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If someone had asked me what was so valuable about a Toyota Prius, I sure would not have answered catalytic converter. I would have thought more along the lines of the $1500 to $3000 hybrid battery.

However, thieves have found that catalytic converters on Toyota Prius are easy money. If you have been a victim of this crime, here is what you can do to prevent it from happening again.

What Is A Catalytic Converter
A catalytic converter is a device that takes harmful exhaust gasses and passes them through precious metals. This process cleans up the exhaust and allows us to have cleaner air. They are critical, especially for the Prius, which is a low emission vehicle.

The unit on Prius, comprising of 2 converters, can weigh in at a hefty $1500 or more depending on where you live. In California, due to CARB regulations (California Air Resources Board), you have one option only. The dealer. Other states, such as Florida and New York, have similar laws.

According to Cap City Muffler in Sacramento, California "The dealerships' list price on this converter is $2148, and by the time you replace the hardware that needs to be installed, the front gasket, the 02 sensors, and labor of the installation, you are at roughly $2500.00."
-Cap City Muffler, Owners

Aftermarket catalytic converters are typically less densely packed. While they carry the same precious metals in them, there can be varying amounts of these metals, which can be the deciding factor in how much the converters cost. There are some cheaper options out there but are typically not recommended as they do not last like the OEM converters.

Why Do Thieves Want Them
Thieves want these converters and especially the OEM ones. There are higher levels of these precious metals in them, which, when they get scrapped, can give the thief anywhere from $375 to $850 or more per converter. The precious metals, platinum, palladium, and rhodium. These metals can be made into jewelry and be protective coatings also.

These metals are the reason that thieves want them, and they want the OEM ones. OEM converters are more substantial and carry more dense levels of the metals. Toyota Prius has tightly packed catalytic converters because it is trying to achieve very low tailpipe emissions. So it makes sense for thieves to target the Prius. The converters on them will bring the highest scrap value.

If a pair of "cat thieves" can snag a few of these every day, that can add up to thousands a week. The business can be quite lucrative. Your Toyota Prius is worth more than you think.

What Can Be Done To Protect My Prius
It can take thieves less than three minutes to steal one of these high-cost converters. That is not very long, and most of the thieves make a clean getaway. This puts Prius owners in serious jeopardy.

There used to be no real way to keep thieves from stealing these until now. Enter Cat Security™, a robust aluminum plate that, once installed, provides a strong barrier against catalytic converter theft. Developed by two muffler shop partners in Sacramento, California, this team aims to stop a robbery and provide its customers with peace of mind.

The product is more than just an anti-theft plate, though, it has some other benefits. It is straightforward to install, requiring no welding. It uses the factory studs and comfortably aligns with your Prius undercarriage. Special fasteners also help as a theft deterrent, keeping unwanted hands out of your car. The shield also may help with the aerodynamics of your Prius, as well. The guard could translate into increased fuel economy, though there is no data to support this currently.

Getting A Cat Security Plate For Your Prius
Cap City Muffler in Sacramento California would be happy to install one of these on your Toyota Prius for around $225. The shield is a whole lot cheaper than replacing a $2500 catalytic converter.

If you want one but do not live in the area, no worries, they are available for sale here on Cap Cities website. Not sure how to install it? No problem, take it with you to your next oil change or service appointment and have it installed.

Conclusion
I am thrilled that Cap City has taken a stand against converter theft. This device will help improve the security of your Toyota Prius and hopefully increase your MPG.

Be sure to check out my other story on how to fix foggy headlights on your Toyota Prius with this one easy to use tool.

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