I always say go for the CatClamp if it fits. I had never heard of this happening before. Use a security system. AFFILIATE DISCLOSUREGearist may receive payments through various affiliate programs like Amazon which means that if you click and buy we earn with with no extra cost to you. Im looking for some kind of theft deterrent. 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. Check your passenger side fender liner and see if its loose and/or missing bolts. Good luck, the Catstrap is working for me since June 2021. OUTDOOR & TRAVEL Because life doesnt always move fast, check out our content and reviews for camping, backpacking, adventure travel and gear for your everyday life. Need theft cover for 96 Ford E 350 Cutoff van. Catalytic converter theft is on the rise and to a shocking degree. And while our site doesnt feature every company or financial product available on the market, were proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward and free. This is especially if your car is among the most stolen catalytic converters stolen. 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? Can you tell us what year Prius you have? I cant remember off the top of my head if the e350 frame measures out the same as the f-series pickup trucks, but you may want to look into that and see what kind of skid-plate options are available and if theyll cover your catalytic converter. And reviewers on the bike alarm model said that you can get in a situation with a weak or dead remote battery and be unable to turn off or disarm the darn thing. 2. I heard the saw noise and they were gone, that fast. .css-o0tten{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;text-decoration-thickness:.0625rem;text-decoration-color:#595959;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:#fff;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;display:inline-block;background:linear-gradient(#ffffff, #ffffff 50%, #FFC84E 50%, #FFC84E);-webkit-background-size:100% 200%;background-size:100% 200%;background-color:#000000;font-family:Paralucent,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:0.75rem;line-height:1;letter-spacing:0.2rem;padding:0.625rem 0.9375rem;text-transform:uppercase;width:auto;}.css-o0tten:hover{color:#fff;text-decoration-color:#000000;-webkit-background-position:100% 100%;background-position:100% 100%;background-color:#cb1418;opacity:1;}.css-o0tten:focus-visible{outline-color:body-cta-btn-link-focus;}Watching a Catalytic Converter in Action Is Absolutely Mesmerizing. A number of other states have proposed legislation. 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. Park in a well-lit area. If youre parking on the street, try to pick a well-lit one with plenty of traffic. So how do we make money? How do thieves know which converters have the rare metals and which ones dont? Park indoors if possible. Other methods for theft prevention will help, too. If you have a personal garage, keep your car parked inside with the door shut. All a burglar has to do is crawl under a vehicle with a reciprocating saw and slice the converter free from the undercarriage. Because it filters exhaust and emissions, it doesnt really impact your vehicles actual driving capabilities. Anti-theft devices: Catalytic converter anti-theft devices are available from various manufacturers and range from steel plates protecting the underside of the vehicle to cages made from steel cables that are meant to discourage thieves from stealing a converter by making removal more time-consuming, which in turn increases the thiefs exposure to getting caught. It would just get too expensive in a general sense. How to stop your catalytic converter being stolen Park to prevent access underneath But remember to consider pedestrians 1/10 In order to steal the parts, thieves need to slide under the vehicle and use cutting tools to detach the box from the pipes around it. The best preventive measure you can take is asking your mechanic to use welding techniques to attach the converter more permanently to your undercarriage. Probably will try mounting it with heavy duty velcro and 3M VHB tape. Sandman says that catalytic converter thefts are an organized crime effort, and teams of thieves with the tools and knowledge to quickly remove converters sweep through entire neighborhoods. If I remember correctly, A 2013 Hyundai Elantra has two catalytic converters, one built into the manifold up at the engine and one underneath the car as part of the exhaust run. Catalytic converters are the part of a vehicles exhaust system that helps lower emissions and reduce the negative impact automobile traffic has on the environment. A steel shield that fits over the catalytic converter, requiring time and extra tools to remove. Set an alarm or camera to catch thieves. I have a 2010 CRV. It's your call, but if we had a Prius, we'd definitely give a shield a shot. A mildly educated catalytic converter thief would see the sticker, know where to look for the easily accessible alarm and just have a partner put their hand over it or a quick wrap of duct tape to muffle the noise then get to work stealing your cat converter. The only special tools youll need are included with the kit. About $2,000 to $3,000, according to CARFAX. WebStep 2. Hope that helps. The box is reverberating and under acceleration the noise is about 30% worse than before the box. That opens up alot more room and attachment options for a DIY / homebrew solution, like a rebar cage to protect your catalytic converter. Gearist never sells your information to third-parties. I have a 2012 Subaru Outback which Ive maintained well and is excellent condition. If so, thats exactly what happened. This cage acts like lock around your catalytic converter, providing a substantial visual deterrent and physically making it very difficult for the casual thief to steal your cat converter. great article! Catalytic converters are generally easy to access; it takes an average of three minutes for a thief to slide under a car or (especially) a truck and simply cut it out with a hacksaw or Sawzall. The problem I have with the Fast Guard Catalytic Converter Alarm instructions is the location, AND the fact that they give you stickers to put on your car. Most people are surprised to find out that their alarms primarily stop a thief from moving /entering a car without key, but do nothing to trigger when a window is broken or a vehicle is moved like during catalytic converter theft. If you can, park your car in a well-lit area. A good muffler shop should know what's legal. To be fair, we could see a couple of potential drawbacks with this alarmwindy nights come to mindbut at this price, it's worth a shot if you don't own a Prius. A physical deterrent is one of the best ways to deter a thief and move on to an easier target. But it did fit without a problem. The anti-theft devices Sandmans shop installs range from $300 to $800. In October, California and New York were two states to pass such laws that tend to fall into three categories. If you cant park your car in a closed garage, make sure you leave it in a well-lit, highly-visible location. This is 100% false. Im sure youve seen the videos. We still dont recognize that sign in. Diligence is your best defense against catalytic converter theft. The more inconvenient your vehicle is to get to, the more likely a (This happened to me.). MillerCat has been listening and expanding their line up to include Toyota Tacomas, Toyota Tundras and Sequoias, but nothing for the Honda CRV- yet. Can a Car Run Without a Catalytic Converter? Catalytic converter theft prevention is a multilayered task. I dont think car manufacturers can cover for every eventuality that MAY happen. Just wondering why car manufacturers do not automatically install protection, even if was an optional thing I would be worth it especially on a Hybrid. Which of these anti-theft devices do you recommend that would be compatible with my Subaru? Residents must choose a designated sign-up time to participate. Here are a few steps that can get you going again: Aftermarket catalytic converters are cheaper, but make sure they're allowed in your state. Some muffler shops will custom-weld such a device to your car. If you can change your own oil or are mechanically inclined, DIY install is within your reach. Check out the comments on this page https://www.gearist.com/cat-clamp-review-honda-catalytic-converter-theft/ where I go into a detailed description. Some people complain of rattling after installation, but thats usually due to an install issue along the way. When you start your car, youll know by the loud exhaust noise if your catalytic converter was stolen. Unfortunately, many vehicle undercarriages won't currently accommodate such a device. However, if you drive a late-model Toyota Tacoma 4x4 with a 3.5L engine you're in luck because MillerCat has designed a cat shield just for you. Here are the best ways to prevent catalytic converter theft: If you have a garage, always park your car there rather than leaving it in the driveway. Start the conversation with My catalytic converter was stolen, do you have any experience with the CatClamp?. Catalytic converters contain platinum, palladium, and rhodiumexpensive precious metals that react with exhaust gasses, heat up a ceramic honeycomb element, and convert harmful combustion byproducts, such as nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide, into less harmful gasses. Unfortunately, no one we know of makes a protector shield of any kind for the Kia Sportage. Disclaimer: NerdWallet strives to keep its information accurate and up to date. What to do if your catalytic converter is stolen. A prevention campaign, as with any crime, is key. Constant product innovation is the reason why I always recommend a Miller CatShield if they make a model for your vehicle. Im only familiar with the Gas Elantra, but if the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Blue catalytic converter setup is similar, youve got two catalytic converters: the primary one is up in the engine compartment at the manifold and a secondary one under your car inline with the exhaust system. In some cases, an aftermarket catalytic converter will be less desirable and prevent future thefts. The Cateye is a motion sensor alarm just for your catalytic Converter. In reality though, my CatClamp has been going on 4 trouble free years and its underneath the car where i really dont see it. Let us knowtheir customer service is excellent and will look to see whats going on if theres a persistent issue. Where you park your car wont make a difference and where you live doesnt matter. 2. As mentioned in the article, theres all levels of thief. Thanks. Youre probably talking about the oxygen SENSOR, but yes, supply chain issues arent helping with the increased demand. The downside it doesnt look like a substantial physical deterrent like the other options. These may be the cheapest catalytic converter alarm on Amazon! Although professional installation is suggested, If youre comfortable changing your own oil you shouldnt have a problem installing this yourself. Required fields are marked *. She has been working in the personal finance space for more than 10 years. Would the Millercat work on my car? Jeffrey, I'm thinking a "skid plate" covering the catalytic converter, attached to the FRAME may be the best route to go. It would require the VIN to be stamped on catalytic converters of new vehicles and would create a grant program for VIN stamping of existing vehicles. If youre installing at home and have a limited toolbox, you may need to buy a RivNut tool with short handles (Miller CatShield) or a regular old rivet tool for the CCM CatSecurity Plate. Anti-theft solutions can be pricey, but they often cost less than a new catalytic converter. Depending on the make and model of a car, certain catalytic converters, like the ones under a Toyota Prius, can fetch over $1,000 on the used market. And if they can do it for this truck, more models should be on the horizon. The short handles help with the limited clearance when youre crawling under your car. Trucks and SUVs are often targeted because its easy to slide under the vehicle rather than jack it up. Just remember that a catalytic converter isnt worth the physical harm- be safe! Thats a tough question. 4. As theyre expanding their cat shield line up, it looks like theyre tackling the vehicles that are likely targets for catalytic converter theft. Heres a MillerCAT Cat Shield on a Prius V. Notice the louvers to promote airflow to reduce heat buildup. Ive had a few in person conversations with people whove had the same experience as above- catalytic converter thieves physically threatening the owner when caught in the act. Catalytic converters on the underside of vehicles help reduce emissions. Powered by consumers. Let us know how it works out for you! A federal bill called the Preventing Auto Recycling Theft Act, or PART Act, was introduced in early 2022 and is still making its way through Congress. This is especially if your car wont make a difference and where you park your car wont make a for. The vehicle rather than jack it up professional installation is suggested, if youre parking on horizon. Try mounting it with heavy duty velcro and 3M VHB tape call, but yes, supply issues. 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