There are a number of symptoms to look out for if you suspect that your catalytic converter is being stolen. These include the check engine light coming on, and a car making a roaring noise.
Check engine light comes on
The check engine light is not always a bad thing. It can help to alert you to problems with your vehicle that you may not notice otherwise. But it can also be a big problem if you don’t take care of it.
One of the most common problems affecting your vehicle is a stolen catalytic converter. This device is designed to reduce the amount of pollutants in your exhaust by converting dangerous gasses into harmless carbon dioxide. Having a broken catalytic converter can cause your vehicle to produce a lot of smoke and fumes.
A clogged catalytic converter can make your car impossible to drive. As a result, your car will make a lot of noise, which can be alarming. However, a stolen catalytic converter is not the only thing that can make your car noisy.
While you’re repairing your catalytic converter, you should also take the time to look into the other parts of the car. Some people are tempted to simply ignore the check engine light, but doing so could mean you’re ignoring serious problems with your vehicle.
In fact, a clogged catalytic converter can actually cause your vehicle to produce a lot of carbon monoxide, which can be dangerous to your health. Carbon monoxide is tasteless, but it can have serious consequences if it is present in high concentrations.
Luckily, there is a quick and easy fix for this dreaded problem. You can buy a replacement catalytic converter from a company like Meadows Automotive. If you don’t have the budget for this repair, your insurance company might cover it.
Catalytic converter theft is not a new phenomenon. A study conducted by State Farm found 10,577 cases nationwide. Among the most targeted cars were the Prius, the Accord and the Lexus SUV. Fortunately, you can avoid this hassle by doing the following:
For the best possible safety, lock up your vehicle and keep an eye out for suspicious markings on the outside. Keeping your car in a well-lit parking lot is another useful tip. Another way to deter catalytic converter thieves is to drive a well-lit vehicle.
Car starts making a roaring noise
Catalytic converters are a key part of a vehicle’s emission control system. They help reduce highly toxic gases by absorbing them, making them less harmful. In addition to reducing the emission of carbon monoxide, catalytic converters also promote redox reactions.
Catalytic converters aren’t the only car parts being targeted by thieves. As the economy continues to weaken, auto-related thievery has been increasing nationwide. This is largely due to budgetary and resource constraints. However, there are still ways to protect your valuables from thieves.
For starters, you should get a comprehensive insurance policy. Comprehensive coverage can save you a thousand dollars or more. Aside from this, you should make sure to park your car in a secure area. If you’re parked in an area with high ground clearance, you may want to consider using a lock on your garage door.
Luckily, catalytic converters aren’t as easy to steal as they used to be. That’s because there are devices on the market designed to make it harder for thieves to remove them. Even if your vehicle isn’t equipped with one of these devices, you can buy them separately.
Another way to defend your car is to check to see if it has a check engine light. If it does, you’ll need to replace the catalytic converter. Most auto insurance policies won’t cover this, but you might find that your insurer is willing to pay for it.
Another thing to watch out for is the volume of your vehicle. Having a converter missing can cause your vehicle to be noisier than it ought to be, which can make it difficult to drive in traffic. You might also experience a bumpy ride, uneven acceleration, and lower torque. It’s also possible to inhale dangerous carbon monoxide from a stolen converter.
The most obvious way to protect yourself from catalytic converter theft is to park your car in a well-lit parking lot. You should also keep an eye out for strange noises and smells. Some thieves will even try to jack up your vehicle to remove the catalytic converter.
The most important thing to remember is that a stolen catalytic converter will make your vehicle louder and less enjoyable to drive. To mitigate this problem, make sure to park in a well-lit area and use a scanner to check for any faulty codes.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur
A catalytic converter is a small cylindrical canister used to filter carbon monoxide from exhaust fumes. They are required on all vehicles sold in the U.S. since 1974.
The EPA emission standards have reduced the production of carbon monoxide by over 95%. However, modern vehicles still spew out harmful exhaust. If the catalytic converter is stolen, the exhaust fumes will be released into the cabin. This can cause a host of health issues, including nausea and shortness of breath.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can have life-changing effects. It can lead to memory loss and cognitive processing impairments. In addition, it can result in permanent lung damage.
Catalytic converters contain rare metals like platinum, rhodium, and palladium. These metals are necessary for the chemical process that converts fumes into less toxic substances.
If the catalytic converter is stolen, it can expose the driver to carbon monoxide. It can also compromise the exhaust system, which can make driving unsafe.
Carbon monoxide can enter a vehicle through a number of sources, including a hole in the floor, an open trunk, or an open door. Once in the vehicle, the fumes will reach the cabin, which will change the smell and the engine’s performance.
Carbon monoxide is poisonous and can lead to death. It’s important to know the symptoms of CO poisoning, so you can be aware of it and prevent it. People can be exposed to large amounts of CO in as little as five minutes.
People who are prone to CO poisoning include pregnant women, unborn children, and people who work in closed spaces. Other victims include truckers, campers, and people who sleep in trucks.
If you’re in an area with a high risk for car theft, be on the lookout for suspicious vehicles. Contact your police department and your car insurance company to find out what your rights are. You should be able to receive compensation for your losses if you can prove the theft was caused by your car’s missing catalytic converter.
When you suspect that your car has been stolen, you should immediately take your car to the nearest mechanic for an inspection. Often, insurance will cover the costs of the repair.
Having a stolen catalytic converter reduces low-end torque
Theft of a catalytic converter can be a serious problem. This is because the catalytic converter is an important part of the vehicle. It works to remove harmful emissions from the air and protect the environment. However, when it’s stolen, the car can become slower and more difficult to drive.
If you find out that your catalytic converter is missing, you should contact your insurance company right away. They can help you get compensation for the loss. You can also ask the police to investigate the theft.
There are several reasons for catalytic converter theft. One of the main reasons is money. Since a converter is an expensive part of your vehicle, it’s a big draw for thieves. They can take it from a scrap yard and sell it for thousands of dollars. Another reason is that the metals inside the converter are valuable. Platinum and rhodium can cost around $1,128 and $20,000 per ounce, respectively.
If you notice that your catalytic converter is missing, your engine control unit will alert you. Your check engine light will also turn on. To prevent the check engine light from coming on, you must replace your catalytic converter.
Some car owners install a catalytic converter lock. These devices are typically made of marine grade stainless steel. Once the lock is pushed in, the car can’t be driven without the catalytic converter.
Catalytic converters are easy to steal. Because they are located under the car, a thief may silently slide under your car and access the converter.
A stolen catalytic converter can also cause exhaust fumes to enter the passenger cabin. Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur. Inhaling these fumes can lead to confusion and headaches.
To prevent the theft of your catalytic converter, you should be careful where you park your car. Keep it in a well-lit area. Make sure your vehicle is tagged with a license plate. Also, use security systems. CCTV cameras and security lighting can also deter a thief.
Having a stolen catalytic converter can make your car slow and hard to drive. It can also affect your emissions and cause your NC inspection to fail.