What do catalytic converters have in them

Catalytic converters have been around since the 19th century when metal cylinders containing filters coated in platinum, Iridium and palladium were fitted to early French motor cars in an attempt to clean up the smoke coming out of their exhausts. The technology was first patented by Frenchman Eugene Houdry who relocated to Los Angeles in the s and founded a company called Oxy-Catalyst, which fitted catalytic converters to industrial chimneys to combat smog. Having already fitted his filters to warehouse forklift trucks, by the s Houdry had begun to research catalytic converter technology for use on cars and he secured a patent for his design in Today, the overwhelming majority of internal combustion engined cars on the road have a catalytic converter and there are various different kinds fitted to different models.

Have you been a victim of catalytic converter theft? Let us know in the comments below Skip to Content Skip to Footer. Generous support from listeners and readers is what powers our nonprofit news—and your donation today will help provide this essential service. Skip to content. Dan Kraker Mar 22, Heard on:. Listen Now. Share Now on:. A mechanic works on replacing a truck's catalytic converter, an environmental device that contains costly elements. Stories You Might Like Shooting survivors describe their long-term recovery.

Americans are hitting the roads again for July 4th. Image source, Getty Images. Lockdown surge in catalytic converter thefts Reality Check: Thefts of catalytic converters. Related Topics. Crime Motoring. Published 25 March. Published 21 August It will sound like a car without a muffler. In some cases, an easily accessed vehicle in a remote location will see a return of the thief for the new cat. Whatever the situation was that proved successful still exists in most cases.

Some people have a cage or metal plates welded around the cat to make it much harder for thieves to remove. That is usually not covered by insurance so it can cost a few hundred dollars. That cost is beyond the cost of replacing the cat. Because a Toyota Prius cat takes longer to burn out the precious metals, higher prices are paid for Prius cats.