Rochester Auto Repair

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What’s the Deal With Catalytic Converters?

 

Catalytic Converters are a government mandated section of a vehicle's exhaust system. They convert harmful gasses produced from your vehicle into less harmful gas. Along with ither chemicals, carbon monoxide is converted into carbon dioxide.

Due to the government regulations, it is illegal for an automotive repair facility to bypass the catalytic converter or install a “straight pipe.”

 

Jake, operations manager at South Street Auto Care states, “Cat thieves suck. They often damage other components when cutting out the catalytic converter and the repair is usually well over $1000.” As of 2009, Michigan legistration was signed to help reduce catalytic converter theft. Theft of a catalytic converter has been changed from a misdemeanor to a felony with a fine of up to $10,00, imprisonment for up to 5 years, or both. 
 

The appeal of stealing catalytic converters is due to the metals inside. Several precious metals make up a catalytic converter, including platinum. Vehicles with a body higher off the ground, such as SUVs and trucks are at higher risk because it is easier for a thief to get under the vehicle.

 

There are some anti-theft devices on the market, but it’s debatable whether any of them are guaranteed to work or would even deter a would-be thief. Some police departments will offer a service to etch the vehicle’s VIN into the catalytic converter. Currently, Rochester Police Department offers no such service.

 

Catalytic Converters are a government mandated section of a vehicle’s exhaust system. They convert harmful gasses produced from your vehicle into less harmful gas. Along with other chemicals, carbon monoxide is converted into carbon dioxide.

 

Due to the government regulations, it is illegal for an automotive repair facility to bypass the catalytic converter or install a “straight pipe.”

 

 

Jake, operations manager at South Street Auto Care states, “Cat thieves suck. They often damage other components when cutting out the catalytic converter and the repair is usually well over $1000.” As of 2009, Michigan legistration was signed to help reduce catalytic converter theft. Theft of a catalytic converter has been changed from a misdemeanor to a felony with a fine of up to $10,00, imprisonment for up to 5 years, or both. 

 

 

The appeal of stealing catalytic converters is due to the metals inside. Several precious metals make up a catalytic converter, including platinum. Vehicles with a body higher off the ground, such as SUVs and trucks are at higher risk because it is easier for a thief to get under the vehicle.

 

 

There are some anti-theft devices on the market, but it’s debatable whether any of them are guaranteed to work or would even deter a would-be thief. Some police departments will offer a service to etch the vehicle’s VIN into the catalytic converter. Currently, Rochester Police Department offers no such service.

 

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