BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — Catalytic converter thefts may not be as common as they were a few years ago, but local mechanics say they continue to happen—and when they do, the repairs can leave drivers paying thousands of dollars.
This man is wanted by the Bakersfield Police Department for catalytic converter theft. Photo provided by BPD
Jorge Suarez, owner of Fast Auto Services in Bakersfield, says catalytic converters remain valuable because they are a required part of a vehicle’s emissions system.
“They’re a very expensive part, especially in California and to other states, and it’s a big requirement on the automotive,” Suarez said.
A catalytic converter is part of a vehicle’s exhaust system that helps reduce harmful emissions before they are released into the air. Because of the valuable metals inside, they have long been a target for thieves.
Suarez says thefts have slowed compared to a few years ago, but they haven’t disappeared.
“It’s been less nowadays, but a couple years back it was three, four, five in a week,” Suarez said.
According to Suarez, Hondas and Chevrolets are among the vehicles most commonly targeted because they are often easier for thieves to access underneath. However, he says any vehicle with enough ground clearance can become a target.
Once stolen, replacing a catalytic converter can be costly. Suarez says the price varies depending on the vehicle, but repairs often total thousands of dollars. Some vehicles require multiple catalytic converters, and California regulations require replacement parts to meet specific emissions standards.
“Most of the time it’s thousands,” Suarez said. “Some vehicles, they don’t even have it anymore. Sometimes they have to order it. Here in California, it has to be under the qualified qualifications of what the state wants. They cannot just put any catalytic converter.”
One of the first signs a catalytic converter has been stolen is a sudden increase in engine noise. Suarez says many drivers panic because they think something is wrong with their vehicle.
“They turn off the car quickly and they think there’s something wrong with the engine,” Suarez said.
He says if the exhaust pipe is secure and not dragging underneath the vehicle, it may still be safe to drive the car to a repair shop. However, drivers who are unsure should contact a trusted mechanic to determine whether the catalytic converter has been stolen.
In some cases, the theft can also damage other components underneath the vehicle.
“Sometimes they cut wires if they’re too close to the cause and create some type of damage underneath that needs to be taken care of, like maybe the oxygen sensors, connectors they got cut. So the electrical part needs to be replaced as well,” Suarez said.
To help reduce the risk of theft, Suarez recommends installing a protective catalytic converter guard. At his shop, he says they fabricate removable guards that allow technicians to perform routine maintenance while still protecting the vehicle.
“We do this for customers and we make it in a way that they are removable, they’re not permanent. So they can remove it when they’re still gonna do the service, like transmission, oil changes,” Suarez said.
He also recommends parking in well-lit areas with other vehicles nearby and considering a sensitive car alarm to help deter thieves.
“Leave it in a place with a lot of light and there are a lot of cars in it. That way it’s not easy for them to do it,” Suarez said.