The Toyota Catalytic Converter Service is a vital element of your vehicle’s exhaust system that helps transform harmful fumes into less hazardous gases, as well as dampening noise pollution.
Thieves have shown an increasing interest in these Toyota Catalytic Converter Service, as they contain precious metals which can be sold on the black market for substantial sums of cash.
It is a key component of your vehicle’s exhaust system
The exhaust system of a vehicle plays an integral role in its performance and that of the environment. It filters harmful gases, reduces emissions, regulates exhaust fumes, and sends data to your car’s computer for improved efficiency.
The catalytic converter is an essential element of this system, helping to convert toxic byproducts such as water vapor and carbon dioxide into less harmful byproducts.
Catalytic converters are used to eliminate harmful emissions such as nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These pollutants lead to smog formation and acid rain.
Left unchecked, these toxic emissions can lead to serious health problems. To reduce them, Toyota Catalytic Converter Service use platinum, palladium and rhodium in order to create a chemical reaction that transforms them into less hazardous gasses.
Today, catalytic converters are mandatory in every vehicle running on a gasoline engine. Without one, your car may experience poor fuel economy, an illuminated check engine light, an unpleasant odor (e.g., rotten egg odor), as well as physical damage to its exhaust system.
It is covered by your vehicle’s warranty
Toyota Catalytic Converter Service are essential elements of a car’s emissions system, so it should come as no surprise that they are covered by your vehicle’s warranty. The basic coverage lasts for three years or 36,000 miles – whichever comes first.
Toyota also provides a powertrain warranty that lasts five years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. This coverage applies to your vehicle’s engine, transmission, front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive system and seatbelts.
Hybrid vehicles’ electric batteries are covered by a warranty of eight years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. Furthermore, all related parts such as electric motors, control modules, inverters and cooling components are all covered under this coverage.
Unfortunately, Toyota Catalytic Converter Service theft is an issue across the nation. According to a recent study from the National Insurance Crime Bureau, thefts of these devices increased by 325 percent between 2019 and 2020.
It is a costly part
The catalytic converter is an essential element of your vehicle’s exhaust system, but it can also be costly to replace. Depending on the type of converter you have, replacement costs range from $2,000 to $2,000.
The Toyota Catalytic Converter Service is located underneath your car’s exhaust system and filters emissions. It utilizes rhodium, palladium and platinum to reduce harmful gasses in the exhaust stream.
However, the price of these precious metals has skyrocketed due to stricter pollution regulations and reduced mining output. This is particularly true for more modern catalytic converters that require the most costly metals.
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, thieves often jack up a vehicle or slide it under and cut off its converter before scraping and selling it on the black market for hundreds of dollars.
Toyota has responded to these attacks by installing a special shield that will effectively block thieves from accessing your catalytic converter. But this doesn’t guarantee you won’t have your converter stolen, so it’s worth doing some research to determine how likely it is that your vehicle will be targeted for theft.
It can be a DIY project
Toyota owners know how costly and time-consuming replacing a catalytic converter can be. Not only is the repair process itself an inconvenience, but the cost of gas to get there and back again can add up quickly.
Your catalytic converter is not only expensive, but it’s often the target of thieves who take advantage of its precious metal content and high scrap metal prices they can sell it for. For passenger cars like the Prius, this type of crime poses a serious concern.
Thankfully, there are a few ways to protect your catalytic converter from theft. The most reliable option is purchasing a cat shield or cover tailored specifically for your vehicle.
Cat shields are metal plates that sit on the bottom of your car and protect converters from theft. Popular models include Toyota Prius and Honda Element.