Having your vehicles catalytic converter etched (or marked) is a theft prevention method that makes it harder for a thief to resale the catalytic converter to legitimate scrap metal, or parts dealers.When a catalytic converter is etched with your vehicles identification number (known as its VIN number) and/or license plate number in a highly visible spot, it is believed to help deter thieves and reduce the chance of your catalytic converter being stolen.You can buy a commercial catalytic converter etching kit, or follow our DIY solution below which just involves a can of high-temperature paint and a cheap engraving tool. You still have options. Police in some communities have joined with local repair shops to sponsor etching events. The precious metals contained within the converters include rhodium, palladium, and platinum. Dealerships can help their customers and law enforcement by offering to paint catalytic converters with high-visibility paint and etch the last eight digits of the VIN into them. This will make it more difficult for thieves to sell your converter on the black market. CRC Guaranteed to Pass Emissions Test Formula, 8. These residues lead to blockage and lower the performance of your converter. Because of high gas prices and Californias stringent emission regulations, hybrid vehicles are in high demand. And we know that impeccable quality is your top priority. Oil and engine coolant can also clog a catalytic converter, making exhaust gas more difficult to dilute. Improves engine performance and fuel efficiency. To deter thieves from stealing the valuable auto part, this method of preventing theft is used. If we can locate a couple to see how well catalytic converter labels work and how deep the etching is we will update this post. 2. Closings. Platinum, for example, was recently trading at $900 per ounce, and palladium was at about $2,200 an ounce. In: Niles. Pour the cleaner into the gas tank. DIY Catalytic Converter Lock. Most cleaner bottles come with detailed directions printed on the pack. 2023 Endeavor Business Media, LLC. In business from 1942, the cleaner is trusted by professionals and vehicle owners alike. A brightly colored, temperature-resistant spray paint can serve as a deterrent to would-be thieves who avoid marked or painted catalytic converters and move on to their next target. Yes, a clogged catalytic converter can be cleaned if it is not too clogged with some additives. Easily above 1,200 degrees, and sometimes pushing 2,000 degrees. That is not all. However, if your catalytic converter is damaged or too clogged, it may actually not work for you. Currently the price of platinum is $1,603 per ounce, palladium is $773 per ounce, and rhodium is $1,200. Reviews, Exhaust, Maintenance. You can keep an eye out for people in your parking lot by installing motion-sensitive lights and cameras. Theoretically with the marking, auto parts stores and . An etched catalytic converter is believed to deter theft, but etching your vehicles VIN number and/or vehicles license plate number on your catalytic converter is not enough to guarantee your catalytic converter wont be stolen.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'antitheftguys_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_8',107,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-antitheftguys_com-medrectangle-4-0'); Many thieves, especially those who steal when it is dark out may not see the etching until after they have taken it. Copyright 2023 Mechanic Base. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, Washington had the highest rate of catalytic converter thefts in the country in 2021. 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Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Catalytic Converter Theft: 5 Ways to Prevent Theft | Allstate Precious metals in catalytic converters make them attractive to thieves, especially for hybrids, trucks, and SUVs: here's how to prevent catalytic converter theft. Proper preparation ensures that the paint will adhere properly and your etching will stick out. Its stainless steel body ensures durability and strength. How do you replace a catalytic converter? Passenger vehicle makes like Toyota, Lexus, and Honda models are highest on the list of vehicles most likely to be targeted, but any make and model of vehicle could be targeted.In this article, we are going to show you why you should etch your catalytic converter as well as show you how to etch your catalytic converter.When combined with high visible painting, and other theft prevention techniques, you can drastically reduce being a victim of catalytic converter theft. This makes it harder for the thieves to resale it, and more likely they or their buyers could get caught.Etching can also be sanded out by thieves to avoid detection. As a result, not only will the emissions reduce, but also the engines will run flawlessly. Instead of just painting converters or doing a simple VIN etching, the program gave 10,000 Coloradans free devices that are chemically etched into the converters. The converters are often resold illegally to repair shops and recycling locations. may see high temps, you are actually painting the heat shield "shell" that surrounds the internal Catalytic chamber. Some Pros and Cons of Eastern 70318 Catalytic Converter. Categories: Paint has been specifically designed for brake, drum, caliper and rotor custom detailing, Withstands temperatures up to 900 degrees when cured properly. Does your vehicle face issues such as power reduction, use of extra fuel for a short distance, and rough idle? The hope is for neon-colored paint to deter thieves from taking the converters, or at least make them easier to track down. If youre heading to the garage or have a closed garage, park in your driveway. In many cases, a legitimate metal reclaiming shop will notice this, but not always. Reduces soot build-up inside of catalytic converter, LESS REGENE CYCLES. Make certain that you have an anti-theft device. We also offer a wide variety of resources for painting enthusiasts of all levels, including a forum where you can ask questions and share your own paintings with other members of the community. They clean the entire exhaust system, including carburetors, oxygen sensors, valves, passageways, and more. Yes, most of the options are quite reasonably priced, within the range of $5-$15. The advice in this article and across our website can potentially save you thousands of dollars in replacement costs and hours of frustration. If your converter is stolen and reported, we can track it back to the owner and help solve the crime if the catalytic converter is recovered . by Wendi Kromash November 20th, 2021. What are you waiting for? Theft of catalytic converters is high and it is a problem for law enforcement agencies and insurance companies. Read more. Because platinum, palladium, and Rhodia are metals that are used in catalytic converters, they aid in the oxidation of pollutants. The whole idea is to make it more trouble than its worth to steal and resale catalytic converters. It felt like every day another vehicle was rolling in, in need of a catalytic converter replacement as the city of Moorhead, like many throughout the country, was hit hard by the rampant theft of the valuable auto part. Jan 31, 2022. Passenger vehicle makes like Toyota, Lexus, and Honda models are highest on the list of vehicles most likely to be targeted, but any make and model of vehicle could be targeted. Some shops have begun painting customers' catalytic converters to help stop theft. Thieves target catalytic converters because of the precious metals contained within the devices are worth more than gold ounce for ounce. Some Pros and Cons of AUTOSAVER88 2.5 Inlet/Outlet Universal Catalytic Converter. high-temperature paint to spray the catalytic converter. Walker Exhaust Ultra EPA 53461 Direct Fit Catalytic Converter, Rust-Oleum 248908 Automotive High Heat Spray Paint, 12 Ounce, Flat , Walker Exhaust Ultra EPA 16322 Direct Fit Catalytic Converter, Anti-Theft Catalytic Converter Protection by MILLERCAT, 304 Stainless Steel Shield , MagnaFlow Direct-Fit Catalytic Converter HM Grade Federal/EPA Compliant 23227 , TPFI Catalytic Converter Shield Guard, Fits Toyota Tundra Catalytic Converter , Walker Exhaust Ultra EPA 50482 Direct Fit Catalytic Converter, Walker Exhaust Ultra EPA 55537 Direct Fit Catalytic Converter, Flame proof coating extends life of high heat surfaces, Matte finish ceramic silicone base widely used on automotive exhaust, Best when used with primer color paint and clear coat process, Withstands temperatures up to 2000 degrees when cured properly, Withstands temperatures up to 500 degrees when cured properly, This item is not for sale in Catalina Island. Why do catalytic converter turn red? SUV, truck, etc. The value of all three metals has increased in recent years. You could also check with your local police department to see if they have a catalytic convert theft and catch program to see if they offer a free etching during special theft prevention weeks. Because they are valuable as scrap metal, thieves are drawn to them. To clean your catalytic converter, start by adding pure lacquer thinner to a half-full gas tank. In announcing the arrests, police shared a photo of a large amount of catalytic converters piled in the middle of a living room. Prius Catalytic Converter Shield Fits:2010-2015 Toyota Prius . Markings can also help a reputable scrap dealer recognize the device as being stolen. If you clearly mark your catalytic converter, it will be more difficult for the thieves to steal it. Your engine will work smoothly even after a prolonged storage period. There's also platinum and rhodium in the catalytic converter. AUTOSAVER88 Inlet/Outlet Universal Catalytic Converter. Includes zinc-coated rivet nuts to fight against galvanic corrosion and stainless steel tamper-proof screws. Alex Cheser explained that his Prius became more like a motorcycle after he took it for a spin. The goal: deter thieves from taking the converters and selling them. Just wanted to share the info to hopefully help reduce the theft. The Houston Police Department recommends spraying your whole catalytic converter, end to end, with bright, high-temperature paint. While purchasing, make sure to compare different options and choose the most efficient one in terms of performance and efficacy. According to the police, the cost of each converter ranges from $100 to $150. Believe it or not, some of these cleaners may not work for all types of engines. They are easily stolen and the thief can sell them on the black market for a large sum of money. It's "universal" because it hangs loosely via metal hose clamps to the exhaust under the car, so, theoretically, it should fit nearly . It is also made in a 2-way user system, i.e., you can use it with both sides as inlets and outlets. Paint your catalytic converter Some sources recommend using a high-temperature fluorescent orange paint, such as those sprayed on barbecue grills, on your catalytic converter and then. Utilizes the factory mounting points and adds in security hardware. It consists of strong detergent additives that are efficient in removing these deposits from the fuel system of vehicles. However, you must still be cautious about it as your sole purpose of choosing a cleaner is due to the cost. Helps for fewer regenerate burn cycles, EXHAUST SYSTEM LIFE INCREASED. If you own a Prius, you will definitely want to take steps to protect your car as not only are they the top passenger car being targeted, but replacement costs can be upwards of several thousand dollars and may or may not be covered by your auto insurance.While car thieves steal vehicles, catalytic converter thieves can profit often many times more because they can steal several over the course of a few hours. Brand: VHT Manufacturer: VHT Color: Chevy Orange Dimensions: Height: 7.874 Inches Width: 7.874 Inches Length: 1.9685 Inches Weight: 0.68 Pounds ` Features Get the BEST auto repair information Alldatadiy.com and Eautorepair.net are professional-grade shop manualsperiod. Eastern 70318 Best Catalytic Converters. It is possible that an overheated oxygen sensor will also fail. Improves the overall vehicle performance, including MPG, acceleration, airflow, etc. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. EPA OBDII COMPLIANT This catalytic converter is designed to meet or exceed Federal EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) OBDII emissions requirements. DURA LUBE Severe Catalytic and Exhaust Treatment Emissions Test Catalytic Cleaner, 7. The idea is that a thief who sees the etching moves on to an easier target. . Not legal for sale or use in CA & CO. Legal in NY & ME on EPA Federal Emission Equipped Vehicles only. Furthermore, using this cleaner will make your vehicle function flawlessly. With time, these carbon deposits build up on catalytic converters, motors, and engines, increasing your car emissions. Well-performing catalytic converters are not just essential but downright necessary to curb the emissions of your vehicle. To repair the vehicles, a nonprofit is now attempting to raise $20,000. It is critical to keep an eye out for suspicious activity and to ensure that the catalytic converter is securely stored if you own a catalytic converter-equipped vehicle. Like exhaust system components. The top five car make and models that have catalytic converter thefts, according to Muffler Tech, are: 03-07 Honda Accord 4-cylinder Generation 2 Prius 04-09 V-10 Gasoline Ford models Honda. In most cases, catalytic converters are taken by using a jack and an angle grinder. 1 Top Pick VHT Flameproof Coating Very High Heat Flat Orange Check Latest Price 2 Best Quality VHT SP123 Engine Enamel Chevy Orange Can - 11 oz. 2. Purchase some high-temperature (1300-2000 0F), automotive exhaust spray paint in a bright color, and spray a generous amount onto the converter. Now use the engraver tool to mark the VIN and plate number on your car. The latter is extremely rare and an ounce of it can fetch over $20,000. In this article, you get the 8 best catalytic converter cleaners. Can You Drive Without A Catalytic Converter? Once the system is dry, reinstall it and the oxygen sensor (s). Thieves have been busy lately, with reported stolen catalytic converters in the thousands all over the place. The cleaner will mix with the gas and run through the catalytic converter as you drive the car. Here are the common types of catalytic converter anti-theft devices that you might come across: 1. Catalytic converter theft is often a regional problem that is higher in some areas than others. As a result, it may perform poorly, and your vehicle will end up failing the emissions test. Its the Little Things That Will Set You Apart. ft. per pint, so you can protect your metal surfaces from further corrosion. Even if you own a car with modern engines, this will work perfectly well. What happens if you dont fix catalytic converter? Made from high quality aluminum and exquisiteworkmanship. The cleaner also disperses water into submicron-sized droplets and prevents phase separation. Did you know you could minimize the carbon footprint of your vehicle? Over time, the catalytic converter falls prey to dirt, oil, and other build-ups. When you use ethanol-blended fuels, your vehicle may release a large amount of toxic gases if not treated regularly. The epidemic is robbing owners of hard-earned money and precious time . The washcoat should be used for the dispersion of catalytic metals, as well as to prevent unwanted reactions between components of a complex catalytic system. What makes this one of the best catalytic converter cleaners is that it offers all these functions at minimum prices. The value of a stolen catalytic converter can range between $25 and $500. A ceramic honeycomb is found in a metal casing. Clogged Cat Situations, Catalytic converter thieves move across jurisdictional lines and in many cases are committing other crimes such as auto theft, he said. Then take the car for a drive to see if it improves. Your email address will not be published. Lowers soot forming particulate emissions, LESS SOOT BUILD-UP. Doing so will make it more difficult for crooks to access the catalytic converter on your tall vehicle. The cat uses a tiny amount of fuel from a normal engine to burn it. Walker EPA Certified Standard Universal Catalytic Converter. This makes it harder for the thieves to resale it, and more likely they or their buyers could get caught. So you need paint designed for really hot surfaces. In the event that the catalytic converter is stolen, it is possible that law enforcement will be able to track it to a specific vehicle, and if the catalytic converter is attempted to be sold, it is possible that law enforcement will be able to track it as well.
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