Monthly Archives: October 2022

One of the most important and expensive parts of your vehicle is the catalytic converter. This device, which is part of the exhaust system, is found underneath every gas-powered vehicle. The metals in it convert engine exhaust into nitrogen, oxygen, and other less harmful gases. Catalytic converters are stolen at an exorbitant rate throughout major cities in the US. According to the Chicago Police Department’s most recent statistics, 3,924 catalytic converter thefts were stolen between January and July of 2022. What makes these devices attractive to thieves is what they contain, namely precious metals more valuable than gold. One of those metals is rhodium, which is 2021 sold for $27,900 an ounce. Catalytic converters also contain platinum, selling for $1,277 an ounce, and palladium, with a going rate of $2,896 an ounce. Unfortunately, catalytic converters are fairly accessible, especially on trucks and SUVs because of their higher ground clearance, and easily removed by thieves with a few simple tools and/or a saw. Typically, a metal recycler will pay anywhere from $50 to $250 for a catalytic converter off a standard vehicle, while those stolen from a hybrid vehicle might bring thieves something in the neighborhood of $800. If yours is… Read more

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We have all had the experience: While driving, suddenly out of the blue, disaster looms on the road. You slam on the brakes, and thankfully they work, saving you from a serious accident. Your brakes are one of the most important components on your vehicle, and it’s extremely important to keep them in good working order. To ignore your brakes is to court disaster. Proper maintenance is essential to protect you, your family, and other drivers and pedestrians, and here’s our best advice on when to replace the brake fluid and the brakes on your vehicle. When to replace brake fluid Brake fluid tends to be one of those forgotten components of your vehicle, forgotten in that we largely take it for granted and rarely give brake fluid any thought. A few key signs that it’s time to replace your brake fluid includes strange noises when braking that usually depict a scraping or grinding sound. Other signs of the need for a fresh supply of brake fluid include soft, spongy brakes or strange smells. A burning smell after you’ve applied the brakes probably means you’ve burned out brake fluid. Routine maintenance of your vehicle is always based on your driving… Read more

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