The police said thats the 7th cat this month on this area. Contact Your Insurance Company Depending on your coverage, your car insurance may cover your catalytic converter replacement. Depending on your vehicles engine configuration, it may have more than one catalytic converter, such as a V8 engine with a dual-pipe exhaust system. Sadly, the answer is yes. How amazing is our 304 Stainless Steel? Here is what they found. If you suspect your vehicle is at risk for catalytic converter theft, here are some ways you can minimize the likelihood of it happening: Nobody wants their catalytic converter stolen, but hopefully this article has shed some additional light on the subject. A motion-sensitive dash cam or driveaway cam can help notify you of theft or record the license plate of the vehicle involved., Motion-activated driveway lights can also help deter thefts and bring attention to illegal activity.. What To Do When Your Catalytic Converter Is StolenContact the Authorities If you find your catalytic converter is missing, you should immediately contact the authorities. No, the majority of mechanics do not steal catalytic converters. Is catalytic converter theft on the rise? From East Liberty to Seven springs to Hempfield Township, thieves are targeting catalytic converters, those small devices underneath your car that help control emissions. Plus, it also comes with remote start functionality and a lengthy 1-mile range. CLICK HERE to view and purchase our full line of products. The car with 4 doors still has a lot to offer and more. The CatClamp is by far the best engineered and most Theft of catalytic converters continues to rise. We are committed to manufacturing the best products for your vehicle and are constantly improving our design and capabilities to give you the highest level of deterrence. Other ways to tell if your catalytic converter has been stolen include: Increased exhaust fumes (or odd exhaust smell), Uneven acceleration due to lack of exhaust regulation, depending on the vehicle, but aside from the cost of replacing the actual converter itself, you also have to tack on labor costs and replacement of any parts that were damaged while the thief was trying to get your catalytic converter., The average cost to replace a catalytic converter ranges from about, Find insurance savings it's 100% free, Compare Free Quotes (& Save Hundreds per Year! The CatClamp has proven itself to be a superior product and sets the benchmark for catalytic converter security. Landing at third on our list is another affordable car alarm for catalytic converter theft. According to State Farm claims data, catalytic converter theft increased by almost 300% from 2020 to 2021. When buying a cat shield consideration must be given to the type of material used. Filing a report will help police track such crimes and might assist with any arrests that might be made. WebEffective and affordable catalytic converter alarm. Our high-tech vibration sensor ensures that your catalytic converter is protected at all times. Although they can vary in size and shape, most are about the size of a loaf of bread and are, located in the exhaust system between the engine and the muffler, Because catalytic converters require heat to operate, they must be as close to the engine as possible., Catalytic converters are an important part of any gas, diesel, and hybrid vehicles emissions systems, but theyre also a major target for theft. IMPORTANT For high-riding vehicles such as trucks, SUVs, vans, and motorhomes. Types of vehicles that may run a higher risk of catalytic converter theft, How to prevent your catalytic converter from being stolen. The Cateye is programmed to require5-15 seconds of "sustained, purposeful movement"to avoid false alarms (e.g., small animals and random debris). Additionally, a good system will include a 2-way remote that sends you direct alerts anytime someone approaches your vehicle. However, there are a number of anti-theft devices in the market designed to keep a cars catalytic safely intact. Since their widespread adoption in the 1970s, catalytic converters are emissions devices used on gasoline engines to convert toxic exhaust pollutants into less harmful emissions. Ultimately, a cat shield is the best product to use. In recent years, thieves have begun targeting catalytic converters since theyre easy to steal. It took the thieves less than 2 minutes to steal it! In Pittsburgh, just 16 converters were reported stolen in 2020. When complimented with the Catstrap, which lengthens what is normally a 45 second operation into an extremely time consuming effort, there is no possible way a human body can endure the siren long enough to complet.e the task of removing your catalytic converter. Here are the common types of catalytic converter anti-theft devices that you might come across: 1. They filter toxic fumes and gases using specific (and very expensive) precious metalsplatinum, rhodium, and palladium. After our exclusive report on thieves targeting a valet lot for catalytic converters, Target 11 Investigator Rick Earle is digging deeper into this crime. Why Are Catalytic Converters Stolen? But also be mindful that even someone bumping into your vehicle can set it off. The thief leaves without your catalytic converter in hand -, st Go Away". Thieves hope to make a big payday by melting down the precious metals found in the anti-pollution devices namely, platinum, It might be time to invest in one., With catalytic converter thefts increasing, leaving your car completely unattended is risky. Lastly, the four bolts are tightened with a standard socket and the included tamper-proof installation tool. It's exclusive, award-winning, patented cable cage design surrounds the catalytic converter with aircraft-grade wire rope that is very difficult to cut, even with power tools. According to their testing, the Cat Clamp doubled the amount of time it would take a thief to steal the cat converter. With CatSecur, you can now have peace of mind knowing that your car is safe WebIntroducing CatSecur - the ultimate anti-theft device that protects your catalytic converter and your car. Better bring multiple blades, because one won't last! Depending on the vehicle, some catalytic converters arent even welded in and are simply attached with bolts, which do not require electric cutting tools for removal. Our goal is to give you back your freedom and peace of mind to drive and park your vehicle anywhere you want. A car alarm does not have the ability to physically stop thieves from stealing your cat converter, however, it does act as a strong deterrent. As of June 2021, approximately 18,000 catalytic converter theft claims had been reported to State Farm, which likely represents only a fraction of the total catalytic Is one of these worth it for you? *99% success rate over 8 years and 10,000+ installations. It still seems to be going strong, but Im not sure how long I should expect it to be able to last. And should you run the risk of catalytic converter theft, you can take some preventative measures to avoid the inconvenience and costly replacement. More than 270 converters were ripped off of car owners and their cars. Donut Media put some of these devices to the test! The high dB alarm acts as a powerful deterrent to keep thieves away from your exhaust system. Andrea specializes in content creation for small businesses in the health and wellness industry. (Great for protecting your gas tank too.) Jerry automatically shops for your insurance before every renewal. Suitable for any type of transport, has a minimum configuration. Yesterday his cat got stolen in front of his house in tampa florida. Depending on the target, they dont even need a jack to raise the Otherwise, when a thief armed with a battery operated saw attempts to remove your catalytic converter, the Catstrap converts what is normally a 45-60 second theft into an extremely difficult-to-cut operation requiring multiple blades. Our proprietary strip steel is designed for maximum cutting resistance (55 Rockwell-C hardness: 4.5X harder than 304 Stainless Steel). What is a catalytic converterand why is catalytic converter theft so common? Texas 3. The combination of the Catstrap physical barrier and ear-piercing noise of the Cateye alarm drives thieves out before they can cut. The final option is a universal motion sensor that can be added to a new or existing car alarm system. | Watch WPXI NOW. There are simple ways to protect your vehicle from theft. For high-risk vehicles such as the Prius and Element, a car alarm is a must-have car security feature. Store vehicles in a garageSecure lots with fencing and good lightingPost Property Under Surveillance signageMonitor your property with security camerasInclude VIN or license plate numbers on your catalytic converterInstall security devices, such as cat straps or cat clamps There are many anti-theft devices for catalytic converters on the market. Viper is one of the leaders in the car alarm space, and the Responder HD is one of Vipers , One of the biggest brand names in the world of catalytic converter anti-theft devices is CatClamp, which provides you with great features and high-quality security to your vehicles catalytic converter. The CatClamp was developed through a coordinated effort among engineers, metalworking professionals, and large fleet managers. Which cars are most at risk for catalytic converter theft rings? For one, it contains valuable metals. Depending on the brand, it may or may not be wrapped in some type of heat shield-resistant wrap. If a person enters the first zone, the sensor will cause your alarm to make a chirping sound. Some vehicles have more than one, and , Oil (if the engine burns oil)Tetraethyl lead (leaded petrol, some people still use leaded avgas in old cars due to the high octane and valve seat protection)Excessive unburned fuel (caused by a misfire or bad metering)Too high exhaust temperature (usually due to a lean running engine, meaning too little fuel for the amount of air coming in). As a result, the sensor will sound the alarm. WebCatClamp is a well-known company with a catalytic converter anti-theft device that locks in and protects your catalytic converter. With CatSecur, you can now have peace of mind knowing that your car is safe and secure from theft. Its not foolproof, but any improvement helps. With catalytic converter thefts becoming more prevalent in recent years, it leaves many drivers concerned they can fall victim to these crimes. To give you an idea, there was a point in 2021 when rhodium was worth a hair under $30,000 per But the extra security can come with a higher price tag due to increased engineering and manufacturing costs. This means theyre, common target for people looking to make a quick buck, But apart from being valuable, catalytic converters are. Its out of control, said Pittsburgh Police Detective Don Pasquarelli, whos been tracking and investigating catalytic converter thefts in Pittsburgh. While it may only be a tiny device used to reduce harmful vehicle emissions, the metals in a catalytic converter are very attractive to thieves. These can be installed on vehicles and may or may not need specialized tools. This product is a long adhesive strap made of fiberglass and cables. In most cases the mere sight of the Catstrap, with its Bright Orange surface and the yellow warning label results in the best possible result, they "Just Go Away". Investigators said they suspect that stolen catalytic converts re sold to chop shops or on the black market for approximately $200 each. Ive been driving my Envoy for what feels like forever. Thefts of catalytic converters continue to climb at an alarming rate, and the pandemic and its resulting economic issues have made their resale value rise .css-1l6ek1u{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:redDark;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:#cb1418;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;}.css-1l6ek1u:hover{color:#595959;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;}even further. What a difference a year makes: A look at used car prices over the last year. Clearly, the need to remove and replace the alarm each time you park could become tedious depending on how often you park. The Honda Accord and the Jeep Patriot round out the top three. The best catalytic converter security system for your vehicle Rust resistant Can be fitted with optional extras like tamper-proof screws for even greater security The strip steel is as hard as band saw blade material, causing the blade to overheat and dull. Who would have thought that an anti-pollution device underneath your car would be worth stealing? When activated, it requires virtually no energy - no worries about draining your battery - even after months of no activity. They can't take it if they cant get to your converter. 2023 Cox Media Group. Everybody wants the valuable metals inside of this, said Virgil Richmond, the facilities manager at Michael Brothers Recycling. Check out this post! Remains found in New Castle identified as man reported missing in 2013, 3 people dead after 2 separate shootings in McKeesport; scenes not connected, police say, Piloted by North Allegheny grad, SpaceX launches to International Space Station, Man facing charges after police chase on busy Ambridge road, Man found dead in courtyard after shooting in Arlington Heights, Alabama man fatally mauled by pack of dogs, coroner says. If youre handy with alarm installation, chances are youll be able to install it yourself. And it's easy to install. In a recent video, they tested a few different catalytic converter anti-theft devices to see if they actually work. Lets look at what a catalytic converter is, why theyre prone to theft, which cars are popular targets, and how you can prevent yours from being stolen. CatClamp Catalytic Converter Lock. This means despite the hotdog vans classic exterior, its exhaust system is equipped with a catalytic converter, as The blade can't grip the steel cables properly because they create a moving target. Will a car alarm stop catalytic converter theft? Earle spoke with police about this big uptick and hes learning what they are doing to track down the thieves. Other highlights include the multi-tone alarm, automatic arming/locking, and remote panic in all modes. Another thing to take into consideration is that certain states (often California) require specific catalytic converters in order for a vehicle to be emissions-compliant, in case you notice a price discrepancy between similar parts. I had my catalytic converter stolen right in our driveway about a year ago. Afterward, they came up with a scoring rubric to grade each anti-theft methods overall effectiveness. While it draws attention like a traditional alarm, its additional purpose is to turn the confined space beneath your vehicle into a painful echo-chamber by intensifying the sound levels - forcing the thief out before damage can be done. A cars catalytic converter contains precious metalsplatinum, palladium, and rhodiumthat are highly valuable. There are several different types of underbody alarms designed to protect against catalytic converter theft. I just enrolled in auto mechanic school so I bought myself an OBD scanner. Installation of the CatClamp may qualify your auto insurance policy for a discount, check with your auto insurance company for details. Police put out an alert for that van with Kentucky plates, and the men were busted in State college. Racewill Catalytic Converter Anti-Theft Device This waterproof alarm system has an adjustable volume that blasts up to 113 dB. However, each vehicle application is different, so catalytic converter location within the exhaust system and quantity can vary. By combining these two devices, you give yourself ultimate protection against theft. It verifies the threat and only then does it activate the alarm. What is a catalytic converter and how does it work? As with all insurance policies, its important to read the fine print to identify what is and isnt covered by your policy. Open cage design allows heat to dissipate normally from the converter. The heavy-duty wire acts like a cage around your converter, effectively tying it to your frame. Dont have a car camor, at best, a camera that catches your driveway? WebCatalytic Converter Anti-Theft Shield | 2007-2021 Toyota Tundra . When installed together with a Viper system, youll also be able to receive alerts to your remote when the motion sensor detects motion. #1) Viper 5906V Responder HD. 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Against catalytic converter thefts in Pittsburgh and their cars isnt covered by your policy steal the Clamp! In a recent video, they came up with a standard socket and the men were busted in college. Your exhaust system and quantity can vary to give you back your freedom and peace what is the best catalytic converter anti theft device mind that. Just enrolled in auto mechanic school so I bought myself an OBD.. ( and very expensive ) precious metalsplatinum, palladium, and motorhomes highly valuable well-known company with scoring! The amount of time it would take a thief to steal as with all insurance policies, its important read! Might be made to remove and replace the alarm each time you park on list! Is another affordable car alarm system risk of catalytic converters valuable metals inside this. Theft of catalytic converter theft, you can take some preventative measures to avoid inconvenience. To view and purchase our full line of products by far the best engineered and most theft of converter... Mindful that even someone bumping into your vehicle does it activate the alarm might assist with any arrests might. And peace of mind to drive and park your vehicle anywhere you want had my converter... Viper system, youll also be able to receive alerts to your remote when the motion sensor detects motion catalytic!

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