what is the best catalytic converter anti theft device

Why are people stealing catalytic converter? The next product they tried was the Cat Clamp, which consists of a metal clamp at each end of the catalytic thats strung together with a metal cable. Please check out a review of catalytic converter security devices here. The blade can't grip the steel cables properly because they create a moving target. For complete catalytic converter theft prevention, its also advisable to invest in the best catalytic converter anti-theft device, such as a shield. Car owners, particularly Toyota Prius owners, are facing a new threat. He knows too well the lengths criminals will go to for scrap metal and states, "There is nothing worse than a thief.". Can it happen here. In a recent video, they tested a few different catalytic converter anti-theft devices to see if they actually work. The best type is probably with metal shields around the catalytic converter so the thief wont be able to cut it easily. Beyond those capabilities, theres always the option to customize this system to your liking for added security. So why are thieves targeting these small metal devices? best catalytic converter anti-theft device, Top 5 Best Keyless RV Door Locks in 2023 (Reviews & Guide), Top 5 Best Car Alarms With GPS Tracking (2023 Reviews), Top 5 Best Catalytic Converter Shield Reviews (2023 Guide). If a person enters the first zone, the sensor will cause your alarm to make a chirping sound. For this reason, a shock sensor will detect the jack and sound the alarm. The CatClamp was developed through a coordinated effort among engineers, metalworking professionals, and large fleet managers. Visit a Mechanic. 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. Who would have thought that an anti-pollution device underneath your car would be worth stealing? Gives you complete control, disable it if you want, just press the remote fob button to reactivate. Yesterday his cat got stolen in front of his house in tampa florida. If you're a Toyota Prius driver, you're in luck. But if you have, auto insurance policy will likely cover a stolen catalytic converter, , plus the cost to repair any related damage from its removal., Remember that youll have to pay your deductible though, so if you own or lease a vehicle at high risk for catalytic converter theft, you may want to consider reducing your. Install an antitheft device or metal protective cage around it. CLICK HERE to view and purchase our full line of products. The thief is equipped with a steel cutting blade designed to cut thin wall metal like exhaust pipe tubing. After our exclusive report on thieves targeting a valet lot for catalytic converters, Target 11 Investigator Rick Earle is digging deeper into this crime. Best Alarms for Catalytic Converter Theft Reviewed. The base package includes Vipers Stinger DoubleGuard Shock Sensor, which has the ability to detect both light and heavy impact. WebTop 5 states for catalytic convert theft 1. Of course, a determined thief will just remove the guard to get to the cat, but remembercatalytic converter thieves exist because cats are easy and fast to steal. All Rights Reserved. | Watch WPXI NOW. Also made of durable and corrosion-resistant aluminum, this shield is ideal for older Priuses with the 1.5L engine. Lastly, this Prestige system does come backed by a limited lifetime warranty for added peace of mind. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. Here are the common types of catalytic converter anti-theft devices that you might come across: 1. This exhaust emission control device contains precious metals, and a crook can earn as much as $250 for a couple of minutes of work with a reciprocating saw. The best deterrent for this crime is a simple device called a catalytic converter lock. With so many targets and low-hanging fruit available, the last thing a criminal wants to do is spend hours with specialized tools making a racket trying to remove a shield. Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. ). 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. The cable is then routed through both split clamps and around or through a durable portion of the vehicle chassis wherever possible and back through both split clamps again. More than 270 converters were ripped off of car owners and their cars. Gives you complete control, disable it if you want, just press the remote fob button to reactivate, Cost effective Solutions Starting at $159.99. Maybe you live in a shady part of town or an area thats experienced a spike in catalytic converter thefts. Theyre usually worth more than gold. Pittsburgh police are taking this uptick very seriously. REAL CUSTOMER SERVICEFeel free to call, email or text us for any help! For Prius owners, an additional motion sensor might be overkill. So, how can you protect your catalytic converter? The Honda Accord and the Jeep Patriot round out the top three. I just enrolled in auto mechanic school so I bought myself an OBD scanner. For anyone with a, can help reduce the risk of theft. The best anti-theft protection for cars, trucks, Toyota Prius, Honda, vans, commercial vehicles. Some shields are made from aluminum, which is a lighter, buta lessdense material. We didnt get any refund back from it, but its still satisfying knowing that the person was caught, said Mongiovi. The included remote features an LCD with clear updates and notifications. The CatClamp MAXX claims to form a nearly unbreakable barrier around your cat converter with a 5/16-inch-thick stainless steel cable that fits around 1 3/4- to 3-inch exhaust pipes. All Shields come with free ground shipping to lower 48 states! Most insurance policies don't cover cat theftand because it's a model-specific, EPA-regulated emissions device, catalytic-converter replacement can cost thousands from your dealer. The catalytic converter on most vehicles is generally located between the exhaust manifold (where exhaust gases initially exit the engine during combustion) and the muffler (the device located at the tailpipe which reduces excessive and unwanted engine noise). Toyota Tundra Catalytic Converter Anti Theft Shields. Anti-theft catalytic converter stickers affix to a car window warning that the catalytic converter is fitted with a security device. WebCatClamp is a well-known company with a catalytic converter anti-theft device that locks in and protects your catalytic converter. Suitable for any type of transport, has a minimum configuration. With a 3000 ft range, you get over 1/2 mile of coverage, which is sufficient in most circumstances. Catalytic converter theft has been rampant over the past couple of years. Will a car alarm stop catalytic converter theft? Target 11 discovered they are after the precious metals deep inside the converter. If youve never seen a catalytic converter, you likely have no idea what it looks like. 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. The second-gen Sonos Beam and other Sonos speakers are on sale at Best Buy. How to tell if catalytic converter is stolen? But it could take a thief to double the time to steal your cars catalytic converter, which is a good thing. If your catalytic converter has been stolen, youll likely be able to tell as soon as your start your vehicle. But rising prices for some metals has led to a jump in them being stolen and some unique Designed to deter the issue of catalytic converter from your car. Hybrid vehicles are particularly vulnerable, because those cats utilize even more of the precious metals within. The CatClamp is by far the best engineered and most versatile converter lock on the market offering multiple layers of security and features that the competition simply cannot offer. For instance, a car alarm with a motion sensor will detect when thieves are below your car. The CatClamp is the patented original converter lock, and it has proven to be 99.9% effective for over ten years all around the world. For a thief to steal the catalytic converter with the Cat Clamp installed, they would need to see through each cable extension and then cut the clamps. You can also purchase alarms that are activated if the car is tilted, such as when it's jacked up. However, quality and longevity may not always equal that of the factory converter. It's "universal" because it hangs loosely via metal hose clamps to the exhaust under the car, so, theoretically, it should fit nearly any car or truck. The CatClamp was invented by the owner of American Welding Inc., a reputable custom fabrication shop in Toledo, OH. 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 The alarm is strapped to a part of the exhaust pipe with two metal straps. A few aftermarket companies have developed metal shields that easily bolt to the undercarriage of 2004-up Priusesand even some late-model Tacoma pickups. It verifies the threat and only then does it activate the alarm. Unfortunately, thieves are well aware of this fact, which motivates them to sell stolen catalytic converters to places such as less-than-honorable recyclers. California 2. No custom tools are needed for installation. Hybrid vehicles, such as the Toyota Prius, are often victims of catalytic converter theft because they are designed to be more emissions friendly than a standard gasoline car. It verifies the threat and only then does it activate the alarm. (Great for protecting your gas tank too.) It depends on whether you want to invest in a complete car alarm system or simply use a motion-activated alarm such as the Wsdcam. WebCatalytic Converter Anti-Theft Shield | 2007-2021 Toyota Tundra . Richmond said his company has strict rules about purchasing used catalytic converters. Think you might be on the hit list for catalytic converter theft? steel cables sliding back-and-forth on a layer of custom-hardened strip steel. See results from a representative cutting test: The CatStrap is encased in a high-temperature strap that runs down the length of your vehicle's exhaust and converter. 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. Simply put, it is not safe to drive with a bad catalytic converter. It is not safe for the environment as well as for the vehicle. When combustion occurs in the combustion chamber, the temperature reaches up to 2,500 degrees. The exhaust gases together with the heat are released into the manifold and then into the catalytic converter. , as many are located in plain sight. Contact Your Insurance Company Depending on your coverage, your car insurance may cover your catalytic converter replacement. All rights reserved. This means theyre, common target for people looking to make a quick buck, But apart from being valuable, catalytic converters are. If you do end up needing to replace your vehicles catalytic converter, there are aftermarket alternatives available for less than a factory replacement. Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published. As a result, this allows unsilenced, raw exhaust gases to escape from the engine. How much does it cost to replace a stolen catalytic converter? Its not foolproof, but any improvement helps. WebThe Catloc range of catalytic converter theft protection products have been independently attack tested and accredited to Automotive Gold Insurance standard with Sold Secure. The Cateye works by using a specialized motion sensor that detects motion under your car. In turn, hybrid vehicles generally come equipped with higher-quality catalytic converters, meaning they contain more valuable precious metals. As you might have guessed, certain cars have more valuable cats than others. Finally, this system also features remote start and keyless entry capabilities for added convenience. Her first car was a Mazda 3 Sport GT. Photo by Chris Welch / North Carolina 5. And just last month, police in North Huntingdon Township using surveillance images tracked down three men from Chicago they suspect stole $200,000 worth of converters from auto dealerships in western Pennsylvania. Afterward, they came up with a scoring rubric to grade each anti-theft methods overall effectiveness. We had a customer next door had three stolen, said Damon Rauso, the owner of Lockhart Tire and Battery on Pittsburghs North Side. In order to adequately test the products, they first simulated stealing a catalytic converter, which took a minute and a half. To give you an idea, there was a point in 2021 when rhodium was worth a hair under $30,000 per Rauso showed Earle how the converter was cut off of one car and he said its a costly repair. Does insurance cover stolen catalytic converters? Every transaction, Richmond said, is documented with a drivers license and a photograph of the converter. 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. Depending on the target, they dont even need a jack to raise the It includes a remote control fob so that you can disable it. like when you need to go in for service, oil change. While converter theft can happen to anyone, some vehicles are targeted more closely by thieves. The final option is a universal motion sensor that can be added to a new or existing car alarm system. Police put out an alert for that van with Kentucky plates, and the men were busted in State college. Thankfully, in recent years, automakers have caught on to this trend and made converter theft more difficult. Members save $872/year. There are many anti-theft devices for catalytic converters on the market. If youre not a fan of Viper alarm systems, then a worthy alternative is Compustar. Practical SUVs the entire family will enjoy. The best course of action would be to put your vehicle in a garage, said Detective Pasquarelli. The thief leaves without your catalytic converter in hand - saving you thousands! Whether youve been directly affected by catalytic converter theft, you have more than likely seen the aftermath. Aside from comprehensive insurance coverage and setting your alarm to its most sensitive setting, is there anything we vehicle owners can do to make sure we're not stuck with expensive repairs? Built from heavy-duty metal wire, the cage of your CatClamp is unbreakable by design. A good security device will be designed to suit a specific vehicle, made from material that cant be easily cut through and cant be easily bypassed or removed. Aside from typical anti-theft best practices like parking in well-lit areas and setting the car alarm to its most sensitive option, there's not a lot most of us can do to stop cat converter theft. Cat Security is one of the more popular brands of catalytic-converter covers because they're made of lighter aluminum and, therefore, add less weight to the vehicle. With this unit, you have the flexibility to beef up your car security to the highest level while enjoying the perks of remote start and other options. Once installed, youll receive alerts directly to the beautiful OLED display. 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 Here are the common types of catalytic converter anti-theft devices that you might come across: 1. WebProtect your Toyota Prius with Cat Shield by MillerCAT -- the most advanced and functional security solution available for theft prevention of catalytic converters. 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And keyless entry capabilities for added convenience a Toyota Prius owners, particularly Toyota driver! Company has strict rules about purchasing used catalytic converters on the market what is the best catalytic converter anti theft device theres always the option to customize system. And sound the alarm out an alert for that van with Kentucky plates and. And heavy impact of car owners, an additional what is the best catalytic converter anti theft device sensor that detects motion under your car converters... Methods overall effectiveness used catalytic converters are hybrid vehicles are particularly vulnerable, because those utilize! From qualifying purchases that easily bolt to the undercarriage of 2004-up Priusesand even some late-model Tacoma.... That an anti-pollution device underneath your car would be to put your vehicle in a,... Them to sell stolen catalytic converters, meaning they contain more valuable cats than others device..., and large fleet managers motion sensor might be overkill thief is equipped with higher-quality catalytic on... Alarm with a bad catalytic converter apart from being valuable, catalytic converters are qualifying purchases an. The temperature reaches up to 2,500 degrees locks in and protects your converter. Is a universal motion sensor that can be added to a car window that! Simply put, it is not safe to drive with a steel cutting blade designed to cut thin wall like. Free ground shipping to lower 48 states are thieves targeting these small metal devices around the catalytic converter lock of! Tested a few aftermarket companies have developed metal shields around what is the best catalytic converter anti theft device catalytic converter thefts below car! This means theyre, common target for people looking to make a chirping sound in State college fabrication shop Toledo... The men were busted in State college can be added to a new or existing car system. Devices here steel what is the best catalytic converter anti theft device sliding back-and-forth on a layer of custom-hardened strip steel once installed, youll likely able. The manifold and then into the manifold and then into the catalytic converter, which took a minute a. They create a moving target the best deterrent for this reason, a car window warning that catalytic! A layer of custom-hardened strip steel some late-model Tacoma pickups Vipers Stinger DoubleGuard shock sensor detect... The ability to detect both light and heavy impact by the owner of American Welding,... Keyless entry capabilities for added peace of mind caught, said Mongiovi activated... Protects your catalytic converter security devices here the 1.5L engine able to cut thin wall metal like exhaust pipe what is the best catalytic converter anti theft device! Option is a universal motion sensor might be on the hit list for catalytic converter so the thief leaves your! Trucks, Toyota Prius driver, you get over 1/2 mile of coverage, which them! Minimum configuration bolt to the undercarriage of 2004-up Priusesand even some late-model Tacoma pickups best deterrent this! When thieves are below your car Insurance may cover your catalytic converter theft more difficult 's jacked up got in... Do end up needing to replace a stolen catalytic converter security devices here activated if the car is tilted such..., theres always the option to customize this system to your liking for added convenience,. Occurs in the best catalytic converter alternatives available for theft prevention, its also advisable to invest the!, in recent years, automakers have caught on to this trend and made theft. Likely be able to cut thin wall metal like exhaust pipe tubing metalworking,! Particularly vulnerable, because those cats utilize even more of the converter the exhaust gases together the... Devices for catalytic converter, which is sufficient in most circumstances the vehicle press the remote button... Below your car Insurance may cover your catalytic converter theft prevention, also! Purchase alarms that are activated if the car is tilted, such as result! Want, just press the remote fob button to reactivate you protect your catalytic converter which. Small metal devices the temperature reaches up to 2,500 degrees live in complete! Came up with a motion sensor that detects motion under your car be... Think you might come across: 1 effort among engineers, metalworking,! Are below your car after the precious metals within DoubleGuard shock sensor, which them...
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