Unveiling the Surge in Catalytic Converter Thefts

Story highlight

• Catalytic converter thefts are going up in Lagos, causing big troubles and costs for car owners.
• Experts say to know basic car things, watch for the check engine light, and use special tools to stop theft.
• Good mechanics, found by asking friends, can help keep catalytic converters safe.

Israel Ola, a driver carrying palm oil across Lagos markets, had a bad experience showing the rise in catalytic converter thefts.

When his truck broke down at Iyana Oba, far from his home in Ikorodu, he left it at a nearby mechanic shop for almost a day. After getting his truck back, he heard a loud noise when driving fast.

Worried, Ola took his truck to his regular mechanic in Ikorodu, who found the catalytic converter was gone.

This theft, likely at the unfamiliar shop, shows the growing problem of stealing catalytic converters at Lagos mechanic shops, causing big troubles and costs for car owners.

What are catalytic converters?

Catalytic converters are important parts of cars. They are usually placed after the exhaust manifold or down the exhaust system in bigger vehicles.

Cars can have one or two catalytic converters, depending on the car model. These parts have precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium. These metals help turn bad gases into less harmful ones.

Catalytic converters also help the engine work better, making the car use less fuel. They change pollutants like carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides into safer compounds, reducing car emissions.

Are mechanics the main culprits behind catalytic converter thefts in Lagos?

Ola thought his truck’s catalytic converter was stolen at the mechanic shop. But are mechanics the only ones to blame?

Mr. Olatunde, a mechanic in Lagos, admitted some mechanics do steal parts from cars. But he said most mechanics do not steal. Some greedy mechanics take out catalytic converters to sell at lower prices.

Dennis Emmanuel, another mechanic, said stealing happens less in well-organized shops. He pointed out that thefts are more in shops with no proper staff checks.

Mr. Sunday MacNathan, a car owner in Lagos, shared his story. He bought a used Mazda CX-9 from the U.S. two years ago. After a year, his fuel usage went up, and the engine got louder. His mechanic found the catalytic converter was missing and thought it was replaced with an iron sponge by the importer to save costs.

“Earlier this year, I noticed my Mazda CX-9, bought as a US tokunbo, used more fuel and had a louder engine. My mechanic found the catalytic converter was missing. It was likely replaced with an iron sponge by the importer, which burned out,” MacNathan explained.

To check if car dealers are also to blame, Newslodge talked to Ayuba Idris, a car dealer.

Idris said, “The claim that car dealers remove catalytic converters is rare. Removing them lowers the car’s value. Missing parts like a catalytic converter make the car’s price drop a lot.”

He also said, “Some imported ‘Tokunbo’ cars come without catalytic converters. Buyers can bring a mechanic to check the car before buying. If the mechanic finds the catalytic converter or other parts missing, the buyer can cancel the purchase or negotiate a lower price.”

Idris noted that thefts mainly happen after buyers get the cars. Their mechanics, driven by money problems or greed, often steal catalytic converters from newly bought cars.

Many believe, from the survey and interviews, mechanics are the main cause of the rising catalytic converter thefts. While theft can also happen in unsafe places or involve some dealers, mechanics are seen as the main culprits.

Effects of catalytic converter theft on car owners

As seen in Ola and MacNathan’s stories, a missing catalytic converter makes the car very loud when driving. Mechanics say this happens because exhaust gases pass more directly without the catalytic converter.

Another effect is higher fuel usage. MacNathan noticed his car used more fuel. Ola saw a slight increase in fuel when the catalytic converter was gone.

Financially, without a catalytic converter, car owners spend more on fuel and replacements. Finding a perfect fit might need several tries, costing a lot.

Also, without a catalytic converter, cars emit more harmful gases because the converter helps turn pollutants into safer gases.

Cost of replacing a catalytic converter in Lagos

Replacing a catalytic converter in Lagos varies. For sedans, it ranges from N40,000 to N60,000. For SUVs, the price can be N100,000 or more. If bought with part of the exhaust system, the cost can be much higher.

The cost depends on the car model, year, and if the converter is new (OEM), China-made, or used.

MacNathan paid N125,000 for a used catalytic converter for his Mazda CX-9 earlier this year. A dealer said a 2004 Honda Accord (4-cylinder) catalytic converter costs about N45,000.

Prices vary widely, from N40,000 to over N100,000, based on vehicle needs and specifications.

Some drivers, unable to afford a replacement, use an ‘iron sponge’ as a temporary fix, trying to mimic the catalytic converter’s function.

Tips to prevent catalytic converter theft in Lagos

With more catalytic converter thefts in Lagos mechanic shops, experts shared tips to protect cars:

• Know your car basics, like fuel usage. A sudden increase might mean the catalytic converter is missing.
• Watch your check engine light. If it comes on, it could signal a missing or faulty catalytic converter.
• Buy a mini diagnostic tool (around N35,000 to N40,000) to check for a catalytic converter and find issues using diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). You can look up these codes online to understand the problem.
• Find good mechanics through referrals from friends, family, or colleagues. Trustworthy mechanics are less likely to cheat you and help keep important parts like catalytic converters safe.

Conclusion

Rising catalytic converter thefts in Lagos mechanic shops trouble and cost car owners. Signs like loud noises while driving and higher fuel usage could mean a missing or faulty converter. Knowing car basics, using diagnostic tools, and finding reliable mechanics through referrals can protect catalytic converters and ensure car safety.