Catalytic converter why

Known as rare metals, as prices rise so do thefts. It is the same for copper wire-if prices go up so do wire thefts from empty or abandoned buildings. And it can be done quickly. Since there are no numbers connecting the cat to the car it is virtually impossible to say with certainty that a cat belongs to a certain car.

And finally, the pandemic has put many people in a bind to such an extent that they resort to theft. But once the owner starts his or her car up they know immediately something is wrong.

Or missing. Then, the thieves often sell the car parts for money on the black market. Harker added that a would-be thief can steal a catalytic converter from the underbelly of a car within 5-to minutes. Because the process is so quiet and fast, most people do not know if their catalytic converters have been stolen until they start their engines and hear a loud rattle.

There are three things you can do to protect yourself against catalytic converter theft. First, you can etch your license plate number on it.

Some law enforcement agencies also hold etching sessions with local garages. Try not to park your car half on the road and half on the curb as this will give thieves easier access to the underside.

You could also consider installing CCTV at your home or fitting the car with an alarm. If you do see someone stealing a catalytic converter, the police advice is not to approach them, but to contact the police. For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? Want practicality, class and an elevated driving position in a relatively small package?

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What Car? Catalytic converter theft - why is it so common? View all new car reviews. Car deals. View all deals. What are the police doing to combat catalytic converter theft? Why are catalytic converters stolen? What is a catalytic converter? While thefts of catalytic converters are still rare, there are some simple steps you can take to protect your vehicle Catalytic converters have been around since the 19th century when metal cylinders containing filters coated in platinum, Iridium and palladium were fitted to early French motor cars in an attempt to clean up the smoke coming out of their exhausts.

The technology was first patented by Frenchman Eugene Houdry who relocated to Los Angeles in the s and founded a company called Oxy-Catalyst, which fitted catalytic converters to industrial chimneys to combat smog. Having already fitted his filters to warehouse forklift trucks, by the s Houdry had begun to research catalytic converter technology for use on cars and he secured a patent for his design in Today, the overwhelming majority of internal combustion engined cars on the road have a catalytic converter and there are various different kinds fitted to different models.

Have you been a victim of catalytic converter theft? Let us know in the comments below