A Beginner’s Guide to Selling a Junk Car for Cash

Junk cars can take up so much space in your yard or driveway. As much as you feel sentimental over an old possession, a vehicle that’s beyond repair has served its purpose, which means it’s time to let it go. 

If you’re finally ready to sell your junk car, it’s important to know the basics of the vehicle junking process. Have you ever wondered what happens to a vehicle in junkyards? What’s next for a car once it’s sold and towed away? Find out more in this article. 

The Ins and Outs of Cash Auto Salvage 

When it comes to selling your end-of-life vehicles, the auto salvage industry plays a vital role in properly disposing and recycling the old parts of your car. The process of auto salvage involves stripping the functional components of an old vehicle, which are then either refurbished or recycled. 

Getting the VIN out of DMV’s System

The usual causes of a vehicle losing its purpose are massive wreckage from a car accident, flood, or years of regular wear and tear. When a vehicle is deemed unusable, it’s important to remove the vehicle identification number (VIN) from the DMV’s system so it will not be re-sold. The DMV also secures potential customers from purchasing refurbished or salvaged vehicles.

Recycling Functional Components & Fluids 

Upon receipt in auto salvage yards, the first step that specialists usually take is to de-pollute the car, assess its condition, and segregate the parts into two categories: either disposable or salvageable. Car parts that are no longer useful are then either destroyed or recycled. 

Another critical stage is called fluid disposal, where owners can junk up to 10 gallons of liquid from the vehicle. Coolants, fuels, and oil are often reused or sold. 

Car fluids also include antifreeze, engine oil, steering fluid, freon, and more. Some of these fluids are hazardous, so it is not appropriate to casually drain them anywhere. Thus, it’s essential to dispose of these fluids safely to preserve a healthy environment. 

Reasons to Use Recycled Fluids 

Car junkyards reuse fluids for the following reasons: 

  • Serving as a motor lubricant and cleaning oil 
  • Repurposing fluids to generate more energy
  • Using freon as a refrigerant and handling it appropriately
  • Cleaning and reconditioning antifreeze for future use

Recycling Car Accessories 

Auto salvage yards also recycle the old vehicle’s accessories such as batteries and tires. However, recycling these components requires a more thorough assessment as they can be pretty tricky. For example, dead batteries may contain lead, and plastic parts may include toxic materials. 

Old tires are easy to recycle as they offer a variety of purposes, serving in playgrounds, gardens, or even as a weightlifting plate. Plastic components may be used to produce plastic packing materials such as bottles or caps. 

Getting Money for Junk Cars 

Once you’ve decided to get money for your junk car, auto salvage specialists will negotiate an offer for it, but you’ll have to think about it carefully. If you accept the offer, the auto salvage company will discuss the pickup schedule with you. 

Conclusion 

Your vehicle may be beyond repair, but you can still sell it at a car junkyard regardless of its condition. Remember to review your offer thoroughly before agreeing to an offer. After all, you still deserve good money for your possessions.

If you are looking for a way to get money for junk cars, you’ve come to the right place. Our team at LA Junk Car Buyers offers cash for salvaged vehicles. Get the funds you need while getting your old car off your hands. Contact us today to get an offer!