The last few months have been hard for everyone, especially with the COVID global shutdown making it difficult to work and go on with everyday life, that’s why it was disappointing to see an increasing number of Prius owners coming in needing a Catalytic Converter. Unfortunately, all these customers had one thing in common, each had their vehicle’s Catalytic Converter cut off and stolen right where their car was parked!
Today most people in the Automotive industry know that Catalytic Converter theft is a wide-spread problem. It’s a billion-dollar black-market industry that’s destroying the environment and the lives of so many Prius owners.
Now, Catalytic Converter theft is not partial to Prius only; it’s a problem with many vehicles on the road today, but Prius has been at the forefront of this issue. On top of that, dealers in many instances are on a national backorder of replacement Catalytic Converters and because of this, repairs are taking much longer.
Although precious metal prices dropped in March/April, they have once again started climbing. One of these precious metals, palladium, is already worth $2426 per ounce at the time of this article. The thieves who are stealing these Catalytic Converters aren’t stupid, they know how to be in and out within 3 minutes or less. You could walk into a friend’s house and come back a few minutes later and be wholly blindsided with a repair cost of your Prius from $2500 to $5000.
Just in the past two months, Seattle has seen a huge increase in these thefts. Already the Seattle Police Department has issued a warning to people in the area to be sure everyone was made aware. A good place to check to see if your area has seen an increase is to check your local crime watch sites/organizations.
There are a few ways to keep your Toyota Prius safe from these cat burglars. First, park in a well-lit area and somewhere near possible theft deterrents like security cameras. Second, if you can, park in a garage where potential thieves can’t even see the Prius. Although even with both these suggestions, we’ve still had customers tell us how their Prius was in a secured parking garage and the thieves were still able to cut the catalytic converters off and get away.
That’s why Greg’s is now offering a new security plate that can cover the underbody of the car protecting the Catalytic Converter, installed with rivets and security screws making your Catalytic Converter not only hard to get to but extremely hard to cut off.
Conclusion
Catalytic Converter theft continues to increase. The sheer demand from these thefts has made it harder for dealers to get replacement converters in a timely fashion for our cars, and hundreds of Prius each week are sitting on dealer lots or garages waiting for repair.
Your Prius could be next, and so could mine. I’ve already scheduled to install a Cat Security plate on my personal Prius, especially since I live in an area where I park out in the open. Save the time, the towing, and the inconvenience of losing your Prius for any extended amount of time. Take some SERIOUS consideration to protect it with the best protective shield on the market through Greg’s Japanese Auto.
Think about it this way, for less than a few hundred dollars you can avoid $2500-$5000 in unnecessary repairs. Call your local Greg’s Japanese Auto today for more information and to schedule your appointment.
A foggy windshield is more than just annoying. It is a safety hazard because it limits your field of visibility. No matter what the weather is like outside, it is always possible to have fog build up inside your vehicle. The reason fog forms is due to condensation inside the car that hits the windshield, and due to the fact it is lower than the outside temperature, fog develops. Fortunately, there are several ways to get rid of that fog so that you can continue driving safely.
After driving your car for only a few weeks, you should be familiar with all of the little peculiarities that make it special. You know the sound it makes when you first ignite the engine and how it should sound when you accelerate (if it makes any sound at all). To keep your vehicle in excellent working condition, you need to recognize and diagnose issues immediately. Strange sounds often indicate car problems, and you do not want an expensive mechanic’s bill because you failed to act sooner. These are the most common car problems and what they most likely are.
Seattle is a beautiful, vibrant city with a lot to offer locals and visitors alike. From craft breweries to museums, there is something for everybody. The process of getting to and driving through Seattle can be tricky, due to the usual challenges associated with big city driving, along with some uniquely local difficulties and terrain such as Lake Washington. Use these safe driving tips to help prepare you for your next trip to the city.
If you have an upcoming driver at your house, you might be wondering how to teach your child to drive. While you could head out on I-5, that might not be the best solution for someone who hasn’t been behind the wheel before. It’ll probably take some time to warm up to that kind of traffic. Try some of the following suggestions for starters.
Too often, you’re not in a convenient location when you need to change a flat tire. Fortunately, with a little preparation, it doesn’t have to ruin your day. Changing a flat tire might be tricky at first, but before you know it, you’ll be a pro.
Thanks to its famous rain, the Pacific Northwest is chock-full of natural beauty. Even the busiest cities in the region have ample access to nature. A simple drive across the floating I-90 bridge from Seattle to Mercer Island or Bellevue is a treat of stunning lake and mountain views. If you’re looking for scenic drives near Seattle that really show off our state’s gorgeous landscape, check out some of these routes.
Road trips make for amazing adventures whether you go with a group of friends or that one special someone. Although you likely have an ultimate destination you want to reach, the best parts of any road trip are sometimes the stops you make along the way. One of the most famous road trips people make in Seattle is to Portland as it is not too far, with many wonderful sights to visit along the way.
With the fall season gradually approaching, winter will blow in before you know it. Just as preparing your wardrobe to keep you warm and comfortable during the cold months is essential, it is just as important to prepare your car with specific winter car safety tips.
The experts of Greg’s Japanese Auto are here to teach you how to winterize your car with these winter car safety tips to keep it up and running safely this―and every other―winter driving season.
Whether you are headed to sunny beaches or frozen mountains, driving during the holiday season can be full of fun, adventure, and occasional danger. There are lots of reasons to enjoy a road trip over the holidays. However, to ensure you and your family drive safe and make it safe and sound to your destination, consider these five important tips for safe holiday driving.
Tired of auto repair shops that don't understand your car? Want a car mechanic who does? Come to Greg's Japanese Auto.
We only work on Japanese makes and models, and we have the experience and knowhow to give your car the service it deserves. Call us today to schedule your appointment.
