It can be difficult to admit when your favorite vehicle transitions from a reliable ride to a junk car. However, at a certain point in every vehicle’s life, it crosses the threshold where it belongs in a salvage yard more than it does on the road. When that time comes, you can still get money back through recycling services, which is why it’s important to understand if you have a scrap car or not.

How to Tell if You Have a Junk Car

There is not a single factor that determines when a vehicle becomes a junk car. Instead, it’s a combination of conditions that can help you decide if it’s time to take it to the junkyard. Most cars become junk through time or after they’ve been severely damaged in an accident.

This includes issues with critical components such as the transmission, frame of the vehicle, motor, or electrical system. These issues make the car inoperable unless you pay for expensive repairs. For older vehicles, the repairs might cost more than the value of the car, and at that point, you’re better off using it for scrap car recycling than trying to keep it running.

Another factor that qualifies a vehicle for junk status is if it’s missing paperwork. A vehicle that doesn’t have the necessary title and registration is not legally allowed to be on the road, so if you have an old clunker with no paperwork, scrapping it is your best option.

Factors That Determine a Junk Car’s Value

Companies pay you for the various parts and components of the vehicle that are still in good condition so they can resell them to potential buyers. To understand the value of your vehicle, it’s important to check the most popular parts to see if they still work. Pieces like bumpers and doors that are still in good condition are always in high demand because they are necessary for all vehicles and can easily be damaged while driving.

The same is true for tires. Even if they already have some miles on them, if there is enough tread left, a scrap yard can take them from your vehicle and resell them. Internal components like catalytic converters, airbags, and batteries that are in decent shape can also net you a good return.  

 

If you own a junk car that still has working parts, get paid for them by taking it to Phipps Auto Parts in Goshen, OH. This licensed recycling center specializes in salvaging usable parts on scrap cars, and they’ll pay you a fair price to take your old vehicle off your hands. To make the process even easier, they’ll pick up your vehicle and tow it back to their facility where you can receive payment. Schedule a pickup for your clunker by calling (513) 722-2034 or learn more about their services online.