Catalytic Converters: a Precious Component for Emissions... and Thieves

Rarely has a car part made the headlines as much as catalytic converters have over the past year or two. Thefts have increased to the point of becoming a global problem.

But what's behind the catalytic converter craze? Before we go any further, let's go over the basics.

• Also: Calgary Introduces Catalytic Converter Engraving Program to Prevent Theft
• Also: Even the Wienermobile Got Its Catalytic Converter Stolen

A catalytic converter is a key part of the vehicle's exhaust system that primarily works to reduce emissions by managing engine gases more efficiently. Without it, our cars, SUVs, and pickup trucks would have a much more harmful impact on the environment.

It is located in the middle of the vehicle, between the engine's exhaust manifold and the pipe that leads to the exhaust pipes (muffler) at the back.

It is an important part, but it also contains valuable metals: rhodium, palladium and platinum. They are very resistant and can remain efficient for decades. On the other hand, replacing a catalytic converter can cost several hundred to upwards of a few thousand dollars.

The price of these has been steadily rising. Hence, it's easy to understand the appeal for thieves. Rhodium, which is the rarest element on the planet today, has become 10 times more expensive than gold!

The three metals in question are highly coveted in emerging countries. "We know that anti-pollution standards are increasing with climate change. Emerging economies have serious smog problems, which is why they want more catalytic converters," notes Normand Voyer, a chemist, and professor-researcher in the Department of Chemistry at Laval University in Quebec City.

To make things worst; stealing a catalytic converter is easy. A thief can crawl under the vehicle with the right tools and cut it out, an operation that can take less than a minute. Finding a buyer on social media or in classified ads seems to be pretty easy as well.

Drivers rarely bend over to see if the catalytic converter is in place before driving away. But if it's gone, you'll know right away, since "your vehicle would become as inconspicuous as a carnival trumpet during midnight mass," as CAA-Quebec puts it. In addition, the exhaust smoke would increase dramatically, and the engine would experience numerous malfunctions at all speeds.

If this happens to you, CAA reminds you to first contact the police (as this is theft), then call your insurer and immediately send your vehicle to the garage, ideally on a tow truck to avoid any risk of poisoning from gases entering the cabin. But first, you can discourage thieves by parking in a garage, or in a well-lit, busy area.