What is a Catalytic Converter and Why are Thieves Stealing Them?

Bennett  Oghifo

What is a catalytic converter and why is it so valuable? A catalytic converter is a device used in the exhaust system of vehicles to reduce harmful emissions. It contains a matrix of materials coated with certain catalysts (like platinum, palladium, and rhodium) that promote chemical reactions converting harmful compounds into less harmful ones.

Specifically, it converts carbon monoxide (a poisonous gas) into carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides (which contribute to smog and acid rain) into nitrogen and oxygen, and unburned hydrocarbons (which contribute to smog) into carbon dioxide and water.

The catalytic converter was first introduced in the United States market in the 1975 model year to comply with tightening regulations on auto exhaust emissions. It was developed in response to the U.S. Clean Air Act of 1970, which set standards to reduce pollutants released by passenger vehicles.

After its introduction in the United States, the use of catalytic converters spread gradually worldwide, driven by tightening emission standards in various countries. However, the pace of adoption varied significantly depending on the region.

In Europe, for example, catalytic converters didn’t become widespread until the late 1980s and early 1990s, as leaded petrol, which is incompatible with catalytic converters, was still commonly used. In other parts of the world, the adoption of catalytic converters came even later.

Unleaded petrol was introduced in Malaysia in the year 1994. We later fully phased out leaded petrol in 1999, which allowed for the use of catalytic converters in vehicles without the issue of the lead in the fuel deactivating the catalyst.

Leaded petrol is incompatible with catalytic converters because the lead in the fuel can coat the catalyst materials. This coating essentially “poisons” the catalyst and prevents it from facilitating the chemical reactions that reduce harmful emissions.

The lead interferes with the catalyst’s ability to promote reactions that convert carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides into nitrogen and oxygen, and unburned hydrocarbons into carbon dioxide and water. That’s why the introduction of unleaded petrol was a crucial step in the widespread adoption of catalytic converters in vehicles.

Anyway, due to their high value and increasing prices for these metals, thieves can sell stolen catalytic converters to scrap metal dealers. Removing a catalytic converter from the underside of a car can be relatively quick, especially for experienced thieves, making it an attractive target.