Your ability to pass an emissions test will undoubtedly be impacted by a missing catalytic converter. A new catalytic converter for a Lexus RX 350 might cost between $1,000 and $2,200.
Unfortunately, catalytic converters are frequently stolen since they are made of pricey metals. The final cost to replace a catalytic converter on a Lexus RX 350 will depend on both the cost of the parts and the cost of labor in your location.
Fortunately, if you have comprehensive coverage as part of your auto insurance policy, catalytic converter theft is protected. Only the deductible is your responsibility.
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In This Article...
Is it simple to steal a Lexus catalytic converter?
Because catalytic converters are simple to steal and its components can be sold for high prices, they are frequently stolen.
To accelerate the chemical reactions in catalytic converters, priceless metals like platinum, rhodium, and palladium are used.
Catalytic converters are targets for thieves who profit by selling the parts to scrapyards or metal recycling facilities because they contain valuable elements. A regular catalytic converter can be stolen for anywhere between $25 and $300, and hybrid car ones can fetch up to $1,400.
Additionally, it’s not too difficult to reach these components from underneath the car. In general, catalytic converters dangle lower from the vehicle than other parts, making them simple targets for thieves to slide beneath the vehicle and cut them off.
Do people steal Lexus catalytic converters?
Analysts claim that it appears that some automobile types are being specifically targeted by thieves more often than others. The Prius, Tacoma, Lexus SUVs, and the Accord are reportedly some of the vehicles that catalytic converter thieves target the most.
Which vehicle models have catalytic converters been stolen?
- Toyota Prius, years 20012021
- Chrysler 200, 20112017.
- Toyota Camry, 19872019.
- Honda CR-V 19972020.
- Chevrolet Equinox, 20052021
- Chevrolet Silverado, 19992021
- Ford Econoline/E-Series, 19902022.
- Jeep Patriot, 20072017.
Which vehicles experience the most catalytic converter theft?
A Jeep model called the Patriot was dropped in 2017. It is a little crossover SUV that is prepared to travel farther. Due to the fact that it is not available on the market, it is also one of the catalytic converters that gets stolen the most.
On a Lexus, where is the catalytic converter?
The catalytic converter is often found in the exhaust system on the underbelly of an automobile or truck, between the engine and the muffler.
When are catalytic converters stolen from cars?
- Element Honda 20032011
- Jeep Patriot, 20072017
- 1999-2021 a Chevy Silverado
- Honda Accord 19892020
- Subaru Outback, 200720
- Ford Econoline 19902022
- Toyota Tacoma, 19952021
- 2001present Toyota Prius
- Ford F-Series from 1985 to 2021
- Forester Subaru, 1998-2020
Hondas and vehicles with a higher ground clearance are being targeted. The Sacramento State Police Department noted in a statement that these thefts have mainly occurred near Hornet Commons, Parking Lot 10, Parking Structure 5, and Folsom Hall.
A catalytic converter is standard equipment in all automobiles created after 1974. Criminals frequently use a jack and an angle grinder to quickly steal catalytic converters in order to get their hands on and sell the highly sought-after metals they contain.
How can I prevent a theft of my catalytic converter?
Use a locked garage, regularly shift your car’s place, or park in well-lit areas close to exits for the general public. Install a theft prevention device. Install cameras and motion-activated lights in your parking area. Some local police departments even provide free painting programs to dissuade purchasers by painting your catalytic converter.
A catalytic converter is not required for an automobile to operate.
The catalytic converter works as a component of an automobile’s exhaust system to lessen air pollution. Driving without a catalytic converter won’t in any way harm your engine or your vehicle. Even if it works, it’s not always a smart idea to drive without one.
Which automobile has the most expensive catalytic converter?
The Ferrari F430 reportedly had the most costly catalytic converter, with a whopping $3,770.00 price tag, according to data from 2020. In addition, the F430 required two of these, costing $7,540 before labor for a complete replacement.
Despite the fact that the converter for the Lamborghini Aventador is officially the third most expensive, at $3,120, we’re ranking it second since, like the F430, it needs two converters. The total cost of replacement now stands at $6,240. If you can buy a Ferrari or a Lamborghini, you can probably afford a catalytic converter at any price, it practically goes without saying.
Although it is not as unique as a Lamborghini or a Ferrari, the car with the second (or third) most expensive catalytic converter has a highly well-regarded vehicle line. The Ram 2500, which costs $3,460 for a catalytic converter, has that distinction.
The Ford F-250, which is the fourth most costly car, will cost drivers $2,804, which is a big discount from the top three. The Ford Mustang rounds out the top five with a comparatively low price tag of $1,500. Depending on the type and model of the car, the average catalytic converter costs between $800 and $1,200. In general, the converter costs more the bigger the engine.
Remember that only the cost of the converter unit is included in these costs. If you have a damaged converter, additional exhaust components and labor costs may increase the overall cost of repair.
How can I tell if someone has taken my catalytic converter?
Can I drive without a catalytic converter? is a common question that many customers ask when faced with the recovery costs of a stolen “cat?
Both yes and no are the responses. A automobile can theoretically run without a catalytic converter. This, however, is not a viable long-term solution. Here are several issues that arise when you drive without a catalytic converter.
Loud Vehicle Noises and Missing Catalytic Converter
Extremely loud engine noises are the first indication that a catalytic converter has been stolen. Driving without a catalytic converter may cause your car to sound like it is roaring, especially when you start it or give it gas.
Rough Driving and Acceleration
Your car will drive rougher as your exhaust isn’t controlled. Normally, your engine pushes exhaust through the catalytic converter. Without this part, the intense exhaust push will result in unpleasant acceleration that is uneven.
Annual Vehicle Inspection Failure
You will fail both the NC safety inspection and the NC emissions inspection if you don’t have a catalytic converter. You might be asking why a missing catalytic converter would result in you failing your safety inspection, even though the failure of the emissions check may seem evident.
An exhaust system check is part of your annual safety inspection, and it specifically looks for components that have been altered or removed. Among others, this pertains to your catalytic converter, muffler, exhaust pipe, PCP valve, and EGR valve.
As a result, without a catalytic converter, you will not be able to renew your vehicle’s registration. On our list of everything checked during your yearly safety inspection, you may find more details on exhaust system inspections.
Harmful Car Emissions
Because it transforms pollutants into less dangerous byproducts like water vapor and carbon dioxide, your catalytic converter is termed as such. Without this part, your automobile won’t be able to filter and reduce dangerous emissions including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons. This not only harms the environment, but it can also result in dangerously low air quality. For instance, these dangerous contaminants may enter your home when you park in your garage.
Avoiding a $250 Fine
Not every driver who does not have a catalytic converter experiences theft. To increase horsepower, some people decide to remove their catalytic converters. A $250 fine may be imposed by the police if they discover that you removed your catalytic converter on purpose.
Theft-related catalytic converters are not covered by this. The penalty is given “for ordering or permitting a person to tamper with a vehicle’s emission control device so as to render the device inoperative or malfunction.” However, if you use workarounds to avoid replacing your catalytic converter despite the fact that it was stolen, your actions may resemble those of a driver who is trying to tamper with their emissions system. This is another reason why it’s crucial to report a stolen catalytic converter as soon as possible.
How quickly can a catalytic converter be stolen?
How Are They Taken By Thieves? Unfortunately, it’s fairly simple to steal a catalytic converter. Typically, thieves use a reciprocating saw powered by a battery to slide underneath a car and cut the exhaust line directly. It takes around two to three minutes and generates the same amount of noise as any power tool.
Can a catalytic converter be painted to deter theft?
Purchase some brightly colored, high-temperature (1,3002,000 0F), automotive exhaust spray paint, and liberally coat the converter with it.
Bright paint can be added to create a visual deterrent to warn burglars to leave.
Additionally, this paint alerts recyclers and law enforcement to dig more deeply for serial numbers or other identifiers.
By prominently identifying your catalytic converter, you can prevent theft from ever occurring. The following are additional strategies to safeguard your vehicles from this auto crime:
- Always set the alarm and lock the car.
- Place your car in a garage or other enclosed space.
- Install a theft prevention device.
- Fleet cars and vehicles with little use should be parked in a yard that is secure, alarm-equipped, and well-lit.
- Install a powerful motion sensor light to deter robbers.
Do more recent automobiles have catalytic converters?
More recent vehicles, including the 2015 Honda Accord and Jazz models, have catalytic converters inside the engine compartment, making it more challenging for thieves to take them. Convertibles from all the major automakers aren’t very expensive.
How much is a Lexus’ catalytic converter worth?
Between $1,987 and $2,071 is the typical price range for a Lexus RX350 catalytic converter replacement. The cost of labor is expected to be between $320 and $404, while the cost of the parts is $1,667. Taxes and other fees are not included in this range, nor are your particular model year or geographic area taken into account.
What vehicles have the lowest risk of having their catalytic converters stolen?
The likelihood of a catalytic converter being stolen from a car is far lower if it is installed in the engine compartment. Catalysts are often less valuable for many American and some Asian auto companies. You can also purchase a car that is older, electric, diesel, or without a catalytic converter.
Certain Brand Cars
Due to the lower value of their catalytic converters, American brands like Ford, Chevy, Jeep, Dodge, and Chrysler are less likely to be stolen. This group includes several Nissan, Hyundai, Mazda, and Subaru cars.
Many brands employed cat-inspired designs that constrained the amount of precious metals present. The majority of thieves conduct adequate research to know to avoid using these brands.
Cars with Converters in the Engine Compartment
Instead of being further back on the vehicle’s exhaust system, the catalytic converter is often positioned in the engine compartment of some vehicles. It is significantly more challenging for a burglar to take it because of this design.
Theft will move on to a different model since no one wants to put in the extra effort to get to these kitties. This category includes numerous automobiles, including those made by Audi, BMW, Honda, and Volkswagen.
Cars Built Before 1974
You don’t have to be concerned about catalytic converter theft if your car was made before 1974. None of these cars are equipped with catalytic converters.
Following that, the authorities started cleaning up the pollution. Therefore, having a catalytic converter was required for all automobiles.
Electric Cars
Catalytic converters reduce the emissions from gasoline or diesel fuel. As a result, vehicles that run on electricity do not have catalytic converters.
There is nothing to clean because the car isn’t generating gaseous waste. There will be no use of gas or diesel power while the battery is charged by plugging into a power source. Popular options include the Tesla Model S, Volkswagen e-gold, and Audi E-Tron.
Diesel Vehicles
Compared to gasoline-powered automobiles, diesel vehicles employ a different kind of catalytic converter. The majority of converter burglars are aware that these aren’t as valuable as gas catalytic converters.
In most cases, rhodium, palladium, or platinum are not used in the construction of diesel converters or so-called particle filters. Thieves frequently abandon the diesel vehicle because they are after these rich metals instead.