Our Japanese Auto Repair Blog

Catalytic converter thefts are on the rise, but Greg’s has you covered.

 

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.

How Do Your Car’s A/C and Heater Work?

Weather is normally fairly temperate here in Western Washington, but there are definitely days when you want your car’s air conditioning and heating to work. The best way to make sure your equipment is ready when you need it most is to keep up with a regular automotive HVAC maintenance schedule, as well as, repair problems as soon as possible. It also helps to understand a little bit more about how your heater and AC work. Learn more about the two systems below to increase your chances of spotting problems before they get too severe.

Why Oil Changes and Fluid Flushes are So Important to Your Car

Fluid flushes are among the most important types of regular maintenance for your car, truck or SUV. The systems in your vehicle rely on specialized liquids to make sure they can continue to function properly, and it’s important to keep the fluids as fresh and clean as possible. Depending on the system, it may need fluids to offer hydraulic assistance, lubrication, or cooling.

3 Common Causes for a Shaky Steering Wheel

No driver likes it when their steering wheel starts shaking. This is a sure sign that there’s something going wrong with your vehicle, and it can also make driving unnecessarily stressful and scary. If the road is smooth and your ride still feels jerky, there’s nothing to blame except for the vehicle itself. Waiting for the problem to take care of itself will only make things worse, so we strongly suggest that you take action as soon as possible when you notice that your steering wheel is shaking. 

Car dashboard on check engine light

5 Common Reasons Why Your Check Engine Light Is On

It’s one of every car owner’s biggest nightmares– the check engine light has become illuminated in your dash. This is a sure sign of problems under the hood of your car, and it’s hard to know exactly how serious those problems are.

It could be a quick fix, or it could be a problem that leaves you stranded and costs you thousands of dollars unless it’s addressed quickly. Either way, it’s important to get to the bottom of the issue as soon as possible.

Two women panicking while driving on traffic

6 Signs That It May Be Time for a Brake Job

The brakes are one of the most important features in your vehicle. They are paramount to remain safe on the road. It is recommended to take your car to a mechanic once every 50,000 miles for a brake job to ensure everything works as it should.

However, if you notice any of the following signs, then you want to bring your vehicle in sooner to have it looked at.

Tips for defogging your car windshield

6 Tips for Defogging Your Windshield

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.

mechanic fixing the car

Did You Hear That? 10 Noises Your Car Shouldn’t Be Making

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.

Man driving safely on a rainy day in Downtown Seattle

Driving Tips for Getting Around Downtown Seattle Safely and Efficiently

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.

Beautiful scene of Seattle's skyline with Moun Rainier in the background

Must-See Spots in Springtime in Seattle

While Seattle retains its Pacific Northwest charms even through the dulled, gray winter months, the warming springtime sun illuminates what makes this coastal city one of the most beautiful in the country. Whether you’re looking to spend time watching salmon slingers downtown, plop down on a sandy beach, or traverse gorgeous odes to the natural world, you’ll be wowed by the best views in Seattle.

Greg’s Japanese Auto

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.

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