Acura of Melbourne is concerned by the rapid increase in catalytic converter theft in Melbourne, Florida, and nearby locations.

Are you worried about catalytic converter theft?

You’re right to be worried. Theft of these anti-pollution devices is rising all over the US, including Melbourne, Florida, and much of southern Florida. State Farm reported an explosion in catalytic converter theft in 2021. From July 1st, 2020, to June 30th, 2021, the insurance company reported a 293% increase in thefts of catalytic converters. These claims cost the company about $12 million in payouts at the start and $21 million at the end of that period.

What Does a Catalytic Converter Do?

Read more: How to Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft

A catalytic converter uses a chamber as a catalyst to change harmful compounds of engine emissions into safe gases, such as steam. They are an emissions reduction tool that reduces emissions and improves the safety of your vehicle. However, catalytic converters are sought by thieves for the value of the metals used in them.

Catalytic converters are typically comprised of three precious metals:

• Rhodium
• Palladium
• Platinum

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What Can You Do to Avoid Catalytic Converter Theft?

Catalytic converter theft can be avoided in a few ways. These simple methods include either general theft prevention measures or alerts/alarms.

1. Install an Anti-theft Device

First, let’s go over the most direct and intentional method to protect your catalytic converter (and nothing else!).

Cable locking devices cost less than any new catalytic converter will cost you. They are simple steel shields that fit over your catalytic converter. They are opened with a cable-locking mechanism and serve as an excellent physical barrier to theft.

This measure is targeted and specific, which is appropriate given the variation in locations of catalytic converters.

2. Alarms and Cameras

The category of “car alarms” is surprisingly broad. Different alarms are designed to go off under one or more of the following circumstances:

• When Your Car Is Tilted
• When Your Car Is Simply Touched/Jostled
• When A Motion Detector Is Set-Off

In addition to these alarm-triggering methods, you can consider some of the suggestions under “Three: Reduce Your Likelihood of Being Targeted” for even more security.

A camera on your car similarly deters theft. One option is a dash cam with motion sensitivity, which can alert you via your mobile device. Once active, it could also catch an image of the thief or the vehicle.

Of course, a simple blanket security measure you can employ is motion-sensitive lights in your driveway or wherever you park your car. However, it takes far more bravery to continue stealing a catalytic converter with all lights shining on you.

3. Reduce Your Likelihood of Being Targeted

Lastly, you can reduce your chances of becoming the victim of an opportunistic theft with some simple diversionary measures.

One simple option is to paint your catalytic converter. This isn’t a one-off security measure. However, you can paint it fluorescent and place your vehicle identification number on its surface. It will make your Catalytic converter traceable and should reduce the likelihood of it making it into a reputable scrap dealer’s inventory. It works as a mild deterrent, essentially.

How Much Is a Catalytic Converter?

Catalytic Converter Replacements | Acura of Melbourne in Brevard County, Florida

A new catalytic converter will vary in cost depending on your car’s make and your mechanic’s labor charges. For new replacements, costs are generally in the low thousands.

Unfortunately, many are stolen for their high catalytic converter scrap price, ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars. As a reference, consider:

• For an Acura MDX, a new catalytic converter cost should range from $623 to $2,926.19, depending on the year, availability, and other factors.
• For an Acura RSX, a new catalytic converter cost should range from $1,379.46 to $2403.94, depending on the year, availability, and other factors.
• For an Acura TSX, a new catalytic converter cost should range from $366.01 to $2717.06, depending on the year, availability, and other factors.

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These are simply estimations. Your specific price for an Acura catalytic converter may be higher or lower than any figure listed here.