1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Miller catalytic converter shield

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by southjerseycraig, Mar 3, 2022.

  1. southjerseycraig

    southjerseycraig Active Member

    Joined:
    Jan 23, 2009
    438
    107
    0
    Location:
    Cherry Hill, NJ
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    There has been a rash of catalytic converter thefts in my community. I understand that Toyota has available a Miller catalytic converter shield to at least make such thefts more difficult. I am told that the shield comes in both aluminum and stainless steel, and that the latter is harder for a thief to saw through. I would be interested in comments here about whether the shield is worth obtaining. I *think* the price is about $200.
     
  2. Kenny94945

    Kenny94945 Active Member

    Joined:
    Mar 24, 2016
    784
    400
    0
    Location:
    Sausalito
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Four
    Sheilds can be a deterent.
    Yet, depending on the location of the car, the shield will not stop a"professional".
    That comment has a basis in the time (and noise) to steal.
    In regards to alum. vs. steal with the proper tools the difference to cut off in time I believe is negligible.
    Good luck with your decision.
    PS One idea I've read and liked is to etch your VIN number onto the cat, to curb resale.
     
    southjerseycraig likes this.
  3. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2012
    11,105
    4,518
    0
    Location:
    Pacific Northwest, USA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Catch is most cat thieves aren't professional... So every thing you can do to discourage them, the better off you'll be. Parking on soft ground that won't support a car jack is a good strategy.
     
  4. southjerseycraig

    southjerseycraig Active Member

    Joined:
    Jan 23, 2009
    438
    107
    0
    Location:
    Cherry Hill, NJ
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    A car repair person suggested to me that a device like this can be defeated just by cutting the exhaust pipe before the start of the device. Comments?
     
  5. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2012
    11,105
    4,518
    0
    Location:
    Pacific Northwest, USA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Mechanics are way more skilled and have better tools than a cat thief. They always says dumb stuff like this because there's almost nothing on a car they can't deal with and there's lots of ego that comes with that. Someone in the middle of the night with nothing but a jack and sawz-all has all kinds of super sketchy challenges that most mechanics will ever face. Like most things used to prevent theft, it's a deterrent that slows them down, nothing more than that.
     
  6. kcorb88

    kcorb88 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 10, 2014
    27
    27
    0
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    I had a miller cat stainless steel shield installed last month after my second theft in three months (thankful for low deductible comprehensive coverage). My landlord lives in the house in front of me, and she told me a few nights ago she was up around 2am and saw a white truck stop by my car, a man get out and look under my car, and then drive off. I assume they were attempting a third theft, but the shield deterred them. Definitely a good investment in my opinion.
     
    PriusCamper likes this.