Catalytic Converter Protection: Best Catalytic Converter Anti-Theft Protective Device

Last updated on July 12th, 2023 at 09:39 am

Catalytic converter thefts are becoming more popular across the United States, and the reason isn’t far-fetched, and so is the need for Catalytic Converter Protection. This trend is due to their premium value when sold as scrap metal by miscreants. These thieves can happily part with hundreds of dollars when they sell your catalytic converter to scrap metal dealers. When they do, you can no longer reduce the emission of harmful pollutants from your vehicle’s exhaust system or improve your car’s efficiency until you replace it. 

Replacing a catalytic converter isn’t cheap either. You’ll be looking at spending anywhere between $900 and $3000. You may also incur additional costs depending on your vehicle’s make, model, and area.

Avoid all the stress and costs that come with replacements when you take effective measures to protect your catalytic converter from the prying eyes and dubious hands of thieves. So how can I protect my catalytic converter from being stolen? well, keep reading.

How Can I Protect My Catalytic Converter from Being Stolen?

You can protect your catalytic converter from theft by investing in a few protective devices, and taking certain protective measures and precautions. If you don’t like the idea of investing in a protective device, it’s understandable as you don’t want to incur further costs after purchasing your catalytic converter. 

However, it’s only a small investment (less than 3% of the initial price), which is way cheaper than replacing your device when it gets stolen. Also, if by any chance your device is stolen, some of these protective measures will ensure seamless detection and subsequent easy recovery by law enforcement agents.

Now let’s get down to the good stuff.

5 Effective and Reliable Ways to Protect your Catalytic Converter from Thefts

1. Install an Anti-theft Device

Now, here’s where the small investment I mentioned earlier comes in. There are special cable-locking devices you can install on your catalytic converter to protect it from thieves. Purchase and installation prices range from $300 to $900, depending on your choice. 

Options typically include:

• Stainless steel cables are welded directly from your device to the vehicle’s exhaust frame.
• A steel shield is designed to conform to the catalytic converter’s shape, making it a strenuous task to remove, often requiring special handy tools and more time than necessary.
• High-tensile strength cages made of steel and almost impossible to cut.

Whichever you choose, ensure it’s of premium quality, or go with a recommendation from your mechanic to be sure you’re getting a sturdy protective shield. 

2. Insure Your Catalytic Converter Against Theft

The cost of replacing a catalytic converter with insurance is between $500 and $3,000 according to Highway Loss Data Institute, which is on the high side and may get up to $5, 000 depending on your area, vehicle’s model, and make. Most vehicle insurance covers catalytic converters. However, if you are unlucky not to have your catalytic converter in your car’s insurance policy, you have to insure it separately. 

Start by speaking with your insurance agent to learn of your options. 

3. Paint Your Catalytic Converter

Painting this device can make it appear unique and bold, especially when you use bright colors. But that’s only a side to the paint protection trick. You can inscribe your vehicle identification number on it, after the painting of course, which makes the device easily traceable by law enforcement agents, and also deter potential metal scrap buyers from buying it when these thieves try to sell them. 

4. Install Car-theft Alarms 

An alarm system will alert the neighborhood or security agents around the parking lot when there’s activity in your car. 

Some are motion-sensor specific, and some will only alert you when someone tries to lift your car with a jack stand, which is the best because that’s exactly how these devices are stolen.  

I recommend you go for these alarm systems that activate when there’s any activity on your car in the form of tilting or lifting it from beneath. This will help you to avoid unnecessary alerts like when your pet is around the car.

Most cars will have factory-installed theft alarms. If unfortunately, an alarm system is lacking in yours, it’s pretty easy and cheap to install one. Speak with your mechanic or auto technician to get one installed.

5. Park in Secure Parking Lots

Catalytic converters are not prone to theft when cars are in motion but when they are parked in garages, driveways, and parking lots. 

Hence, every time you park your car anywhere, there’s a significant chance your catalytic converter might disappear by the time you return. 

Parking in secure garages, public and well-lit areas, and near the entrances of buildings can reduce the chance of theft. 

Also, you could install motion sensor lights and security cameras in your garage. To further enhance your car’s security, add a warning sign or sticker on your windshield indicating that your vehicle is outfitted with anti-theft systems, as this could discourage criminals.  

Cars with Higher Chances of Catalytic Converter Thefts 

Not all cars are easy to steal from and considering the location of a catalytic converter, it can be discouraging to steal it from certain cars. Cars like SUVs and trucks have a higher risk of catalytic converter theft. They have a higher ride height or ground clearance (the distance between the lowest part of a vehicle and the ground), creating ample space for easy activity beneath. 

Sedan cars have a lower ground clearance and will require a jack stand to create more ground space before stealing can take place, serving as a deterrent. 

If you ride an SUV or a truck, take these protective measures seriously because it’s relatively easier to steal your catalytic converter. 

Can Thieves Cut Through a Cat Shield? 

It’s possible for thieves to cut through a cat shield with the right tools and patience. However, the possibility increases if the cat shield is made of inferior-quality metal. A premium quality material for a cat shield will make any thief sweat for hours non-stop, and while he’s at it, the theft activity will keep making loud noises, increasing the chances of the thief getting caught. Such noise alone can cause the thief to abandon the act. 

Are Catalytic Converter Anti-Theft Devices Worth it? 

Yes, they are a good investment for anyone looking to protect their catalytic converter. These devices make it difficult or nearly impossible for thieves to do away with your catalytic converter. 

If they persist, the noises from the process might wake you up at night, and attract the attention of pets, passersby, security agents around, or just anyone within the vicinity. 

If you also consider the cost of replacing your device, you have another good reason why they are worth it. 

How Much Does it Cost to Install a Catalytic Converter Shield? 

Installing a catalytic converter shield can cost between $200 and $600, depending on your car’s model and make. There may be additional costs if your car’s exhaust system has a complex design, which can affect the seamless installation process. 

2 Best catalytic converter anti theft device(catalytic converter protection)

1.    Cat Security™ – Anti-theft Catalytic Converter Protection Shield.

The 1. Cat Security is one of my innovative and best catalytic converter anti theft device that offers a reliable solution to prevent catalytic converter theft. This Cat Security™ Protection Shield is tailored to fit Toyota Tacoma 4WD, 6-cylinder models and has a way of ensuring seamless integration with your existing chassis.

Its precision is engineered with side plates that enclose the voids in your vehicle’s undercarriage, in other words effectively helping in blocking easy access to the cut points of your catalytic converter that thieves easily target.

My favorite part of this shield is that it provides adequate ventilation for your cat, even its solid protection, which prevents overheating and ensures optimal performance of your catalytic converter. 

Additionally, it features a strategic logo placement and sizing, which will allow smog technicians to authenticate your catalytic converters during inspections quickly, ensuring compliance with emissions regulations.

So I will say that this Cat Security™ Anti-theft Catalytic Converter Protection Shield is an excellent investment for you as a Toyota Tacoma 4WD owner seeking to protect your vehicles from catalytic converter theft. The shield’s design, ease of installation, and compatibility with specific Tacoma models demonstrate trustworthiness in the realm of vehicle security. You buy this cat theft shield here

2.    MZS Catalytic Converter Protection Shield

So the second best catalytic converter anti theft device here is this one I came across last week, which is called the “MZS Catalytic Converter Protection Shield”.

And I couldn’t wait to share details about it with you after testing it. In my opinion,  I think this might be the perfect solution for you if you did not go with the first one above and if you do not own a Toyota Tacoma.

So, this protection shield is made from 6061-T6 aluminum, which is both lightweight and super strong, which for me, is a great combination because it won’t weigh down your car while still offering the durability and security that you need to keep your catalytic converter safe from thieves.

What I find really cool about this shield is its anti-theft design. Once you’ve got those rivets of this catalytic converter protection shield screwed in place, it’s definitely super tough for any thief to take it off and steal your catalytic converter. 

Trust me, any thief that came across your car cat converter with this anti-theft device installed will for sure leave your car alone and move on to an easier target.

And yes I am also sure that you love the fact that, the MZS Protection Shield has punched louver vents that allow for proper ventilation of the cat to prevent overheating. You can even DIY expand the heat extraction holes for better cooling, which is a neat feature to have.

Now, you might also be wondering about the ease of the installation process. Well, the good news is, it’s super easy. You will not be needing any welding or cutting skills; all that is required is to just install it using rivet screws, and you’ll be done in about 1 hour or less. How convenient is that?

So, in a nutshell, the MZS Catalytic Converter Protection Shield is an excellent investment for protecting your car’s catalytic converter. Its unique material, anti-theft design, and user-friendly installation make it a top-notch choice. 

This Anti-Theft Cat Protector is Compatible with the 2016-2022 Prius Gen 4.

You can get this anti-theft device here.

Do Catalytic Converter Protectors Work? 

Yes, these protectors work to deter thieves by making the theft process harder than it should be. Without a protective shield, an experienced criminal with the right tools, willpower, and patience can perfect the theft job in minutes. 

However, with a protector, the job becomes more difficult, with increased noise and a higher chance of drawing attention to the car. A 304 stainless shield on your catalytic converter will frustrate even the most desperate thief to abandon the project. 

How to Tell If Your Catalytic Converter has Been Stolen? 

If your catalytic converter has been stolen, you will know from the sound of the car when you step on the gas pedal. The sound will be louder than usual and increases every time you apply the slightest pressure on the gas pedal. You may also notice increased fumes coming from your exhaust. 

These signs are necessary to note because you can hardly tell if your catalytic converter has been stolen by merely looking beneath your car or at the muffler. 

Other signs you may notice include unusual smells emanating from the exhaust, and irregular acceleration of the vehicle. 

What to Do When Your Catalytic Converter Is Stolen 

As mentioned, a determined thief with the right tools will do everything possible to steal your catalytic converter. When this happens, contact your local law enforcement authorities immediately to check the security cameras and start the processes that will retrieve your device. You may also need a police report to file an insurance claim. 

Next, contact your insurance agent if your catalytic converter is insured or if the car’s insurance covers it, and proceed to see a mechanic to find out if you can drive without your device in the meantime. 

 

Conclusion 

A catalytic converter ensures your car emits less harmful pollutants via its exhaust system and helps you contribute your part to a safer environment. However, the metals used in making these catalytic converters are highly valuable, making them a target for thieves all the time. 

These criminals are not slowing down anytime soon and will continue to steal these metal valuables. Your car could be the next target if you don’t take active measures to protect your catalytic converter. You can deter these thieves and protect your catalytic converters by using cat shields, car theft alarm systems, parking in secure lots, getting your car insured, and painting your catalytic converter. So you can bookmark this catalytic converter protection guide for later showing you some of the top and best catalytic converter anti theft devices.

References:

• https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2023/02/21/catalytic-converter-crime-
• https://www.otip.com/Why-OTIP/News/Catalytic-converter-theft-What-is-it-and-what-can
• https://www.jdpower.com/cars/shopping-guides/which-cars-are-least-likely-to-have
• https://www.chapelhilltire.com/catalytic-converter-theft-everything-you-need-to-know/

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