Every Toyota Dealer Should Carry This Device For Your Toyota Prius

Catalytic converter theft is a real issue. Cap City Muffler in Sacramento, California, has devised a device that keeps these thieves at bay. The best part? There will be a solution for the 2010-2015 Prius as well. Here are your options for keeping your Toyota Prius converter safe and secure.

Not sure what a catalytic converter is or why thieves want them? Check out my other article here that explains all of those questions you have.

Cap City Muffler, The Who Behind The What
Cap City Muffler only uses CARB approved OEM certified catalytic converters. The owner has been in business for over 20 years now. They also specialize in catalytic converters as well.

Cap City known for its high-performance exhaust systems that have earned them a name that people can trust. Keeping their prices low by doing larger volumes allows Cap City to give the most affordable and best product to its consumers.

Initially, they had planned to use converters to keep business steady during downtime in the economy. Though things changed once they saw the need to help keep people safe from thieves who wanted these precious converters. This “help” mentality is where the owner had a brilliant idea for the Cat Shield.

What Is A Cat Shield?
A Cat Shield is, only that, A protector. It is for the underside of your Toyota Prius that protects the catalytic converter from thieves.

This idea came to the owner as he had replaced multiple Toyota Prius catalytic converters. The customers were coming in after having the “cats” stolen and were forced, due to CARB regulations to buy an OEM catalytic converter.

The cost that these people had to shell out was enormous. A 2004- 2009 Toyota Prius or 2nd generation typically costs around $2500 once purchased and installed. If you own a 3rd generation, hold on to your shorts. A replacement OEM converter for a 2010 to 2015 Toyota Prius comes in at a hefty $5,000. Ouch. Now imagine if you had to pay for that not once, but twice.

This string of thefts cost one 2nd gen Prius owner $5,000 after having her catalytic converters stolen twice. She was forced to rent a unit where she could lock up her Prius, just because of some thieves who wanted to make a quick buck. Ridiculous.

Insurance companies should give discounts to Prius owners that install these also. It would keep the vehicle safer and potentially increase the value of the car.

Where Can I Get One Of These Fancy Shields
Currently, Cap City is in just a handful of Toyota dealers in the California Sacramento area. As the word spreads, though, dealers would be foolish not to carry these. The shields are also sold in-house at the shop right there in Sacramento. Do a quick Google search, and you will be able to find them easily.

They also sell them online from their website and will do onsite installs. Cap city is expanding and gaining traction in Toyota dealers as the demand for catalytic converter protection increases.

It is important to note that Cap City is taking preorders for Gen 3 Prius and is going to be using some of the profits from the sales of Gen 2 and 3 to do development. Prius C and V shields are on the mind of the owner, but not available at this time.

The 2004-2009 Toyota Prius Cat Shield
Here is a picture of the 2nd generation cat shield. The cost is about $225, and installation costs may vary depending on who is installing it for you.

The 2010-2015 Toyota Prius Cat Shield
This new addition to the Cat Shield family is pretty recent. Due to the high cost of replacement cat converter on the 3rd generation Toyota Prius, Cap City knew they had to stay ahead of thieves.

Conclusion
Cap City offers any Toyota dealer that would like to do business an opportunity to help customers. Cap City currently has two Toyota Dealerships and five other shops that carry Cat Shield. They are looking for more distributors to help distribute. If you are interested, send them a message here on their website www.getcatsecurity.com.

Thank you for reading. I hope you have had a great weekend. More importantly, I hope that your Prius has been safe. Be sure to check out my other story, Corolla Hybrid May End Prius Production.

Also Watch New tech means more MPG from your Toyota Prius and Click to Subscribe to Torque News Youtube Channel for Daily Toyota Prius and Automotive News.

Peter Neilson is an automotive consultant specializing in electric cars and hybrid battery technologies. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Automotive Service Technology from Weber State University. Peter is also an Instructor of Automotive Technology at Columbia Basin College. Peter can be reached on Linkedin and you can tweet him at The_hybrid_guy on Twitter. Find his page on Facebook at Certified Auto Consulting