We all know that carbon monoxide and nitric oxide are harmful gases emitted from vehicle exhaust systems. Catalytic converters are an essential part of a car’s exhaust system. They convert all the harmful exhaust gases into less harmful gases and release them outside the exhaust. However, they are not safe from the eyes of thieves. This means your vehicle’s catalytic converter might get stolen.

But not all car catalytic converters attract thieves’ attention. Thus, your vehicle might be safe from thieves, too! Today, we will answer which cars are least likely to have their catalytic converters stolen.

However, to understand why some vehicles are least likely to have their catalytic converter stolen, we should better understand its components.

Let’s dive into the details without further delay to interpret this subject better.

Why The Thieves Are Attracted To Catalytic Converter?

We all can understand that platinum, rhodium, and palladium are some of the most valuable and expensive metals present on the earth today. Surely, they are the favorites of all the thieves around the globe!

A catalytic converter contains a catalyst. The catalyst reacts with harmful gases to turn them into less harmful gases. The catalyst remains unchanged at the end of the reaction, so people do not need to change it after using the catalytic converter.

Moreover, the catalyst might include platinum, rhodium, and palladium. These metals behave as catalysts, so manufacturers implement them inside the catalytic converter.

Further, these expensive metals can easily be accessed by thieves, as the converter is located on the backside of your vehicle near the exhaust. They hang lower than any other vehicle components, making them easily accessible.

The thieves can easily slide under the car to cut and take the precious metal.

However, not all vehicle catalytic converters are prone to thieves. Therefore, which cars are least likely to have catalytic converters stolen? Let’s see them below!

Cars Whose Catalytic Converters Are Least Likely To Catch The Attention Of Thieves

We can estimate the value of the catalytic converter by considering factors such as the vehicle’s make, year, and engine type.

The Year Built

If you have a car made before 1994, you are on the lucky side. Back then, catalytic converters didn’t exist, so vintage cars were safe from theft.

Diesel Combustion Engine

Diesel engines do not contain expensive precious metals inside the catalytic converter, making theft less prone.

Electric Powered Vehicles

Nowadays, every manufacturer is moving towards electric-engine vehicles. This is all thanks to the European law, which mandates that all vehicle companies stop selling internal combustion engine vehicles starting in 2030.

Electric cars do not need combustion to run. Therefore, there are no exhaust gases, so no catalytic converter is necessary.

This means that electric vehicles are also safe, like vintage cars. Below are some lists of electric cars.

• Tesla Model X
• Tesla Model Y
• Tesla Model S
• Mercedes EQS
• Mercedes EQE
• Porsche Tycan Turbo S
• Audi E-Tron GT

Least Risky Car Makers

Some manufacturers, except for electric and vintage cars, do not put precious metals inside their ICE cars today. Therefore, those vehicles’ catalytic converters are less likely to be stolen. The names of the manufacturers are given below.

• Subaru
• Dodge
• Jeep
• Hyundai
• Nissan
• Mazda

Further, cars that are very low to the ground are safe as thieves cannot easily access the converter.

These were some of which cars are least likely to have their catalytic converter stolen.

What Kind Of Vehicles Are Most Likely To Have Their Catalytic Converter Stolen?

Thieves blacklist selected vehicles to steal their catalytic converters. Let’s know which cars are most likely to have catalytic converters stolen.

Luxury Vehicles

Luxury car manufacturers fit expensive catalytic converters inside their vehicles. The Ferrari F40 catalytic converter costs a mind-blowing $3,770 each. This vehicle has two of them, so the price is around $8,000.

Lamborghinis and Bugattis also have some of the most expensive catalytic converters, costing around $3,000.

Hybrid Cars

Hybrid vehicles are made to reduce the maximum amount of emissions from the exhaust. Therefore, their catalytic converters need to be more precious. Some hybrid vehicles have very expensive converters, which surely attract the eyes of thieves.

SUV And Large Trucks

Larger trucks and SUVs are also targeted the most. Due to their heavy bodies and larger engines, SUVs and trucks need a more valuable catalytic converter. Moreover, a Dodge RAM truck catalytic converter costs around $2,000, nearly as much as the Ferrari’s.

Second, SUVs have higher ground clearance. This makes it easier for thieves to access the catalytic converter.

Now that you know which cars are least likely to have their catalytic converters stolen and which vehicles are most likely to have them stolen, you should know how to protect your vehicle’s catalytic converter.

How To Prevent Theft Of Catalytic Converter

Thieves are rising day by day. Therefore, it has become more important for vehicle owners to protect their catalytic converters. Moreover, you are out of luck if you do not have a garage to park your vehicle. You will know how to prevent catalytic converter theft.

You can consider installing a catalytic converter protection system. This system can be installed at the car mechanic’s shop. They will install a metal shield to cover the catalytic converter.

Never park your vehicle in an isolated place. Try to park your vehicle close to a wall. This will prevent thieves from easily accessing catalytic converters.

Laser itch the license plate on your Catalytic converter. This will make the converter more recognizable and trackable. Therefore, the thief will not be able to sell it again.

Most Frequently Asked Question

Below is the most frequently asked question about Which Cars Are Least Likely To Have Catalytic Converter Stolen

How To Understand Whether My Catalytic Converter Was Stolen?

You will notice a few symptoms if your catalytic converter is stolen. Those symptoms are listed below.

• The vehicle will make a louder exhaust sound. This is because the muffler is disconnected.
• Your vehicle will not accelerate as much as intended.
• You will feel an unpleasant smell from the exhaust.

Moreover, you can always check by looking underneath your vehicle. You will see a hole or space near the muffler. This indicates that your vehicle’s catalytic converter is stolen.

Conclusion

It’s no wonder the catalytic converter attracts thieves. Many manufacturers include precious metals, such as gold, platinum, and rhodium, inside their catalytic converters for better performance and less emission. Moreover, those precious metals are very expensive.

However, as listed above, some vehicles do not have an expensive catalytic converter. Some, like antique cars, do not even have a converter. Therefore, if you are lucky enough to have one, you do not need to worry about getting your converter stolen.

Now you know Which Cars Are Least Likely To Have Catalytic Converter Stolen. However, you should know how to protect your catalytic converter. This will ensure you are safe even if you have an expensive car.