by Cara Gleason
A Catalytic converter is a small car part about the size of a loaf of bread, they help reduce the harmful emissions that come out of your tailpipe. They transform hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides into gases your lungs enjoy a bit more such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and water vapor. This, environmentally, and legally, essential car part is currently at risk of being stolen!
To undergo the chemical reaction necessary, the converter is made of platinum, palladium, and rhodium which are very expensive metals. Due to the fact of these metals being shipped from overt seas, these metals have gone up in price tremendously. In 2001, platinum was selling for 530$ per ounce and palladium was 600$, but in 2021 platinum went up to 1,100$ and palladium went up to 2,400$. The most expensive metal is rhodium, in 2001 it was 1,600$ per ounce and in 2021 it went up to a high of 26,000$!
According to West Goshen Police Chief Mike Carol, the thieves steal this car part using a battery-powered saw that can take less than a minute so if you hear any unusual sawing noises… it might be in your best interest to check it out. The cost of replacing your catalytic converter can be up to $3,000, but since they are taking a saw to the underpart of your car other parts are at risk of also getting damaged. There is no foolproof way to prevent your car from getting stolen, but there are some options lowering your chances. According to dispatch.com, the best way to lower your chances are parking in well lit areas and getting a car camera that senses motion, the converters getting stolen are mainly in dim areas.
According to carfax, these are the cars that are most likely to get stolen from.
1985-2021 Ford F-Series
1989-2020 Honda Accord
2007-17 Jeep Patriot
1990-2022 Ford Econoline
1999-2021 Chevrolet Silverado
2005-21 Chevrolet Equinox
1997-2020 Honda CR-V
1987-2019 Toyota Camry
2011-17 Chrysler 200
2001-21 Toyota Prius
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