Kyle's Corner (FYI) Hear that Clickety-clack? Gas Prices Are Not the Only Thing Being Lifted

If it isn't bad enough that gas prices are going up every few days, and now some clickety-clack is coming from under vehicles. The sound is not coming from under the hood but just behind it.

With the economy in tough shape and the price of platinum up (currently it is at $1,802 an ounce), thieves have taken to removing catalytic converters from vehicles and then selling the platinum contained in the exhaust piece.

One woman from Carmichael, California went to start her Toyota 4Runner one morning only to hear a great roar and wonder if the vehicle was going to explode. As far as the type of vehicle that will be hit by converter thieves, it stands to reason that vehicles that sit up high such as trucks and SUV are easier to get under. Additionally, such vehicles have large catalytic converters and possibly more platinum content.

Regarding the problem, USA Today states, "Across the country, the problem of catalytic converter theft is on the rise again, as the price of platinum, rhodium and palladium - the metals found inside them - rises. Thieves use portable power saws to remove the converter in minutes, police and auto mechanics say."

In many instances, a new converter will cost anywhere from about $1,000 - $2,000 dollars to replace. However, it is not only the cost but the fact that a vehicle cannot really be driven without a converter. Thus, a vehicle could be stalled for several days.

So what can you do to help avoid your precious converter from being lifted? If you have a garage, keep your vehicle in it and be sure it is locked. Also, try to keep your vehicle in a well-lit location that you and others can see. And if you are really concerned, slide some flat barbed wire under the vehicle near the catalytic converter. A pair of gloves is required and the wire can be put in the trunk until the next use.

Maybe it is time to get the sports car out that sits so low to the ground. Many of the older ones did not even have catalytic converters. This leaves thieves in tough shape again!

Kyle Busch is the author of "Drive the Best for the Price..." He welcomes your comments or car questions at his auto web site: www.DriveTheBestBook.com . Follow Kyle on Facebookand Twitter.