With the surge in catalytic converter thefts, more and more vehicle owners are considering or installing some type of theft-deterrent cage or alarm system.
WHY STEAL CATALYTIC CONVERTERS?
Catalytic converters are designed to act as a line of defense against harmful exhaust emissions by turning pollutants into harmless gasses. The technology used in these emission control devices includes many precious metals — like platinum, palladium or rhodium.
Popular, easy targets are 4x4 pickups and high-riding SUVs
Some low-slung models, like gasoline-electric hybrids, are also favoured due to the increased amount of valuable elements that their converters contain.
THEFT-DETERRENT SHIELDS
Over the last two years, a new accessory industry has grown exponentially: catalytic converter shields.
These shields fall into 2 categories:
Custom formed and cut metal shields
Cabled ‘cages’
5 SIGNS YOUR CONVERTER HAS BEEN STOLEN
Below are the key symptoms that your catalytic converter is gone:
Loud roar when you start the car, louder as you accelerate
Increase in exhaust fumes, or unusual exhaust smells
Missing parts under vehicle leading to muffler
Uneven or sputtering acceleration due to lack of exhaust regulation
'Check engine light' or inspection failures
Thieves usually prefer vulnerable targets, especially when they are lying on their backs
None of these shielding systems are truly theft-proof, but thieves usually prefer vulnerable targets when they’re lying on their backs in a very prone position — especially when they’re doing something very noisy and very illegal.
