What To Do If You Have A Scrap Car On Your Property
An old car sitting on a driveway, in a garage or at the side of a property is something many people put off dealing with.
Perhaps it failed its MOT, developed an expensive fault, was involved in an accident or simply hasn’t moved for months.
Whatever the reason, a scrap car can quickly become an eyesore, take up valuable space and create unnecessary hassle.
The good news is that getting rid of it is usually much easier than people think.
Is It Worth Keeping A Scrap Car?
Many vehicle owners hold onto cars because they plan to repair them one day.
Unfortunately, that day often never comes.
Meanwhile, the vehicle continues to take up space and may even lose value as parts deteriorate or are damaged by the weather.
If the repair costs exceed the value of the vehicle, selling it to a specialist breaker is often the most sensible option.
Option 1 – Sell It To A Vehicle Breaker
For most people, this is the quickest and easiest solution.
Vehicle breakers purchase scrap, damaged and non-running vehicles, recover any reusable parts and recycle the remaining materials responsibly.
At Allstar Breakers, we buy vehicles throughout Preston and the North West, often collecting directly from your property.
Many owners are surprised to discover their vehicle is still worth money, even if it no longer starts.
Find out more about our Scrap My Car service.
Option 2 – Remove The Vehicle Yourself
It is possible to dispose of a vehicle yourself, but it can be time-consuming and often more complicated than expected.
You may need to arrange transport, locate a suitable recycling facility and ensure the vehicle is disposed of correctly.
If the vehicle is not roadworthy, you’ll also need to arrange recovery or towing.
For many owners, using a professional collection service is considerably easier.
Choose An Authorised Treatment Facility
When disposing of a scrap vehicle, it’s important to ensure it ends up at an authorised treatment facility (ATF).
Authorised treatment facilities are licensed to handle end-of-life vehicles and must follow strict environmental regulations.
This helps ensure that:
- Hazardous fluids are disposed of correctly
- Batteries and tyres are processed responsibly
- Environmental regulations are followed
- The vehicle is recycled properly
Choosing a reputable ATF protects both you and the environment.
How To Prepare Your Vehicle For Collection
Before your vehicle is collected, it’s worth taking a few simple steps:
- Remove all personal belongings
- Check the glovebox, boot and storage compartments
- Gather any available vehicle documentation
- Remove anything you wish to keep
- Make a note of any major faults
This helps ensure the process runs smoothly.
Why People Decide To Scrap Their Cars
Some of the most common reasons people choose to scrap a vehicle include:
- Failed MOT tests
- Engine failure
- Gearbox problems
- Accident damage
- Excessive repair costs
- Vehicles left unused for long periods
If your vehicle falls into any of these categories, it may be worth obtaining a quote before spending money on repairs.
Benefits Of Getting Rid Of A Scrap Car
Removing an unwanted vehicle offers several advantages:
- Free up space on your driveway or property
- Remove an eyesore
- Generate cash from an unwanted vehicle
- Reduce environmental impact through recycling
- Avoid ongoing maintenance and storage issues
Many owners find they’re pleasantly surprised by the value still left in their vehicle.
Get A Quote For Your Scrap Car
If you have a scrap, damaged or non-running vehicle sitting on your property, we’d be happy to help.
We buy vehicles throughout Preston and the North West and can often arrange collection directly from your location.
Call 01772 700 607 today or complete our online enquiry form for a no-obligation quote.
You can also learn more about our Sell Non Running Car service.
That unwanted vehicle could be worth more than you think.