Hot to protect a catalytic converter from being stolen
Dear Scotty Kilmer,
Would you please do a video on how to protect a catalytic converter from being stolen. I understand it only takes a thief 2 minutes to saw off a catalytic converter and turn in the precious metals for $1,000.00.
I've heard of steel plates being installed around the catalytic converter and also alarm systems on eBay that go for $30.00.
Today, no one seems to even care when a car alarm is going off as they often do. I think the steel plate being bolted on is the best idea, however you know best!
Would you please enlighten us which is the best method for protecting catalytic converters from being stolen.
Our crooked mechanic removed the precious metals from our well maintained 2002 KIA Spectra when we took it in to get smogged and of course it did not pass.
After that, we took the Spectra to a KIA dealer, and they said the catalytic converter had been modified and it would cost $5,000.00 to replace the catalytic converter which was far more than the car was worth!
We are going to turn this crooked mechanic into the California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) but now we are out of a car which will not pass smog and we have to junk the car.
Thank you for all of your automotive information. I am learning quite a bit of information from your podcasts!
Thank you from one Scotty to another!
Why spend $5k when you can spend a little over $400, take it to a muffler shop and get it fixed?
https://www.autozone.com/emission-control-and-exhaust/catalytic-converter/kia/spectra/2002
Whoever told you that thieves get $1000 for the metals out of a CAT is lying.
We would be cutting our own off for $1,000.
That is EXACTLY right! @carlos
I have to wonder why your mechanic stole a 20 year old catalytic converter. From an 20 year old Kia no less. Seems the dealer would have more incentive to lie and sell you a new car rather than the mechanic who is getting paid anyway. How do you steal the precious metals out of a cat. Typically they steel the whole cat. There isn't a plug where you can drain out just the precious metals. Just a thought. My niece had her cat stolen but it was a 7 year old popular Honda Element.
Might be time for a new car anyway.
The best protection is good insurance coverage.
