Spring and Houston Auto Repair

Thieves Target Catalytic Converters Feb. 6, 2020—Beware. Thieves are after catalytic converters.  The precious metals that are in catalytic converters (platinum, palladium, rhodium and gold) have made reports of stolen ones rise.  Tommy Ripley, owner of the two-location Ripley’s Total Car Care in Texas, reached out to Ratchet+Wrench after noticing a recent uptick in cases that he’s seen.  Ripley said that in the past month, he’s seen 6 cases of this at his shop, and in the past few months, he’s noticed that it’s happening more. The shop even published a blog on it’s site. He attributes the rise in the price of rhodium, specifically, as the cause for the uptick.  “It’s headed to $10,000 per ounce,” Ripley sa ... read more

What's the one thing you would expect car burglars to steal when they break into your car? The car stereo, a cell phone, or that loose change you keep in the ashtray?  All of these things may be, but would you think they would steal your catalytic converter? Catalytic converter thefts are taking place because the converters contain several types of recyclable materials that can be easily “scrapped” for a quick profit.  Thefts of catalytic converters increase each time the cost of scrap metal, particularly platinum, increases.  Houston and surrounding areas have seen an increase in the number of reported catalytic converter thefts. Your vehicle's catalytic converter is a device used to reduce the toxicity of emissions from an internal combustion engine. Catalytic converters have been required by law on every motor vehicle operated in the United States since 1975. It is attached to your exhaust system and is located underneath your car. Catalytic conv ... read more