In any given year, Americans invest in over 40 million used cars. With car lifespans growing longer as technology improves, used cars can still offer an owner years of reliable transport.
Yet, eventually, all cars become so old and worn out that you face car problems constantly. The cost of car repairs usually exceeds the vehicle’s actual value by then. When things reach that point, most owners opt for junking a car.
Before scrapping a car, there are several important steps that you shouldn’t skip. Keep reading for the key things you should do before ushering your car onto the great highway in the sky.
Clean It Out
No, you don’t need to wash the car or clean up the upholstery. Rather, personal items often accumulate in cars and trucks. Go through your vehicle and remove any personal items or property.
Even if you plan on throwing the items away, you don’t want anything left in the car that has personal information on it. For example, don’t leave any mail in the car. That mail might contain anything from credit card offers to bank account information.
Find the Paperwork
Minimally, you will need the vehicle title. Whether you’re selling the car to a parts dealer or offloading it as scrap metal, you must sign it over. If the car is still technically on the road, you may also need the car’s registration.
Granted, some places will buy cars without titles or registrations. Getting rid of a junk car without paperwork is often more complicated.
Grab the License Plates
If the car still has plates on it, you must remove them. While the car may go to the scrapyard, you’re only borrowing the plates from your state motor vehicle department.
It’s on you to contact them for instructions on what to do with the plates. In some cases, you may just transfer the plates to a different car or truck. If you don’t have another vehicle, they’ll generally ask you to bring the plates in and surrender them.
Check Pricing
Unless the vehicle has spent years rusting away on your property, a salvage yard can usually get some usable parts off of it. Of course, not all places pay the same prices.
You’ll want to make a point to check around for car scrap prices. While you might only secure an extra $50 or $100 dollars, that’s still extra money in the bank.
Junking a Car and You
If you buy used cars, the odds are good that you’ll end up junking a car at some point. Make sure you take care of the essentials before you junk the car.
Grab any personal items and mail that remain in the vehicle. Track down the car’s paperwork if you still have it.
If there are still plates on the car, remove them and contact your motor vehicle department for instructions. Finally, check around to find the best price for the car.
Looking for more auto tips? Check out our lifestyle section for more posts.
