THEFT PREVENTION
Keep your vehicle in a safe place. The Automobile Association recommends storing it in a garage whenever possible, and parking on a well-lit street or in an area with plenty of foot traffic.
Josh Max, writing for Autoblog, says you can also install a home surveillance system that will record anyone approaching your vehicle. Following the local news will let you know if a rash of catalytic converter thefts has been reported in your neighborhood.
Once a catalytic converter has been stolen, it can be difficult if not impossible to track down. One way to combat this issue is to have your license plate number or vehicle identification number etched onto the component's heat shield. The NICB says dealerships and other local businesses often offer this service, which serves as a deterrent to thieves and can help police track down missing components.
Some vehicle owners decide to attach their catalytic converter to the vehicle more securely. Moor says a mechanic might weld it to the vehicle frame or attach a protective enclosure, such as steel plates or a cage. However, Max says this step can lead to added expense if a mechanic needs to remove the catalytic converter at a later point.
Some aftermarket devices have been marketed to protect catalytic converters, including reinforced straps and alarm systems. Before investing in these devices, make sure they have been tested and that their effectiveness has been confirmed. The NICB says you should also make sure that any modifications intended to protect the catalytic converter will not void your warranty.
Moor says that if you find that your catalytic converter has been stolen, you should report the theft and take the vehicle in for repairs as soon as possible. While you can drive to the shop without the component, you should not forgo the repair and start driving regularly without part of your exhaust system. Doing so can increase the chance of engine damage, particularly if the thief damaged other components, and will also increase the amount of toxic emissions you are putting into the atmosphere.