Top 5 Most Stolen Car Parts and How to Protect Your Vehicle

Since the advent of the automobile, car theft has been a problem. Today, car break-ins and bipping for stolen car parts are rampant as thieves discover that stealing car parts is both easier to accomplish and actually more profitable. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a skilled thief can strip a car of its major parts in just half an hour! Then, they can sell the individual items for two to four times the vehicle’s value.

But what do people steal from cars, and what are the most stolen car parts? This guide will explain the five most frequently stolen car parts and, most importantly, how you can protect yourself and your car from thieves.

Catalytic Converters

A catalytic converter, or “cat,” is one of the most stolen car parts in America. The device converts the toxic gases and pollutants expelled from your car’s engine through the exhaust into less harmful emissions. But that’s not why catalytic converters get stolen so often. This environmentally friendly part is popular with thieves because it's easy to steal and contains platinum, palladium, and rhodium — three metals more valuable than gold.

Protect It: As many U.S. car owners have learned the hard way, it can be challenging to keep your catalytic converter safe. A brazen thief can slide under your car with a hacksaw and be away with the cat in minutes. Experts suggest welding a metal plate over the catalytic converter or installing an anti-theft cage or strap to prevent your cat from being stolen. You can also etch your VIN onto it or paint it in a neon color to make it easier to identify after it’s been taken. Other safety measures: when parking on the street, pull close to another vehicle or a wall to make it harder for anyone to access your car’s undercarriage.

Airbags

What people steal from cars can be surprising. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), it’s estimated that 50,000 airbags valued at $50 million are stolen every year. This life-saving car part must be replaced once it has been deployed in a collision or has been stolen. Criminals sell stolen airbags to unscrupulous suppliers, who then install them in the vehicles of unsuspecting owners.

Protect them: Steering wheel locks not only protect your airbags but also prevent your car from being stolen. And when it’s time to buy replacement airbags, make sure you purchase them only from the manufacturer, a certified recycler, or a dealer. Verify that the airbag package is sealed so you know it wasn’t illegally taken from another car. If there’s no market for stolen airbags, thieves will stop stealing them!

In-Car Systems

Car stereos no longer top the list of hottest stolen car parts. Today’s cars tempt thieves with much more sophisticated and desirable options. What people steal from cars today includes aftermarket DVD players and navigation systems that can be resold for thousands of dollars each.

Protect them: Some models come with a removable face that you can hide in the glove box before leaving your vehicle on the street. For units without a removable face, your best bet is to park your vehicle with all its bounty in a garage whenever possible. If you have to park on the street, choose a well-lit area and cover items up.

Tires and Wheels

Unlike a GPS or sound system, tires and wheels are not optional. (That is, if you want your ride to actually move.) Long a favorite with car thieves, tires and rims are easily removed with just a few tools and a couple of cinder blocks. And, like all of the other most stolen car parts, they’re easy to resell.

Protect them: For a visible deterrent, a circular wheel lock will prevent the wheels from being removed. But the lock also prevents the car from being driven, so that’s not always a practical solution. Locking your lug nuts will also help to keep your wheels where they belong. And keeping your car in a garage at night, when possible, is an excellent anti-theft precaution.

Batteries

Typically, what people steal from cars is easy to grab and can be resold. Your car battery is the only thing under the hood that can be easily removed that is worth something at the scrap yard. One battery is not worth much, but thieves will usually target multiple cars in an area at one time.

Protect it: You can purchase aftermarket hood locks for your car to make it harder for thieves to gain access. Also, park in busy, well-lit areas where anyone messing with the hood of your car would arouse suspicion.

How to Reduce the Risk of Car Theft: General Car Theft Prevention Tips

Now that we know what people steal from cars, how can you protect your property? Whenever possible, make it harder for thieves to access your vehicle and the parts they want to steal. You can also take steps to thwart a thief’s ability to sell your car parts and help the police track them down.

Consider our top tips to keep your vehicle from being targeted for stolen car parts:

1. Park in well-lit, secure areas Choose populated, well-lit locations whenever possible. A parking garage with surveillance cameras is ideal.
2. Keep valuables and valuable car parts out of sight Items such as GPS units, phone chargers, or visible stereo components can tempt thieves. If it looks detachable, it’s a target.
3. Lock your doors and roll up the windows — every time Even a quick errand can end in theft. Smash-and-grab thieves often check for unlocked car doors and cracked windows. Most stolen car parts are far too easy to access.
4. Install a car alarm or anti-theft system Visible deterrents, such as blinking LED lights or steering wheel locks, can dissuade thieves looking for an easy target.
5. Etch your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) onto parts Marking catalytic converters and other high-theft components can deter thieves’ resale attempts and aid police in tracing stolen car parts.
6. Avoid leaving your keys or key fob in or near the vehicle Modern cars can be started if the key fob is nearby. Even if your key fob is in the house, a pair of thieves can capture its signal in a “relay attack” and use it to open and steal your car. Store the key fob away from any windows or doors.
7. Consider a GPS tracker or vehicle recovery system If you live in a high-theft area, recovery tech can help locate it quickly.
8. Be aware of theft trends in your area Knowing what people steal from cars in your region can help you take targeted precautions.

Final Thoughts: Safeguard Your Car from Theft

Knowing what people steal from cars — and why — can help you take smart steps to protect your vehicle. Whether it’s a catalytic converter, an airbag, or an in-dash system, thieves typically go for parts they can grab quickly and sell for a profit. Fortunately, taking a few simple precautions can make your car a much harder target.

Stay alert, park smart, and consider installing a visible anti-theft device to protect your vehicle. While you’re at it, why not protect yourself by checking in with a friendly Wawanesa agent just to verify that your auto insurance coverage truly fits your needs?