As part of the 1970 Clean Air Act, all vehicles are required by law to have a catalytic converter. Additionally, because the car already runs cleaner with the help of an electric motor, the cats arent used heavily. Visit a Mechanic. These thefts still top the news even the well-known Oscar Mayer Wienermobile reportedly had its catalytic converter stolen in Las Vegas last month. Can You Drive Without A Catalytic Converter? That should get them out from under the car in a hurry. They need this type of exhaust to turn the harmful gases produced during internal combustion in the engine. This includes making sure converters won't cause false catalyst codes, while also making sure that the OBD system will continue to set a catalyst fault code if the aftermarket converter fails. Matt Casavant with the Maine State Police. On some applications, manufacturers may have issued Technical Service Bulletins indicating that re-flash updates of the PCM may be required to resolve emissions problems. American brands such as Ford, Chevy, Jeep, Dodge, and Chrysler tend to have less valuable catalytic converters and are therefore less likely to get stolen. Catalytic converter thieves are getting so brazen they're stealing them with people still in the car MechaPyx: TwowheelinTim: Instead of getting out and confronting the thieves he should have started the car and put it in gear. They are mainly All cars manufactured after 1974 have a catalytic converter. Hybrid carsthat use both gas and electricitydo have them, but a fully electric vehicle doesnt need one. Domestic car brands include Ford, Chevrolet, Jeep, Dodge, and others, but also foreign brands built in the USA like Nissan, Hyundai, and Mazda. It plays a significant role in the emissions your car generates. Under no circumstances will we be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on any content. Also, cars or vehicles that don't run on diesel fuel or gasoline don't need catalytic converters. This information is provided on the vehicle's Emissions Control Information Label located in the engine compartment in a visible location usually on the hood underside, strut tower, radiator support, fan shroud or firewall. Some of the electric cars that dont use catalytic converters include Volkswagen e-Golf, Chevrolet Bolt EV, Audi E-Tron, Fiat 500E, Tesla Model X, Tesla Model S, Hyundai Kona EV, Tesla Model 3, Hyundai Ioniq EV, Hyundai NEXO, Honda Clarity Electric, BMW i3, Nissan Leaf, Jaguar I-Pace, and Kia Soul EV. Usually, some car manufacturers havedatabase of spent auto catalysts. What is common for these brands is that for small-engine cars and crossover SUVs they use catalytic converters that do not have a high value. 4. Some of the leading environmental auto experts have come up with a new system that helps to combat this. 1. Being an SUV, its also prone to cat converter theft WebCatalytic converter theft is an increasingly serious issue in Canada. Why hybrids? This means that the following models are immune to catalytic converter theft: Audi E-Tron BMW i3 Chevrolet Bolt EV Fiat 500E Honda Clarity Electric Hyundai Ioniq EV Hyundai Kona EV Hyundai NEXO Jaguar I-Pace Kia Soul EV Nissan Leaf Tesla Model 3 What is the most stolen catalytic converter? If your vehicle does not have the correct At a metal recycler's site, a stolen catalytic converter could be sold for a few hundred dollars. They reduce emissions that are dangerous to humans and the environment. Not every vehicle needs to have a special catalytic converter; however, they tend to apply to vehicles made after a specific model year. People with these cars have zero worries regarding catalytic converter theft. Volkswagen e-gold, Audi E-Tron, and Tesla models are some popular choices. Do Diesel Engines Have Catalytic Converters? Get the Most Popular Autoworld Stories in a Weekly Newsletter. If your home garage is not well protected, you can install a CCTV camera as thieves break-in at night. All pickups and SUVs are prone to converter theft even when the price is low; therefore, it would be better to care for these cars. Video Answer, Can A Catalytic Converter Unclog Itself? Not surprisingly, some of the most popular nameplates of the past two decades are top targets. The trucks are targeted because of the size of the converter and the fact that they often have two converters installed, one per side of the V8 engine. Catalytic converters are primarily installed in automobile vehicles to help reduce their harmful emissions, but they can be used for other types of transportation vehicles. New legislation and other efforts are also contributing to the number of thefts easing, experts say. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. So, removing them with lead to a reduction in engine power. - Return the prepaid postage copy of the warranty card to the catalytic converter manufacturer. This is because it helps protect the environment by reducing the emission of harmful gases into the atmosphere. The car is plugged into a power source to replenish the batteries and does not consume diesel or gasoline. Honda and Toyota models, in general, have been the most targeted models for having their catalytic converters stolen. Its catalytic converter worths about $3,120. Whats more, driving a car that has a preinstalled catalytic converter without one can decrease the efficiency of the engine. 0:05. Therefore, which cars are least likely to have catalytic converters stolen? You can also make it less attractive by painting or removing the VIN on the converter. If you put out the last of your money to purchase a car, you wont have the funds to replace the catalytic converter if it gets stolen. We encourage you to consult with a certified technician or mechanic if you have specific questions or concerns relating to any of the topics covered herein. EPA-compliant converters may be used on vehicles from model years 1995, 1992 and older, OR all Federal/EPA-only Emissions Certified vehicles regardless of model year. This is not always the case, but the risk involved in stealing one is not worth it if theres going to be no payout. WebCatalytic converter theft is an increasingly serious issue in Canada. When you park in a public location, make sure it is busy and well-lit. , What To Do When Your Catalytic Converter Is StolenContact the Authorities If you find your catalytic converter is missing, you should immediately contact the authorities. In addition, state and local governments across the country have targeted the flow of these pricey parts. Effective January 1, 2021 for Colorado and January 1, 2009 for California, new aftermarket catalytic converters sold or installed in Colorado or California must meet the following requirements: Be labeled or tagged with a CARB EO (Executive Order) number indicating the converter complies with Californias requirements for aftermarket converters. (Quick Read), What are the Signs of a Failing Catalytic Converter: A Quick Guide, Find the Airbag Sensor on Your Prius: A Quick Guide. These are going to be more valuable than any off of a newer, more efficient car. Because of that, a diesel cat converter uses very little of the precious metals found in gasoline converters. The F-150 trucks are one of the most targeted vehicles for cat converter theft not because of the value, but because the converter can be stolen easily. Why Do People Steal Catalytic Converters? Heres what to expect. Many diesel cars have a catalytic converter, but not in the same way that a gas-powered car does. Magnus is the owner and main author of Mechanicbase. Why Is My Ford F-150 Bucking on Acceleration? A catalytic converter is positioned between your cars engine and muffler. Still, many people continue to drive fuel-powered vehicles. A malfunctioning catalytic converter will start showing certain signs that a keen driver can easily identify. Across the entire line of diesel passenger vehicles and even SUVs and trucks, catalytic converters are very unlikely to be stolen due to their low resale value. Cars manufactured before 1974 do not come with catalytic converters. Yes. When thieves steal these valuable converters, they often sell them at scrapyards. Obviously, the best place to park your vehicle is in the garage, where thieves cant get to it. Compared to 2021, the Tacoma was targeted more often in 2022, as was the Ford Expedition SUV. 1. Although thieves steal catalytic converters from almost all car models, some car models might not fall under the thieves hands compared to other car models. Only electric cars dont require these converters because they dont run on gasoline or diesel fuel. Prius was one of the first and most widespread hybrid cars and as you know, they have a strong focus on low emission output. I have been working in the automotive industry for more than 15 years. Many car alarms will offer settings that go off when people get close to the vehicle. Thieves will cut catalytic converters out of vehicles parked in isolated areas or in the middle of the night, making off with the precious metals inside while unsuspecting car owners are left with a hefty repair bill. In 2020, J.D. The Toyota Prius is one of the most targeted cars for catalytic converter thefts. First of all, removing a catalytic converter from your car is illegal in many regions of the world. Platinum, for example, was recently trading at $970 per ounce, and palladium was at about $1,330 an ounce. Find out which vehicles are most and least likely to be targeted by catalytic converter thieves. But not all cars driving on the road these days are equipped with catalytic converters. So, even though driving a fuel-powered car without a catalytic converter wont harm your engine, the vehicle wont be as efficient as it used to be. Honda. However, many exotic cars still run on diesel fuel or gasoline - meaning they have catalytic converters installed. (Quick Facts), What Companies Does Ford Own? Catalytic converter theft has been a serious threat to car owners for years, but it turns out there have been far more incidents than previously reported, new Carfax data shows as many as 153,000 in the U.S in 2022. But the old models of some cars get more target. ATTENTION: Under You may pay more for catalytic converter replacement if you dont have a comprehensive cover. Additionally, the height of the vehicle makes it easier for thieves to reach the catalytic converter. The most expensive cars and vehicles which use gasoline or diesel fuel have expensive catalytic converters. Decreasing or increasing the number of catalytic converters (compared to the OE configuration) is prohibited. All OBD applications in the Walker CalCat CARB-compliant catalog reference an EFN. "Why no Officer, I had NO idea he was under there". If the OEM converter is still present, a diagnosis that it is malfunctioning is required. Experts suggest: A law enforcement crackdown may be partially responsible for the leveling off in thefts. The powerful car part helps scrub out very harmful pollutants away from the exhaust pipe of a car. The value of catalytic converter varies greatly, with some worth just $20 while others go for thousands of dollars. RELATED: How Much Does a Catalytic Converter Replacement Cost? In some states, you must have a CARB-compliant aftermarket replacement converter. The following are some cars that dont require a catalytic converter to function: Audi E-Tron BMW i3 Chevrolet Bolt EV Hyundai Kona EV Fiat 500E Honda Clarity Electric Hyundai Ioniq EV Jaguar I-Pace Hyundai NEXO Kia Soul EV Tesla Model 3 Nissan Leaf Tesla Model S Volkswagen e-Golf Tesla Model X How to avoid catalytic converter theft? The palladium used to filter harmful chemicals from the exhaust system is expensive, and its price continues to rise. Therefore, you need to think carefully about the type of catalytic converter you have because it could dictate whether your car is allowed on the road. Your catalytic converter is one of the most important parts of your vehicle. - Attach a copy to the original repair invoice. Other than that, you can try the classic tricks: paint the converter or better yet engrave some info on it, install a car alarm, or reinforce the cat converter housing. Catalytic converter thieves are getting so brazen they're stealing them with people still in the car MechaPyx: TwowheelinTim: Instead of getting out and confronting the thieves he should have started the car and put it in gear. If it is removed, your exhaust will no longer be flowing through your muffler, so youll have a lot of noise to deal with. Let us check out the six cars that come without a catalytic converter. 1. BMW i3 First on the list is the BMW I3 which is an attempt by BMW to design a zero-emissions car. This car became an outstanding element of the recently established BMW I subsidiary brand. (Quick Read), 5 Affordable Cars That Produce A Ton Of Power, Do Teslas Have Catalytic Converters? The installer has confirmed the need for a replacement catalytic converter. Today, palladium continues to cost $2,500 per ounce, and this is just one of the minerals found inside catalytic converters. Important Disclaimer: The information contained on farmswise.com is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Most expert thieves know which cars contain these catalytic converters because they arent worth anything, even though they are larger in size. Only electric cars don't require these converters because they don't run on gasoline or diesel fuel. Electric Parking Brake Problems Causes & Fixes, Oil Coming Out Of Exhaust Causes & Fixes, 10 Symptoms Of A Bad Fuel Pump & Replacement Cost. If you look at the most expensive catalytic converters on the road today, you will see that the Ferrari F430 converter can fetch a price of over $3,500. Contact Your Insurance Company Depending on your coverage, your car insurance may cover your catalytic converter replacement. It can also be blocked over time and need a replacement. Yes, a lot of diesel vehicles come equipped with catalytic converters, but not in the same way that a gas-powered vehicle does. This design makes it much more difficult for a thief to steal it. This list covers cars in Alaska, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. COLORADO- AND CALIFORNIA-COMPLIANT INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS Cars such as Audi E-Tron, BMW i3, Jaguar I-Pace, Kia Soul EV, Tesla models, and Volkswagen e-Golf are common electric cars used nowadays, so they dont have catalytic converters. In this blog post, well take a look at which cars are most and least likely to have their catalytic converters stolen. - Obtain the customers signature on the card. What vehicles have the most valuable catalytic converters? Sources: Wiley Online Library, JSTOR, and Ford. Overinflated Tire by 5 Psi: What Will Happen? 2022 DRiV Incorporated. The total is up 2% from 2021, when media reports had put the number of insurance claims for catalytic converter replacements at roughly 52,000. 0:43. Are There Different Types of Catalytic Converters? Theres a wide range of vehicles in play. If your car does not meet certain emission standards, then you might be required to take your car to the repair shop. This is achieved through the installation of 2 or even 3 catalytic converters in series, which puts a lot of value underneath the car. He has grown a variety of crops, tended to farm animals, and worked with all sorts of farming machinery. Thieves steal catalytic converters from cars parked on crowded, dark, and raised surfaces. Do you imagine the stress you can endure when a catalytic converter is stolen? As the exhaust passes through this structure, it comes into contact with these metals which act as a catalyst for chemical reactions that break down pollutants in the gas. General, Car Insurance, Exhaust. When you see your vehicle exhibits any of these symptoms below, it would be good to have it checked by a professional mechanic to help fix the problem. Certified Automotive Diagnostic Technician. The only cars that are exempted from these gadgets are cars that run mainly on electricity. Unfortunately, catalytic converter thefts can occur even when taking serious precautions, especially if the car is a hybrid model. Consider painting your catalytic converter a unique color. How Much Platinum Is In A Catalytic Converter? These are plugin cars and they're gradually catching up. It should come as no surprise to anyone that Lexus vehicles are popular targets, too. Depending on the state in which you live, periodic vehicle safety inspections may be required. Thieves can take off the catalytic converter with a single tug, as the catalytic converters are lined with rare and essential minerals. Back in the day, catalytic converters werent that common, and most cars didnt have them. Most thieves know they will have a harder time selling one of these. The engine of the car will not be harmed in any way if you drive without a catalytic converter. However, driving without a catalytic converter may be prohibited in your state, and your vehicle is likely to fail an emissions test. A catalytic converter is an important component of a vehicles exhaust system since it helps to minimize pollutants. Being a valuable gadget, several theft cases of catalytic converters have been reported, especially cars with the most expensive catalytic converters. All cars built before 1974 are least likely to fall victim to converter thieves as they did not have converters. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If you want to prevent the theft of your catalytic converter, you need to be mindful of where you park your car. Electric vehicles also do not come with catalytic converters because they dont have an exhaust system since they dont use fuel. Fuel-powered cars can drive without a catalytic converter without a problem. As a result, there are no cars in regular use these days that dont have catalytic converters. To keep the environment cleaner, the 2. Always check for internal coolant leaks and excessive oil consumption. Cars that need to be plugged and recharged don't run on these converters. Catalytic converter theft is serious and should be reported to the authorities, but the only thing you can do is check if your insurance plan covers the replacement. Do Catalytic Converter Cleaners Actually Work? Bills have been introduced across the country, and several have already become law. Most cars today run with catalytic converters. OnePlus 6: How Different Will It Be From OnePlus 5? Cars with Converters in the Engine Compartment, Cars Most Likely to Have Catalytic Converters Stolen, Ways to Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft. Electric cars dont have catalytic converters as they do not emit gaseous substances. Thieves hope to make a big payday by melting down the precious metals found in the anti-pollution devices namely, platinum, palladium, and rhodium. Are Toyota and Nissan Owned By The Same Company? The Toyota Prius is the most heavily targeted vehicle for catalytic converter theft in the United States today.Lexus. In fuel-powered automobile vehicles, catalytic converters help turn harmful substances, such as carbon monoxide, nitric oxide, and nitrogen dioxide, into less harmful substances like carbon dioxide and water vapor. Many car models like Audi, BMW, Honda, and Volkswagen models fall into this category. There are also steel cages and steel cables that can be attached. What is the most stolen catalytic converter? Catalytic converter theft has become a rampant problem in the United States. Also, fuel cell cars dont need catalytic converters because they run on hydrogen, which burns clearly. To prevent a recurrence of emissions-related problems, the following steps should be taken prior to replacing a converter on a vehicle equipped with an OBDII system: Prior to installation of a new converter, retrieve all PCM (Powertrain Control Module) trouble codes and perform required repair procedures for any stored codes. Because the engines in hybrid cars dont run as hot as the engines in conventional cars since hybrids often are running on battery power they need more of those precious metals in their converters for them to cut emissions effectively. Electric cars don't need catalytic converters. So it's not advisable to move without the converter. All rights reserved. | ' : ''}}{{lede.tags.join(', ')}}, Determining the Right Replacement Catalytic Converter, Vehicle Emissions Control Information (VECI). Acura Catalytic Converter Scrap Price: How Much Can You Get? Quora, People Also Ask what cars do not have a catalytic converter. In the same way, theres no place to install a catalytic converter on an electric car, even if someone wanted to. Chevy was known for using a bead converter. The Chevrolet Equinox is a great choice for those looking for a stylish and versatile car. Those earlier numbers were derived from insurance claims, but the reality is that many car owners dont file a claim. We are a participant in theAmazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Newer models like Hondas 2015 Accord or Jazz have their catalytic converter inside the engine compartment, making it harder for them to be stolen by thieves. In fact, its a criminal offense. These days, its a requirement in most regions of the world for a fuel-powered car to be equipped with a catalytic converter. Do Electric Cars Have Catalytic Converters? A missing catalytic convert is better than a faulty catalytic converter. A bad converter might result in poorer engine performance. Without the converter, your vehicle will no longer be filtering and reducing harmful emissions, including hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide. This area includes Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. The key here is to ensure you dont become complacent with how much more the alarm goes off. A sensitive alarm might also help as it will go off when the catalytic thieves break off the car parts. For example, if you have comprehensive coverage, it covers catalytic theft and the cost of a new replacement catalyst. In a previous article, I wrote that Hybrid cars like Toyota Tacoma, Tundra and Prius, Ford F-250, and Honda CRV & Element are at risk of catalytic converter theft. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Anti-Human Trafficking | Warranty The metal filters emissions such as carbon monoxide and nitrous oxide into environmentally friendly gases. Also, fuel cell cars don't need catalytic converters because they run on hydrogen, which burns clearly. Some of the lineups cats can sell for more than $3,000. It became mandatory for vehicles to have a catalytic converter. As the size of the stolen catalytic converter market continues to grow, federal and state legislators and law enforcement groups are stepping up to battle thieves. Electric cars rely on electricity as a power source. They will soon be readily available for mass purchase in the nearest future. Because the engines in hybrid cars dont run as hot as the engines in conventional cars since Clearly, thieves arent picky about whom they target. 4. American brands such as Ford, Chevy, Jeep, Dodge, and Chrysler tend to have less valuable catalytic converters and are therefore less likely Other vehicles with the most valuable catalytic converters include Jaguar, Porsche, and high-class Land Rover. Much older cars did not have them in the 1960s and earlier. (Uh-Oh). In many cars, its easy to access the catalytic converter. These types of cars do have catalytic converters, which makes them slightly less harmful to the environment than cars without this type of exhaust. Having the right car insurance for your car is important when it comes to catalytic theft. 5 Symptoms That Your CAT Need An Unclog, Will your car work if the catalytic converter is stolen, Will you car still run with a bad catalytic converter, Will your car pass emissions with a hollow catalytic converter, vehicles targeted for catalytic converter, most commonly stolen catalytic converters. Overheating may be caused by excessive amounts of unburned fuel getting into the catalytic converter due to a misfiring spark plug or leaky exhaust valve. Other cars powered by hydrogen don't use catalytic converters. The catalytic converter is installed on a "one-for-one" basis (a new converter is installed for each OE converter being replaced). Machinery, engines, and farming have always been a passion of his since he was a young boy. Copyright 2023 AUTO WORLD NEWS All rights reserved. You might not think about the possibility of your catalytic converter being stolen when you first buy a car, but you probably should. A vehicle is a California Emissions Certified model if the Vehicle Emissions Control Information (VECI) label references: California, 50-State, CARB or ARB.