What are catalytic converters and why do thieves steal them from cars parked at LRT/MRT stations?

Some of you may know about catalytic converter thieves in Malaysia, which is happening with increasing frequency lately. Catalytic converters are part of a car’s exhaust system and thieves have targeted cars parked at LRT/MRT stations to steal them. Each catalytic converter is worth RM500 to RM2,500. Thankfully, the police caught two men involved in various catalytic converter thefts in the Klang Valley. But we don’t know if this is the end.

What is a catalytic converter and why is it so valuable? A catalytic converter is a device used in a vehicle’s exhaust system to reduce harmful emissions. It contains a matrix of materials coated with several catalysts (such as platinum, palladium and rhodium) that promote chemical reactions that convert harmful compounds into less harmful ones.

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

Catalytic converters were first introduced to the US market in the 1975 model year to comply with tight automotive emissions regulations. It was developed in response to the US Clean Air Act of 1970, which sets standards for reducing pollutants emitted by passenger vehicles.

After its introduction in the United States, the use of catalytic converters gradually spread around the world, due to the tightening of emission standards in various countries. However, the rate of adoption varies considerably depending on the region.

For example, in Europe, catalytic converters did not become popular until the late 1980s and early 1990s, because leaded gasoline, which is not compatible with catalytic converters, remained in common use. variable. Elsewhere in the world, adoption of catalytic converters is even later.

Unleaded gasoline was introduced in Malaysia in 1994. We then completely phased out leaded gasoline in 1999, which allowed the use of catalytic converters in vehicles without lead problems in the vehicle. fuel neutralizes the effect of the catalyst.

Leaded gasoline is not compatible with catalytic converters because lead in the fuel can coat the catalytic material in the converter, including precious metals such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium. This coating essentially “poisons” the catalyst and prevents it from facilitating chemical reactions that reduce harmful emissions.

Lead interferes with the catalyst’s ability to drive reactions that convert carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides into nitrogen and oxygen, and unburnt hydrocarbons into carbon dioxide and water. That is why the introduction of unleaded gasoline is an important step in the widespread adoption of catalytic converters in vehicles.

Catalytic converters are often the target of thieves because they contain precious metals such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium. These metals act as catalysts that help reduce harmful emissions from vehicle exhaust.

Due to their high value, especially as commodity prices of these metals increase, thieves can sell stolen catalytic converters to scrap metal dealers for substantial sums. Additionally, removing the catalytic converter from a car’s underbody can be relatively quick, especially for experienced thieves, making it an attractive target.