If you aren’t a car enthusiast, a catalytic converter might sound like a mechanical component to a Star Wars spaceship. Despite the elaborate name, this device is a common part in modern vehicles. In fact, your car is legally required to have one.

While these parts help reduce your car’s carbon footprint, catalytic converters are also highly sought after by car thieves. That’s because the contents within these devices are actually quite valuable. So much so that there’s been an uptick in catalytic converter thefts since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), the average number of catalytic converter thefts per month rose from 108 in 2018 to 1,203 in 2020. Recently, a crime ring of catalytic converter thieves were indicted in Oregon when caught with nearly 42,000 converters.

Maybe you’re a recent victim of this type of vandalism. Or perhaps you want to safeguard your vehicle. Either way, we’ve outlined everything you need to know about catalytic converters.

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What Is a Catalytic Converter?

A catalytic converter is a specialized filter within a vehicle’s exhaust system, particularly those with internal combustion engines. So, if your car runs on gasoline and it was produced after 1975, you should have one. That’s because catalytic converters are designed to reduce harmful emissions. How? By converting exhaust pollutants — like carbon monoxide — into less toxic gases like oxygen and nitrogen.

Considering there are roughly 285 million registered vehicles, these devices are essential. Otherwise, our air quality would deteriorate rapidly. Without getting overly sciency, catalytic converters use precious metals to create a chemical reaction. This process changes the chemical structure of an engine’s exhaust output.

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Why people steal catalytic converters

So, why are these devices common targets of car thieves? Well, it’s simple: quick money.

It only takes about two minutes to take a catalytic converter. Depending on your exhaust system, the thief wouldn’t need much beyond a wrench or reciprocating saw. Once under your vehicle, they would simply unbolt or saw off your catalytic converter. Then, they’d take their stolen goods to dishonest scrap yards that are willing to overlook the source.

But it’s the metals within this car part that are truly valuable. Platinum, palladium, and rhodium are commonly used within catalytic converters. They’re usually worth more than gold. To give you an idea, there was a point in 2021 when rhodium was worth a hair under $30,000 per troy ounce. (Although prices fluctuate often.)

 

Although it depends on your vehicle model, replacing your catalytic converter can range between $1,000 and $3,000.

 

That said, a stolen converter won’t fetch a price anywhere near that astronomical figure. A standard catalytic converter only has a few grams of each of these metals. Still, recyclers might pay anywhere from $50 to $250 for catalytic converters. But if it comes from a hybrid vehicle, that range jumps to $800 to $1,500.

Hybrid vehicles, like the Toyota Prius, are common victims of catalytic theft because they typically have higher amounts of these precious metals. Trucks, SUVs, and other raised vehicles are also more accessible, which may make them preferred targets as well.

If you have an all-electric vehicle, your vehicle should be safe from catalytic converter thieves. (Because it doesn’t have one.) But it’s still smart to practice good car security habits.

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How to Protect Your Car From Catalytic Converter Theft

Just because thefts are on the rise doesn’t mean car owners can’t do anything to protect their vehicles. It’s impossible for anyone to watch their car 24/7. However, there are steps you can take to reduce the possibility of someone stealing your car’s catalytic converter. The safest step is to have a certified installer etch your catalytic converter with SelectaMark etching system. The process is quick, relatively inexpensive, and a superior theft deterrent. 

Each catalytic converter marked in this way is registered in a global database registration system linking the marked converter to a specific owner and vehicle. Stickers will be placed in the vehicle window to deter thieves.

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