The Best Ways to Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft

You get in your car and turn the ignition. The engine comes alive and sounds like you’re about to start the Indy 500. What gives?

It’s likely that what you’re hearing is caused by a missing exhaust system component, as loud noise is one of the hallmark signs of a stolen catalytic converter. Over the past few years, in addition to USB car theft, criminals have been cutting out catalytic converters, which are comprised of valuable rare earth metals, and selling them for quick cash. All it takes is a saw, an angle grinder and 90 seconds, too, which makes it nearly impossible to catch these thieves in the act.

Aside from buying an electric vehicle, the best and only real foolproof way to stop your catalytic converter from being stolen is to park in a secure location, like a garage. Because if someone wants to steal your converter, they’re going to, no matter which deterrent method you choose. That said, there are lots of catalytic converter guards and options out there to dissuade criminals.

Get a Dashcam with Parking Security

As we’ve mentioned in previous articles, dashcams are excellent ways to keep yourself and your vehicle protected from damage and lawsuits. This is true for stolen catalytic converters and exhaust systems, too.

However, not just any cheap dashboard camera will do. You need to find a dashcam that monitors your parked vehicle for signs of movement. One of the better products on the market is the BlackVue DR900 Series. It includes a hardwired Native Parking Mode, which automatically records video if motion is detected. This product also records video if its G-sensor detects an impact due to a hit-and-run or other similar actions.

There are dozens of great dashboard camera systems out there, but none of them actively stop catalytic converter theft. These other systems, products and solutions do:

Install a Good Cat Shield

Stay away from aluminum catalytic converter anti-theft shields as they’re much easier to cut, drill or disassemble. Instead, opt to have your body shop install a Cat Shield or Sawzall-proof cage that’s made of stainless steel. These are far more durable and difficult to defeat. Thieves can still remove it and access your converter with an angle grinder, but drilling and sawing won’t be very effective. Not only will it cause a lot of noise, but it will take forever to cut through, even with the right tool.

What about expensive cat locks like the CatClamp? Thieves will definitely spend extra time cutting each attached cable line just to gain access to the converter. If they think that’s too much effort, criminals may just tuck their tails between their legs and move on.

A good product will cost more than a cheap catalytic converter shield or a device many experts don’t recommend, like the CatStrap, but it could end up being a lifesaver. Novice thieves or thieves with poor-quality tools won’t be able to make a dent in a good shield—or they’ll just quit before they even start, which is the best-case scenario. Plus, if you have a quality cat converter shield installed, you have a great asset to list when or if you sell your car. Read more about getting the most money when selling your vehicle.

Weld on Metal Rods

Because pipe cutters only work on hollow materials, welding solid pieces of rebar or metal rods to multiple locations around your converter can stop thieves in their tracks. You can go a step further and install an entire catalytic converter cage made of solid metal pipes. Is it the prettiest solution? No. But it’s one of the best DIY catalytic converter prevention methods.

Cat Converter Alarm System

Special battery alarm systems exist to stop car cat theft. Attached to some part of the exhaust system, these systems will detect vibrations and sound an alarm. They aren’t terribly expensive and can be installed by just about anyone, though their effectiveness is questionable.

Alternatively, you can speak with your auto body shop about somehow wiring a tilt alarm through your cat. If that wire is cut, the alarm will sound.

Put a Rubber Snake Under Your Car

Sometimes you’ve got to get clever to deter thieves from stealing catalytic converters…

Catalytic Converter Replacement in Miami

While most stolen catalytic converters come from hybrid cars like the Toyota Prius, every gas-powered vehicle is at risk. If you’ve been the victim of CC theft in South Florida, visit Braman Miami to get a catalytic converter replacement quote and ask about solutions to deter thieves in the future.