how to tell if prius catalytic converter is stolen

Learn. So, how much is a Prius catalytic converter worth? The vehicle is creating a cloud of bluish, smoky exhaust. Toyota Model: Prius. They will check local security cameras and work to Its internal elements react with the gases, breaking them down into less harmful substances and water vapour. Thats fine, but as Sandman points out, then the alarm blares when your cat jumps on the car in the middle of the night. The catalytic converter thieves primarily target Prius cars manufactured from 2004 to 2009. Mechanics and law enforcement agencies offer these tips to avoid a wrenching experience and costly repair. The crash, which occurred at the intersection of Concord and Fremont avenues, occurred after the suspect drove off the road. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money. The most common car that has its catalytic converter stolen is the Toyota Prius Hybrid. It takes about 2 to 3 minutes and makes as much noise as any other power tool. Catalytic converters are a valuable component of a vehicle's exhaust system, and unfortunately, they are also a common target for thieves. They stole from SFPD squad cars. Unfortunately, stealing a catalytic converter is very easy to do. You must follow the following steps after a Prius catalytic converter theft. A steel shield that fits over the catalytic converter, requiring time and extra tools to remove. Catalytic converter theft continues to rise nationwide. Before joining NerdWallet, Julie oversaw editorial teams at NextAdvisor, Red Ventures and Quote.com. How much does a Cat Shield cost for the 2023 Toyota Prius? Hybrids have lower emissions than purely gasoline-powered cars. You must follow the following steps after a Prius catalytic converter theft., Read why driving without replacing one or a bad catalytic converter isnt good for your car!. As of this writing, it goes for a jaw-dropping $14,800 per ounce. The Most Valuable Catalytic Converter Prize goes to the Ferrari F430, coming in at a whopping $3,770 each. Its part of your cars exhaust system. At the time of this writing, Palladium is around $2000 per ounce and Rhodium is at almost $12,000 per ounce. An engine warning light shows up on your dashboard. Or even more than the weed Snoop Dog likes. You have a vehicle thats a high-value target for thieves. If you come out in the morning and start your car, youll know by the loud exhaust noise that your catalytic converter was stolen. The catalytic converter on your Prius is underneath your car and runs down the center of your car, starting around your front wheels and ending about midway through the length of the car. Cat Shields are designed and manufacutured in house. The vehicle is sluggish or sputters if you try to drive it. Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. The Gen 2 plate is available in both Aluminum or Stainless Steel with the option for the high security screw kit. Thanks! Unfortunately we got a report about this happening in February and again in September. These days, its trading above $2,000 per ounce. If you find your catalytic converter is missing, you should immediately contact the authorities. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Even though lights could not offer total security, they might make some thieves hesitate and decide to leave the area and your car alone. Find out if your cars catalytic converter is targeted. If you put a some kind of cover on it, that heat has nowhere to go. If you develop symptoms like shortness of breath, dizziness, or nausea, get into fresh air and. This process cleans up the exhaust and allows us to have cleaner air. In any case, if you have a question, theres a real live person on the on the other side. Protect your ride with Cat Security, now available at CarParts.com! As of Friday, its valued at $1,018 per ounce. When sold as scrap, Toyota catalytic converters can get between $75 and $700. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. On Jan. 6, Carmel Valley resident Lori Maloney had her Prius catalytic converter stolen for the second time in 11 months. This model is an easy install, with no drilling involved. Get in touch with the police and file a report., Contact your insurance provider; depending on your coverage, it may pay all or part of the cost to, Read why driving without replacing one or a, cars targeted for catalytic converter theft, Why is your Prius a prime target for catalytic converter theft?, What year of Prius is targeted for catalytic converter theft?, How do you prevent the theft of a catalytic converter in a Prius?, Is my Prius at risk for catalytic converter theft?, How much is a Prius catalytic converter worth?, Can a Prius run without a catalytic converter?, How much is a Toyota Prius catalytic converter worth in scrap?, Does insurance cover if someone steals your Prius catalytic converter?, What should I do after having a catalytic converter stolen?, Your Complete Guide to Wyoming License Plate Rules, Chicago Catalytic Converters Laws: What you should know. By installing a visual anti-theft device, a would-be thief may move on to an easier target. A California bill that would have required car dealers to etch converters with a vehicles unique vehicle identification number (VIN) did not pass. How can you prevent a Toyota Prius catalytic converter theft? Thieves usually slide underneath a car with a battery-powered reciprocating saw and cut it right out of the exhaust line. Location: London. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 66,824 times. Chris Gutierrez told ABC7 he lives just a few blocks away. It contains rare metals responsible for converting smog-causing pollutants that pass through a vehicles exhaust system into less harmful compounds. A search has been launched for two men following the theft of a catalytic converter. Extra bonus: At the time of writing MillerCat is offering free shipping in the continental US and most orders ship same or next day! Some dash cams use motion sensors and will record anyone close enough to your car to get to the catalytic converter. Download the Way app for all your travel and car related needs. If youre unsure about working on your car, MillerCat has an installer network, and some are even Toyota Dealers. Depending the year of your Prius, it can cost $500 if done with an aftermarket catalytic converter at an independent garage. All catalytic converters contain tiny amounts of some rare minerals: platinum, palladium and rhodium. One theory is that because the gas engine doesnt work as much, the precious metals dont wear out as much (I dont buy this one). Gearist specializes in real use, unbiased product and gear reviews for endurance sports and outdoor adventures. I feel like either a Toyota dealership or a car parts shop (OReilley, AutoZone, RockAuto, etc) would be the way to go. Its one of the most effective ways to deter catalytic converter theft. He adds that its a crime of opportunity, and car owners can take steps to encourage thieves to move on to easier prey. Reduced acceleration and sluggish engine performance are one of the signs that your catalytic converter might have been stolen. Install the new exhaust sensors into the catalytic converter and fit it to the vehicle. Driving your 2010+ Prius with those lines cut may do serious damage to your engine. What year Toyota Prius is vulnerable to catalytic converter theft? Ive heard about it, but until my catalytic converter got stolen I never thought Id worry about it. Whichever generation of Prius you drive, call a tow truck if you cant identify your model year or the amount of damage done. ), First post here in 10 years because my catalytic converter was stolen :-(, Anyway to tell how much nd11 oil left after Pulling condenser off all refrigerant blowed small line. If youre parking a fleet truck at a business overnight, think about locking in a protected area that is well-lit, locked, and alarm-equipped. Where is the Catalytic Converter on my Prius? ALHAMBRA, Calif. (KABC) -- Three people were hospitalized after a single-vehicle rollover crash Thursday morning at an Alhambra intersection that involved a driver who had been fleeing from South Pasadena police due to a suspected catalytic converter theft attempt, authorities said. Signs of catalytic converter theft include a roaring engine, smokier and smellier exhaust, poor engine performance, and an engine warning light. 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. There are steel cages becoming available to protect the cat if desired. Never fill out a loan application at a dealership before youve picked a Self-Driving Cars Quick Facts Cages made of high-strength steel that's difficult to cut. These thefts can result in costly repairs for car owners, and the problem is only getting worse. Given that thieves can steal them in less Material de tima qualidade! If you drive a Toyota Tacoma, Prius, Honda Element or Nissan NV200 you're especially at risk for catalytic converter theft. with the option for the MillerCAT high security hardware. Thieves can fetch as much as $700 per converter from unscrupulous buyers. Because these metals have a high recycle value, catalytic converter theft As with most crimes, the key to staying safe is to make the crime a bit harder, so thieves move on to an easier target. , An increase in the price of precious metals has made Toyota Prius vehicles more than ten years old a target for catalytic converter thieves. Not sure that a do it yourself install is for you? If you need to drive for a short time, it may be ok to drive without a catalytic converter. A cat clamp attaches to the catalytic converter and secures it to the undercarriage of your vehicle. Why is there no VIN number on them? A search has been launched for two men following the theft of a catalytic converter. At the same time, a stolen standard catalytic converter gets around $300., Due to decreased mining output in recent years, a trend worsened by the pandemic, metal prices have skyrocketed. The bottom line: A Prius catalytic converter can be stolen in less than a minute and its more valuable than most other vehicles. Thieves can steal this antipollution device in minutes, sell it to scrap metal dealers and receive hundreds of dollars for the precious metals it contains. But it pays to take extra precautions if you have a high-value target vehicle. Required fields are marked *. Toyota Year: 2008. Toyota Prius Catalytic Converter Anti Theft Protection, this earlier article that covers all the bases and the devices on the the market today. Lead Writer | Personal finance, car buying, loans. If you have only liability or collision coverage on your car, your insurance will not cover catalytic converter theft. Its not good for your car over the long term and bad for the environment. Sean Tucker is an author specializing in covering the automotive and energy industries from a consumer's viewpoint. Some muffler shops will custom-weld such a device to your car. Colby Sandman, owner of Muffler Tech in Sacramento, California, says replacing the converter on a Honda Accord or Toyota Prius can be up to $3,500. In addition, the most modern catalytic converters need more pricey metals due to the recently tightened pollution rules. No matter the cause, dont ignore that check engine light! This will make a difference in a year from now when we have this database set up, Marty said. You will notice the following 3 symptoms: A loud rumbling or roaring sound will emanate from the engine, which will increase in volume as you press the gas pedal. This was the big highlight for me. What Cars are Targeted for Catalytic Converter Theft? Your Prius actually has two catalytic converters, joined by a small run of pipe. If you carry liability coverage only, you're not covered for theft. SWIM, BIKE, RUN Focused on you, the athlete we bring you informative articles and gear reviews about cycling, running, trail running, triathlons and other endurance sports. Julie Myhre-Nunes is an assistant assigning editor at NerdWallet. The exhaust pipes are easy to cut with a battery recip saw. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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