what is the best catalytic converter anti theft device
Catalytic converter theft is no joke, just ask these people. It's "universal" because it hangs loosely via metal hose clamps to the exhaust under the car, so, theoretically, it should fit nearly any car or truck. Police put out an alert for that van with Kentucky plates, and the men were busted in State college. I have a Mini Cooper as a rental car for the next week, and theres a whole bunch of stuff in the Bluetooth menu from previous users. Plus, there are more Prius owners. We may earn money from the links on this page. The first product they tried was the Fast Guard Catalytic Converter alarm, which was easy to install. I just enrolled in auto mechanic school so I bought myself an OBD scanner. While such a blade can cut through one cable at a time, the same blade is useless when faced with cutting through three parallel aircraft-gradesteel cables sliding back-and-forth on a layer of custom-hardened strip steel. These covers are easy to install too, with no welding required. With CatSecur, you can now have peace of mind knowing that your car is safe and secure from theft. If those are too pricey, Detective Pasquarelli offered some other tips. Catalytic converters on the underside of vehicles help reduce emissions. Viper is one of the leaders in the car alarm space, and the Responder HD is one of Vipers , One of the biggest brand names in the world of catalytic converter anti-theft devices is CatClamp, which provides you with great features and high-quality security to your vehicles catalytic converter. We can, however, make it a lot harder. Block watches, communicate with your neighbors, cameras specifically on your vehicle on your vehicle if you can. Earle: Were you surprised by the numbers? However, for owners of trucks and SUVs, the addition of a motion sensor is advisable to prevent catalytic converter theft. With this unit, you have the flexibility to beef up your car security to the highest level while enjoying the perks of remote start and other options. Aside from comprehensive insurance coverage and setting your alarm to its most sensitive setting, is there anything we vehicle owners can do to make sure we're not stuck with expensive repairs? Members save $872/year. Features a heat-activated adhesive strip (black-side) that creates a tight bond to the exhaust system to prevent removal. Most insurance policies don't cover cat theftand because it's a model-specific, EPA-regulated emissions device, catalytic-converter replacement can cost thousands from your dealer. The next product they tried was the Cat Clamp, which consists of a metal clamp at each end of the catalytic thats strung together with a metal cable. These alarms are awesome! Andrea is an insurance writer with 4+ years of writing and editing experience. So with that in mind, its time to take a closer look at each of the alarm systems in the reviews below. Then, theres the 105 dB alarm thats guaranteed to act as more than just a mild deterrent. WebCatalytic converter theft is on the rise in many parts of the country. By combining these two devices, you give yourself ultimate protection against theft. Types of vehicles that may run a higher risk of catalytic converter theft, How to prevent your catalytic converter from being stolen. Because no matter how many precautions you take, theres always the chance of theft occurring. Steel shield catalytic converter anti-theft device . The cable is then routed through both split clamps and around or through a durable portion of the vehicle chassis wherever possible and back through both split clamps again. For one, it contains valuable metals. Certain car owners must now consider investing in the best car alarm for catalytic converter theft to protect their investments. Texas 3. More than 270 converters were ripped off of car owners and their cars. There are many anti-theft devices for catalytic converters on the market. Once dulled, the blade becomes useless, requiring multiple blades and large amounts of time. How to tell if catalytic converter is stolen? There are a couple of reasons why people steal catalytic converters. Examples include placing cats in less accessible locations, like the engine compartment, or integrating them into other engine components such as manifolds. WebThree ways to protect against catalytic converter theft 1) Etch your license plate number onto your catalytic converter. REAL CUSTOMER SERVICEFeel free to call, email or text us for any help! They are very sensitive and will go off when the exhaust area gets disturbed, and it gives us tremendous peace of mind now. Its not foolproof, but any improvement helps. WebEffective and affordable catalytic converter alarm. Although they can vary in size and shape, most are about the size of a loaf of bread and are, located in the exhaust system between the engine and the muffler, Because catalytic converters require heat to operate, they must be as close to the engine as possible., Catalytic converters are an important part of any gas, diesel, and hybrid vehicles emissions systems, but theyre also a major target for theft. In order to adequately test the products, they first simulated stealing a catalytic converter, which took a minute and a half. When the guys at Donut Media tried it out, they noted that the alarm was mainly an annoyance, and it ended up stopping eventually. Thieves are targeting catalytic converters in greater numbers than ever. It includes a remote control fob so that you can disable it. like when you need to go in for service, oil change. Next, this complete kit delivers just about everything you could ask for from an alarm system. Next, the 1-mile range is one of the longest youll find. ). WebThe best protection against theft is a catalytic converter shield. A few aftermarket companies have developed metal shields that easily bolt to the undercarriage of 2004-up Priusesand even some late-model Tacoma pickups. However, thats as far as an alarm will go. By controlling the whole development process from A-Z, we can ensure continuous improvement and excellence in our products. Other highlights include the multi-tone alarm, automatic arming/locking, and remote panic in all modes. Our proprietary strip steel is designed for maximum cutting resistance (55 Rockwell-C hardness: 4.5X harder than 304 Stainless Steel). While such a blade can cut through one cable at a time, the same blade is useless when faced with cutting through three parallel aircraft-grade. The CatClamp was invented by the owner of American Welding Inc., a reputable custom fabrication shop in Toledo, OH. When complimented with the Catstrap, which lengthens what is normally a 45 second operation into an extremely time consuming effort, there is no possible way a human body can endure the siren long enough to complet.e the task of removing your catalytic converter. Some of these precious metals are more valuable than gold, with catalytic converter resale values ranging from, for an aftermarket catalytic converter to, How to choose the best gasoline or fuel for your car. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. The best anti-theft protection for cars, trucks, Toyota Prius, Honda, vans, commercial vehicles. Catalytic converter shields (often called cat shields) are a physical metal barrier that attaches to the underside of a vehicle, covering a catalytic converter. Pittsburgh police are taking this uptick very seriously. In fact, Target 11 Investigator Rick Earle has made an alarming discovery: Things have gone from bad to worse. But the extra security can come with a higher price tag due to increased engineering and manufacturing costs. Protect Your Catalytic Converter with One of These Devices, People Also Ask what is the best catalytic converter anti theft device. Now, Vehicle Security Innovators, an automotive parts manufacturer in Green Bay, says they have a solution. So, he decided to invent one with two goals in mind: quick to put on and hard to take off. The heavy-duty wire acts like a cage around your converter, effectively tying it to your frame. Viper is one of the leaders in the car alarm space, and the Responder HD is one of Vipers most advanced car alarm systems. But rising prices for some metals has led to a jump in them being stolen and some unique As a result, this allows unsilenced, raw exhaust gases to escape from the engine. Depending on your car, its best to opt for professional installation to ensure you install the proper sensors to keep thieves at bay. Extremely Difficult to Cut: Turns a Normal 60sec Theft into a Struggle that Overwhelms Thieves, and Prevents You from Being an Easy Target, Custom-Hardened Band Steel Inside the Catstrap Dulls the Teeth of the Saw Bl, Low-Profile - Requires no space clearance Flexible - Follows any contour, A TOUGH CUTTING BARRIER AND THEFT DETERRENT TO PROTECT YOUR CATALYTIC CONVERTER, Infrared Smart Sensor activates 130 dB Siren to Keep Thieves Out from Under your Vehicle. Clearly, the need to remove and replace the alarm each time you park could become tedious depending on how often you park. Illinois Source: NICB Tags: Auto Written by John Diether The information contained in this page is provided for general informational purposes only. What Exactly Is a Catalytic Converter & How Does it Work? But as we all know now, it is as anyone whos been a victim of catalytic converter theft. I had my catalytic converter stolen right in our driveway about a year ago. #1) Viper 5906V Responder HD. However, if you drive a late-model Toyota Tacoma 4x4 with a 3.5L engine you're in luck because MillerCat has designed a cat shield just for you. Use left/right arrows to navigate the slideshow or swipe left/right if using a mobile device, 113dB vibration alarm to scare away thieves effectively, Bicycle, Scooter, Motorcycle Alarm (1 PACK), One vibration alarm (runes on 3 AAA batteries), One modern remote control with a 2-5 year batter life, One self-adhesive heat-blocking pad (to be placed on the back of the alarm), One screwdriver - Use for opening alarm case and changing the batteries, One pry tool - Use to help open up the alarm case, Two stainless steel self-locking mounting straps, choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. Insurance claims for a stolen catalytic converter in 2020 ranged from $500 to $3,000, No wiring work required that can impact your vehicle's electric system. This lock attaches to the vehicles exhaust system and makes it very difficult for thieves to remove the converter. Where is the 2019 Honda Civic OBD port location? Have you ever stood outside or sat in your car at a stoplight, only to see a Toyota Prius casually drive by, followed by a deafening roar? For instance, a car alarm with a motion sensor will detect when thieves are below your car. 304 stainless steel and aluminum is also resistant to oxidation for corrosion resistance which is important given a cat shield sits underneath a vehicle and is regularly exposed to road grime, rain, and snow. This required a number of 5 minute attack tests being carried out, using a variety of theft tools and methods. As a result, the sensor will sound the alarm. After witnessing thousands of dollars of metal theft during his 15 years in business, the owner saw an opportunity to assist people in protecting themselves and their vehicles from these offenders. The other common targets for converter theft are pickup trucks and SUVs. Sadly, the answer is yes. The CatClamp is installed by placing the split clamp assemblies in place before and after the converter. Thieves are more than aware of the antitheftboss.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Subscribe for news & resources about 2023 security innovations, Top 5 Car Alarms to Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft, Best Alarms for Catalytic Converter Theft Reviewed, #2) Compustar CS7900-AS All-in-One 2-Way Remote Start + Alarm Bundle, #3) Prestige APS997Z Two-Way LCD Confirming Remote Start & Alarm, #4) Wsdcam Wireless Anti-Theft Bicycle Motorcycle Alarm, #5) Directed Electronics 508D Install Essentials Dual Zone Motion Sensor. (Great for protecting your gas tank too.) Do you know how to reset the Bluetooth in a Mini Cooper? How do you know if your catalytic converter is stolen? Store vehicles in a garageSecure lots with fencing and good lightingPost Property Under Surveillance signageMonitor your property with security camerasInclude VIN or license plate numbers on your catalytic converterInstall security devices, such as cat straps or cat clamps He said the strictly follow state law and only buy from commercial entities. Get the ultimate in catalytic converter protection or free advice from our security experts here. This type of blade is constructed with very small teeth, designed to cut thin pieces of metal and effectively dispose of them. Keep in mind that an alarm is only part of an anti-theft system. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, its estimated that catalytic converter theft rates have increased by 326% in 2020 and another 353% in 2021. Do I need an existing alarm system to protect my catalytic converter? If you are not 100% satisfied with our product you may return it for a full refund. protect against catalytic converter theft, Can be difficult to install a lift and multiple people are recommended for ease of installation, Cables can rub together to make a rattling noise when the car is driven, May have to modify it to fit some vehicles, Looks messy if the car is viewed from underneath, May be able to be cut through with an angle grinder (but will likely stop a Sawzall), Multiple kits will be needed if your vehicle has more than one catalytic converter, If the cables become loose they could potentially catch on debris, damaging the underside of the vehicle, Some have to be manually armed and disarmed, Not waterproof and computer components can be sensitive to moisture, Potential for false alarms and could be set off by animals, Motion sensors may need wiping/cleaning regularly to avoid degradation, Can be attached anywhere and to any vehicle, Thieves can potentially not look for them, Offers no physical security system to prevent catalytic converter theft, The best catalytic converter security system for your vehicle, Can be fitted with optional extras like tamper-proof screws for even greater security, Can be easily removed with the supplied security key, Not all catalytic converter shields offer the same level of protection. Let's start with a product that's inexpensive and universal. As you might have guessed, certain cars have more valuable cats than others. In this article, youll discover car alarm systems that work well to help you prevent catalytic converter theft. Included in the package is a dual-stage shock sensor with a nifty City Mode for city dwellers who want to protect against catalytic converter theft. Short answer: It depends. If you do end up needing to replace your vehicles catalytic converter, there are aftermarket alternatives available for less than a factory replacement. Another thing to take into consideration is that certain states (often California) require specific catalytic converters in order for a vehicle to be emissions-compliant, in case you notice a price discrepancy between similar parts. | Watch WPXI NOW. I want to try it out on my car, but Ive never used one before. There are several security devices to prevent catalytic converter theft with varying effectiveness. Installation of the CatClamp may qualify your auto insurance policy for a discount, check with your auto insurance company for details. And it's easy to install. The first thing you should do if you discover the theft is to file a police report with the local authorities. Otherwise, when a thief armed with a battery operated saw attempts to remove your catalytic converter, the Catstrap converts what is normally a 45-60 second theft into an extremely difficult-to-cut operation requiring multiple blades. johnson lumber. All in all, Viper is the first place to look if you want a reliable car alarm system with all of the bells & whistles. Once installed, the car owner can activate the alarm with the remote. To give you an idea, there was a point in 2021 when rhodium was worth a hair under $30,000 per The Cateye is an intelligent, SMART controller that senses human motion under your vehicle. Raw exhaust gases from a vehicles engine are fed directly into the catalytic converter, which is often shaped like a canister or a small muffler, to help remove toxic pollutants before the exhaust exits the vehicles tailpipe. But experts told Earle there are some things you can do to protect your converter. WebProtect your Toyota Prius with Cat Shield by MillerCAT -- the most advanced and functional security solution available for theft prevention of catalytic converters. Ive been driving my Envoy for what feels like forever. WebTodd says typically anti-theft catalytic converter devices take about an hour to install but his device takes 3 minutes. A motion sensor will catch thieves who dont need to use a jack. What's more, the Cateye only activates as long as it senses motion under your car, then automatically turns itself off 10 seconds after the movement is no long detected - no worries of an alarm going on all night. Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published. A car alarm does not have the ability to physically stop thieves from stealing your cat converter, however, it does act as a strong deterrent. In smaller cars, excess material can cause a problem as it has to be safely stored somewhere out of the way of moving parts the cables cant be trimmed to suit. In fact, Pittsburgh Police met with law enforcement agencies across the area to compare notes in a coordinated effort to track down the thieves. Does insurance cover stolen catalytic converters? It has not been previewed, commissioned or otherwise endorsed by any of our network partners. When choosing a car alarm to prevent catalytic converter theft, there are several routes to take. $399.00 . Here are the common types of catalytic converter anti-theft devices that you might come across: 1. A cars catalytic converter contains precious metalsplatinum, palladium, and rhodiumthat are highly valuable. The Best Afterward, they came up with a scoring rubric to grade each anti-theft methods overall effectiveness. It's exclusive, award-winning, patented cable cage design surrounds the catalytic converter with aircraft-grade wire rope that is very difficult to cut, even with power tools. CLICK HERE to view and purchase our full line of products. No fees, ever. They are best used in conjunction with other catalytic converter security products to provide a visual deterrent to would-be thieves. Which Types of Vehicles Are Prone to Catalytic Converter Theft? This exhaust emission control device contains precious metals, and a crook can earn as much as $250 for a couple of minutes of work with a reciprocating saw. All Shields come with free ground shipping to lower 48 states! Another issue with catalytic converter theft is the cost of replacement for the vehicle owner. No wiring work required that can impact your vehicle's electric system. Depending on the vehicle, some catalytic converters arent even welded in and are simply attached with bolts, which do not require electric cutting tools for removal. Can it happen here. Owners of highly targeted vehicles like the Toyota Prius and Toyota Tacoma may opt for better-than-average protection as thieves learn how to bypass cheaper devices. The same wire rope locks the converter to the chassis of the vehicle up to seven times, creating too much work for a thief in a hurry. Toyota Tundra Catalytic Converter Anti Theft Shields. The final option is a universal motion sensor that can be added to a new or existing car alarm system. This product is a long adhesive strap made of fiberglass and cables. WebIntroducing CatSecur - the ultimate anti-theft device that protects your catalytic converter and your car. Although cost-effective the largest problem with anti-theft stickers is they need to be displayed in a very prominent area and even then, catalytic converter thieves working underneath a vehicle may not even look for or notice them. Better bring multiple blades, because one won't last! Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. The last product that Donut Media tested was the Cat Strap. Aside from typical antitheft best practices like parking in well-lit areas and setting the car alarm to its most sensitive option, theres not a lot most of us can do to stop cat converter theft , Best Alarms for Catalytic Converter Theft Reviewed. All gas and diesel-powered vehicle have a catalytic converter, but theyre not all created equal. My clear favorite is the MillerCat Shield for catalytic converter protection, but your specific needs may be different. Okay, if this device works it might just be groundbreaking because it's compatible with most small gas and diesel engines of any brand. A good security device will be designed to suit a specific vehicle, made from material that cant be easily cut through and cant be easily bypassed or removed. There are a few commercially available options for the 2nd Gen 2007-2021 Toyota Tundra 2008-2021 Sequoia, and the new 3rd Gen 2022-2023 Tundra. Better bring multiple blades, because one won't last! Since most car alarms include shock sensors, these sensors will detect the use of a jack. The high-dB alarm sound will alert people nearby that your car has been compromised by an intruder. Remains found in New Castle identified as man reported missing in 2013, 3 people dead after 2 separate shootings in McKeesport; scenes not connected, police say, Piloted by North Allegheny grad, SpaceX launches to International Space Station, Man facing charges after police chase on busy Ambridge road, Man found dead in courtyard after shooting in Arlington Heights, Alabama man fatally mauled by pack of dogs, coroner says. These shields often require installation by a professional as they take advantage of the structural rigidity of a vehicle's chassis to make them difficult to remove by catalytic converter thieves. California 2. There are simple ways to protect your vehicle from theft. He knows too well the lengths criminals will go to for scrap metal and states, "There is nothing worse than a thief.". WebIntroducing CatSecur - the ultimate anti-theft device that protects your catalytic converter and your car. Outside of work, Andrea plays mom to two amazing (and devious) rescue dogs from Mexico and St. Lucia, and loves spending her time in the gym, outdoors, and traveling to expand her knowledge about other countries and cultures. Thanks to Jerry, Im paying $900 less each year while keeping full coverage for my new car! Martin H. While getting on your hands and knees to check under your car is one way, save yourself the struggle. I then found these alarms online and we now have them on all 3 cars/trucks in our family. It's a crime of convenience. Our high-tech vibration sensor ensures that your catalytic converter is protected at all times. 5 Ways to Prevent Thieves From Stealing Your Catalytic Converter. That means it was pretty easy to defeat, but they gave it a pass. Designed to deter the issue of catalytic converter from your car, An alarm to ensure maximum safety for your trailer when you are not around, Alarm against theft or theft of your bike or motorcycle. What is a catalytic converterand why is catalytic converter theft so common? On a vehicle with a frame, the frame and/or cross members are used as durable attachment points, on a vehicle without a frame (unibody construction) anti-sway bar and/or engine/transmission brackets are utilized as durable attachment points.
