The catalytic converter is a vital part of your vehicle, but it's also easy to steal. Unfortunately, it can be challenging to detect theft and repair prices can be high. Here are five tips that can help you prevent catalytic converter theft in your car.
Make sure your catalytic converter is secured.
Make sure it's secured with a locking device. If you can't install a locking device, consider installing a sensor or alarm.
Check your local laws for requirements for locking devices.
This might seem obvious, but thieves are crafty and will go to great lengths to secure the object of their desire, even if it isn't legal to do so. So, check your local laws before installing any security device on your car's catalytic converter.
Avoid parking in high-crime areas.
The best way to prevent catalytic converter theft is to avoid parking in high-crime areas. This means not only staying away from shady neighborhoods and questionable areas, but also avoiding parking your vehicle on the street in front of an unoccupied residence or business. If you can park your car in a garage, do so! Catalytic converter thieves are targeting specific cars, so being aware of the types is very important.
If you're forced to leave your vehicle on the street overnight, make sure it's parked near well-lit areas where there are other cars around (be sure to check for surveillance cameras as well). If you have to park in an area that doesn't feature much traffic or light—like an alleyway or block of vacant buildings—make sure you check for suspicious activity before leaving the car unattended.
Install a security system.
You can install a security system. Security systems are designed to be hard to remove and have various features that make it difficult for thieves to access your vehicle. A security system can be installed in several ways, including the undercarriage, direct-to-body, or ignition.
Security systems are also a great investment. According to Popular Mechanics magazine and other industry sources, a professionally installed alarm and tracking device will cost about $1 per day (for example). Considering the risk of catalytic converter theft alone—and multiplying that risk by all vehicles nationwide—the price tag starts looking pretty low.
Consider alternative security devices.
One way to prevent catalytic converter theft is by adding an alternative security device. This can be a car alarm or even a GPS tracking device. You can also install a motion sensor alerting you if someone gets too close to your car.
If your vehicle has been stolen, contact the police immediately and file a report. If the thief was caught on camera, then the police could get that person off the streets before they steal another vehicle's catalytic converter!
Use video surveillance.
Use video surveillance. A dash cam or security camera can help you catch the thief in action, making it easier to report a catalytic converter theft.
Consider installing a security system in your vehicle. If you want to go all out, consider installing an alarm system with remote start capability that includes a GPS tracking device and cellular communication capabilities so that you'll know if someone tampers with your car while it's parked or in motion.
Contact a qualified mechanic today if you have any questions about catalytic converter theft or how to prevent it.
Preventive maintenance can help keep your car safe from catalytic converter theft.
You can prevent catalytic converter theft by taking a few precautions. Preventative maintenance at home and when parked in the city can help keep your car safe from catalytic converter theft.
Make sure your catalytic converter is secured: If you have an older car, make sure that the metal pieces of your catalytic converter are kept in the right place. Thieves often cut through these metal pieces to access the precious metal inside—and then steal it!
Avoid parking in high-crime areas: It's no secret that some neighborhoods are more prone to crime than others, so choose wisely when deciding where you park at night or during other times when you're away from your vehicle for extended periods, especially if you know there are security cameras nearby.
Install a security system: Installing an alarm will alert police officers if someone breaks into your car or attempts to steal its contents while parked on public streets (including those in high-crime areas). Even if nothing happens while driving around town with one installed, we recommend having one anyway—they help deter would-be thieves from breaking into any vehicle, no matter where they're parked!
Consider alternative security devices: Security systems aren't cheap, but they work very well; however, there are other options available depending on how much money you want to spend upfront versus monthly fees over time - namely video surveillance systems which cost even less initially but require ongoing upkeep expenses since cameras generally need replacing every few years due (to wear caused by weather conditions as well as dust buildup).
Conclusion
You can protect your catalytic converter from thieves with a few simple steps. If you have any questions or concerns about preventing catalytic converter theft in your car, we're happy to help!
Belanger Converter Recycling helps in decanning the cores and selling them for further processing. We also have a Group Catalyst, that helps business owners find the market value of their parts. If you have old catalytic converters in bulk, contact us to learn more about our services.
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