In the video, Scotty warns drivers to protect the catalytic converter on their car (Image: YouTube @scottykilmer)
One of the most viewed on has urged drivers to protect a that costs a fortune to replace.
While modern cars are much more , the mechanic highlighted that many criminals still try to steal various parts that are located outside of vehicles.
In , Scotty highlighted that thieves often , which are typically smelted in order to gain access to the precious metals found inside.
He explained: “Catalytic converter thefts are on the rise. You might wonder why people are stealing these things, and that’s because there are precious metals inside. They can melt them down to get them, and they’re worth money.
“[The] number one [model] on the list of stolen catalytic converters is the F-Series Ford pickup truck. They have big catalytic converters, they’re easy to get under, and people are stealing them.”
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Thieves commonly target catalytic converters as they feature valuable precious metals (Image: Getty)
Found on all cars sold in the UK since 1993, a catalytic converter is an effective way to reduce the amount of harmful gases emitted by a vehicle’s exhaust and, whilst expensive to produce, typically lasts up to 100,000 miles.
However, since they feature precious metals to break down harmful gases, the component is widely targetted by criminals, with 100,000 stolen in the UK from 2021 to 2023.
Scotty warned that pickup trucks are the most commonly targetted vehicles since the catalytic converters they use are large and the vehicle’s high level of ground clearance makes them easier to remove.
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Scotty urged drivers to park in a well-lit or public environment to deter thieves (Image: Getty)
However, Scotty also noted that plenty of hybrid models also fall victim to catalytic converter thefts, including the Toyota Prius and Honda Accord.
He warned: “Another vehicle known for catalytic converter thefts is the Toyota Prius, a completely different type of vehicle.
“They’re low to the ground but they have huge cats that actually give thieves more money than [the ones on] the Fords. Honda Accords and CR-V are also popular for having catalytic converters stolen.”
In order to protect their car from catalytic converter thefts, the mechanic recommended that drivers leave their car parked in well-lit or populated areas where criminals would be easy to spot.
He continued: “Now, they make all kinds of shields that you can put on so it’s harder to steal a catalytic converter, but here’s my advice.
“Make sure your car alarm is on and always park it in an area where there’s other people. And if you do see people who look like they’re taking catalytic converters off and they’re walking around with them and putting them into another vehicle, get their licence number and call the cops.”