You might hope that really loud engine sound will go away if you rev the engine a little or try to drive off. But, the reality is that the roaring sound will get even louder and obvious when you press down on that pedal.
No matter the cause, don’t ignore that “check engine” light!
Does this mean your car definitely won’t be targeted if it’s not one of these vehicles? Unfortunately not. But it pays to take extra precautions if you have a high-value target vehicle. Catalytic converters have been required on all automobiles sold in the U. S. since 1974, so pretty much any vehicle on the road today can be a target!
If you develop symptoms like shortness of breath, dizziness, or nausea, get into fresh air and seek medical help for carbon monoxide poisoning.
Modern vehicles still spew out exhaust that contains lots of things that are bad for your health and for the environment. But the difference a catalytic converter makes will be clear to see (and smell).
The catalytic converter is just a small cylindrical canister that can be hard to spot when it’s installed properly. But it’ll be pretty clear that something’s missing when you take a closer look.
Call for roadside assistance. Instead of trying to drive your damaged vehicle home or to a garage, have it towed to a repair shop to assess the situation. Call your car insurance company. A stolen catalytic converter should be covered (minus any deductible) if you have comprehensive (not just collision) coverage. File a police report. While the chances of recovering your catalytic converter aren’t great, definitely let the police know about the theft. (Call the police first if you’re stranded away from home and don’t feel safe. ) Inform local scrap yards and metal recyclers. They may be willing to let you know if any suspicious catalytic converters show up at their businesses. The odds of getting their help are much better if you add identifying markings to your catalytic converter (see the next step).
Park in a well-lit area with cameras, or in a locked garage. Thieves target vehicles that are easy to access without being seen. The less enticing of a target you make your vehicle, the less likely you are to be victimized. Have your VIN etched onto your catalytic converter. Having the vehicle identification number (VIN) on the catalytic converter makes it possible to track down the part if it is stolen. Its mere presence on the part may also stop a thief from taking it in the first place. Ask an auto repair shop about this service. Spray paint your catalytic converter a bright color. Do this on its own, or combine it with VIN etching. Reputable scrap metal dealers are less likely to accept painted catalytic converters because of the likelihood that they’re stolen. Get your vehicle alarm’s sensitivity level adjusted. A trained vehicle mechanic can adjust the sensitivity of your alarm so that it will go if someone starts bumping around underneath it. But you’ll also end up with more false alarms! Have an anti-theft device installed over your catalytic converter. Some repair garages will install cages, shields, cables, or other protective devices for under $1,000 USD. Anything that makes it harder to remove the part is likely to deter thieves.
