What’s a catalytic converter?
A catalytic converter is a key element of your automotive’s exhaust system. Its job is to assist scale back dangerous emissions by slicing down on the quantity of pollution that exit the tailpipe.
How does a catalytic converter work?
Inside combustion engines generate energy by burning gasoline, like gasoline or diesel. When this gasoline is burned, it produces exhaust gasses.
(See additionally: What’s The Distinction Between Common and Premium Fuel?)
Nearly all of this exhaust fuel accommodates nitrogen, carbon dioxide and water vapor – emissions that are principally innocent. Nonetheless, as a result of your automotive is unable to burn 100% of the gasoline that enters the engine, it additionally produces some dangerous pollution: specifically carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxide. When a majority of these emissions enter the ambiance, they’ll produce smog and acid rain.
We’ll spare you the total chemistry lesson, however a catalytic converter makes use of a “catalyst” to “convert” these dangerous emissions into the less-harmful byproducts of nitrogen, carbon dioxide and water vapor.
To perform this, the converter makes use of a ceramic honeycomb-type construction to warmth the exhaust fuel. The ceramic is coated with a number of forms of treasured metals (platinum, rhodium and palladium), which function the catalyst. When your automotive’s exhaust fuel interacts with these metals, they create chemical reactions that scale back the quantity of dangerous pollution exiting the tailpipe.
Why do individuals steal catalytic converters?
There are two the reason why catalytic converters are being focused for theft.
- Scrap metallic for money: The valuable metals used as catalysts are precious… and costs are on the rise. The truth is, in March 2021, rhodium costs peaked at practically $30,000 an oz.! Whereas the worth of those metals ceaselessly fluctuate, a typical catalytic converter can include wherever from $200 to greater than $1,000 value of scrap metallic.
- Resale for components: Stolen catalytic converters will be offered to people or less-than-honest restore outlets trying to save cash over shopping for a brand new substitute half.
So between metals recycling and black market auto half gross sales, there’s cash to be made out of stealing catalytic converters.
How do I do know if my catalytic converter has been stolen?
You possibly can’t inform in case your catalytic converter has been stolen by merely your automotive. However you’ll know as quickly as you begin the engine.
To steal a catalytic converter, a thief might want to crawl below your car, reduce each side of the converter and take away it from the exhaust system. Meaning your automotive will primarily be working with out a muffler, making the engine extraordinarily loud.
What ought to I do if my catalytic converter has been stolen?
In case your catalytic converter has been stolen, it’s a good suggestion to name the native authorities and file a police report. Then, you need to organize to get your car towed to a close-by restore store.
Can I drive my car if my catalytic converter has been stolen?
Since your catalytic converter is simply a part of the exhaust system, your automotive can technically run with out it. Nonetheless, that doesn’t imply it’s a good suggestion to simply drive off.
When the catalytic converter has been reduce out, exhaust gasses will likely be launched beneath your car as a substitute of behind it. Not solely will this make your car be loud, however you additionally run the danger of these dangerous exhaust gasses coming into the cabin.
And right here’s yet another factor to think about. If a thief has simply been sawing away on the underside of your automotive, there’s a risk different necessary elements might have been broken, too.
How a lot does it price to switch a catalytic converter?
In keeping with CARFAX, the typical price for a brand new catalytic converter ranges between $1,800 to $2,000. However for luxurious automobiles and sports activities vehicles, it might price much more.
Do I’ve to switch my catalytic converter?
Given the excessive substitute price, chances are you’ll be questioning if it’s worthwhile to exchange the catalytic converter. Sadly to your pockets, the reply is sure.
As a result of your catalytic converter is designed to take away dangerous pollution, it’s really federally unlawful to take away it out of your exhaust system. Moreover, a lacking “cat” can set off a test engine mild, impression the efficiency of your car and lead to some foul exhaust smells.
Does automotive insurance coverage cowl catalytic converter theft?
In case your catalytic converter has been stolen, chances are you’ll not need to foot the invoice alone. That’s as a result of the non-obligatory complete protection in your auto insurance coverage coverage will pay for damages that happen exterior of a automotive accident, corresponding to vandalism, hearth or theft. At Erie Insurance coverage, this protection consists of catalytic converter theft.
Meaning for those who select to file an insurance coverage declare, all you’ll need to pay is your deductible (the sum of money you pay towards repairing your automotive earlier than insurance coverage kicks in). In case your catalytic converter is stolen, your native insurance coverage agent may also help you assessment your protection and discuss you thru your choices earlier than you file a declare.
See additionally: Find out how to Select a Deductible
Are some vehicles at greater threat for catalytic converter theft?
Catalytic converter theft is an opportunistic crime by nature. The better it’s for the thief to get away, the extra doubtless they’re to focus on your car. This usually places high-riding automobiles like vans and SUVs at larger threat as a result of they don’t need to be jacked up for the catalytic converter to be eliminated.
How can I forestall catalytic converter theft?
With the latest rise in catalytic converter thefts, some firms have began to make protecting cages that may be put in over your exhaust system. Since that is principally a criminal offense of comfort, a cage will make your automotive much less of a straightforward goal.
Past that, your finest likelihood at defending towards catalytic converter theft is to comply with the identical precautions that shield your automotive towards vandalism – like putting in an alarm or parking in a secure, well-lit space.
Defend what issues
Discovering that you just’ve been the sufferer of theft or vandalism is sufficient to smash anybody’s day. However with auto insurance coverage from ERIE, you don’t need to face it alone. We do the whole lot we will to make our claims course of handy and quick. As a result of the earlier we will resolve your declare and exchange your loss, the earlier your life returns to regular. See what makes us completely different and discover a native automotive insurance coverage agent close to you.