As the days get shorter, cars spend more hours sitting in the dark. Unfortunately, that’s good news for one particular kind of thief. Catalytic converter theft has become a problem in communities all over the country, and it can happen in just a few minutes.
Your catalytic converter is part of your exhaust system underneath the car. Its job is to clean up harmful gases before they leave the tailpipe. Inside it are small amounts of valuable metals, which is why thieves go after it. They crawl underneath, cut it out and sell it for scrap.
The first sign is usually unmistakable. When you start the car, it sounds incredibly loud, almost like a race car or a broken lawn mower. You may also see a check engine light. Replacing a stolen converter can be expensive, and the car shouldn’t be driven far without it.
Some vehicles are targeted more than others. Trucks and SUVs that sit higher off the ground are easier to slide under. Hybrids are often targeted too, because their converters tend to stay in better condition.
There are a few simple ways to make your car a harder target. Park in a garage when you can. If you park outside, choose a well-lit spot close to the building or in view of a camera. Parking close to a wall or curb on the side where the converter sits can make it harder to reach. A motion-sensing light over the driveway helps, too.
For extra protection, a metal shield or cage can be installed over the converter. It makes the job much slower and noisier for a thief, and most will move on to an easier car. Business owners with work trucks parked overnight often find this especially worthwhile.
Home Town Auto Care offers vehicle security and anti-theft services, and we can talk you through what makes sense for your car or truck. Call Home Town Auto Care at (615) 656-8461 or stop by 108 Confederate Dr in Franklin, Monday through Friday from 7 to 5.
