Protect Your 2016 Toyota Tundra Catalytic Converter With a Custom Cat Converter Shield. A catalytic converter cleans the exhaust system from harmful compounds. They’re prone to damage and theft, so it’s important to protect them with a custom cat converter shield.
Unfortunately, Toyota’s tundras and Sequoias are popular targets for cat converter thieves. Their 4 catalytic converters are easy to steal because they’re all exposed and easily accessible.
Getting a Replacement
If your Toyota Tundra catalytic converter is no longer functioning properly, you may want to consider getting a replacement. This part is responsible for removing harmful emissions from your vehicle’s exhaust before it reaches the air.
It does this by converting the pollutants into less harmful compounds before they exit your truck’s engine. A good quality converter should last you the life of your vehicle and should be compatible with your state’s emissions compliance regulations.
A typical 2000-2006 Toyota Tundra has two catalytic converters. These are located under the truck, inline with the exhaust on both the passenger and driver’s side, right about where the front doors are.
The 2nd generation, which covers 2007-2021 Tundras, has four catalytic converters. The two front (primary) converters are pushed deeper into the engine, making them more difficult to steal. However, the two rear (secondary) converters are still fully exposed and easy to steal.
Installing a Shield
Catalytic converters are designed to remove poisonous fumes from your vehicle’s exhaust. A damaged converter can cause a variety of problems including reduced fuel economy and a drain on your car’s performance.
One way to protect your Tundra’s catalytic converter is to install a shield. These shields are custom-fit for your vehicle and will protect the converter from prying hands.
While these products are not foolproof, they can make a significant deterrent to thieves. They will increase the work it takes to steal your catalytic converters, making them more difficult for a thief to take.
Adding a shield to your catalytic converter will be an expensive addition, but it will pay for itself over time. Plus, a custom-fit shield will make it difficult for a thief to steal your converters in the first place.
Etching the Converter
You can deter thieves from stealing your catalytic converter by etching it with your vehicle’s license plate number. This will help police identify the converter and track it down if it is stolen.
Some communities hold etching events where you can take your car for a free etch. If you can’t find one near you, you may be able to have it done at a local auto repair shop.
Etching your catalytic converter will help you fight the problem of stealing and selling it on the black market. It also helps police track down the thief when they get caught.
You can etch your catalytic converter at a local muffler shop or by taking it to an automotive repair facility that works with the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). The Los Altos Police Department has an Etch and Protect program with several participating businesses.
Insurance Discounts
The catalytic converter is a vital part of your exhaust system. Without one, your vehicle cannot pass emissions tests, will show a loss in power and may even run at a higher temperature.
If you’re a Toyota Tundra owner and you have an issue with your catalytic converter, you should bring it to Courtesy Toyota of Brandon for a multi-point inspection and free diagnostics. Our technicians can pinpoint the problem and fix it for you, saving you money in the long run.
Thefts of catalytic converters are on the rise and many thieves have discovered that stealing one from a truck can fetch thousands of dollars on the black market. The best way to avoid theft of your catalytic converter is to park your truck in a secure garage or parking lot where there are no guards.