21 February 2025

ADAC information extra instances: Catalyst theft: Is your automotive mannequin additionally affected?

The ADAC breakdown helpers had been known as 1,038 instances final yr due to stolen catalytic converters – considerably extra typically than in earlier years.

Older autos with petrol engines, by which the catalytic converter is well accessible in the course of the automotive flooring, are notably affected, the affiliation mentioned in Munich. The thieves would have focused the costly treasured metals akin to platinum, palladium and rhodium within the catalytic converters.

In 2018, the ADAC highway patrol needed to prove 77 instances due to stolen catalytic converters, and 169 instances the next yr. In 2020, 420 stolen Kats had been counted, in 2021 it was 959.

“Apparently, the situations for thieves in older Opel Astra, Toyota Prius and VW Polo show to be notably favorable,” mentioned the ADAC. In newer autos, the catalytic converter is mounted near the engine in order that it might probably attain working temperature extra rapidly after the beginning, and is rather more tough to take away.

With out exhaust gasoline cleansing, the automobiles are considerably louder and in addition lose their working license. “They should be transported to the workshop on the trailer. A alternative, together with set up, prices as much as 1000 euros, and considerably extra for some fashions.”