Catalytic converters can be removed in less than two minutes and may require only one wrench.
If yours is stolen, you won't notice it's gone until you start your car. You'll hear a very loud exhaust noise since the exhaust will no longer go through the vehicle's muffler.
Preventing thieves from stealing your car’s catalytic converter is worth the effort. New catalytic converters may cost between $400 and $1,500 and the cost to repair the vehicle could be as high as $1,000 to $3,000.
Catalytic converters have been required by law on every motor vehicle operated in the United States since 1975 and are located underneath the car. They contain expensive precious metals like platinum, palladium and rhodium.
Residents are advised to call 911 if they see someone underneath a parked vehicle, especially late at night or other times when there are little to no other people around.