For centuries, cars have transformed modern society by providing a sense of freedom of mobility and independence, not to mention style and status.
However, they have also had a profound impact on the environment. Automobiles leave a massive carbon footprint through the emission of toxic gases into the air, which causes significant risks to one's health.
However, thanks to EPA guidelines, today, most vehicles are fitted with pollution-reducing devices known as catalytic converters to minimize their environmental impact. Let's look at these brilliant gadgets, how they work and why their theft is on the rise.
What is a Catalytic Converter?
A catalytic converter is part of a car's exhaust system, located on the underside of the car between the exhaust manifold and muffler. Depending on the manufacturer, the part itself may look different. Still, more often, it appears cylindrical, honeycomb-shaped, beaded, or oblong and coated in a metal catalyst, a combination of platinum, rhodium, and palladium.
How Catalytic Converters Work
Generally, car engines run on diesel or gasoline. When the fuel burns in the combustion chamber, poisonous gases such as carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds, and nitrogen oxides are released; without a catalytic converter, these gases are released directly into the air and could pollute the air. However, with a converter, the catalyst speeds up the chemical reaction, breaking apart the harmful gases into other harmless gases.
History of Catalytic Converters
The catalytic converter (CC) was invented by a French mechanical engineer named Eugene Houdry around 1950. He invented it to clean up automobile exhaust. However, its widespread use began around 1975 when the EPA tried to minimize air pollution from cars.
Types of Catalytic Converters
There are three types of catalytic converters used in automobiles, namely:
- Oxidation Catalyst (OC): In this type of catalytic converter, oxygen reacts with carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbons (HC) to form carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) which are safer for the environment.
- Three-Way Catalyst (TWC): Aside from converting CO and HC, it also converts nitrogen oxide (NO) into nitrogen gas that is less toxic.
- Three-Way Catalyst and Oxidation Catalyst (TWC-OC): It is a combination of an oxidation catalyst and a three-way catalyst that aims to optimize air pollution reduction.
Catalytic Converter Theft
In the recent past, the cases of catalytic converter thefts have skyrocketed. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, catalytic converter cases increased by 325% from 3,390 in 2019 to 14,433 in 2020. This auto part has been a magnet for thieves because the catalyst used in it is mostly a precious metal, such as:
- Platinum: it is used as both a reduction and oxidation catalyst
- Palladium: It is used as an oxidation catalyst
- Rhodium: It is used as a reduction catalyst
Palladium is more precious than gold, and its price has skyrocketed recently. For instance, in 2018, an ounce of palladium was worth $1000; today, an ounce is worth about $3000.
The catalytic converters are also easy to steal. The thieves can easily climb under the car and take it off within minutes with just a saw or wrench. Again, trucks and SUVs are targeted the most because they are raised off the ground more than other cars.
How to Know if Your Catalytic Converter has been Stolen
- Abnormally loud sound when you push the gas pedal
- There is an increase in exhaust fumes
- Missing catalytic converter when visually checked
- Uneven acceleration due to reduced exhaust regulation
- A headache when your windows are closed due to the buildup of carbon monoxide
How to Minimize Catalytic Converter Theft
You can protect your fleet from catalytic converter theft by:
- Park in a well-lit area
- Install an anti-theft device to deter thieves
- Engrave your license plate number onto your catalytic converter to deter buyers
- Install motion-sensitive devices in your parking area
- Paint your catalytic converter- this may help alert buyers
- Park in highly populated areas
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Our mission is to provide customized fleet solutions that help our prospects run their businesses more efficiently. Contact us today for more details.
