NEWS- According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), catalytic converter thefts have seen a significant increase across the country since March of 2020, the start of the global pandemic. There were 108 catalytic converter thefts per month on average in 2018, 282 average monthly thefts in 2019, and 1,203 average thefts per month in 2020.In 2021, there was a continual climb in thefts.
NEW REPORT- According to the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), the second-generation Toyota Prius is 40 times more likely to be subject to theft claims than the average vehicle. The theft isn't necessarily the entire vehicle, but one part of it, the catalytic converter. Catalytic converter theft is on the rise,specially older prius catalytic converter.
Today we take a look at prius catalytic converter theft as well as some tips to anti theft catalytic converter prius and keep your car safe.
How Do Catalytic Converter Work?
Before we understand why the thefts are happening, we need to know how catalytic converters work. The converter creates a chemical reaction that alters hazardous chemicals like nitrogen dioxide, nitric oxide, and carbon monoxide into something less harmful like carbon dioxide and water vapor. A specially-coated honeycomb structure on the inside of the catalytic converter is what causes the chemical reactions to occur. The coating uses precious metals like rhodium, platinum, and palladium. Without these precious metals, these chemical reactions cannot occur.
Why Do Thieves Target 2004-2009 Prius Catalytic Converter?
Prius catalytic converter theft model years are 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009,three main reasons are as follows:
-Toyota Prius carry more hefty amounts of precious metals than many other models.
Hybrids need catalytic converters with a higher concentration of precious metals than those found on gasoline-only cars.Toyota Prius in particular, it must be as environmentally friendly as possible. So the Prius comes with the best catalytic converters installed,which carry a higher concentration of precious metals than many other models.According to The HLDI, that the converter from a 2007 Prius is selling for about $1,022 today, compared to $143 for the converter used a Ford F-150 from the same year.So the toyota catalytic converters have become more and more attractive to thieves.
-Prius converters tend to be less worn than those of traditional automobiles.
Hybrid cars are mainly targeted for their converters because they corrode much less. The better that precious metal coating is preserved, the more thieves can make through illegal trading.
-Prius Catalytic Converters are most commonly found underneath the vehicle,are easy to be stolen
Prius catalytic converter is located on the underside of your car, in the exhaust system between the exhaust manifold and muffler.Thieves can cut the entire unit out from underneath the Prius in a matter of minutes. All that's required is a power saw.
How Do You Prevent The Catalytic Converter Theft In The Prius?
If you own a older Toyota Prius, and you're worried someone might steal the catalytic converter fitted to your car, here are relevant information and some suggestions to help prius catalytic converter theft prevention and potentially save you thousands of dollars.
-Park in a garage or in a secured parking area
-Install a bright,motion sensor light to dissuade petential thieves
-Park fleet vehicles in secured,alarmed,and well-lit yards
-Always lock vehicle and set alarm
-Install an anti-theft device
If you become the victim of a catalytic converter theft,call local law enforcement and contact your insurer to report the theft and determine the best course of action.If the deductible is too high and you waive a claim,buy catalytic converter replacement online is a good choice.Our cat converter prices are affordable,they consist of stainless steel,corrosion resistant and EPA approved. Order Now 2004 05 06 07 08 2009 Toyota Prius Catalytic Converter EPA 1.5L or More Catalytic Converters.
