The catalytic converter is an essential element of your Toyota Tundra’s emissions control system. It filters out hazardous gases from exhaust and keeps your engine running optimally.
Unfortunately, the Tundra’s catalytic converters are becoming increasingly vulnerable to theft due to their valuable materials such as platinum, rhodium, and palladium.
How to identify a catalytic converter
Catalytic converters are an integral component of a car’s exhaust system, using high-value metals to transform harmful gases into less hazardous ones. Unfortunately, their expensive nature makes them targets for thieves looking for valuable items to steal.
Toyota tundras come equipped with four catalytic converters: two on the front near the engine and two underneath near your vehicle’s mufflers. Thieves can quickly cut these converters out with a battery-operated saw.
That is why a catalytic converter shield is beneficial. It makes it hard to cut through and significantly increases the amount of effort necessary to steal one.
The Miller CatShield is designed specifically for 2007-2023 Toyota Tundras and 2008-2023 Toyota Sequoias, featuring an aluminum cage that fits over both front and rear catalytic converters to prevent theft. It doubles as a skid plate, too, making installation simple at just a few hundred dollars. At just under $300, this is an inexpensive way to protect your truck from catalytic converter thieves while providing extra security against theft attempts.
How to replace a catalytic converter
Catalytic converters are essential components of a truck’s exhaust system, converting hazardous gases into less damaging ones like carbon dioxide and water.
Toyota Tundra models differ by generation, from two in the first-generation (2000-2006) to four in second and third generations (2007-2021). Each generation features two converters at the front near the engine manifold and two more near the mufflers at the rear.
Due to their high value, catalytic converters are popular targets for thieves due to the high value of platinum, rhodium and palladium they contain. Fortunately, there are numerous methods available that can help prevent thefts of catalytic converters.
To prevent catalytic converter theft, the best approach is to install an anti-theft device like a cage, strap or lock. While these methods aren’t 100% successful, they significantly increase the amount of effort it takes for someone to steal a converter.
How to install a catalytic converter
The catalytic converter is an essential element of your truck’s exhaust system that reduces hazardous emissions. It converts carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide and nitrogen oxide into less hazardous compounds.
Toyota’s third-generation (2007-2022) and second-generation (2000-2021) Tundra trucks feature four catalytic converters, two at the front near the engine manifold and two more further back underneath the vehicle; in comparison, the first-generation Tundra only has two converters.
Fortunately, you can protect your Toyota Tundra from catalytic converter theft by installing an anti-theft device. Most of these systems can be set up within minutes and come with built-in cameras that provide live footage as well as notifications to help track down thieves.
It’s wise to replace your Toyota Tundra’s catalytic converter with an aftermarket unit that meets HM Grade, OEM Grade or California Grade requirements. Doing this will guarantee that your truck passes emissions testing without setting off the check engine light.
How to remove a catalytic converter
Your Toyota Tundra’s catalytic converter is an integral component of its exhaust system, converting hazardous gases and pollutants into less damaging by-products like nitrogen gas and carbon dioxide to reduce environmental pollution.
Furthermore, Toyota uses high amounts of precious metals such as platinum, rhodium and palladium in their converters to prevent the emission of smog and other carcinogenic substances into the air. To this end, their converters contain high amounts of these precious metals.
Unfortunately, catalytic converters are among the most valuable and desirable components of a car, making them prime targets for both casual thieves and professional criminals alike.
Parking your vehicle in a secure garage or lot is the best way to protect it from theft. Unfortunately, this may not always be feasible or practical.