As you may know, there is a big increase in thieves capitalizing on the precious metal value in vehicle catalytic converters. Whether you drive a car, truck, or van, thieves are taking any opportunity available to crawl under your vehicle with a reciprocating saw and leave with a part that is worth up to $800-$900 at the local metal recycler.
What the thieves are not considering is where it leaves their victims. Usually the theft goes unnoticed until the unsuspecting driver starts their car and it sounds like a diesel tractor starting on a cold morning. Catalytic converter replacements and repairs can cost upwards of $5000! Thieves will often cut the pipe in front of the catalytic converter, and the pipe behind, while stealing your catalytic converter and oxygen sensor. This leaves a driver with 3 damaged/missing pipes, and of course a huge repair bill.
At times, our customers have comprehensive insurance to help cover the cost of the repair but what is even more challenging is the lack of inventory. What started with Lexus RX350s, then to Toyota Prius', vehicles such as the 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007 Honda Accord 4 cylinder cars are the "new" target since they are easy to access and worth decent money.
If you find one morning that your vehicle has been stolen from, Performance Auto Care is here to help. We can sort the correct catalytic converter that is specific to California, and the engine code that your vehicle belongs to. We will ensure it is smog-able and comparable to the old system you had in place.
Please let us know if you have any questions and we would be happy to assist with either a catalytic converter replacement or a shield to help discourage thieves from stealing yours.
Happy motoring!