Bruce Bekkerus of A-1 Automotive and Transmission Service shares. What do thieves do with catalytic converters? Theft of catalytic converters is high and it is a problem for law enforcement agencies and insurance companies. With time, these carbon deposits build up on catalytic converters, motors, and engines, increasing your car emissions. Over time, the catalytic converter falls prey to dirt, oil, and other build-ups. How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Catalytic Converter? Even if your converter is stolen, your vehicle will still function; however, if you plan on driving with it stolen, its not a good idea. The brazen attempt happened Oct. 4 . The DURA LUBE Severe Catalytic Cleaner also reduces the retention of zinc and phosphorus at the catalyst inlet. You can learn how to use these products in our other guide: How to clean a catalytic converter without removing it. To clean your catalytic converter, start by adding pure lacquer thinner to a half-full gas tank. In this article, you get the 8 best catalytic converter cleaners. The complete process of changing a converter is relatively expensive. The City said the results of a Catalytic Converter Crackdown involving spray-painting the car parts to deter theft have revealed hopeful news for car owners afraid of a costly bill associated with It is critical to keep an eye out for suspicious activity and to ensure that the catalytic converter is securely stored if you own a catalytic converter-equipped vehicle. Police in some communities have joined with local repair shops to sponsor etching events. A ceramic honeycomb is found in a metal casing. An external catalytic converter is composed of a heat-resistant substrate and a thin layer of metal particles covering an internal honeycomb structure. How to etch catalytic converter? STA-BIL 360 Protection Treatment also ensures that your fuel stays fresh and stabilized for up to 12 months. It will be held from noon until 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20, at Cassidy Tire & Service at 8733 N. Harlem Ave., near Dempster Street. Thieves steal converters in order to quickly profit from the sale of valuable metals. Currently the price of platinum is $1,603 per ounce, palladium is $773 per ounce, and rhodium is $1,200. Guardian Catalytic Converter Alarm Protected in Automotive Shielding Anti Theft Alarm Secures to Vehicle Detects 29 2 offers from $39.99 VHT Engine Metallic Burnt Copper Paint Can 11 oz 722 Amazon's Choice in Automotive High Temperature Paint 29 offers from $11.99 Important information Legal Disclaimer Aerosol kits must ship ground. DIY Catalytic Converter Lock. The latter is extremely rare and an ounce of it can fetch over $20,000. Another clever solution is to check out the ultra-destruct label system by Retainagroup. The National Insurance Crime Bureau reports that catalytic converter theft has increased by 115% in 2019 alone. The Houston Police Department recommends spraying your whole catalytic converter, end to end, with bright, high-temperature paint. Rust-Oleum 248908 Automotive High Heat Spray Paint, 12 Ounce, Flat Red, 12 Ounce Features : May have surface imperfections. If you own a Toyota Prius or a Honda Element, beware. It simply involves using an engraving tool that you can readily pick up at your local hardware store or on Amazon. Paint your catalytic converter Some sources recommend using a high-temperature fluorescent orange paint, such as those sprayed on barbecue grills, on your catalytic converter and then. These paints all work to create a ceramic coating that holds up to high temperatures. . Some Pros and Cons of Eastern 70318 Catalytic Converter. These compounds transform hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides the bad stuff into oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide in the process. I have a can of spray paint that withstands. What are common catalytic converter problems? "If they're going to try to sell that, they're going to have to scrap all of. The catalytic converters on electric cars are worth the most because they never get used and are therefore in the best shape 8 PersianExcurzion 1 yr. ago Fully Electric cars have no emissions that need converting, so they don't have a catalytic converter. It not only helps reduce emissions by cleaning up your fuel system but also stabilizes the fuel. One bottle of DURA LUBE cleaner will last up to 5000 miles, that is, 3 months. It's "universal" because it hangs loosely via metal hose clamps to the exhaust under the car, so, theoretically, it should fit nearly . In an overheated catalytic converter, excessive amounts of unburned gas may enter the exhaust due to a faulty spark plug. . Cataclean reduces the carbon footprint of your car by up to 50%, which is a considerable effect. One thing that you must remember while using OXICAT is that it will work only when the catalytic converter reaches its standard temperature. . Emission-reducing converters are made of rhodium, palladium and platinum, making them a valuable stolen good at hundreds of dollars per piece. Thus, it increases the overall efficiency of your vehicle engine and fuel. Catalytic converter cleaners are nothing less than magical solutions for your vehicles. 3. If your catalytic converter is looking a little worse for wear, you may be wondering if you can spray paint it. MasterGuard CatEtch / CatGuard catalytic converter labels Another clever solution is to check out the ultra-destruct label system by Retainagroup. The catalytic converter in a car is located in the exhaust pipe. The converters are often resold illegally to repair shops and recycling locations. If you own a Prius, you will definitely want to take steps to protect your car as not only are they the top passenger car being targeted, but replacement costs can be upwards of several thousand dollars and may or may not be covered by your auto insurance.While car thieves steal vehicles, catalytic converter thieves can profit often many times more because they can steal several over the course of a few hours. In 2019, roughly 3,300 converter thefts were reported across the country. Catlock. by Jessica | Oct 12, 2022 | Spray Painting. Greetings from Brian Ryan. Spray painting catalytic converter Thomas J. What are you waiting for? These deposits can reduce fuel efficiency, resulting in the requirement of more fuel for short distances. Chicago police hope to prevent catalytic converter thefts with spray paint. The STA-BIL 360 Protection saves your vehicles from ethanol-related damages. While a stolen catalytic converter can fetch a few hundred dollars . Catstrap. That number skyrocketed to 14,000 thefts in 2020. Though most cleaning solutions work efficiently, you must consider a few things while buying. When you start your car after it has been catalytically convertered, it will make a roaring or whining noise. On the contrary, if you have a vehicle with a modern, hybrid engine or a diesel-powered vehicle, you need to check the compatibility. It felt like every day another vehicle was rolling in, in need of a catalytic converter replacement as the city of Moorhead, like many throughout the country, was hit hard by the rampant theft of the valuable auto part. How To Find Catalytic Converter Scrap Value By Serial Number, How To Protect Your Car Against Catalytic Converter Theft, Car Wont Accelerate But RPMs Go Up: Causes & Fixes. Theft of catalytic converters and precious metals are a growing concern. I am Jessica Russell, a 15+ year painter and artist. How to protect Catalytic Converter by Painting and , People Also Ask how to paint your catalytic converter. 1 Maserati GranTurismo Folgore Embraces Silence 2 Someone Stole a Wienermobile's Catalytic Converter 3 2023 Ford Bronco DR Is Ready for Off-Road Racing 4 2023 Subaru Solterra under another. Cat converters get hot - really hot! The Magnaflow 99006HM is one of the best high-flow catalytic converters on the market. A ceramic honeycomb is found in a metal casing. Free In-Store or Curbside Pick Up SELECT STORE Home Delivery Standard Delivery Estimated Delivery Mar. If you want your car to run properly, you should install an anti-theft device because catalytic converters can be stolen in as little as 30 seconds. DURA LUBE Severe Catalytic and Exhaust Treatment Emissions Test Catalytic Cleaner, 7. Regular usage of this cleaner ensures maximum efficiency of your fuel system, Effective for all types of gasoline and diesel vehicles, Not an all-round cleaner for the fuel system, Safe for diesel, gasoline, and hybrid engines, Improves the all-round performance of vehicle engine, including catalytic converters, Not compatible with 2-stroke, oil, or gas mix engines, Cleans carburetor passageways by removing deposits, Stabilizes fuels by preventing evaporation, One cleaner does not provide overall treatment, Minimizes emissions and increases engine efficiency, May require a high quantity for the perfect results, Cleans catalytic converter, valves, injectors, and carburetors, Compatible with all types of small and big vehicle engines, Disperses water to prevent phase separation, Increases fuel efficiency and prevents deposit build-up, Saves catalytic from phosphorus and zinc retention, Reduces emissions to a considerable extent by removing build-up. Prius Catalytic Converter Shield Fits:2010-2015 Toyota Prius . Reviews, Exhaust, Maintenance. Therefore, if the cat is damaged, broken, or fully-clogged, the cleaner will not be useful. As a result, not only will the emissions reduce, but also the engines will run flawlessly. Another fantastic thing about Cataclean is that it is legal in over 50 states. Make certain that you have an anti-theft device. ft. per can, Durable, long lasting coating protects against grease, oil, gas, salt, rust, humidity and other solvents, Creates a smooth, flat protective finish to renew the look of your car or truck. Doing so will make it more difficult for crooks to access the catalytic converter on your tall vehicle. Some Pros and Cons of AUTOSAVER88 2.5 Inlet/Outlet Universal Catalytic Converter. Install an anti-theft device. I am an Automotive enthusiast and car repairing expert for over 12 years. Because they are valuable as scrap metal, thieves are drawn to them. Your statement is correct about hybrids though. Moreover, the mileage, fuel efficiency, and overall performance of your vehicle will also improve. You can park in well-lit areas near public entrances, move your cars spot on a regular basis, or use a garage if your garage is closed. The last 8 characters of the VIN include the model year of the car, along with its serial number. Prime targets include the Toyota Prius . Here're the eight best on the market. COVER 4X MORE AREA & GET A BIGGER BANG FOR YOUR BUCK! As a result, your vehicle fuel burns efficiently without emitting too much gas. In 2020, more than 44,014 Ford F-150s were stolen in the United States, making them the most stolen vehicle. Therefore, the wisest option would be to get a bottle of around 10-20 ounces for an average tank of 16 gallons. Save precious time and effort with the XIONLAB ultimate rust reformer. Once the system is dry, reinstall it and the oxygen sensor (s). By painting your home with bright paint, you can create a visible deterrent for thieves. Remember that although the inside of the Cat. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. If your vehicle is left unoperated for some time, its engines may get jammed due to the residue build-up. One of the cheapest ways to deter catalytic converter thieves lies with the humble spray can. Because the precious metals contained in these converter are safe, they can be recovered and sold if they are stolen. Yes, they do work well in most cases. OR you can go ahead and save your hard- earned money and skip on the top coating, since our industrial-strength rust remover and primer does not require a top coat! Do police departments encourage catalytic converter etching and marking programs. Why do catalytic converter turn red? One thing you must note here is that once you break the seal, its contents will not be efficient for long. Any dirt or grime will prevent the paint from adhering properly. Dealerships can help their customers and law enforcement by offering to paint catalytic converters with high-visibility paint and etch the last eight digits of the VIN into them. There is no surefire way to prevent catalytic converter theft, but there are a few things you can do to deter thieves. A standard vehicle can cost up to $1,800, but some luxury vehicles can cost up to $3,000 or more. Victory Auto is spray painting catalytic converters for FREE currently (5-5-2021) at all there locations in MN and WI. What makes this one of the best catalytic converter cleaners is that it offers all these functions at minimum prices. All rights reserved. It is often used by your police department should they find a vehicle that contains etching.While we have not personally used this product, it seems like an easy way to mark your catalytic converter and register it. Oil and engine coolant can also clog a catalytic converter, making exhaust gas more difficult to dilute. Be cautious of products that claim to use tamper-proof screws as many of them actually use common 6 lobe torx screws. Your engine will work smoothly even after a prolonged storage period. Please reach out with any questions before or after purchase. Registering it will possibly provide police with additional information should a thief steal your converter and happen to get caught.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'antitheftguys_com-leader-4','ezslot_11',131,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-antitheftguys_com-leader-4-0');If we can locate a couple to see how well catalytic converter labels work and how deep the etching is we will update this post. 01 Add TO CART MagnaFlow California CARB Compliant Manifold Catalytic Converter 5531284 One of the cheapest ways to deter catalytic converter thieves lies with the humble spray can. This will make it more difficult for thieves to sell your converter on the black market. Especially if you are already there having other services completed on your vehicle. Oil change company, IM3 Oil & Lube, painted catalytic converters and carved VIN numbers into the metal to help prevent theft. It uses additive technology to get your engine working with maximum efficiency, minimizing emissions and leading to overall better performance. PaintingFacts.com is the leading website for information about paintings. AUTOPROFI OXICAT Best Catalytic Converter Cleaner Overall, 2. The thefts have occurred in Hornet Commons, Parking Lot 10, and Folsom Hall, in addition to Hornet Commons. CLEANING YOUR TOOLS IS A BREEZE thanks to our water-based formula, your tools can be washed quickly without any soap or chemical products. Here's one way to deter catalytic converter thefts: Paint them pink With thefts rampant in the city, Chicago police are hosting an event next month that could save some car owners the money and hassle of replacing the oft-stolen parts. Plus, our UV and Hydrogen Sulfide resistant, professional-grade corrosion converter is safer for environment, non flammable, contains less than 1% VOCs, NO lead, and NO oily solvents nor resins. Thieves hope to make a big payday by melting down the precious metals found in the anti-pollution devices - namely, platinum, palladium, and rhodium. Paint Your Catalytic Converter. So you need paint designed for really hot surfaces. Protect my cat converter is to paint it a bright color. NOISE/VIBRATION/THERMAL TESTING: Multiple design upgrades were made to ensure 1) reduction in rattling/noise/vibrations and 2) proper airflow for optimal heat extraction using stamped louvers to damage your catalytic converter. Matrix Contamination Different kinds of situations can lead to contamination of the catalytic converter, where the elements inside are no longer able to effectively trap carbon emissions. In most cases, catalytic converters are taken by using a jack and an angle grinder. Etching Catalytic Converters: Does It Work? It may also be on the dashboard on the drivers side as you look down from outside the car. Thieves target catalytic converters because of the precious metals contained within the devices are worth more than gold ounce for ounce. Catalytic converter theft is challenging for law enforcement because of the lack of serial numbers or other identifying information on a catalytic converter which can positively identify the item as stolen.. According to the police, the cost of each converter ranges from $100 to $150. Bruce Bekkerus, owner of A-1 Automotive and Transmission Service in Moorhead, Minn. said this past winter was the worst. Does your vehicle face issues such as power reduction, use of extra fuel for a short distance, and rough idle? Cataclean 120007 Complete Engine and Exhaust System Cleaner, 4. Matrix Contamination Different kinds of situations can lead to contamination of the catalytic converter, where the elements inside are no longer able to effectively trap carbon emissions. Be sure to follow the specific instructions for your etcher.Instead of etching the entire VIN, we recommend etching the last 8 characters of the VIN, along with the plate number. Already lost 1 catalytic converter to theft, trying to not lose another. An engines catalytic converters are among the most important components. The rest of the VIN contains information about the make and model of the code, plus where it was built. A catalytic converter is a device that converts toxic exhaust gasses from an internal combustion engine into less-toxic pollutants. Antitheftguys.com is supported by our readers. It will also specify the amount of cleaning fluid that you will need. Paint your catalytic converter with a high temperature fluorescent paint and etch your vehicle's identification number on the painted surface. Our rusty metal primer is specifically designed to stop rust by converting EVEN DAMP rusted metal surfaces to phosphate without heavy scraping or sand blasting! Let's start with a product that's inexpensive and universal. If you are learning how to paint . STA-BIL works as a cleaner to remove carbon build-up, varnish, and gum from the catalytic converter, valves, and other parts. Step #2 Engrave your VIN into the catalytic converter housing. Still, some thieves may pass on an etched converter but it is always better to use multiple strategies for preventing theft.Etching is just one of them.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'antitheftguys_com-box-4','ezslot_9',104,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-antitheftguys_com-box-4-0'); Etching, or engraving a catalytic converter is something that you can easily do yourself. The fluid minimizes emissions to help your vehicles meet the latest environmental standards and pass the emission test. Catalytic converter theft has shot up more than 3,800% in Seattle and King County over the past year. When Kilgore first started it, he immediately realized something was wrong. Once the catalytic converter is clean and sanded, you can now paint it. Jack up your vehicle and find the catalytic converter, which looks like a large cylindrical piece on the main exhaust line. The deposit may also happen if you have not treated your engines for a long time, which results in carbon and soot accumulation.