The 2020 Toyota Tundra is an attractive target for catalytic converter thieves, as it features four of these crucial pieces of metal inside.
Fortunately, there are a few easy and affordable ways to protect your Toyota truck. While some solutions require minimal effort from you, others require more investment.
Theft
Toyota Tundra catalytic converters are a prime target for thieves due to their metal composition of rhodium, platinum and palladium.
Catalytic converter thefts have seen a dramatic spike across the country. Thieves will cut away at the converters underneath vehicles or simply take them away.
Some states have implemented laws to try and reduce the incentive for thefts. These measures include mandatory licensing for scrap dealers, tighter recordkeeping requirements and making it harder to sell stolen catalytic converters.
If your catalytic converter has been stolen, you must act quickly to replace it. A reliable repair shop can assist you in this endeavor.
To prevent theft, park your truck in a secure lot that is well lit, locked and alarmed. Doing this will make thieves think twice about stealing your car.
Repair
Like many Toyota owners, your heart sinks when the check engine light illuminates on your Tundra’s dashboard. Even if you know what it means and what to do about it, you still worry about how much damage this could cost you in the long run.
The Check Engine Light is an integral component of your car’s onboard computer that monitors performance. It constantly checks key performance data and, if anything varies from factory specifications, it will illuminate the Check Engine Light.
Your Check Engine Light may be illuminated due to several causes, the most common being a loose gas cap or malfunctioning catalytic converter. If the cap is tight and/or the converter functions properly, your Check Engine Light should eventually turn off on its own after some time has passed.
If the check engine light is illuminated on your catalytic converter, your best course of action is to have it repaired promptly. A trained technician can diagnose exactly what’s wrong with your converter and suggest how best to proceed.
Emissions Test
Catalytic converters are essential components of your emissions system, filtering out toxic carbon monoxide from exhaust gases. A malfunctioning catalytic converter can have a significant impact on fuel economy and performance.
A clogged catalytic converter is often the cause of your Toyota Tundra’s check engine light turning on. This indicates a serious misfire, dumping unburnt fuel into your exhaust pipe where it can rapidly raise the temperature of the catalytic converter and potentially damage it, necessitating costly repair expenses.
If your check engine light is blinking on your 2020 Toyota Tundra, it’s important to bring it in immediately. This flashing light usually indicates a serious engine misfire which may dump unburnt fuel into your exhaust system and rapidly raise the temperature of your catalytic converter, potentially damaging it and necessitating expensive repair.
Every 2020 Toyota Tundra is equipped with a state-of-the-art performance monitoring system and multiple sensors placed strategically throughout its vital systems. These sensors continuously detect conditions and send data to the electronic control unit (ECM). If this ECM detects that data does not match factory specs, it illuminates the Check Engine Light indicator.
Warranty
A 2020 Toyota Tundra catalytic converter is one of the most expensive components on your vehicle, so it’s only natural that you would want to protect it. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to do just that.
Installing a wireless camera system is an effective way to deter thieves. Many of these systems come with phone apps that will alert you if someone attempts to take your vehicle.
Another excellent option is installing a shield over the catalytic converter, making it more difficult for thieves to access. While this won’t guarantee that your tundra won’t get stolen, it drastically reduces their odds.
Toyota also offers an extended warranty, which can protect your investment. You may purchase it through a Toyota dealer or third-party provider; however, it’s essential to compare prices and coverage options before committing to any plan.