If you’ve never heard of a catalytic converter before, you hopefully know at least it is a part of your vehicle. You might not know what its role is or what to do if it is ever stolen or broken, and because of the recent increase of catalytic converter theft, we want to take a few minutes below to explain its purpose so you can better protect your vehicle.
What is a Catalytic Converter?
They are very important part of your vehicles emission system. The role of a catalytic converter is to clean the toxic gases that come out of your car’s emission system. It takes harmful substances like nitrogen dioxide, nitric oxide, hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide and turns them into something less harmful like carbon dioxide and water vapor.
Inside the catalytic converter it appears to look like a honeycomb structure that is filled with a catalyst coating. This substance starts the chemical reaction to turn the harmful emissions into less harmful ones. A Catalytic converter typically contains a variety of highly valuable metals like palladium, rhodium and platinum. These metals are what thieves are after and if you junk cars, makes them worth saving due to the demand of the metals inside. They are one of the most targeted car parts that get stolen. Recently in Lake County, Florida, there has been a significant increase in catalytic converter theft. The price for the precious metals inside has been increased due to stricter car emission laws, increasing demand. This makes this car part a huge target for theft.
Since COVID-19 started in early 2020, the number of catalytic converter thefts has rose 400%. Recently, several local businesses in Leesburg had to replace a handful that were stolen while the vehicles were on their property being repaired. It only takes a a few minutes for someone to cut it off and “poof” you don’t know anything until you try to start the vehicle and it sounds like crap. To make matters worse, most vehicles cannot even operate properly without them. So this costs the vehicle owner a pretty penny to replace it after it gets stolen.
How Can I Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft
Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to avoid becoming a victim, although not 100% foolproof, there are ways you can prevent it from being stolen:
- Park Your Vehicle In An Enclosed Garage
- Park In Well Lit Areas
- Buy A Security Device For Your Vehicle
- Park Close To A Buildings Entrance
- Increase Video Surveillance Around Your Vehicle Area
- Engrave Your Cars VIN onto Your Catalytic Converter
Above we have suggested a handful of ways to help keep your catalytic converter safe. If a thief cannot remove your part easily, they usually move onto another car, leaving yours intact. No matter what you do to try and avoid the theft, it is always still possible.
Symptoms of a Damaged Catalytic Converter
When a catalytic converter is damaged in any way, you will definitely know it. If it’s completely missing, you will notice your vehicle is very loud and sounds funny. If it is leaking or has a lot of build up, this can lead to needing replacement. This is one of the most common auto repair services done today. Thus it is important to know the signs that it isn’t doing the job it’s supposed to be. Some things to look for if you suspect your catalytic converter is bad are:
- Check Engine Light Is On
- Failed Emission Test
- Hard Start or Won’t Start At All
- Strange Smell Coming from Exhaust
- Lack of Engine Power
- Rattling Noise Under The Vehicle
- Visible Signs of Tampering (botched theft)
What Will It Cost To Replace My Catalytic Converter?
Unfortunately this is a very expensive repair, and one of the more pricier repair services that many try to put off. However it’s vital to understand what will happen in you try to delay replacing it and drive your vehicle anyway or without one. Technically yes, you can continue driving without it in the State of Florida. Older vehicles made before emissions were set in place were able to run fund without them. The downside is modern vehicles cannot, and are required to have a catalytic converter on it to run properly. Driving without a catalytic converter can create many issues and hurt the environment since it won’t be filtering the harmful gases into less harmful ones. It’s also illegal to tamper with a catalytic converter in any way. Without a catalytic converter most vehicles will illuminate the Check Engine light. If you catalytic convert is clogged, this is a whole different problem. You will need the services of a mobile auto repair service as soon as possible. Being clogged reduces your engines power and efficiency, and it will make your vehicle nearly impossible to drive.
Request A Service Appointment
If you are in need of catalytic converter replacement service, contact Kraken Automotive to schedule an appointment at your convenience. We will come to your preferred location whether that is your home, office or anywhere else we can safely work on your vehicle.
