January 24, 2022
6 Tips to Avoid Getting Victimized by Car Thieves
Photo by Artem Podrez under Pexels License
Would you believe that it can cost you around $3,000 to replace a stolen catalytic converter? That is, if you own a Toyota Prius, which appears to be the favorite target of car thieves. Catalytic converters of other car brands and models are worth a fortune as well.
Your catalytic converter is more than just an instrument for turning pollutants from your car’s exhaust into less hazardous gases. It can also be a magnet for thieves.
If you’re wondering why, there are two reasons. First, stealing a catalytic converter is pretty simple. You just need a jack, an angle grinder, and a few seconds to get the job done. Second, valuable metals are found inside your catalytic converter. You can easily make 500 bucks or more by selling it on the black market.
Veteran Car Donations has compiled these six tips coming from top auto mechanics and law enforcers on how you can protect your vehicle against catalytic converter theft:
- Install an anti-theft device.
Invest in a cable locking device to ensure that your catalytic converter won’t get stolen. It might be a bit pricey for you, but it’s way better than replacing your converter in case it gets stolen.
Among the most popular locking devices are cages made of rebar, steel shields that fit over the converter, and stainless-steel cables welded from the converter to the car’s frame. Certain muffler shops offer customized welding.
- Mark your converter with a serial number.
Car thieves, especially those who have been in the “field” for so long, avoid catalytic converters with serial numbers. They know that stealing one can get them identified by scrap dealers and eventually apprehended by the police.
Have your converter etched in any of the auto repair shops in your area. They may also provide you with a sticker to display on your window, indicating that your catalytic converter is marked. This will deter anyone who’s planning to steal your converter.
- Have the bolts welded.
If your catalytic converter happens to be bolted on, request an auto repair shop to have the bolts welded to make it harder for car robbers to remove the converter.
- Paint your catalytic converter.
Painting your catalytic converter with a high-temperature fluorescent orange paint, like the one used on barbecue grills. is another effective way to prevent its theft. After painting it, you’ll need to inscribe your vehicle identification number on the newly painted area to make it traceable.
- Set up an alarm or a dashcam.
Turn up the sensitivity of your car alarm. The high-pitched noise should be enough to scare away auto thieves as soon as the alarm goes off.
Likewise, consider installing a motion-sensitive dashcam. This can notify you when there’s theft taking place in real-time. Though not all the time, dash cams can capture the license plates of getaway cars.
- Park wisely.
Stealing your catalytic converter requires thieves to slide under your car and detach the box from the pipes around it using cutting tools. That’s why it’s smart to park your car with its rear portion positioned near walls or fences. Just be sure not to block pedestrian access.
Parking your car in well-lit areas also lowers your risk of auto theft.
At home, be sure to park your car in your garage at all times. It would be much better if you have security cameras around to give you extra peace of mind.
Fed Up Seeing Your Old Car Collecting Dust in Your Garage?
Are you tired of seeing a timeworn vehicle in your garage doing nothing but collect dust and rust? How about getting rid of it for a worthy cause? Hand it over to us at Veteran Car Donations and we’ll convert it into a powerful instrument for uplifting the lives of the struggling veterans in your community.
These are our nation’s brave heroes who risked their lives to protect ours. However, instead of living the decent and fulfilling lives they deserve, many of them are grappling with chronic unemployment, homelessness, disabilities, as well as physical and mental illnesses.
We’ll auction off your vehicle, with the proceeds going to some of our nation’s leading military and veteran nonprofit organizations that are in partnership with us. These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits use the funding that we give them to provide deserving veterans with free quality health care, financial aid, housing assistance, employment opportunities, family support, educational scholarships, psychotherapy services, and many other benefits.
You will also reap great rewards from your charitable contribution. You’ll get to benefit from our free professional towing service. You’ll also enjoy our quick and convenient donation process where you don’t have to do any paperwork.
On top of that, you’ll have the privilege of receiving the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season.
Above all, you’ll have the ultimate pleasure and satisfaction of doing something extraordinary that can help uplift the lives of our nation’s heroes.
We take in nearly all vehicle types, including those that are no longer in good condition. You can donate wherever you are in the country since we operate in all 50 states plus the District of Columbia.
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to call us anytime through our toll-free hotline at 877-594-5822 or you may send us a message here. Check out our FAQs page for more information on our vehicle donation program.
Retire Your Auto Gracefully Today!
Photo by Thomas Scott under Unsplash License
Your old car deserves a graceful retirement for all the services it has provided you through the years. Donating it to us will allow you to do your part in uplifting the lives of the disadvantaged and neglected veterans in your community. Call Veteran Car Donations at 877-594-5822 or fill out our secure online donation form now!
Last Updated: March 8th, 2023