In recent years, catalyst theft has spread and recently there has been an increase in this type of crime. But why has the catalytic converter become such a desirable part? We explain it to you.
In recent times, reports of theft of the catalytic converter from vehicles have increased, although it has been a common criminal practice for years.
The catalytic converter or catalytic converter is a part incorporated into the exhaust system of cars with a combustion engine that controls and reduces the emission of polluting gases and particles.
As a result of the increasingly demanding anti-pollution regulations, the catalytic converter has become a essential part of modern vehicles, otherwise they could not meet the environmental requirements necessary for their approval and marketing.
Why are catalysts stolen
But let’s focus on the issue at hand in this article, the theft of catalysts. What is special about this piece?
The function of the catalyst is to decompose nitrogen oxides (NOx), as well as transform hydrocarbons (HC) into water and carbon monoxide (CO) into carbon dioxide (CO2). through a chemical reaction possible thanks to the high temperature (between 400 and 800 ºC) at which the aforementioned gases circulate before and during the process.
The catalyst has a double ceramic honeycomb structure that incorporates active substances such as platinum, rhodium and palladium
The final result is not completely clean, because generates CO2 emission (greenhouse gas), but at least it removes a good part of the harmful substances present in gases.
The so-called catalytic converter is located between the exhaust pipe and the rear silencer and has a double ceramic honeycomb structure that incorporates active substances such as platinum, rhodium and palladium.
These components are considered precious metals, that is, they are free in nature due to their reluctance to react with other elements. Because They are widely used in jewelry and therefore very expensive, which encourages criminals to steal them to resell these prized materials.
What to do if your catalyst is stolen
If we remove -or steal- the catalyst from our car, we will not be able to circulate with it and it is also likely that other elements of the exhaust system will be damaged, because the thief will not be too careful when taking it, as we can see in the following video .
As in any other robbery, we must formulate a report to the police and then report on the insurance and check if it covers this type of contingency. This will depend on the insurance company and the policy underwritten.
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What you should do is check if your policy includes the theft guarantee and if the catalyst is included in this case. The vast majority of insurance companies do not cover it when this has been the only piece stolen.
On the other hand, if your car is fully insured, it is possible that the insurance will cover the replacement of the part and labor. Despite having this coverage, many insurers cover only 80% of the catalyst value.
What’s more, despite the fact that your insurance is comprehensive, there is also the possibility that this part is not covered since damages that exclusively affect the catalyst are not usually included even in comprehensive policies.
Which cars have a catalyst
In 1984, the German Government imposed an obligation to add the catalyst to new gasoline-powered vehicles, forcing manufacturers to substitute unleaded gasoline for regular gasoline.
In Spain, the catalyst is mandatory since October 1989 for gasoline engines of more than 2 liters of displacement and from 1993 for all. In addition, since 1997 it was made mandatory for all diesels. Thus, as a general rule, all injection-engine cars have a catalytic converter, although it is not a rule set in stone.
How to remove the catalytic converter from a car
Actually disassembling the catalyst is a simple task, despite its high cost and the value of its components.
As we have discussed, the catalytic converter goes mounted on exhaust line of the vehicle, so it will be located somewhere in the lower part of the vehicle, towards the middle or at the end, usually to the side.
It will be as simple as removing the nuts that hold the catalyst with a wrench, having to remove first the body of the same and later the clamp. Ready, you’re out.
How much does a catalyst cost
The price of a catalyst depends a lot on the type of car, since it influences the cost of the part and the labor.