What Are My Options for Protecting My Catalytic Converter?

There’s no shortage of news coverage out there when it comes to catalytic converter theft in Edmonton!

In 2022, the Edmonton Police Services and Edmonton Police Foundation implemented initiatives to prevent catalytic converter theft, offering $50,000 for a viable prevention solution from individuals, inventors, and entrepreneurs.

It’s a serious issue!

The best way to address catalytic converter theft in Edmonton is to make efforts to prevent it in the first place.

But before we get into options for protecting your catalytic converter, let’s talk about what a catalytic converter is and why people are stealing them:

What is a Catalytic Converter, and Why Do People Steal Them?

The catalytic converter is a part of your vehicle’s exhaust system that converts the harmful pollutants in engine exhaust into something less harmful to you, your passengers, and the environment.

Catalytic converters are about the size of a loaf of bread and are found along the exhaust system between the muffler and the engine.

To convert pollutants, the catalytic converter uses three precious metals to create the necessary chemical reaction: Platinum, palladium, and rhodium.

Since the early 2000s, the prices of these metals have skyrocketed! Platinum runs around $1,100 per ounce, and palladium at around $2,400 per ounce. Rhodium can be sold on the black market for around $20,000!

Understandably, these high costs have led to an increase in catalytic converter theft – especially in Edmonton.

The amount of precious metals can vary from vehicle to vehicle. For instance, the Ford F250 has more platinum than most vehicles, and a catalytic converter can sell for $3,000.

Install an Anti-Theft Device

One of the best ways that you can prevent catalytic converter theft in Edmonton is to install an anti-theft device on your vehicle.

This makes catalytic converters nearly impossible to steal!

A popular anti-theft device is made of galvanized steel with cold-rolled bars that fit directly over the catalytic converter.

Park Muffler offers a custom-made cage that is securely bolted to your vehicle to prevent theft.

We have seen first-hand how these devices work, finding only minor cuts on the catalytic converter during an attempted theft.

Paint Your Catalytic Converter

Use high-temperature fluorescent orange paint to inscribe your vehicle’s identification number (VIN) onto the surface of the catalytic converter.

This makes your catalytic converter traceable if stolen and may deter reputable scrap metal dealers from purchasing it from thieves.

It can also help police locate your stolen converter.

Alternatively, you can also have your VIN engraved on the converter if you are looking for a more permanent solution.

Be Careful Where You Park

Parking in a well-lit and public area is a smart way to prevent catalytic converter theft.

Thiis is not always possible, so you can always park your vehicle beside something that makes it difficult to access the catalytic converter, such as a heavy barrier or building.

Stealing a catalytic converter has to be done quickly, so anything you can do to make it more difficult will deter thieves.

If you have a garage you can park in, this is your best bet to protect your vehicle.

Set Up a Camera

A motion-sensor dash cam is a great way to notify you if a theft is in progress and can possibly catch the license plate of the getaway car.

Plus, having a dash cam set up in your vehicle may be enough to deter thieves from stealing your catalytic converter.

Install Motion Sensor Lights

Another theft deterrent is installing motion sensor lights that illuminate your driveway.

The sudden burst of light often deters thieves from approaching your vehicle.

Turn Up the Sensitivity of Your Car Alarm

While this is perhaps the most practical option, you can turn up the sensitivity of your car alarm so that it activates if your vehicle is jostled.

The only downfall of this option is that something as simple as a cat jumping onto the hood of your car can set off the alarm.

You can look for a car alarm that is activated when the vehicle is tilted since thieves often jack the car up to steal catalytic converters.

Catalytic Converter Theft Prevention – Come See the Professionals!

Park Muffler is your Edmonton catalytic converter specialist! 

We offer exceptional and comprehensive services regarding catalytic converter theft prevention and catalytic converter repair.

Whether you are concerned about losing your catalytic converter to thieves or you notice a decline in your vehicle’s performance, we are here to help!

If you are interested in our custom-made anti-theft device, we can offer you a free quote by taking a look at your vehicle.

Contact us today for more information.