Catalytic Converters Are Stolen So Often This Mechanic Made a Rap PSA About It. Here's the Real Reason Why They're So Lucrative

"Always wanted to steal one."

Catalytic Converters Are Often Stolen. Here’s Why

Photo by: Doctor Auto & bright_hid

Steve Ecker

By: Steve Ecker

Jul 20, 2025 at 9:00am ET

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Catalytic converters are commonly stolen. A viral post by a mechanic highlights the issue.

In a Facebook post, automotive repair shop Doctor Auto shares a rap about catalytic converters.

The post has generated over 3.1 million views as of this writing.

In the post, mechanic Derek McDaniel raps over a video revealing a very clogged catalytic converter. The beat is simple, and the bars are lethal.

“I don’t lie, I don’t murder. But I might steal your catalytic converter. When you leave it unattended in the parking lot, I got a sawzall blade and it’s mighty hot,” the mechanic raps.

Doctor Auto told Motor1, “It was a clogged Catalytic Converter on a F150 5.4L. When we took it off, we noticed that some catalyst matter fell out of it. We pulled out my camera and recorded.”

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This rap parody of stealing catalytic converters had viewers howling for more, and others chiming in on the trend to steal these.

“My guy you snapped. I need a full song,” one person said.

“Always wanted to steal one,” another admitted.

“You should finish the song, it's good so far,” a third replied.

What Are Catalytic Converters?

A catalytic converter is a part of your car’s exhaust system that converts harmful engine exhaust pollutants into something less harmful to the environment through chemical reactions, J.D Power reports.

This car part will turn pollutants like carbon monoxide into less harmful substances like nitrogen and water vapor.

This part became popular in the mid-1970s when the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulated vehicle emissions tests. There are three types of catalytic converters: Two-way converters, three-way converters, and diesel oxidation catalysts.

Catalytic converters are now standard in cars.

Why Are Catalytic Converters Stolen So Often?

While the catalytic converter is known for reducing toxins and vehicle emissions, this car part has become a target for thieves, AAA shares. Thieves target this car part because it's valuable.

According to Catalytic Converter Recycling, catalytic converters require three metals with more value than gold. The three metals included in catalytic converters are platinum, palladium, and rhodium. These expensive metals can be recycled easily and broken down to be sold as scraps.

Replacing a catalytic converter can put a dent in the wallet and cost up to $2,500 without labor, Autozone reports. With the valuable metal components of platinum, palladium, and rhodium, thieves can turn a nice profit stealing catalytic converters.

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Even the scraps of the catalytic converter can be valuable, RRCats shares. Scrap recyclers will usually pay $100 or so for each one because they can refine the metal if needed, one Reddit user said.

Catalytic converters are an easy part to steal because they’re outside the vehicle. With just a sawzall, a thief can quickly nab one.

Ways to Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft

Preventive measures can be taken to decrease the chance of your catalytic converter getting stolen. SUVs, trucks, and hybrids have valuable catalytic converters that are easily removable.

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According to Allstate Car Insurance, here are five ways to prevent catalytic converter theft:

Know if your car is a likely target
Park in well-lit areas
Install an anti-theft device
Install motion-sensitive lights and cameras in your parking area
Paint your catalytic converter to deter buyers
You can also etch your license plate number or VIN onto the catalytic converter.

This can potentially alert a scrap dealer that the part was stolen and make it easier to find the owner. Additionally, parking in well-lit areas is always a best practice. So is regularly relocating your parking spot.