Latest news with #mechanic
Motor 1
16 hours ago
- Automotive
- Motor 1
Catalytic Converters Are Stolen So Often This Mechanic Made a Rap PSA About It. Here's the Real Reason Why They're So Lucrative
Catalytic converters are commonly stolen. A viral post by a mechanic highlights the issue. In a Facebook post , automotive repair shop Doctor Auto shares a rap about catalytic converters. The post has generated over 3.1 million views as of this writing. In the post, mechanic Derek McDaniel raps over a video revealing a very clogged catalytic converter. The beat is simple, and the bars are lethal. 'I don't lie, I don't murder. But I might steal your catalytic converter. When you leave it unattended in the parking lot, I got a sawzall blade and it's mighty hot,' the mechanic raps. Doctor Auto told Motor1 , 'It was a clogged Catalytic Converter on a F150 5.4L. When we took it off, we noticed that some catalyst matter fell out of it. We pulled out my camera and recorded.' Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . This rap parody of stealing catalytic converters had viewers howling for more, and others chiming in on the trend to steal these. 'My guy you snapped. I need a full song,' one person said. 'Always wanted to steal one,' another admitted. 'You should finish the song, it's good so far,' a third replied. What Are Catalytic Converters? A catalytic converter is a part of your car's exhaust system that converts harmful engine exhaust pollutants into something less harmful to the environment through chemical reactions, J.D Power reports. This car part will turn pollutants like carbon monoxide into less harmful substances like nitrogen and water vapor. This part became popular in the mid-1970s when the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulated vehicle emissions tests. There are three types of catalytic converters: Two-way converters, three-way converters, and diesel oxidation catalysts. Catalytic converters are now standard in cars. Why Are Catalytic Converters Stolen So Often? While the catalytic converter is known for reducing toxins and vehicle emissions, this car part has become a target for thieves, AAA shares. Thieves target this car part because it's valuable. According to Catalytic Converter Recycling , catalytic converters require three metals with more value than gold. The three metals included in catalytic converters are platinum, palladium, and rhodium. These expensive metals can be recycled easily and broken down to be sold as scraps. Replacing a catalytic converter can put a dent in the wallet and cost up to $2,500 without labor, Autozone reports. With the valuable metal components of platinum, palladium, and rhodium, thieves can turn a nice profit stealing catalytic converters. Trending Now 'If He Acts Like That From Rejection in Public…:' Female Motorcyclist Gets Hit on by Man at a Gas Station. Then She Rejects Him 2 Men Spot a Mom Loading a Mini Car Into Her Truck. Then They Discover Her Ingenious Method for Transporting It Even the scraps of the catalytic converter can be valuable, RRCats shares. Scrap recyclers will usually pay $100 or so for each one because they can refine the metal if needed, one Reddit user said. Catalytic converters are an easy part to steal because they're outside the vehicle. With just a sawzall, a thief can quickly nab one. Ways to Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft Preventive measures can be taken to decrease the chance of your catalytic converter getting stolen. SUVs, trucks, and hybrids have valuable catalytic converters that are easily removable. According to Allstate Car Insurance , here are five ways to prevent catalytic converter theft: Know if your car is a likely target Park in well-lit areas Install an anti-theft device Install motion-sensitive lights and cameras in your parking area Paint your catalytic converter to deter buyers You can also etch your license plate number or VIN onto the catalytic converter. This can potentially alert a scrap dealer that the part was stolen and make it easier to find the owner. Additionally, parking in well-lit areas is always a best practice. So is regularly relocating your parking spot. More From Motor1 Toyota Offering Catalytic Converter Shields On Prius, Other Models Justice Department Shuts Down Massive Catalytic Converter Theft Ring Mercedes-AMG One Technical Video Shows Just How Complicated The Hypercar Really Is Watch How Quick Thieves Can Steal Your Car's Catalytic Converter Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Missouri mechanic protects client's car from being towed — by a company just fined $7.1M for predatory towing
In Kansas City, Missouri, a local mechanic recently stopped a tow truck driver from hauling away a car he was actively working on at his shop by confronting the driver about allegedly violating state laws because he didn't have the required documents for a legal tow. 'We complained until they brought it back,' the owner of the shop told Fox 4 Kansas City. The driver claimed he didn't know Missouri law requires a signed form from the property owner before a vehicle can be removed from private property. Yet, the tow company involved is no stranger to controversy. The same company was the subject of a Fox 4 Kansas City investigation after a court handed down a $7.1 million judgment against it for similarly-predatory towing practices. That case highlighted a troubling pattern: unauthorized tows, inflated fees and drivers left scrambling to reclaim their cars. Incidents like this underscore the risks Missouri drivers face in a state where consumer protections around towing are inconsistent and poorly enforced. Whether it's an illegally parked car or a vehicle involved in an accident, the wrong tow can turn into a financial and legal nightmare. Predatory towing is drawing fresh scrutiny nationwide, and with reason. It's a practice known to exploit drivers through inflated rates, unsolicited arrivals at accident scenes, unauthorized removals and refusal to release vehicles or cargo within a reasonable timeframe, leaving drivers in a bind. Across the country, predatory tows can involve impounding vehicles, piling on dubious 'administrative fees' and using pressure tactics at chaotic accident scenes to obtain a driver's signature, effectively voiding any protections that might apply to nonconsensual tows. According to a 2023 report by the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), nearly 30% of crash-related tows involve some form of predatory billing. The issue cuts across class lines, hitting truck drivers, everyday commuters and accident victims alike. In the absence of strong state laws, knowing your rights may be your best defense. Don't miss Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it What you can do about predatory towing Missouri is one of 18 states that require written authorization from property owners before vehicles are towed from private lots. The state also prohibits unsolicited towing on highways. But those protections can be shaky in practice. Missouri lacks statewide caps on towing rates and doesn't require towing companies to itemize charges on their invoices, meaning drivers often don't know what they're paying for until after they've paid it. When dealing with a tow, always ask for a written invoice and do not sign anything under pressure. If your vehicle was towed from private property, request to see the written authorization from the property owner. In cases involving an accident, remember: you may have the right to request your own towing provider, but only if it doesn't delay clearance or pose a safety risk. Read more: Americans are 'revenge saving' to survive — but millions only get a measly 1% on their savings. Avoiding predatory towing scams: Know before you park The best defense is preparation. Here's how to protect yourself: Know your state's laws before you need them: Understand where you can and cannot legally park and where your vehicle may be susceptible to a tow. Read the signs: If parking on private property, look for clearly posted towing notices. If none exist, a tow may be illegal. Don't rush into consent: If your vehicle is towed after a crash, don't sign anything at the scene unless you've confirmed it won't waive your rights. This is especially important if law enforcement called the tow. Take photos: Snap pictures of your vehicle's location, any signage and the condition of the car before and after towing. This can help dispute inflated charges or wrongful tows. Ask for an itemized invoice ahead of time: If the tow operator can't or won't provide one, that's a red flag. Contact your insurer: Some policies include towing coverage. Insurers often have experience negotiating unreasonable fees and may be able to get your vehicle released more quickly. If you do fall victim to a predatory tow, file a complaint with your state's Attorney General's office and consider reaching out to a consumer protection attorney. In some cases, you can post a bond to retrieve your car while disputing the bill in court. What to read next Robert Kiyosaki warns of 'massive unemployment' in the US due to the 'biggest change' in history — and says this 1 group of 'smart' Americans will get hit extra hard. Are you one of them? How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you'll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. Solve the daily Crossword
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
I've been a mechanic for 50 years - here are cars you should avoid
By He's the most outspoken mechanic on YouTube — and that didn't change in an interview with the Daily Mail. Scotty Kilmer, 71, has been fixing cars for 50 years. His grease-stained experience and candid rants have grown his YouTube channel ( @scottykilmer ) to more than 6.5 million followers, with viewers seeking his no-nonsense repair advice. And now, he's raising even more eyebrows. Kilmer (pictured) is warning drivers to steer clear of some of America's favorite big vehicles — calling some of them 'cr*p' for putting small engines in trucks that demand more grunt. He also thinks some of the most powerful executives are 'idiots' for ongoing parts issues. Here are the vehicles he thinks all new vehicle buyers should avoid: Toyota's big trucks 'The new Toyotas are [expletive],' Kilmer said. For years, the Japanese auto giant has built its brand image as America's most reliable car company. But Kilmer said its lineup of big trucks and SUVs — like the Tundra, Sequoia, 4Runner, and Land Cruiser — are now too large for their underpowered motors. The vehicles used to be equipped with giant V8s that Kilmer praised for their longevity. Now, they're propelled by twin-turbo V6s. Toyota made the move to get the cars in line with its goal to reduce fuel emissions in its fleet, but the V6 engines have been recalled several times because of engine debris in the motors. Kilmer alleges the move to smaller engines cuts against the brand's historic focus on reliability. He also says he's seen cheaper parts enter Toyota's supply chain since the onset of Covid-19. 'They were admitting they were no longer rejecting as many parts,' he claimed. 'They were using sub-standard components building their cars. 'Now they have cars where the plastic mirrors melt, paint peels off, and engines are blowing up.' Still, Kilmer says many other cars in Toyota's lineup remain top of the line for vehicle longevity. He praised Toyota's smaller hybrids — namely the Camry, RAV4, Prius, and Corolla — for their durability. 'Toyota really makes the best hybrid, they're still pretty indestructible,' he said. 'They're still making a lot of good stuff. But they also made decisions just to save money.' Toyota didn't immediately respond to a request for comment on Kilmer's claims. American-made Fords Last year, America's best-selling vehicle was the Ford F-Series pickup truck, with over 730,000 units sold. It's also one of the top 50 most American-made vehicles at US dealerships. Ford has consistently claimed that 80 percent of its vehicles are assembled in the United States. But Kilmer says Ford's US manufacturing is part of its problem. He even took a shot at the company's top boss, Jim Farley. 'Farley, that idiot that runs Ford, he says: "they told me people don't want to work for us because they can make more money working at a Walmart," Kilmer said, claiming employees are making $17 an hour in the factories. 'Does he think they will do a good job? Of course not! Go to a Walmart and see the idiots that work there. You think they'll work in a factory and do a good job? Of course not.' The mechanic pointed out that Ford is this year's most-recalled auto manufacturer in the US by a long shot, with the company reporting a bevy of parts issues. A new truck... no matter the maker Kilmer said he wouldn't recommend a single new pickup currently on the US market. Just like Toyota, he says other automakers have prioritized fuel efficiency at the expense of reliability. He argues that today's trucks are plagued with recalls and parts problems caused by supply chain disruptions, staffing changes at US plants, and poor management decisions. Instead, he recommends drivers who need a bed on the back of their new set of wheels head to the pre-owned lot.
Washington Post
5 days ago
- General
- Washington Post
Israel didn't give permits to these Bedouin villages to build bomb shelters. So they built their own
BEERSHEBA, Israel — When the sirens wail in the southern Israeli desert to herald an incoming missile, Ahmad Abu Ganima's family scrambles outside. Down some dirt-hewn steps, one by one, they squeeze through the window of a minibus buried under 10 feet (three meters) of dirt. Abu Ganima, a mechanic, got the cast-off bus from his employer after it was stripped for parts. He buried it in his yard to create an ad-hoc bomb shelter for his family. Abu Ganima is part of Israel's 300,000-strong Bedouin community, a previously nomadic tribe that lives scattered across the arid Negev Desert.
Edmunds
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Edmunds
P0308: Cylinder 8 Misfire Detected
What does the P0308 error code mean? The diagnostic trouble code P0308 means the car's engine control module has identified a misfire in cylinder number 8. Shown on a scan tool, it'll read as "Cylinder 8 Misfire Detected." A misfire can occur when the engine's mix of air and fuel, ordinarily ignited by a spark plug, doesn't ignite. The resulting 'misfire' can affect engine performance and emissions. Why is this issue important? A misfire in any cylinder (though this code specifically indicates the eighth cylinder) can disrupt engine performance and lead to poor fuel economy. Your engine may feel down on power or suffer from increased exhaust emissions, which can lead to a damaged catalytic converter and a fuel smell — an indication that the car is running 'rich' with too much fuel in its air-fuel mixture. Can I safely drive my car with this error code? You should not drive with an active misfire or the P0308 code. Your car will move under its own power with a misfire, but due to the delicate timing operation of your engine and its sensitive emissions parts, any of which could be damaged by a misfire, it can cause serious harm to the engine. Common symptoms of the P0308 error code Rough idle Hesitation or jerking during acceleration Decreased engine power Poor fuel economy Illuminated check engine light Possible fuel smell from the exhaust or inside the car due to the engine running rich How is the P0308 error code diagnosed? OBD-II scan : A scan tool can confirm the presence of P0308 and check for related codes. : A scan tool can confirm the presence of P0308 and check for related codes. Visual inspection : Inspect the spark plug, ignition coil, and wiring for cylinder 8. Plugs on a misfiring cylinder will be excessively dirty. : Inspect the spark plug, ignition coil, and wiring for cylinder 8. Plugs on a misfiring cylinder will be excessively dirty. Compression test : Performed by a mechanic to verify the mechanical integrity of the cylinder. : Performed by a mechanic to verify the mechanical integrity of the cylinder. Fuel injector test : Ensure the injector for cylinder 8 is functioning correctly. : Ensure the injector for cylinder 8 is functioning correctly. Spark plug swap test: Swap over a spark plug and coil from a cylinder you know is properly firing, then allow the car to idle, determining if the misfire moves from cylinder to cylinder. If it does, the plug or coil is bad and needs replacement. How is the P0308 error code repaired? Replace the spark plug in cylinder 8 if it is fouled or worn. Replace the ignition coil or coil pack for cylinder 8. Repair or replace damaged wiring or connectors to the ignition system. Clean or replace the fuel injector if it is clogged or malfunctioning. Address vacuum leaks or mechanical engine problems affecting cylinder 8. After repairs, remember to clear the code and perform a test drive to confirm it is gone. Related reading Follow the link below to reach our diagnostic check engine trouble codes catalog: On-board diagnostics (OBD-II) trouble code directory
