All fuel-powered vehicles are equipped with catalytic converters. These devices help convert toxic chemicals produced during internal combustion into less harmful ones.
As a result, catalytic converters help make fuel-powered vehicles better for the environment.
Unfortunately, catalytic converters are often hunted by thieves since they can be sold for high prices. But some car brands and models are more prone to theft than others.
Are Mazda Catalytic Converters Easy To Steal?
Luckily, most Mazda models aren’t common targets for catalytic converter thieves. Mazda catalytic converters contain a lower concentration of precious metals, which means that stealing them won’t bring any profit for the thief.
With that said, all vehicles that are equipped with a catalytic converter can become targets. In fact, some Mazda models, such as the Mazda CX-5, have the catalytic converter located in a very accessible place.
So thieves can remove it with ease. As a result, it’s still important to take some safety precautions to avoid having your Mazda catalytic converter stolen.
Why are Mazda catalytic converters hard to steal?
Technically, it’s not too hard to steal the catalytic converter from most Mazda models. But these catalytic converters aren’t as valuable for thieves as those from other cars, such as SUVs and hybrids.
The majority of Mazda models have catalytic converters with a low concentration of precious metals. So, since catalytic converters are targeted for their content of precious metals, Mazda cars aren’t very common targets.
In addition, several Mazda models have catalytic converters that are completely different from the common ones. These aren’t valuable for thieves, so Mazda vehicles are rarely targets.
Do all Mazda vehicles have catalytic converters?
Most Mazda models are powered by fossil fuels, which means that they require a catalytic converter to offset their negative impact on the environment.
So, all traditional Mazda models are equipped with catalytic converters.
With that said, Mazda also manufactures plug-in hybrid vehicles, such as Mazda CX-60. Hybrids can be powered by both fossil fuels and electricity.
As a result, these cars have catalytic converters, even if they’re not in use all the time.
Mazda also has an all-electric vehicle: Mazda MX-30. Since this is a fully electric car, there’s no internal combustion happening in the engine, and the vehicle isn’t powered by fossil fuels.
As a result, the Mazda MX-20 model doesn’t have a catalytic converter.
Where is the catalytic converter located on a Mazda vehicle?
Usually, the catalytic converter is on the underside of the vehicle and close to the engine and the muffler. And that’s also where the catalytic converter is located on most Mazda models.
As a result, it’s relatively easy to access the catalytic converter on a Mazda.
Some Mazda vehicles have different catalytic converters that aren’t valuable for thieves. These are also located deeper in the exhaust system, which makes them harder to reach.
Which Mazda model is more likely to have its catalytic converter stolen?
All vehicles that are equipped with a catalytic converter can become targets for thieves. But luckily, Mazda cars aren’t very popular targets, regardless of which model you own.
Still, one Mazda model, the Mazda CX-5, is more regularly targeted than other models.
This is because the catalytic converter is located in a very accessible location, and the vehicle isn’t too close to the ground, which leaves a lot of room for thieves to steal this device.
So, if you own Mazda XC-5, you should be particularly careful and take some safety precautions to prevent theft.
Can you drive a Mazda without the catalytic converter?
Even though it’s technically possible, it’s not a good idea to drive your Mazda if you know you had your catalytic converter stolen.
Firstly, the car might have several performance issues. For example, the catalytic converter helps regulate oxygen levels in the engine.
So, when it’s missing, your car will not perform as well as it used to and might drive slower.
So, while it’s possible to drive a vehicle without the catalytic converter, experts don’t recommend doing so, especially for a long period of time.
What should you do if your Mazda’s catalytic converter is stolen?
It can sometimes take work to determine whether you had your catalytic converter stolen. If you’re not familiar with the internal build of vehicles, you may not be able to see something’s missing.
That’s why it’s important to start with a visit to a mechanic.
If you notice that your Mazda starts making loud noises when you start the engine, the ‘check engine’ light appears on the dashboard, or the car doesn’t perform as well as it used to, be sure to get it serviced by a professional.
Once you know for sure that your Mazda is missing its catalytic converter, be sure to notify the authorities.
In many regions of the world, it’s illegal to drive a fuel-powered vehicle without a catalytic converter. Plus, if you have insurance, you might be able to get some money, which can be beneficial when buying a new catalytic converter.
It’s also important to avoid driving your car until the catalytic converter is replaced.
The catalytic converter is an integral part of the exhaust emission system. This means that, without it, your vehicle will not perform as well as it used to.
Without a catalytic converter, your Mazda will also produce a lot of toxic substances that are harmful to the environment as well as your health, especially if they start seeping into the inside of the vehicle.
So, that’s why it’s crucial to replace the catalytic converter as soon as you find out it’s missing.
Conclusion
As you can see, Mazda cars aren’t very common targets for catalytic converter thieves. This brand produces cars with catalytic converters that don’t contain a high concentration of precious metals, which makes them a very rare target.
What’s more, some Mazda models even contain different types of catalytic converters, which have no value for thieves.
So, if you own a Mazda, you don’t have to worry too much about having your catalytic converter stolen.
Sources: Mazda, Pew Trusts, Research Gate, and Science Direct
Jack is the owner, chief editor, and senior writer of this website.
Machinery, engines, and farming have always been a passion of his since he was a young boy. Growing up on a small farm in rural America, he learned the value of hard work and dedication from an early age.
After completing his degree in Engineering, he decided to follow his dream and became a farmer in 2009.
Since then, he has gained a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field. He has grown a variety of crops, tended to farm animals, and worked with all sorts of farming machinery. Continue reading…
