The CatClamp was developed through a coordinated effort among engineers, metalworking professionals, and large fleet managers. Thieves are targeting catalytic converters in greater numbers than ever. Use of CatClamp products is recommended by United States Department of Justice, registered Secured by Design/Sold Secure Gold standard product in the UK. That means it was pretty easy to defeat, but they gave it a pass. Clearly, the need to remove and replace the alarm each time you park could become tedious depending on how often you park. Contact Your Insurance Company Depending on your coverage, your car insurance may cover your catalytic converter replacement. It's exclusive, award-winning, patented cable cage design surrounds the catalytic converter with aircraft-grade wire rope that is very difficult to cut, even with power tools. This process occurs through a chemical reaction with metals such as platinum, which in turn converts harmful gases such as carbon monoxide into less harmful gases such as carbon dioxide, as well as water and nitrogen. Platinum, palladium, and rhodium are commonly used within catalytic converters. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. But the extra security can come with a higher price tag due to increased engineering and manufacturing costs. The underbody strap or wire security system is a series of steel cables that enshroud a catalytic converter in a cocoon of stainless steel wires. With catalytic converter thefts becoming more prevalent in recent years, it leaves many drivers concerned they can fall victim to these crimes. Catalytic converter shields (often called cat shields) are a physical metal barrier that attaches to the underside of a vehicle, covering a catalytic converter. 304 stainless steel and aluminum is also resistant to oxidation for corrosion resistance which is important given a cat shield sits underneath a vehicle and is regularly exposed to road grime, rain, and snow. Model specific kits available for some vehicles. Consequently, you have the option to use it as a standalone alarm for cat converter theft or use it along with your existing car alarm for added security. It includes a remote control fob so that you can disable it. like when you need to go in for service, oil change. Depending on the type of vehicle you own, there are several anti-theft devices on the market. is a super straightforward process, and at each step, you can see exactly what coverage youre paying for. The stolen cats are then melted down to extract and sell the precious metals. Does car insurance cover catalytic converter theft? Please call us on +(650) 784-32-82 or book an instore consultation. Do you know how to reset the Bluetooth in a Mini Cooper? Illinois Source: NICB Tags: Auto Written by John Diether The information contained in this page is provided for general informational purposes only. As a result, the sensor will sound the alarm. Okay, if this device works it might just be groundbreaking because it's compatible with most small gas and diesel engines of any brand. Donut Media put some of these devices to the test! Thieves hope to make a big payday by melting down the precious metals found in the anti-pollution devices namely, platinum, The CatClamp MAXX claims to form a nearly unbreakable barrier around your cat converter with a 5/16-inch-thick stainless steel cable that fits around 1 3/4- to 3-inch exhaust pipes. Maybe you live in a shady part of town or an area thats experienced a spike in catalytic converter thefts. The next product they tried was the Cat Clamp, which consists of a metal clamp at each end of the catalytic thats strung together with a metal cable. While nobody wants to think that the catalytic converter can be stolen off their vehicle, the unfortunate reality of the matter is that it can happen to just about anybody (except electric vehicle drivers, theyre off the hook on this one). With CatSecur, you can now have peace of mind knowing that your car is safe and secure from theft. Always keep in mind that any car alarm is a deterrent. Products like the Cat Security catalytic shield place a metal plate over the converter to protect it. The thief is equipped with a steel cutting blade designed to cut thin wall metal like exhaust pipe tubing. While products like the Cat If you dont have that we wont accept them, said Richmond. Designed to deter the issue of catalytic converter from your car, An alarm to ensure maximum safety for your trailer when you are not around, Alarm against theft or theft of your bike or motorcycle. Thieves are more than aware of the antitheftboss.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Subscribe for news & resources about 2023 security innovations, Top 5 Car Alarms to Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft, Best Alarms for Catalytic Converter Theft Reviewed, #2) Compustar CS7900-AS All-in-One 2-Way Remote Start + Alarm Bundle, #3) Prestige APS997Z Two-Way LCD Confirming Remote Start & Alarm, #4) Wsdcam Wireless Anti-Theft Bicycle Motorcycle Alarm, #5) Directed Electronics 508D Install Essentials Dual Zone Motion Sensor. It verifies the threat and only then does it activate the alarm. When the guys at Donut Media tried it out, they noted that the alarm was mainly an annoyance, and it ended up stopping eventually. In addition, exhaust clamps are used to ensure a tight bond and provide additional attachment strength. Afterward, they came up with a scoring rubric to grade each anti-theft methods overall effectiveness. With a properly installed car alarm, anyone close to your car will hear the triggered alarm system. It might be time to invest in one., With catalytic converter thefts increasing, leaving your car completely unattended is risky. Some vehicles have more than one, and , Oil (if the engine burns oil)Tetraethyl lead (leaded petrol, some people still use leaded avgas in old cars due to the high octane and valve seat protection)Excessive unburned fuel (caused by a misfire or bad metering)Too high exhaust temperature (usually due to a lean running engine, meaning too little fuel for the amount of air coming in). Is catalytic converter theft on the rise? When complimented with the Catstrap, which lengthens what is normally a 45 second operation into an extremely time consuming effort, there is no possible way a human body can endure the siren long enough to complet.e the task of removing your catalytic converter. Check out this post! on and off when engine turns off and on by sensing voltage at your battery. The base package includes Vipers Stinger DoubleGuard Shock These can be difficult to fit to cars that are very large or very small. The car with 4 doors still has a lot to offer and more. In the event that someone does trip the shock sensor, youll instantly receive an alert to the remote when youre unable to hear the alarm. The Best These can be installed on vehicles and may or may not need specialized tools. By now youre probably wondering if your catalytic converter is at risk of being stolen. Now that youve examined the most commonly used security devices against catalytic converter theft, choosing which one is right for your vehicle comes down to the level of protection you need, and your budget. Alright, now if you want to skip over installing a complete alarm system and take the cheap route, the Wsdcam is worth a look. It includes a remote control fob so that you can disable it. like when you need to go in for service, oil change. While converter theft can happen to anyone, some vehicles are targeted more closely by thieves. Additionally, a good system will include a 2-way remote that sends you direct alerts anytime someone approaches your vehicle. If you're a Toyota Prius driver, you're in luck. Remains found in New Castle identified as man reported missing in 2013, 3 people dead after 2 separate shootings in McKeesport; scenes not connected, police say, Piloted by North Allegheny grad, SpaceX launches to International Space Station, Man facing charges after police chase on busy Ambridge road, Man found dead in courtyard after shooting in Arlington Heights, Alabama man fatally mauled by pack of dogs, coroner says. Here are the common types of catalytic converter anti-theft devices that you might come across: 1. WebCatalytic converter theft is on the rise in many parts of the country. If your catalytic converter has been stolen, youll likely be able to tell as soon as your start your vehicle. Target 11: Catalytic converter theft goes out of control in Pittsburgh. Just attach leads to the battery. Store vehicles in a garageSecure lots with fencing and good lightingPost Property Under Surveillance signageMonitor your property with security camerasInclude VIN or license plate numbers on your catalytic converterInstall security devices, such as cat straps or cat clamps It's your call, but if we had a Prius, we'd definitely give a shield a shot. With a high dB alarm and alerts, you give yourself a much greater chance of protecting your investment. The idea is that the strap will provide an extra layer of protection against a thiefs reciprocating saw since the loose cable inside the strap to cut. Only $32.99. And should you run the risk of catalytic converter theft, you can take some preventative measures to avoid the inconvenience and costly replacement. The blade can't grip the steel cables properly because they create a moving target. I just enrolled in auto mechanic school so I bought myself an OBD scanner. In Pittsburgh, just 16 converters were reported stolen in 2020. Prius owners can relax a bit more than the rest of us (they seem pretty chill and unperturbed already anyway), because it's relatively easy to bolt a metal shield under their car. The best catalytic converter security system for your vehicle Rust resistant Can be fitted with optional extras like tamper-proof screws for even greater security Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. However, its not cheap and costs around $200. If you are not 100% satisfied with our product you may return it for a full refund. Why Would Someone Steal My Cars Catalytic Converter? captured thieves stealing converters from a truck. Theft of catalytic converters continues to rise. A factory replacement catalytic converter can easily cost $1,500 or more to replace, and thats assuming the thieves didnt cause any other damage to the vehicle during the removal process. For one, it contains valuable metals. More than 270 converters were ripped off of car owners and their cars. WebThe best protection against theft is a catalytic converter shield. Rhodium, for example, sells for thousands of dollars per ounce. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, its estimated that catalytic converter theft rates have increased by 326% in 2020 and another 353% in 2021. They filter toxic fumes and gases using specific (and very expensive) precious metalsplatinum, rhodium, and palladium. With a 3000 ft range, you get over 1/2 mile of coverage, which is sufficient in most circumstances. .css-1aqli77{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:redDark;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:#fff;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;display:inline-block;background-color:#000000;font-family:Paralucent,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:0.75rem;line-height:1;letter-spacing:0.2rem;padding:0.625rem 0.9375rem;text-transform:uppercase;width:auto;}.css-1aqli77:hover{color:#fff;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;background-color:#cb1418;opacity:1;}.css-1aqli77:focus-visible{outline-color:body-cta-btn-link-focus;}Watching a Catalytic Converter in Action Is Absolutely Mesmerizing. Scrapyard owners then pass the converters along the chain to have the precious metals extracted. What is a 2007 GMC Envoys life expectancy? Thanks to Jerry, Im paying $900 less each year while keeping full coverage for my new car! Martin H. While getting on your hands and knees to check under your car is one way, save yourself the struggle. How does the catalytic converter alarm work? IMPORTANT For high-riding vehicles such as trucks, SUVs, vans, and motorhomes. Then, theres the 105 dB alarm thats guaranteed to act as more than just a mild deterrent. Open cage design allows heat to dissipate normally from the converter. With CatSecur, you can now have peace of mind knowing that your car is safe It verifies the threat and only then does it activate the alarm. Other highlights include the multi-tone alarm, automatic arming/locking, and remote panic in all modes. Naturally, looking into whether your insurance policy covers catalytic converters makes sense.. Steel Shields are Because no matter how many precautions you take, theres always the chance of theft occurring. More than 270 converters were ripped off of car owners and their cars. Catalytic converters on the underside of vehicles help reduce emissions. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. By the time you leave here today, youll be well on your way to beefing up your cars security. So with that in mind, its time to take a closer look at each of the alarm systems in the reviews below. The best course of action would be to put your vehicle in a garage, said Detective Pasquarelli. As we said above, unless you're a Prius owner most cat shields won't work for your vehicle. Other ways to tell if your catalytic converter has been stolen include: Increased exhaust fumes (or odd exhaust smell), Uneven acceleration due to lack of exhaust regulation, depending on the vehicle, but aside from the cost of replacing the actual converter itself, you also have to tack on labor costs and replacement of any parts that were damaged while the thief was trying to get your catalytic converter., The average cost to replace a catalytic converter ranges from about, Find insurance savings it's 100% free, Compare Free Quotes (& Save Hundreds per Year! California 2. They arrested the individuals in the van that were still sleeping in the van with sawzall blades and everything in the van, said Pasquarelli. Viper is one of the leaders in the car alarm space, and the Responder HD is one of Vipers , One of the biggest brand names in the world of catalytic converter anti-theft devices is CatClamp, which provides you with great features and high-quality security to your vehicles catalytic converter. CatClamp keeps the thieves away with its award-winning design & proven durability. Here is what they found. Making yours harder than the next one dramatically reduces your chances of being a victim. Surveillance cameras at Mongiovi and Son Plumbing in Kennedy Twp. Since your exhaust system gets hot while driving, youll want to remove this little alarm while driving. Can it happen here. What Can I Do to Keep My Catalytic Converter Secure? Now, Vehicle Security Innovators, an automotive parts manufacturer in Green Bay, says they have a solution. The best possible option! Install an antitheft device or metal protective cage around it. There are several different types of underbody alarms designed to protect against catalytic converter theft. From East Liberty to Seven springs to Hempfield Township, thieves are targeting catalytic converters, those small devices underneath your car that help control emissions. Best Alarms for Catalytic Converter Theft Reviewed. Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. The CatClamp is by far the best engineered and most versatile converter lock on the market offering multiple layers of security and features that the competition simply cannot offer. Lastly, this Prestige system does come backed by a limited lifetime warranty for added peace of mind. Catalytic converter theft has been rampant over the past couple of years. While not specifically designed to prevent catalytic converter theft, it can work as a strong deterrent. Simply put, it is not safe to drive with a bad catalytic converter. It is not safe for the environment as well as for the vehicle. When combustion occurs in the combustion chamber, the temperature reaches up to 2,500 degrees. The exhaust gases together with the heat are released into the manifold and then into the catalytic converter. When activated, it requires virtually no energy - no worries about draining your battery - even after months of no activity. Built from heavy-duty metal wire, the cage of your CatClamp is unbreakable by design. Insurance claims for a stolen catalytic converter in 2020 ranged from $500 to $3,000, to avoid false alarms (e.g., small animals and random debris). WebThree ways to protect against catalytic converter theft 1) Etch your license plate number onto your catalytic converter. If you do end up needing to replace your vehicles catalytic converter, there are aftermarket alternatives available for less than a factory replacement. The high dB alarm acts as a powerful deterrent to keep thieves away from your exhaust system. for theft because theyre low emissions, so their catalytic converters contain. Just attach leads to the battery. Does insurance cover stolen catalytic converters? In fact, Target 11 Investigator Rick Earle has made an alarming discovery: Things have gone from bad to worse. Our goal is to give you back your freedom and peace of mind to drive and park your vehicle anywhere you want. What's more, the Cateye only activates as long as it senses motion under your car, then automatically turns itself off 10 seconds after the movement is no long detected - no worries of an alarm going on all night. How amazing is our 304 Stainless Steel? If you have a car alarm, turn up its sensitivity so that it goes off if your car is jostled. And just last month, police in North Huntingdon Township using surveillance images tracked down three men from Chicago they suspect stole $200,000 worth of converters from auto dealerships in western Pennsylvania. The printed warning may indicate the fitment of a GPS tracker, engraved part, or other theft deterrent system. However, each vehicle application is different, so catalytic converter location within the exhaust system and quantity can vary. Included in the package is a dual-stage shock sensor with a nifty City Mode for city dwellers who want to protect against catalytic converter theft. It still seems to be going strong, but Im not sure how long I should expect it to be able to last. In 2020, there were only 16 converter thefts, and in 2021, that number jumped to 93, but last year, there were a whopping 272 thefts. $399.00 . While such a blade can cut through one cable at a time, the same blade is useless when faced with cutting through three parallel aircraft-grade. Designed to deter He's also a smog technician and was working that day on a Prius when he noticed the problems other anti-theft devices we're creating. If you own a raised truck, then your best bet is to go with a shock sensor and a motion sensor. he Physical Barrier, The Cateye works by using a specialized motion sensor that detects motion under your car. Or if you live in a condo or apartment and have. The cable is then routed through both split clamps and around or through a durable portion of the vehicle chassis wherever possible and back through both split clamps again. So why are thieves targeting these small metal devices? According to their testing, the Cat Clamp doubled the amount of time it would take a thief to steal the cat converter. Some of these precious metals are more valuable than gold, with catalytic converter resale values ranging from, for an aftermarket catalytic converter to, How to choose the best gasoline or fuel for your car. For high-risk vehicles such as the Prius and Element, a car alarm is a must-have car security feature. According to State Farm claims data, catalytic converter theft increased by almost 300% from 2020 to 2021. When installed together with a Viper system, youll also be able to receive alerts to your remote when the motion sensor detects motion. CAT-SCR-TUN-2 . Most insurance policies don't cover cat theftand because it's a model-specific, EPA-regulated emissions device, catalytic-converter replacement can cost thousands from your dealer. Geico anti theft device categories oklahoma 30 day temporary tag walter mauser cab parts. But owners of these vehicles dont have to hit the panic button yet. This required a number of 5 minute attack tests being carried out, using a variety of theft tools and methods. How to Protect Your Catalytic Converter from Theft, Watching a Catalytic Converter in Action Is Absolutely Mesmerizing, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. Channel 11 Investigation: Domestic extremists targeting your electricity. By combining these two devices, you give yourself ultimate protection against theft. Another issue with catalytic converter theft is the cost of replacement for the vehicle owner. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. Our high-tech vibration sensor ensures that your catalytic converter is protected at all times. Theft of catalytic converters continues to rise. Grab Some Swag Today.css-17kabay{display:block;height:0.625rem;margin-top:0.625rem;position:relative;width:1.25rem;}.css-17kabay:after{content:'';height:0.625rem;left:0;position:absolute;top:0;width:1.25rem;}.loaded .css-17kabay:after{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/autoweek/static/images/diamonds.322aecf.svg);}, Best Portable Jump Starters for 2023, Tested, Best Portable Tire Inflators of 2023, Tested, Essential Items for Your Car's Winter Survival Kit, How to Keep Your Driveway Snow- and Ice-Free, Walmart Drops Prices on Goodyear All-Season Tires, Top OBD-II Scanners to Give Your Car a Checkup, 20 Essentials for Your Next Winter Road Trip, These Portable Tire Inflators Will Lift Your Mood. I own a tacoma and mi friend does as well. Her first car was a Mazda 3 Sport GT. The stolen car parts can cost about $1,500 each to replace. Do I need an existing alarm system to protect my catalytic converter? Okay, if this device works it might just be As for the dual-zone tag, this allows you to customize the sensor to create two zones around your vehicle. This device is affordable, reliable, and virtually guaranteed to thwart would-be criminals. Just set the motion-based alarm with a fob whenever the vehicle is parked, and it shrieks if it gets jostled or moved. Otherwise, when a thief armed with a battery operated saw attempts to remove your catalytic converter, the Catstrap converts what is normally a 45-60 second theft into an extremely difficult-to-cut operation requiring multiple blades. Visit a Mechanic. Of course, a determined thief will just remove the guard to get to the cat, but remembercatalytic converter thieves exist because cats are easy and fast to steal. Its out of control, said Pittsburgh Police Detective Don Pasquarelli, whos been tracking and investigating catalytic converter thefts in Pittsburgh. To give you an idea, there was a point in 2021 when rhodium was worth a hair under $30,000 per In a recent video, they tested a few different catalytic converter anti-theft devices to see if they actually work. Since their widespread adoption in the 1970s, catalytic converters are emissions devices used on gasoline engines to convert toxic exhaust pollutants into less harmful emissions. But it could take a thief to double the time to steal your cars catalytic converter, which is a good thing. Steel shield catalytic converter anti-theft device . Some shields are made from aluminum, which is a lighter, buta lessdense material. When installed according to instructions, the thief must successfully cut through the strap not once, but twice, with 4 layers of dissimilar metals. The Cateye is an intelligent, SMART controller that senses human motion under your vehicle. , as many are located in plain sight.
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