Bad Drive Performance
The unusual flow of exhaust gases to the outside environment can affect the driving quality of your car. The exhaust gases are high-pressure and temperature gases that can affect driving comfort if they are not exhausted outside in a good condition.
How to Protect the Catalytic Converter Theft?
In general, the possibility of catalytic converter theft that you can face will increase with the increasing size of the vehicles. For example for trucks, the size of the catalytic converter is very big. And stealing these applications will be much more better and profitable.
Also, some car brands such as Toyota Prius have 2 catalytic converters. And stealing these catalytic converters is generally a better profit.
Another important thing is if you have a high-end car such as a higher version of the SUV vehicle of Audi, you will have a probability of steal.
Because the OEM parts of high-end cars are very profitable for the thieves.
And you can take some precautions if you want to prevent catalytic converter theft.
Type Your License Plate Number or VIN Number on the Catalytic Converter
This is the first and most effective way to deal with theft. If you write the license number of your car or the VIN on the catalytic converter in an undeletable way, it will be easy to recognize by the scrap dealer to understand that it is stolen.
Park Your Car in Garages
It will be much better if you park your car in a garage or the garage of your home. This will completely prevent the thefts that can take place. If you do not have a chance to do it, you just need to place your car in a well-lit area where thieves can not make these kinds of things.
Use Technologies to Defect Burglary
There are very basic systems that you can install in your car to prevent burglary. If there is an attempt at your car, the alarm of your car goes off and the system will send your phone a notification. This is also a very effective way to deal with a burglary.
Park Your Car at Places with CCTV
CCTV cameras are also a very easy and effective way to deter thieves. High-technology CCTV cameras can detect thieves and defer them to attempt to your car.
Catalytic Converter Painting
This is another method that you can apply. If you paint your catalytic converter, the scrap dealer can understand that this part is solid. Also, you can make it by bringing your car to local police departments.
Get an Insurance to Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft
There are special car insurance policies that you can make. These car policies include special points to remedies to catalytic converter theft. If you are driving, SUVs, trucks, hybrid vehicles, or low-emission vehicles, it will be very sensible to add these kinds of points to your car policies.
Will a Car Start if the Catalytic Converter is Stolen?
Yes. The catalytic converter is not a part that directly plays a role to run the engine and drivetrain. Because of it, thieves are aiming at these parts. You can start your engine and run your car without any problem. But, you will feel the general symptoms that we explained above.
What Cars are Hardest to Steal Catalytic Converters?
Catalytic converter burglary is generally common in the United States. So, cars made in the US are generally hard to steal. Jeep, Chrysler, Ford, Dodge, and Chevrolet are the general cars that are hard to steal the catalytic converters.
Are Newer Cars Safer from Catalytic Converter Theft?
The newer cars there are newer catalytişc converter systems in general. Thieves probably aim at these newer cars. But newer cars also have the technological devices to prevent catalytic converter theft.
What Happens to Stolen Catalytic Converters?
The most important reason that the thefts are stealing the catalytic converters is because of the precious metals inside them. There are special materials to decrease the emissions of cars and once you scrape them to take the metals, you can get a good amount of money.
Conclusion on Signs of Stolen Catalytic Converter
So, there are different kinds of signs of a stolen catalytic converter. If you found that the catalytic converter is stolen, you can get the general precautions to prevent it.
If you have additional comments and questions about the signs of the stolen catalytic converter, please leave them below. Your precious feedbacks are very important to us.
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