Are Renault Catalytic Converters Easy To Steal?

A catalytic converter converts toxic substances produced during internal combustion into water vapor and carbon dioxide, among others.

To do so, the catalytic converter contains precious metals such as platinum, rhodium, and palladium. These have a high resale value, which makes catalytic converters common targets for thieves.

Certain cars are more at risk than others, depending on where the catalytic converter is located and how valuable it is. For example, let’s take a look at one of the most popular car brands: Renault.

Are Renault catalytic converters easy to steal?

Just like with many other European-owner automotive manufacturers, the catalytic converters in Renault cars are located closer to the engine as opposed to at the end of the exhaust system. This design makes stealing the catalytic converter much harder.

Still, SUVs and hybrids produced by Renault can become targets since they have a higher ground clearance and contain much more valuable catalytic converters.

So, even though not very common, Renault vehicles might become targets for catalytic converter theft.

Why are Renault catalytic converters hard to steal?

Renault catalytic converters are much harder to steal than those from other vehicles as a result of their location.

Catalytic converters in all Renault cars are located close to the engine and not at the end of the exhaust system. This makes removing them much harder, so they’re not often targeted by catalytic converter thieves.

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Do all Renault cars have catalytic converters?

Most cars produced by Renault are powered by fossil fuels. These cars rely on internal combustion, which means they produce fumes. As a result, they need to be equipped with catalytic converters to offset their negative impact on the environment.

So, if you own a fuel-powered Renault, it definitely has a catalytic converter.

Besides fuel-powered cars, Renault also offers a range of hybrid cars like the Clio E-TECH, Arkana Hybrid, and Captur E-TECH. Hybrids are powered by fuel, electricity, or both, depending on the type.

As a result, these types of cars also have catalytic converters since there’s internal combustion happening in the engine.

The only type of automobile vehicle that doesn’t have a catalytic converter is an all-electric car.

Renault does manufacture 100% electric cars, namely the Renault Megane E-TECH. Since this vehicle runs solely on electricity, it doesn’t need or have a catalytic converter.

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Where is the catalytic converter located on a Renault vehicle?

The catalytic converter is located close to the engine and, in newer models, inside the engine itself. So, no matter what Renault model you have, your car is less likely to become a target for catalytic converter theft.

This type of design is also common in other European car manufacturers, such as Volkswagen, BMW, and Audi.

Which Renault model is most likely to have its catalytic converter stolen?

Even though Renault vehicles aren’t common targets for catalytic converter thieves as a result of the location of this device, some models can still be prone to theft.

SUVs and trucks have a higher ground clearance than smaller, compact vehicles. This makes sliding under the vehicle and working on removing the catalytic converter easier, even if it’s located closer to the engine.

As a result, Renault models, such as the Duster, Arkana, and Captur, can become targets.

In addition, hybrids contain more valuable catalytic converters. This is because the converters in hybrids don’t have to work as hard to convert toxic substances, so they contain more precious metals and a lower concentration of cheaper metals.

This makes Renault models like the Clio E-TECH, Arkana Hybrid, and Captur E-TECH more prone to theft than other models.

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Can you drive a Renault without the catalytic converter?

Just like with all fuel-powered vehicles, it’s possible to drive a Renault without a catalytic converter. But that’s definitely something you should avoid in order to keep your car healthy and as efficient as possible.

Driving your car without a catalytic converter for a long time may lead to decreased performance. The catalytic converter is an essential component of the exhaust system.

So, if it’s missing, your car will experience some problems.

In addition to that, driving a fuel-powered car without a catalytic converter is illegal in many parts of the world. In fact, you can get fined, which will cost you a lot more than replacing a stolen catalytic converter.

As a result, it’s a good idea to take some preventative measures to lower your risk of having your catalytic converter stolen.

How can you lower your risk of Renault catalytic converter theft?

Even though Renault cars aren’t common targets for catalytic converter thieves, all cars with catalytic converters can be susceptible to theft. Because of that, it’s a good idea to take some precautions.

First of all, it’s a good idea to park your car in a private garage, preferably one close to your house. That way, you can keep an eye on your car and react when you see something suspicious going on.

If that’s not possible, you may want to consider finding a private garage structure that has surveillance cameras and doesn’t allow unauthorized access.

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Parking your car in such a place greatly lowers your risk of catalytic converter theft but also damage to your vehicle.

In some cases, it might be beneficial to invest in an anti-theft device that can be installed directly on the catalytic converter.

Alternatively, you can use metal bolts or wires to firmly attach the catalytic converter to the underside of the car.

Doing so will make the catalytic converter harder to remove and possibly deter thieves.

Conclusion

As you can see, Renault cars aren’t very common targets for catalytic converter thieves because of the location of this device. In these vehicles, the catalytic converter is found closer to the engine and not at the end of the exhaust system.

That said, all modern cars with catalytic converters can become targets. So, it’s a good idea to take some safety precautions even if you own a vehicle that’s not a common target for thieves.

Sources: Renault Group, Research Gate, MDPI, and Science Direct