Catalytic Converter Anti-Theft Protection Device Questions
Which cars are LEAST likely to have catalytic converters stolen?
With catalytic converter theft on the rise, it could be prudent to know which brands are less likely to be a target. According to insurance data, American brands such as Chevy, Ford, Dodge, and Chrysler are less often targeted for theft. Other brands with some lesser targeted models include Mazda, Nissan, Hyundai, and Subaru.
Why do people steal catalytic converters?
Seems like an odd thing to steal right? Turns out there is a very good reason why people steal catalytic converters. Thieves target these parts for the trace amounts of precious metals used to filter out carbon emissions from automobile exhaust. These minerals like rhodium and platinum fetch high prices on the black market.
Do all cars have catalytic converters?
In the United States, there are strict laws regarding carbon emissions from automobiles. As such, the Department of Public Transportation and the EPA requires that all vehicles on public roadways be equipped with a catalytic converter. Driving without a catalytic converter is considered a crime, punishable by fines and other penalties.
How much does a catalytic converter cost?
Wondering how much it would cost to replace your catalytic converter? Hint: it isn’t cheap. Catalytic converters (on average) cost between $945-$2475 depending on the make and model of the vehicle. This price typically includes both parts and labor. Generally speaking, the more energy efficient the vehicle is, the higher the cost of the converter.
How to unclog a catalytic converter?
Is your catalytic converter clogged? Here is how to unclog it without spending a fortune. First, pick up a catalytic converter cleaner from an auto parts store. Follow the instructions, and pouring the cleaner into the fuel tank. Drive your vehicle keeping the RPMs around 2500 or higher for 30-minutes. Doing so will mix the cleaner with the gasoline. As it is used for fuel, the active ingredients will work to unclog and dislodge buildup in your catalytic converter.
What is a catalytic converter made of?
What makes a catalytic converter so valuable is what it’s made of. Apart from metal casing and pipes, the main component of a catalytic converter (the catalyst) is made from palladium (Pd), platinum (Pt), and rhodium (Rh). Also called PGMs, these platinum metal groups are incredibly rare, making them valuable to would-be thieves.
What does a catalytic converter look like?
You likely wouldn’t recognize it if not intentionally seeking it out. The catalytic converter is located under the vehicle, towards the back just before the muffler exhaust. Catalytic converters are shaped like an oblong flattened oval that culminates on either end with a narrowed intake and output pipe. One end of this bolds to the pipe coming from the motor, and the other end to the muffler/tailpipe.
How does a catalytic converter work?
Catalytic converters are a critical component used to transform harmful emissions and hydrocarbons into safe(er) gases and steam exhaust. Each converter has a chamber called a ‘catalyst’. This chamber is comprised in part of precious metals like platinum and palladium, that work to convert hydrocarbons into carbon dioxide and water, and nitrogen oxide back into oxygen and nitrogen.
How to clean a catalytic converter?
There are two ways to clean a catalytic converter. The first involves removing the converter and cleaning it from the inside out. This method is not recommended and can cause damage to the internal catalyst if not performed by an experienced mechanic. The other option involves cleaning the catalytic converter without removing it. To do this, purchase a catalytic cleaning solution, add it to the gas tank, then run the vehicle per the instructions on the bottle.
Why are catalytic converters so expensive?
Due to strict emissions regulations in the United States, all vehicles are required to have a catalytic converter. What makes them so expensive is that the ‘catalyst’ chamber of these parts contains high-value precious metals such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium. These precious metals are rare and command high prices on the primary and secondary markets.
How much palladium is in a catalytic converter?
The exact amount of palladium present in a catalytic converter is dependent on the make and model the converter comes from. On average, a standard catalytic converter contains just 2-7 grams of palladium. Per gram, the price of palladium ranges around $71.
What precious metal is in a catalytic converter?
Precious metals, often referred to as ‘rare metals’, are used in catalytic converters to transform harmful pollutants into less harmful emissions. To do so, each converter typically contains varying quantities of rhodium, palladium, and platinum, ranging from 1 to 7 grams each depending on the make and model of the vehicle.
Where to sell catalytic converters?
Interested in making some extra money? Selling a catalytic converter can bring in a healthy sum if you know where to take it. Scrap yards and specialized recycling centers often pay the most money, focusing on the value of the precious metals it contains vs. resale for parts.
Does a catalytic converter reduce noise?
In addition to removing harmful pollutants from the exhaust, your catalytic converter acts like a muffler to reduce noise pollution as well. The reduction of gases and forceful expulsion of air through the tailpipe results in a quieter ride. One of the telltale signs a vehicle does not have a catalytic converter is an obnoxiously loud, throaty exhaust.
Does the Catalytic protection device make my car hotter?
Temperature data gathered through a multitude of tests has concluded that the Cat Shield has no impact on cabin temperatures. Use of the Cat Shield may result in a nominal increase in temperature of up to 10 degrees at the front of the car during city or freeway driving but has been shown to reduce temperatures at the rear, an effect thought to be caused by reduced drag and increased aerodynamics pulling heat from the vehicle. The Cat Shield (at all times) is safe to touch, with average temperatures of 80 degrees.
What about galvanic rust or corrosion?
Galvanic rust (bimetallic corrosion) can cause inferior hardware and rivets to corrode over time. The Cat Shield uses all stainless steel hardware and zinc-coated riven nuts to effectively prevent corrosion and rust, resulting in a truly durable and long-lasting solution.
What are the benefits of louver vents?
Louver vents are equipped on all Cat Shields. These vents, although aesthetic, provide a more utilitarian purpose, aiding in cooling the vehicle while also protecting the undercarriage from debris.
Will the catalytic converter anti theft shield void my warranty?
Many vehicle warranties contain clauses regarding certain types of modifications made to the vehicle. Although we cannot guarantee that the Cat Shield meets the requirements of all warranties on the market, if an issue or doubt would arise, the Cat Shield can be removed so as to preserve the warranty and re-installed at a later date.
Can’t someone just cut the shield?
They can try. Fact is, anyone with enough willpower, time, and power tools can get through our device (or any anti-theft device). That said, our Cat Shield is among the best deterrents on the market, requiring a lot of effort and causing a lot of noise to remove. Even with a Sawzall, it’s a heck of a job and not worth it when there are so many other vehicles sitting around with no protection in sight.
Why do you use spacers and noise dampeners?
We take incredible pride in the construction of our Cat Shield. Some catalytic converter anti-theft devices result in noise and vibrations from metal against metal friction. Utilizing spacers and noise dampeners ensures that your vehicle will perform identically as it did prior to installation, with no additional noise or vibrations in sight.
