GoldPaq

As unlikely as it seems, the lowly catalytic converter that works with your car’s exhaust system contains one of the most precious metals known to man ? platinum.

Why, you ask, does the catalytic converter contain such a valuable metal? First introduced into automobiles in the 1970s, catalytic converters, meant to reduce the amount of harmful emissions from gas engines, use a small amount of platinum to assist in this emission control. The platinum works to engine emissions that are harmful to the environment, such as nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide, into safer emissions, such as nitrogen and carbon dioxide. Catalytic converters also often contain rhodium, another precious ? and very expensive ? metal.

The three ? to ? seven grams of platinum typically contained in a catalytic converter may not seem like much, but as platinum’s price on the market soars, every gram is more and more valuable ? and more and more attractive to thieves who steal catalytic converters in order to extract this platinum and sell platinum. With platinum going for approximately $2000 an ounce, theft of catalytic converters is increasingly a problem. Add to this the presence of rhodium, which sells for up to $6000 an ounce ? and catalytic converters are a veritable gold mine for those who know how to steal them.

Because the catalytic converter is located on a vulnerable part of the car ? often just underneath the rear, close to the muffler ? it is an easy target for enterprising thieves, who use common mechanic’s tools to remove the converters, or, if they are in a hurry, small electric saws, which can cause damage both to the exhaust system and/or fuel lines on the targeted vehicle.

Thieves can get hundreds of dollars from a catalytic converter by selling it to a metal dealer, who then extracts the platinum, rhodium, or other precious metal from the converter. The relative ease of stealing these converters, plus the high profit margin, makes it worth the risk for many thieves.

Vehicles most at risk for stolen catalytic converters include vehicles that have a high ground-clearance, such as four-wheel drive pickup trucks, SUVs, and vans, although a determined thief who knows a little about cars can steal a catalytic converter off almost any type of vehicle.

Having your car’s catalytic converter stolen is not only an expensive, troublesome event ? it can also be dangerous. Because thieves often use cutting tools to get the converters off quickly, they risk cutting fuel lines or even the fuel tank itself, depending on where it is located on the vehicle. This creates a very real risk of explosion when the car is started.

How can you protect yourself from thieves intent on stealing these platinum and rhodium-laced converters? Unfortunately, there’s not a lot you can do to prevent catalytic converter theft without garaging your vehicle at all times; however, you can reduce the risk.

First, take care when parking your vehicle. Thieves looking for catalytic converters typically target crowded parking lots, where tightly-parked cars provide the perfect camouflage for a would-be converter thief. If possible, park your car in the less densely packed areas of these parking lots.

If you are parking in a large parking lot at night, take care to park close to building entrances, or underneath street lights.

Second, avoid street parking your car at night if at all possible. Although it’s not impossible for a thief to steal a catalytic converter from a parked car during the day, it is much easier at night when there is less traffic. Thieves have been known to hit entire streets at night, stealing a number of converters in one fell swoop. Don’t think a car alarm will protect you ? they are usually not set off by action underneath the car.

Third, if your vehicle is one that thieves target ? a pickup truck or SUV for instance ? or if there has been a rash of converter thefts in your area, consider investing in one of the several devices available to deter catalytic converter thieves. Both the Cat Cuff and the Cat Clamp make it more difficult for would-be converter thieves to cut these valuable items off your car.

The platinum and rhodium that are contained in your car’s catalytic converter may not amount to much, but it’s enough that thieves are willing to risk stealing it. The few measly grams of platinum and rhodium contained in these converters add up to hundreds of dollars for thieves, and you should take pains to protect your car from converter theft, both for financial and safety reasons. Check out these platinum toys for some platinum ideas that do not involve destroying your car.

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