When trying to dispose of a damaged, junk, or old car, one of the recommendations that come up is selling it to wreckers. The option is attractive, especially when the vehicle has lots of issues.
What comes to mind when you hear the word “wreckers”? To many, it is someone who destroys what has remained of the automobile. They may tear them down and smash them mercilessly.
However, this is not the full picture. Your car is still well taken care of at a wrecker, despite its condition. You do not have to worry about its afterlife.
There are different options when it comes to disposing of a wrecked automobile. So if you do decide to sell your vehicle to the wreckers, what happens after that?
The Sale & Collection
The process of selling your car to a wrecker starts with you. This is when you request a quote to see how much they offer to take ownership of your vehicle.
Just make sure to have all the car’s details, such as the year of manufacture, make, and model. It is paramount that you have accurate information at this point.
If you choose to take the offer, the wreckers will make an appointment at your convenience when the vehicle is towed away. A reliable company will cover the towing costs and pay you on the spot.
Once you sign the paperwork and you have handed over the vehicle, it is no longer yours. Alas, your car’s journey continues.
At the Wrecking Yard
Once the vehicle is towed to the wrecking yard, it is no longer your responsibility. You have the money, and you have disposed of it in the most environmentally friendly manner.
The auto dismantlers will get to work by preparing it. They ensure that every part, whether it is reusable or not, is well taken care of.
They follow steps and processes approved by the relevant bodies, and it is one reason to sell it to a licensed company. Four main steps are involved in this process.
Preparation of the Vehicle
The first step is to prepare the vehicle. Wrecking does not happen when it still has fluids, as this would be a risk.
If it still has oil, fuel, coolant, and other fluids, they are emptied. The wreckers use specialized tools and procedures to do so while at the same time preventing spillage.
Poor disposal of these fluids is an environmental and health hazard. If these fluids cannot be recycled, they are safely disposed of. Also, high-pressure systems need to be depressurized.
Wrecking
The process is complicated, and that is the reason it requires experts. The usable components are separated from the unusable ones.
The parts that are still in good condition are refurbished and sold. Wreckers’ yards are a perfect place to get those rare and genuine car parts for a fraction of the price of new ones.
Blinkers, headlights, taillights, alloy wheels, windows, hubcaps, and windshields are some of these parts. Also, the engine, exhaust, engine parts, upholstery, and seats can be reusable.
Transmission systems, mirrors, tires, electronic components, catalytic converters, and car batteries could be in perfect condition. Whatever car part you could be looking for, it is easy to find them here.
At this point, the heating system, harnesses, wiring, and air conditioning systems are also removed. What remains is the shell.
Recording
All the details of the car must be recorded, including the recovered parts. The company requires this to ensure that every part is accounted for.
The record includes the car make and model as well as the year of manufacture.
Crushing
Since all the components and fluids have been removed, what remains is the shell. Your once big car is crushed into a cube or flat for easy transportation.
This is what is referred to as scrap that is sold to metal dealers. It is then recycled to ensure that nothing goes to waste.
Why Sell Your Unwanted Car to Wreckers?
Selling your car privately is the best option when it still works. In fact, here are some tips to get a higher price for it.
But if your car has issues, then a wrecker is probably your best option. They will pay for your unwanted vehicle no matter its condition. Also, they will dispose of your vehicle in an environmentally friendly manner.
For other car owners, they can get genuine and rare spare parts at discounted prices. The deals are better than when they visit dealerships, thus, helping save them money. Besides, they come in handy when a spare part has been hard to find.
It is also an advantage for the environment as steel is recycled, which saves natural resources and energy. It also saves money as it is cheaper to recycle than make it from scratch.
Scrap metal will also not be lying in landfills as it is recirculated. It is quintessential for the environment and the world at large.
For the wrecked vehicle owner, it is a win-win situation. They are paid for it to be towed away, and the eye-sore is pulled out from their compound.
Take Away
The process of selling your car to a wrecker is not complicated. Searching for some local options usually reveals a few companies to choose from.
A lot happens once the car arrives at the wrecker. First, it is stripped off everything, starting with fluids such as; oil, coolant, and transmission fluid. These are hazardous and need to be treated accordingly.
Parts are dismantled, and if they are in good condition, they are refurbished and sold. They come in handy for car owners that need low-cost spare parts.
All the parts removed from the nonworking vehicle are recorded, and what remains is crushed.
It is always an advantage to sell your vehicle to wreckers when it is no longer working. It is a hassle-free way to get rid of it and still make some money.
The vehicle is well taken care of even after it is long gone. Although it is crushed, it takes a process that ensures every part of it is taken good care of. The good news is that it is not just smashed and destroyed unnecessarily.