Is your F-150 running smoothly? Good, that means catalytic converter thieves haven’t successfully targeted your pickup truck yet. But that doesn’t exactly mean your vehicle is safe. It is the biggest target for catalytic converter theft.
Thieves steal catalytic converters from a Ford F-150, most of them
Unfortunately, the truck is by far the most popular when it comes to being targeted for theft. That might be because it’s the most popular truck, so there are more models on the way. This can provide more opportunities for thieves.
Service records indicate that the F-150 has experienced more catalytic converter thefts than any other vehicle in the past two years. Theft increased from about 52,000 units in 2021 to 153,000 in 2022. This is a rampant increase.
Additionally, by using only service records about catalytic converter replacements that account for defects, recalls, or aging, the actual numbers could be much higher.
Why do people steal F-150 catalytic converters?
People target catalytic converters because they can get away with it faster. Using a battery-powered chainsaw, thieves can cut through the exhaust system and take the converter in less than 30 seconds.
But with all vehicles, using a catalytic converter can lead to a big payday. Reselling them can save anywhere from $300 to $1,400.
This is if the adapter is simply resold. He smelted it to obtain precious metals such as platinum, palladium and rhodium. Thieves can get between $970 and $10,000 for just one ounce of these resources.
Junk yards usually buy catalytic converters and then melt them down for a quick profit. This leaves many F-150 owners without the important pollution control device.
It can cost between $2,000 and $3,000 to replace a catalytic converter, leaving vehicle owners with an expensive headache. However, some comprehensive auto insurance plans cover catalytic converter theft and vehicle damage associated with this operation.
You can drive your Ford F-150 without the catalytic converter, but it’s not recommended. Without it, your car can no longer filter or reduce harmful emissions that could end up in your home. It also causes your car to get louder with uneven, erratic acceleration.
How to protect your F-150 from catalytic conversion theft
You can take some steps to protect yourself from thieves. Be aware of your surroundings and park in a well-lit area at night. Standing inside a group of home security cameras can also be helpful.
Also, make sure your alarm system is on. Vibrations from crawling under a vehicle or posting through an exhaust can raise the alarm and attract attention.
You can install a protection device that will make it impossible for thieves to cut off the catalytic converter. While a high-quality anti-theft catalytic converter shield can cost a few hundred dollars to install, it can save thousands in the long run.
The Ford F-150 is also a popular target for headlights, taillights, wheels, and tailgates. People will pay a premium for these items because they are expensive to replace and struggle with limited inventory.
F-150 and catalytic converter sales thefts don’t slow down, but you can protect your truck. Stay tuned for the latest updates.
