How to Prevent Audi Q5 Catalytic Converter Theft
Worried about catalytic converter theft from your Audi Q5? Check out this guide to better protect your vehicle.
Written by Mary Alice Morris
Reviewed by Brittni Brinn
As with other SUV models, the Audi Q5 can fall victim to catalytic converter theft, thanks in part to the high resale value of materials found inside this part. Another factor contributing to its vulnerability is its stature—the Q5’s ground clearance makes it a little easier to shimmy under than low-profile cars.
If it’s a serious concern for you, the right
car insurance
can help you replace your catalytic converter after the fact. But it’s better to prevent it in the first place, if possible. This guide will show you what catalytic converter thieves look for when targeting an Audi Q5, and what you can do to keep your car safe. Is it easy to steal the catalytic converter from an Audi Q5?
The Audi Q5 doesn’t make any major lists of prominent catalytic converter theft targets. However, some model years have a catalytic converter that’s more accessible than others.
Every catalytic converter is found somewhere between the vehicle’s exhaust manifolds and muffler. Even without knowing its exact location on a vehicle, thieves can trace the exhaust line from end to end to locate the catalytic converter.
And the Q5’s SUV build makes it easier to trace than other cars, thanks to its higher ground clearance The
Q5’s ground clearance
ranges from 7.9 to 8.2 inches, depending on model year and trim level. Another Audi with a particularly high ground clearance is the
Q7
, which could have as much as 9.4 inches between the ground and the lowest part of the chassis. Compare insurance quotes from 50+ insurance companies with Jerry in under 45 seconds
Compare insurance quotes from 50+ insurance companies with Jerry in under 45 seconds
4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ driversTop Audi Q5 years that catalytic converter thieves target
There’s not much data available on which Audi Q5 model years are most targeted for catalytic converter theft. However, you can narrow down some characteristics of the vehicles most often targeted and compare them against your own car.
Cars commonly struck by catalytic converter thieves often have these attributes:
- High ground clearance for ease of access
- More than one catalytic converter
- Hybrid powertrain, which uses more catalytic converters and more precious metals
Unfortunately, some cars tick all of these boxes. But even if yours fits this profile, there are plenty of steps you can take to protect it.
Why are Audi Q5 catalytic converters stolen?
Thieves seek out catalytic converters because they contain precious metals that have a high market value. They scrap and sell the stolen catalytic converters, which are then broken down so the metals inside can be extracted and resold.
The precious metals in question are platinum, palladium, and rhodium. There are only a few grams of each type inside of a catalytic converter, but with even a small amount, thieves can rake it in. Here’s how much these metals are worth as of December 2022:
- Platinum: $1,031 per ounce
- Palladium: $1,854 per ounce
- Rhodium: $12,700 per ounce
Although the catalytic converter is valuable to you and your car for its function to reduce emissions and enhance efficiency, it’s valuable to thieves for its costly materials.
Audi catalytic converter replacement cost
A new catalytic converter for your Audi Q5 can cost nearly $4,000, and that doesn’t include the price of labor, which could be several hundred dollars. This is much higher than the deductible you would pay under a
comprehensive car insurance
policy, which would cover the cost of catalytic converter replacement. How to prevent catalytic converter theft from an Audi Q5
If you’d like to avoid the hassle of losing and then replacing your catalytic converter, there are a few proactive steps you can take to make your car a less likely target.
Park in a secure area
One of the easiest and most effective steps you can take is to park in a safe, secure area. Park in a garage if you have access to one. If that’s not an option, then park in a space with good lighting and video surveillance.
If you’re parking in a driveway or street side near your home, motion-sensing lights or a home security camera can serve as deterrents. Or, in the worst-case scenario, they could help you spot and identify the thief.
Buy an anti-theft device
For a little money upfront, you can have an anti-theft device installed that makes it nearly impossible to remove your catalytic converter. Check out cat shields from companies like MILLERCAT, Cat Security™, and others.
Another option is the catalytic converter theft alarm from
FastGuard Alarms
. Usually, car alarms will not respond to catalytic converter theft, but these alarms are designed specifically to protect this valuable car part. Put your VIN on the catalytic converter
Depending on where you live, the
National Insurance Crime Bureau
may offer occasional catalytic converter etching events. In this event, you can get your vehicle identification number (VIN) etched onto your catalytic converter, which makes it much easier to trace and also much less likely to be bought or sold. If you can’t get your catalytic converter etched, you could also use automotive exhaust spray paint to tag it. A tagged converter is also less likely to sell, so when a would-see thief sees a brightly painted catalytic converter, they’ll probably opt to move on.
Invest in comprehensive insurance
Although comprehensive coverage won’t prevent catalytic converter theft, it will make its replacement a lot easier on your bank account. You’ll need to
file a car insurance claim
to recuperate the expenses of replacement. Depending on your policy, you may have to pay a
deductible
, but this won’t be nearly as much as paying for the repair out of pocket.What to do if your Audi Q5’s catalytic converter is stolen
If your Audi Q5’s catalytic converter does end up being stolen, you’ll need to contact law enforcement as soon as possible. It’s possible that they could identify the thieves, especially if there were witnesses or surveillance cameras nearby.
Having a police report on file creates a record that will make it much easier for you to file a claim with your insurance provider. Once that claim is started and approved, your insurance company will help you with scheduling an appointment to get your car repaired, and they’ll cover the cost of parts and labor—if you have comprehensive coverage.
If you don’t have adequate insurance, you may be stuck paying out of pocket. In that case, it’s a good idea to shop for aftermarket parts to save some money.
Are you overpaying for your car insurance?
Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.
4.717k Ratings5M+Drivers Joined
7M+Cars Garaged
Can you drive an Audi Q5 without a catalytic converter?
You can drive without a catalytic converter on your vehicle, but you shouldn’t do it for very long. Without this part, your car won’t pass emissions testing requirements. Besides that, your car won’t drive as efficiently or quietly, and missing this component of your exhaust system could damage your car’s components in the long run!
“Because I have a luxury car, I was more interested in finding better coverage than the exact price.Jerryhelped me upgrade my policy, and when my record is cleared next year, I will be using Jerry again to choose an even cheaper plan!” —Paige W.
Estimate your repair costs for free with GarageGuard™
Simplify your car maintenance with Jerry.
4.7
We value your privacy
