By Brittany Anderson
KYLE —With catalytic converter thefts on the rise, one local auto shop is on a mission to help deter this in the community.
Dave’s Kyle Auto and Diesel Repair held a free catalytic converter etching event on July 16, partnering with the Kyle Police Department and Kyle Citizens on Patrol, who helped assist with the event and direct traffic.
Owner David Duarte said that catalytic converter theft started about 10 years ago and has been picking back up. There have been 13 reports in Kyle this year, with the entire theft process only taking approximately 45 seconds.
Duarte hopes to deter this theft through the etching service, where the vehicle’s license plate number is engraved on the catalytic converter.
Catalytic converters are found in most vehicles today, and convert harmful substances such as carbon monoxide, nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide found in a car’s exhaust gasses into less harmful substances like carbon dioxide and water vapor through a series of chemical reactions. They are often found underneath the vehicle towards the exhaust pipe, making it easily accessible to be cut out.
The converters are stolen for the precious metals stored inside them, including palladium, rhodium and platinum, and sold to recycling centers and other scrap metal or parts dealers.
Duarte said that centers will check the origin of the converter, making the etched number an extra layer of security as they will be able to locate its original owner.
The shop was able to service 55 vehicles throughout the event, along with offering customers snow cones and food from local food truck, Rub My Rib.
If you missed the etching event, Dave’s Kyle Auto and Diesel Repair will still offer the service free of charge by appointment at www.kyleautorepair.com. The shop is located at 395 County Road 202, Unit 9B in Kyle.
If your converter has been stolen, you will hear a loud noise when your car starts, as well as when you accelerate. There will also be an increase in exhaust fumes and smells. The Kyle Police Department encourages residents to report if their converter is stolen.
In addition to the etching, you can reduce your chances of having your converter stolen by:
• Choosing safe parking conditions with adequate light and security
• Installing a catalytic converter anti-theft device
• Spraying the catalytic converter with highly visible, high-heat pain
