catalytic converter protection measures?
Posted by alonsito123321@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 4 comments
Hi! I wanted to ask some professionals for help about taking measures to defend my new catalytic converter from getting stolen (again), I have a 2021 Lexus CT200h, european homologation specs (I'm in Spain), and I want some other opinions, as so far I've asked the mechanic that repaired it and another one, but they advise against the cat plate because I risk accumulating heat and the car catching on fire, and I would not want that at all, but I imagine they have to be somewhat safe, I've seen models with louvers and stuff so the air can recirculate (asked at the official dealer but they don't have any OEM plates so I don't know if I can get one?). Also, I was looking into other measures, like a tilt alarm or a 24/7 LTE dashcam wired to the fuses. (also received in another sub info about this (which the 130db sold me already) and this (which I'm not so sure about because if it's easy to install, then is it easy to uninstall as well?), I'd like to buy the first option, but I would have to haul it overseas, taxes and headaches in case of returning it, so I wanted actual advice instead of the own page's comments about what the best measures could be. Thank you very much in advance!
Substantial_Team6751@reddit
The cat strap video looks like BS. They show them cutting from below, trying to cut through the strap. But one could easily cut from the top down and not even bother with the strap.
I like the idea of a tilt alarm combined with some kind of cage to slow them down. As soon as the alarm goes, they probably aren't going to continue.
Substantial_Team6751@reddit
I have an aftermarket cat installed (I assume they really don't want the cheaper aftermarket ones) and a cage. Nobody's bothered me in 5 years. But maybe I'm just lucky.
LEQUAVA@reddit
I’d combine multiple smaller deterrents instead of relying on only one thing.
Like a shield/plate + tilt alarm + parking in visible areas. Thieves usually want the fastest/easiest target possible.
Also if it’s easy to install, it’s usually easy to remove too sadly to say.
alonsito123321@reddit (OP)
I was thinking of this combination, the alarm and either this OEM or this aftermarket but still good plate, just concerned if the alarm won't get damaged because of the possible heat trapped in between the cat and the plate, but is a must, as the first one got robbed in a community garage along some other neighbors' as well and no one noticed anything until the morning when they went to start up the cars, so I hope that for the next time if they manage to jack it up and cut the plate, at least I can pop their ears off with that alarm and make them flee (and saving a couple neighbors as a little bonus)