Avoid this Car Part Changing Fraud

Recently, there has been an alarming increase in car and car part theft. A recent article in Khaleej Times writes that the U.A.E. police have asked car owners to remain vigilant and report suspicious behavior. Although thieves usually stole car batteries, tires, or side mirrors before, they are now only focused on one part – the catalytic converter.

The reason is that this car part is more expensive than gold. As it is a critical component, it is costly and challenging to replace. Only last year, the Dubai police arrested a gang of thieves that stole catalytic converters from 431 vehicles owned by two car rental companies. The total worth of these components was Dh3,640,000.

What is a Catalytic Converter?

It is an exhaust emissions control device that converts the harmful gases and pollutants from the internal combustion engine into less harmful ones. It uses a chamber called a catalyst for the conversion process. They are located near the vehicle's exhaust system. These components are made from palladium, rhodium, and platinum. These are highly precious metals, so thieves are trying to steal them.

We can guarantee that you will be awestruck if you Google their prices. Unfortunately, thieves must cut through the exhaust system to get to the converter. It means that not only do they steal a valuable component but also damage other parts. It is why the total cost of replacing the converter and fixing the other damages reach the sky. The cost of the converter can reach up to Dh6,000.

Beware of Car Repair Shops

Unfortunately, it is not only the thieves that you must worry about, as mechanics are also tricking people. They will claim that the catalytic converter is faulty and requires replacement. Most people don't have technical expertise related to automobiles, so they rely on the mechanic's word and pay for the replacement. People don't realize that the mechanic just replaced a fully functioning catalytic converter with a substandard one. They will sell the original one at a considerable profit. It would be best if you only opted for car repair from reliable and trustworthy companies like PitStopArabia.

How to Avoid this Problem

• Park your car in a garage.
• If you don't have a garage, park in a well-lit, busy area.
• Install CCTV cameras and park the car in its view.
• Don’t agree to part replacement until you get a second opinion or have the component examined thoroughly.
• If you are a rental company, inspect the vehicle before receiving it back from the customer.

Conclusion

We would like to end by stressing that always opt for trustworthy repair shops to avoid getting scammed. You must pay for the repairs/replacement and also see your car devalue significantly. It means that you will also lose money when selling it. If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to contact us. Thank You.