Catalytic Convertor Theft "Out of Control" As Precious Metal Prices Hit Highs. How Can You Protect Yourself?
Catalytic convertor, an emission control device on the bottom of a car, theft is increasing as precious metals, including platinum, palladium and rhodium, set records. NYC TLC drivers should take note
AutoMarketplace NYC covers the for-hire transportation industry and automotive news. Check out AutoMarketplace on YouTube ▶️
As if there wasn’t already enough doom and gloom out there, we thought we would add some more! In all seriousness though, while we remain optimistic about the future, in the interim it’s important for NYC TLC drivers (and drivers in general) to do everything in their power to reduce expenses and protect their vehicles. One of those preventive measures could mean ensuring your car is protected against thieves. Specifically, the theft of catalytic converter(s) (see videos above) which are increasing as the price of precious metals contained in them, including platinum, palladium and rhodium, reach record highs. Given the recent events in Ukraine and Russia, which also happens to be one of the largest producers of platinum, palladium & rhodium, commodity prices have been extremely volatile. We’ve recently reported on increasing gas prices, but all sorts of different commodity prices are setting records these days.
Steps You Could Take To Help Decrease Probability Of Catalytic Convertor Theft
While we can’t guarantee the below will prevent your catalytic convertor(s) from being stolen, we think it’s useful to at least consider the suggestions.
Park your car in a way where it’s hard for a thief to get under it (especially relevant for SUV owners). An expensive strategy could be to pay for a monthly garage space, but that won’t be practical for most in NYC.
Park in a well-lighted area where a security camera has a view of the car, or a flood light hits your car if someone approaches it.
Look to install guard plates on the bottom of your car. We found a “CatClamp” on NAPA’s site for $194 and another protection shield on Amazon for $160.
Write or etch your VIN or other unique identifier onto your catalytic convertor(s) (uncommon strategy, but worth investigation).
In addition, a catalytic convertor is not cheap to replace. Including labor costs, the total price to replace a catalytic convertor will generally exceed $1,000, so it could put additional financial strain at a time where every penny counts!
Have you experienced catalytic convertor(s) theft? Do you know of anybody who’s gotten their car’s catalytic convertor(s) stolen? Let us know by commenting below or emailing us at info@automarketplace.com
AutoMarketplace NYC covers the for-hire transportation industry and automotive news. Check out AutoMarketplace on YouTube ▶️