If you are driving a 2013 Toyota Tundra, you will want to make sure that you take a few extra minutes to have your catalytic converter looked at. Even if you’re not having any trouble with it now, you never know when it may start to fail. You’ll want to learn about the common causes of failure, and you’ll also want to find out more about the different types of catalytic converter covers you can buy to protect your vehicle’s engine.
Cost
If you’re a 2013 Toyota Tundra owner, you’ve probably heard about catalytic converter theft. Catalytic converters are small devices that reduce the amount of harmful gasses emitted from the exhaust. They’re located near the engine manifold.
These devices are expensive to replace. Depending on your model and model year, the replacement costs could run into thousands of dollars. Fortunately, you can prevent catalytic converter theft with some simple tricks.
The first step is to park your vehicle in a secure place. For example, a garage or a parking lot with video surveillance is ideal. Another way is to install a motion sensor light on your driveway.
If you have comprehensive insurance coverage, your insurer should pay for the cost of replacing your catalytic converter. Depending on your policy, they may even cover the installation of a cat shield.
You can also prevent catalytic converter theft by keeping your car in the garage. Most thieves will not target vehicles that are well protected.
Common causes of catalytic converter failure
The catalytic converter is a crucial component of the exhaust system in a 2013 Toyota Tundra. It filters out harmful exhaust gases and converts them into less toxic byproducts. If the converter fails, the vehicle’s performance will suffer. This may result in high fuel consumption and a rotten egg smell.
Catalytic converters in the 2013 Toyota Tundra usually last for about 10 years. However, they can fail for various reasons. Some common causes include faulty O2 sensor, fuel mixture that is too rich or too lean, and improper spark timing. Other reasons include contamination, overheating, and physical damage.
To determine the cause of the catalytic converter failure, check the O2 sensor. A faulty oxygen sensor will cause the engine computer to send inaccurate exhaust gas readings. As a result, the vehicle’s computer will turn on the check engine light.
Another cause of catalytic converter failure is a stuck float. If the float becomes stuck, the converter cannot flow enough oxygen to the catalyst. In addition, a sticking float can cause the converter to melt.
Custom catalytic converter covers
If you are thinking about upgrading your 2013 Toyota Tundra, you might want to consider getting custom catalytic converter covers to help keep your catalytic converter safe from thieves. Many people steal catalytic converters from their cars, especially hybrids.
The first thing to do is to see if your insurance company will cover the cost. You might qualify for a discount. Depending on the insurance company, you might be able to get the entire cost of replacing your catalytic converter covered.
One of the simplest ways to prevent catalytic converter theft is to use a cat shield. These are made from skid plates, and you can easily fit one onto your Tundra.
Another good way to protect your converter is by installing a specialized catalytic converter lock. These are made from metal and usually attach to the catalytic converter itself. Some come with security bolts, which are strong enough to hold the converter in place.
MillerCat Shield
If you have a 2013 Toyota Tundra, it’s a good idea to invest in a catalytic converter shield. While this isn’t a foolproof way to protect your car from thieves, it can help prevent theft.
Buying a shield for your 2013 Toyota Tundra is a relatively easy process. Several companies make tundra-specific covers. The shields are easy to install, and some may even come with mounting hardware.
Buying a catalytic converter shield is a great investment, especially if you plan on driving your car off-road. Catalytic converters aren’t usually easy to steal, but if they are, you can lose thousands of dollars. In addition, missing catalytic converters increase road noise, and cause rough acceleration.
One of the best catalytic converter shields is the MillerCat Shield for Tundra. This heavy gauge aluminum plate acts as a skid plate, as well as a protective layer for your vehicle’s catalytic converters. It’s a popular choice for many vehicles because it is simple to install.