What Is A Catalytic Converter & How Can I Protect Mine?
Protect Your Catalytic Converter from Theft in California
As an auto repair shop serving the greater Fresno, Ca area, we know how important it is to protect your car. One of the most expensive parts of a car to replace is the catalytic converter, which is why it has become a target for thieves here in California. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what a catalytic converter is and how you can protect yours from theft.
What Is A Catalytic Converter?
A catalytic converter is an exhaust component that reduces your vehicle’s harmful emissions while running. It works as a filter to reduce pollutants like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide that can damage air quality and human health. The catalytic converter also helps your engine run more efficiently, making it easier for your car to pass emissions tests.
Why Is Catalytic Converter Theft on the Rise in California?
Catalytic converters are made with precious metals like palladium, platinum, and rhodium—all incredibly valuable materials on the open market.
Thieves have been targeting cars in California because they know they can sell these materials for a high price without doing much work. To make matters worse, replacing a catalytic converter is not cheap; depending on the make and model of the car, it could cost anywhere from $1,000-$3,000 or more!
How Can I Protect My Catalytic Converter From Theft?
Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to help protect your catalytic converter from theft:
Park your car in well-lit areas when possible; thieves tend to avoid brightly lit places at night.
If possible, put up security cameras around where you park; this will deter potential thieves since they don’t want their faces caught on camera.
Install anti-theft devices like wheel locks or steering wheel locks; these make it harder for thieves to remove the part quickly and easily, so they’ll likely move on if they see one in place.
Have your vehicle regularly serviced at our Clovis auto repair shop; we can inspect the catalytic converter and check its condition so you can catch any problems before they become serious issues.
Protecting Your Catalytic Converter From Theft
At our Clovis auto repair shop, we want our customers to stay safe out on the roads of Fresno County and beyond –that’s why we hope these tips will help keep your car safe from catalytic converter theft!
Remember that parking in well-lit areas, putting up security cameras if possible, installing anti-theft devices like wheel locks or steering wheel locks, and having regular services done at our shop all go a long way towards protecting yourself from potentially expensive repairs down the line! If you have any questions about catalytic converters or other car services, please feel free to reach out! We’d love to hear from you!
Come to the capable team of ASE-Certified mechanics and master mechanics at Dick’s Automotive in Clovis, CA, today. Please contact us today and please schedule an appointment via our website. Also, visit us on our Facebook page and get involved in our community!
