has reported exponential growth in catalytic converter thefts since 2020. Unfortunately, this exposed underbody location can leave your catalytic converter accessible to thieves. On the contrary, other design elements of the Mazda 3, like low ground clearance and a non-hybrid engine, make it less of an appealing target.

Let us explain why: follow along as we provide in-depth coverage on what your Mazda 3 catalytic converter does, why it’s valuable, how to protect it, and what to do if it’s stolen.

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Where is the catalytic converter on a Mazda 3?

If you look under your Mazda 3, you’ll notice a mechanical component that looks like a cylindrical bulge on the exhaust system that runs between your engine and tailpipe — that’s your catalytic converter (CAT).

Unfortunately, this exhaust design exposes your catalytic converter to thieves looking to make a quick buck.

What are the benefits of a catalytic converter on a Mazda 3?

Without a catalytic converter, you won’t have much luck passing emissions tests, which are required by law in many states. That’s because the catalytic converter’s primary responsibility is to make your exhaust less hazardous.

Here’s a quick scientific explanation: The inside of a catalytic converter is coated in a mixture of precious metals, including platinum, palladium, and rhodium. When the exhaust gas from the engine enters the CAT, the exposure to the precious metals causes the gas to change its chemical composition, effectively reducing the levels of HC, CO, and NOx. The catalytic converter then passes the less-harmful exhaust gas off to the muffler to release it into the air.

Why do thieves want your catalytic converter? The precious metals that initiate the catalyzation process are currently trading at historically high levels. Here’s a look at prices as of December 2022:

Rhodium: $13,300 per ounce (0.035 – 0.071 ounces in a CAT)

Palladium: $1,900 per ounce (0.071 – 0.247 ounces in a CAT)

Platinum: $1,020 per ounce (0.106 – 0.247 ounces in a CAT)

However, the dirty work of stealing the catalytic converter only nets the thieves a couple of hundred bucks. The actual beneficiaries are the scrap metal dealers and recycling centers that scavenge and resell the precious metals from the stolen CATs.

On one hand, catalytic converters seem like an extraordinary innovation for the environment. But on the other, the associated problems feel like an off-setting step backward for humanity.

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How to protect the catalytic converter on your Mazda 3

Many automakers have redesigned their exhaust system entirely to hide the catalytic converter in the engine bay rather than leaving it exposed on the underside of the vehicle. However, the Mazda 3 hasn’t yet adopted this trend.

So until then, here are some ways to protect your catalytic converter from theft:

Install an anti-theft device. The

CatStrap™

and the

CatClamp®

are among the most popular aftermarket devices for preventing catalytic converter theft.

Park your Mazda 3 in a garage or a well-lit area. Parking in a secure garage or a highly visible public area will make your vehicle less of a target.

Put your VIN number on the catalytic converter. By creating a trail of evidence, scrap metal dealers or recycling centers will be less likely to accept the stolen catalytic converters. This effectively makes your Mazda 3 less appealing to thieves.

Add

comprehensive coverage

to your insurance policy. This optional coverage accounts for non-collision-related claims, including theft.

However, even though the catalytic converter is left exposed on the Mazda 3, other design components of this vehicle provide natural protection.

The Mazda 3 has historically had very low ground clearance (4.7 to 6.1 inches), which makes it more challenging to get under without a car jack. The Mazda 3 also doesn’t have a hybrid powertrain. Hybrids typically have catalytic converters with a more significant amount of precious metals (to meet stricter emissions goals), making them a more profitable target for CAT crooks.

What to do if your catalytic converter is stolen

Begin by documenting the theft. Take pictures of the missing catalytic converter and the associated damage to your exhaust system. You’ll need this information to file a police report (the CAT can be tacked if you put a VIN on it) and submit a claim to your insurance provider (you’ll be able to seek compensation if you have comprehensive coverage).

Then, to prevent this from happening again, you can try one of two strategies. Either purchase one of the anti-theft devices we mentioned earlier or install an aftermarket catalytic converter that is less valuable to thieves — you may sacrifice some quality going this route, but at least you’ll have a CAT still.

MORE:

How to know if your catalytic converter was stolen

When to replace the catalytic converter on a Mazda 3

Your Mazda 3 catalytic converter has a lifespan of about ten years or 100,000 miles. But no matter how close you are to this estimate, you’ll want to keep an eye out for these warning signs that may indicate your catalytic converter is failing:

Reduced acceleration and sluggish performance

Exhaust smoke smells

like rotten eggs

The underside of the vehicle overheats

Failed

emissions test

Illuminated

check engine light

You can use an onboard diagnostics (OBD) scanner to determine whether or not the catalytic converter is the source of your problems. Generally, your local auto parts store will have one of these devices available for you to borrow. If the results are inconclusive, you may want to take your car to your trusted Mazda mechanic.

How to replace a catalytic converter

According to ReapirPal, it will cost you around $1,300 for parts and labor to replace a Mazda 3 catalytic converter. Of course, this number can vary based on the model year and the local labor rate.

In our opinion, this task is best left to the professionals. The catalytic converter is a challenging component to work on: it requires a lot of tools (pipe expanders, gasket cleaners, and more) and a lot of effort (sometimes permanently welded in place).

So for the price, it may be better to save yourself the headache and have your mechanic replace your catalytic converter.

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How to fix a catalytic converter without replacing it

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