Vehicle thefts in the United States last year totaled over 1 million—up 1% year-over-year.
When parking in your driveway, along the curb, or anywhere else around and about town, you expect to find your car exactly where you left it. But, unfortunately, some think nothing of helping themselves to other people’s property.
Sometimes, They Just Want Some Car Parts
While some people steal cars to sell them domestically or internationally, others do the deed to remove parts they can sell quickly, easily, and profitably on the black market. The last thing you want is to pop the hood of your vehicle and see that someone’s made off with components.
If you have basic car insurance coverage and can’t file a compensation claim, this scenario can ruin your day and hurt your wallet. You’ll be on your own and will have to shoulder the replacement costs.
What Car Parts Under the Hood Most Interest Thieves?
It’s a given you want car thieves to keep their paws off of your ride. And if you take measures to deter crooks—like locking the doors, using a security alarm, and parking in well-light areas—you can lower your risks.
But if, despite your best efforts, criminals give your car unwanted attention, here are 14 parts thieves might be after from under the hood of your car.
Engine Control Unit (ECU)
If someone asks what is the brain of your car, you might be tempted to say, “The engine.” That’s a good guess, but the correct answer is the engine control unit. The ECU is not the engine. Rather, it’s a component that manages how the engine operates. Unfortunately, ECUs are of interest to car thieves. And if yours is taken, you can expect to pay between $1,000 and $3,000 to replace it with a new one.
Engine Wiring Harness
Another component under the hood that interests thieves is the engine wiring harness. It contains copper wiring that can be sold for some quick cash.
Turbocharger
When people want to improve the performance of their cars, they sometimes install turbochargers that enhance the efficiency and performance of engines by forcing air into them.
These highly coveted car upgrades are simple to remove and can be sold profitably on the black market. According to RepairPal.com, a turbocharger assembly replacement can set you back between $2,102 and $2,474. If yours gets stolen, it’ll cost a lot to get another one.
Throttle Body
Your car’s throttle body is positioned in the engine compartment—usually between the intake manifold and the air cleaner. Unfortunately, they’re another under-the-hood part that car thieves love to take.
Carburetor
While carburetors are typically only found on older cars, they’re hot commodities for people restoring classic cars. So, vehicles with carburetors can be targeted for these in-demand components.
Fuel Injectors
Who would steal fuel injectors? Opportunistic thieves will if it’s worth their while. High-performance fuel injectors could be worth a thief’s time and effort since these components are valuable in the aftermarket.
Radiator
J.D. Power says the average cost to replace a radiator is $700, though the final cost could reach $1,000. Meanwhile, AutoZone.com notes that the expense could range from $400 to $900. One reason car thieves will be happy to take your radiator is they’re easy to remove and resell.
Coolant Reservoir
While coolant reservoirs don’t cost a ton, they’re fairly easy to remove and can be worth a thief’s while to steal and sell for a tidy profit. If they’re taking a radiator, they might as well take the coolant reservoir.
Thermostat Housing
If a thief targets a car’s radiator and coolant reservoir, they may also decide to steal the thermostat housing. The thermostat housing plays a vital role in regulating the cooling system and safeguarding the thermostat. If you have to replace the thermostat housing after it’s stolen, you can expect to pay between $373 and $382 for parts and between $134 and $169 for labor.
Heater Core
Vital to your car’s climate control function, the heater core is another under-the-hood component that could tickle the fancy of thieves. They could resell it to a buyer looking for a heater core or pawn it off to someone interested in the aluminum or copper materials it contains.
Condenser
The condenser is an essential component of your car’s air conditioning system. When thieves target a radiator, they often take the condenser. The aluminum or copper content can make the condenser a valuable commodity.
Battery
An under-the-hood component that’s easy to steal is the car battery. A new car battery costs between $75 and $200, which isn’t super costly, but a stolen one is easy to sell. All you have to do is check out an online classified ad site to see the demand for car batteries.
Considering how easy it is to disconnect and haul off vehicle batteries, thieves looking to make a quick buck often have them on their want lists.
Alternator
A vehicle’s alternator can last up to 150,000 miles and is an essential component of the electrical system along with the battery and starter. Alternators are relatively easy to disconnect, steal, and resell.
Power Steering Pump
Yet another part under the hood that car thieves target is the power steering pump. They can resell it or part it out to derive value from its aluminum or copper content.
Protect Your Car and Vehicle Parts
An ounce of protection is worth a pound of cure. So, it’s in your best interests to take the steps needed to make your vehicle an undesirable target for car thieves. Installing anti-theft devices, parking in well-lit areas, and keeping your doors locked can help.
While little will deter a determined thief looking to help himself to your car or vehicle components, you can frustrate most would-be thieves. They’ll want to find an easier target.
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