This is what you can do to protect Toyota catalytic converter
Toyota catalytic converter
In particular, the Toyota RAV4 and Auris are popular among car thieves. The Toyota Auris is stolen primarily for parts. Because read along: of the 193 Auris models stolen in 2022, 73% were recovered without catalytic converters.
Above-average amount of precious metals in Toyota catalytic converter
That a Toyota is stolen specifically for the catalytic converter is, of course, no fun. There is a catalytic converter in the exhaust of almost every car with a gasoline engine. This is not unique to Toyota, let that be clear. Toyota’s catalytic converters do feature above-average amounts of precious metals in order to get the exhaust gases as clean as possible that way. As a result, the Toyota catalysts make more money.
What does a catalyst do?
The catalytic converter neutralizes certain harmful particles in exhaust gases. This works through a chemical reaction created by precious metals. A new catalytic converter can quickly cost as much as 1,500 euros, and with installation, those costs run as high as 2,500 euros. Car insurance often covers these costs, but then, of course, you have to pay your deductible. In short: not fun and a hefty cost.
“If the catalytic converter is stolen, several parts are damaged and the cost can reach 2,500 euros, including installation and VAT.”
Anti-theft plate
There is no solution to the catalytic converter theft problem. But you can make it as difficult as possible for car thieves. Car dealerships specializing in Toyota supply special protective plates. This is an anti-theft plate that the Toyota dealer can install under the car. This plate makes the catalyst no longer easy to steal. You read it correctly: “no longer simple. Thus, theft is still possible, only the thief has to go to much more trouble, which quickly makes a car with a catalytic converter less interesting. What does such an anti-theft plate cost? Count on about 250 euros, including assembly. (Source: Van Gent).
Various solutions
Yet the cost of such a theft prevention system varies. Because not all dealers offer the same solution. Toyota dealer Van Ekris even has four options on offer. The two cheapest solutions are:
Theft delay Weld connection catalyst + Caps = 125 euros
This solution is available for the Prius 2 and 3. The theft delaying caps are metal caps over the bolts that make loosening bolts even more difficult. After installing these caps, the bolts are not easily loosened and stealing the catalytic converter becomes more difficult. The metal caps are applicable for the Prius family and the Auris.
Theft delay catalytic converter by bracket + Caps = 159 euros
A special bracket should help prevent theft of the catalytic converter. This bracket can be applied to the following models: Prius 3 (also Plug-In), Auris, Prius Wagon and Lexus CT200h. This bracket is not possible for Prius 2.
Other solutions for Toyota catalytic converter
There are other solutions to prevent or thwart catalyst theft. Consider an inclination sensor connected to original horn and possibly with extension of an emergency power siren.
The inclination sensor in the car ensures that thieves cannot jack up the car undetected to steal the catalytic converter. When the car is jacked up, the horn immediately activates for about 30 seconds. This solution will cost you 212 euros. For 330 euros, you get not only the inclination sensor but also a siren with emergency power. This siren is difficult to sabotage and continues to sound for about 30 seconds, even after cutting the power wire or disconnecting the battery.