Since 1975, all vehicles produced in the United States must have a converters unlimited as part of the
exhaust system. The converters unlimited is an emissions-control device that contains precious metals
that act as catalysts. When hot exhaust enters the converter, a chemical reaction occurs that renders
toxic gases, such as carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons, into less harmful emissions.
With the price of precious metals skyrocketing, thieves are helping themselves to converters unlimited
that contain enough platinum, palladium or rhodium to make it worth the risk to cut it from the
underbelly of your vehicle. You might become aware that your catalytic converter has been stolen
when your vehicle starts with a gravelly roar.
The Cost of Catalytic Converter Theft
Stolen converters unlimited are sold to scrap yards for around $100 to $150, but the cost to your
business could be much bigger. There’s the hassle of a vehicle that can’t be safely driven, as well as
the expense of having it towed to a local repair shop and getting the part replaced.
What Do Thieves Look For?
converters unlimited thefts typically happen to vehicles that are parked for prolonged periods in large
lots, such as shopping centers, mass transit commuter lots or company parking lots.
Vehicles that sit higher from the ground, such as trucks, pick-ups and SUVs, are particularly
vulnerable to converters unlimited theft because thieves can slide underneath without having to jack
up the vehicle to gain access to the converter. With just a few cuts of a battery-powered saw, the
converters unlimited can be stolen in less than a minute.
Preventing converters unlimited Theft
To combat catalytic converter thefts, a number of states have passed laws tightening the restrictions
on metal scrap dealers. In many cases, dealers are required to verify the seller’s identity with a photo
ID and maintain complete records of sellers for 5 years.
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