What Is A Catalytic Converter And Why Are People Stealing Them?
During the pandemic, catalytic converter theft has unfortunately been on the rise. What makes them a prime target for these ne'er-do-wells are the precious metals inside, as well as their easy-to-access location on a vehicle. Catalytic converters are a part of the exhaust system, and their job is to convert harmful gasses into more inert gasses. We'll explain this more below.
While Michigan does not enforce emissions testing like California and Texas do, the catalytic converter plays an important role in keeping West Michigan beautiful. If that doesn't convince you, driving without one is a noisy experience!
Catalytic converter replacement is usually an expensive repair because they contain precious metals like platinum, rhodium, or palladium. The good news is if you have comprehensive auto insurance, catalytic converter theft is usually covered, minus your deductible. If you turned on your vehicle and it sounds like a motorcycle, the Borgman Service Team is here to help.
How Do Catalytic Converters Work?
Catalytic converters are essentially a tube filled with a ceramic "honeycomb." Exhaust from the engine enters at one end, passes through these chambers, and exits at the other end to the muffler. This honeycomb lattice is designed to expose the exhaust gasses to as much surface area as possible. This is because the ceramic is coated with two different catalysts (these are the metals that make this part so valuable.) The first catalyst strips oxygen off of harmful nitrogen oxides, creating harmless nitrogen and oxygen gasses. The second catalyst adds oxygen to carbon monoxide creating carbon dioxide.
While catalytic converters are pretty good at their job, they don't remove everything and only work efficiently when they're hot. That's why it's important not to touch them after using your vehicle.
If They're Easy To Remove, Why Are Catalytic Converters Such An Expensive Repair?
It's mostly the part itself that drives the cost up. The metals we mentioned above are expensive even as raw materials, not to even mention the machinery and processes that go into making them into catalytic converters.
With theft on the rise and supply chain interruptions, basic supply and demand drives this cost up further as more and more people need replacements. The inflated cost then makes them an even juicer target for thieves.
The other reason this could be expensive is that thieves favor speed. Instead of carefully breaking welds or unbolting the part they're after, they often use electric saws to cut the part out. This leaves behind extensive damage to your exhaust system. Depending on how much was removed, you may need all new piping from the exhaust manifold down to the muffler, one or both oxygen sensors plus their wiring, and more.
If Michigan Doesn't Have Emissions Testing, Why Do I Need A Catalytic Converter?
Some states like California and Texas have mandatory emissions testing in an effort to reduce smog and pollution. Michigan does not have these requirements, however, every new vehicle sold here is compliant and that helps the whole country stay cleaner.
As climate change worsens, catalytic converters have both been deemed essential and controversial. Transforming dangerous gasses like nitrogen oxides into their harmless ingredients is a function they perform well, but in older models, small amounts of nitrogen dioxide gas (NO2) slip through. This is an even more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide. Catalytic converters also make a vehicle produce their carbon dioxide all at once, rather than letting carbon monoxide pick up its extra atom slowly in nature.
This being said, the gasses that catalytic converters remove are far worse for the environment and our air quality than the gasses they produce. They're an important part of every internal combustion engine and you should not use your vehicle without one. If that doesn't convince you, a missing catalytic converter makes your exhaust loud and all of those gasses seep into the cabin. This makes driving a noisy and smelly experience with serious health risks. If you're concerned about emissions, Borgman has a growing lineup of all-electric vehicles including the exciting Ford Mustang Mach-E! You can reserve yours here.
Do You Have Any Tips For Preventing Catalytic Converter Theft?
The unfortunate reality is that this is a crime of opportunity, and there are limited things you can do to prevent theft. SUV, Pickups, and Hybrids are especially vulnerable: trucks and SUVs because they're easy to crawl under and hybrids because of the higher concentrations of the valuable metals inside. Skilled thieves can remove a catalytic converter in mere minutes.
Parking in well-lit areas can be helpful, as suspicious activity around your vehicle will be more visible. Another tip we've seen is to spray your catalytic converter with day-glow high-temperature paint (like the kind for barbecues and engines) and then scratching your VIN into the paint. The theory is that it makes your catalytic converter traceable and therefore less desirable. Most scrap yards document their incoming high-value parts and who brought them, but an unscrupulous scrap dealer likely won't. If you have concerns about catalytic converter theft, please feel free to Contact Our Service Department and we'll give you the best help and support we can.
Noisy Exhaust? Trust The Experts at the Borgman Service Center
Whether it happened gradually or suddenly, driving a noisy car can be an embarrassing and even smelly experience. If you suspect something is wrong with your muffler, catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, or anything else with your vehicle, Schedule An Appointment with us and we'd be happy to help. Be sure to check out the latest Service Coupons before your visit. Come see why we're the Best in the West!
