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Which Car Parts Are Thieves Most Likely to Steal?
The most valuable and most frequently stolen car parts
Your car has a lot of valuable parts, and parking it outside where thieves can discreetly access it makes it a target. While most break-ins and smash-and-grabs target expensive belongings like purses and electronics, car thieves can also swipe parts of the car itself (especially as the cost of car parts continues to rise). These are the most commonly stolen car parts you’re at risk of losing.
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Catalytic converter
Part of the exhaust system that’s exposed underneath your vehicle is the catalytic converter. This emissions regulation device is a target for many thieves because it consists of many valuable metals, including platinum, palladium, rhodium, and copper. If a thief can wriggle underneath your car and reach the catalytic converter, they will saw it off and sell it for scrap metal.
Battery
If the thief can wedge a lever under the hood and pry it open, they can grab items from the engine to sell for scrap metal — particularly the battery. A newer, working battery can be resold for a pretty penny, and even an old battery has value in its abundance of lead.
Wheels
It’s not just in the movies: Thieves will happily steal your car’s wheels if they have a wrench and a set of cinder blocks. Why do criminals swipe wheels (apart from the fun of stranding someone)? Because they can sell the tires and rims second-hand — especially if you have a set of nice chrome rims.
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Valve stem caps
These air stem caps on your tires are an easy target for thieves who want to swipe something quickly and discreetly. Most valve stem caps aren’t targets for thieves, but if you have special custom or chrome ones, be prepared for them to be nabbed by someone who likes shiny objects.
Tailgate
It’s easier than you might realize for someone to unfasten and detach your pickup truck’s tailgate, especially if you leave it unlocked. A thief can make a lot of money by selling a tailgate online as a replacement part to a buyer who damaged theirs and needs a replacement (who knows, you could be buying your own tailgate back).
There are ways to protect your car from being stripped for parts. If you live or work in an area with a high crime rate and park your vehicle outside, keep the doors and hatch/tailgate locked. Look into aftermarket protections like wheel locks and engine covers.
Aaron is unashamed to be a native Clevelander and the proud driver of a Hyundai Veloster Turbo (which recently replaced his 1995 Saturn SC-2). He gleefully utilizes his background in theater, literature, and communication to dramatically recite his own articles to nearby youth. Mr. Widmar happily resides in Dayton, Ohio with his magnificent wife, Vicki, but is often on the road with her exploring new destinations. Aaron has high aspirations for his writing career but often gets distracted pondering the profound nature of the human condition and forgets what he was writing… See more articles by Aaron.