The Ford Ranger's exhaust system is equipped with an essential component known as the catalyst. Its primary role is to minimize the harmful emissions from the exhaust, ensuring the Ranger meets environmental standards.
This component doesn't only serve to meet regulations. The catalyst is crucial for the optimal performance of the Ford Ranger. If it's absent or malfunctioning, drivers may notice increased fuel consumption, the engine might enter emergency mode, and its overall lifespan could be reduced.
The catalytic converter plays a pivotal role in the Ford Ranger's system. Yet, not everyone appreciates its significance. Given the precious metals inside the converter, it has become a prime target for theft. The design of many vehicles, including the Ranger, doesn't inherently protect the converter, making it easily accessible to thieves, which can lead to costly repairs.
This article offers insights on how to safeguard your Ford Ranger's catalytic converter from potential theft, ensuring peace of mind and saving on unwanted expenses.
Heads up! It's worth noting that stealing a catalytic converter is a criminal offense, leading to significant fines and potential jail time.
Which vehicles are prime targets for catalytic converter thefts?
Owners of vehicles made after 1975 are susceptible to catalytic converter thefts. Thieves, however, are generally more inclined towards newer models, which hae more technologically advanced and valuable converters.
The advancement and eco-friendliness of a vehicle's catalytic converter, which often uses precious metals, makes it more attractive to thieves. This is especially true for modern Ford Rangers and other vehicles equipped with multiple converters.
Recent data is concerning. Catalytic converter thefts have skyrocketed - in 2022 alone, there were 64,000 reported thefts in the US, a significant rise from the 16,000 reported in 2020. This suggests that no vehicle owner is truly safe from these thefts.
The following vehicles have been most targeted:
Protecting Your Ford Ranger's Catalytic Converter from Theft
The cost of replacing a catalytic converter can run between $1,000 to $3,000. Then, factor in potential damage to your Ford Ranger and the inconvenience of having it in the shop. Prevention, in this case, is genuinely better than cure. Let's make sure your Ranger's converter remains where it belongs with these proactive steps.
Shielding the Catalytic Converter
Most vehicles don't offer inherent protection for their converters. To counteract this, consider installing a sturdy metal guard specifically designed to shield the converter, deterring potential thieves. This guard should resist tampering, cutting, or prying. Investing in quality protection can save you hefty bills down the road.
Go Bright or Go Home
Using a vibrant, heat-resistant paint on your converter makes it conspicuous and less attractive to opportunistic thieves. Brightly colored parts are typically less desirable as they're harder to offload. It's not a failsafe method, but it's another layer of deterrence.
Mark it with Info
Engraving the vehicle's VIN and license plate number onto the converter can be a deterrent and a means of identification if stolen. This distinctive marking might dissuade chop shops or resale buyers and assist law enforcement in tracking down stolen parts.
This component doesn't only serve to meet regulations. The catalyst is crucial for the optimal performance of the Ford Ranger. If it's absent or malfunctioning, drivers may notice increased fuel consumption, the engine might enter emergency mode, and its overall lifespan could be reduced.
The catalytic converter plays a pivotal role in the Ford Ranger's system. Yet, not everyone appreciates its significance. Given the precious metals inside the converter, it has become a prime target for theft. The design of many vehicles, including the Ranger, doesn't inherently protect the converter, making it easily accessible to thieves, which can lead to costly repairs.
This article offers insights on how to safeguard your Ford Ranger's catalytic converter from potential theft, ensuring peace of mind and saving on unwanted expenses.
Heads up! It's worth noting that stealing a catalytic converter is a criminal offense, leading to significant fines and potential jail time.
Which vehicles are prime targets for catalytic converter thefts?
Owners of vehicles made after 1975 are susceptible to catalytic converter thefts. Thieves, however, are generally more inclined towards newer models, which hae more technologically advanced and valuable converters.
The advancement and eco-friendliness of a vehicle's catalytic converter, which often uses precious metals, makes it more attractive to thieves. This is especially true for modern Ford Rangers and other vehicles equipped with multiple converters.
Recent data is concerning. Catalytic converter thefts have skyrocketed - in 2022 alone, there were 64,000 reported thefts in the US, a significant rise from the 16,000 reported in 2020. This suggests that no vehicle owner is truly safe from these thefts.
The following vehicles have been most targeted:
- 1985-2021 Ford F-Series;
- 1989-2020 Honda Accord;
- 2007-2017 Jeep Patriot;
- 1990-2022 Ford Econoline;
- 1997-2018 Ford Explorer;
- 1999-2021 Chevrolet Silverado;
- 2005-2021 Chevrolet Equinox;
- 1997-2020 Honda CR-V;
- 1987-2019 Toyota Camry;
- 2011-2017 Chrysler 200;
- 2001-2021 Toyota Prius.
Protecting Your Ford Ranger's Catalytic Converter from Theft
The cost of replacing a catalytic converter can run between $1,000 to $3,000. Then, factor in potential damage to your Ford Ranger and the inconvenience of having it in the shop. Prevention, in this case, is genuinely better than cure. Let's make sure your Ranger's converter remains where it belongs with these proactive steps.
Shielding the Catalytic Converter
Most vehicles don't offer inherent protection for their converters. To counteract this, consider installing a sturdy metal guard specifically designed to shield the converter, deterring potential thieves. This guard should resist tampering, cutting, or prying. Investing in quality protection can save you hefty bills down the road.
Go Bright or Go Home
Using a vibrant, heat-resistant paint on your converter makes it conspicuous and less attractive to opportunistic thieves. Brightly colored parts are typically less desirable as they're harder to offload. It's not a failsafe method, but it's another layer of deterrence.
Mark it with Info
Engraving the vehicle's VIN and license plate number onto the converter can be a deterrent and a means of identification if stolen. This distinctive marking might dissuade chop shops or resale buyers and assist law enforcement in tracking down stolen parts.