What to Know Before Junking Your Car

Junkyards across the United States serve an important purpose. They recycle millions of tons of

metal each year. If you have an old car, it can still serve a purpose by putting metal, such as steel, back into circulation. If you are considering selling your car for scrap metal, here is what you need to know.



Should I Junk My Car or Not?

The first question you will want to ask yourself is whether you should junk your car in the first place. Perhaps you purchased an old vehicle with the intention of restoring it but never got around to it. Or maybe for nostalgia’s sake, the very first car you ever owned is sitting in your garage.

No matter how you acquired the car, if it is not running and would cost more than the car is worth to fix, it is a good idea to have it recycled by a junk car buyer at a junkyard.

If your car is running, however, look into selling it on the used car market. Do some research to find out what your car's value is on the used market so you will know whether it is worth your time.

How Much Money Can I Expect Back?

When people junk their cars for the first time, they often assume the price they will get is similar to when you trade a car in or sell it on the used car market. It is important to know that when you junk your car, you are selling it for its recyclable metal.

For that reason, junkyard prices are based on total weight. Keep in mind that there are no published or set prices so you will need to call around and request quotes.

What Are the State Scrap Car Requirements?

In Illinois, when you sell your car for scrap metal, you are required to provide a copy of a valid state identification or driver's license. You often also need the title that proves ownership. With these documents in hand, you can more easily hand over and sell your junk car.

The best way to discover what documentation is necessary is to call up the junkyard and ask. That way, you can be better prepared for when you give your scrap car to your chosen junkyard.

Will the Junkyard Pick Up My Car?

Some scrapyards require that you bring the vehicle to the scrapyard. If your car is not running, this means you will have to have it towed, which may not only be an inconvenience, but it also eats into your profits.

Find out if the scrapyard you are interested in offers pickup. With free pickup, you will not have to worry about how you are going to get your old car to the junkyard.

Does a Junkyard Use a Certified Scale?

When you call around to get quotes from junkyards, make sure to ask whether the junkyard uses a certified scale. You are selling your car for recyclable metal based on weight, so it is crucial that you get the most accurate weight to maximize your payout, and since all scales are not created equal, it is important to know what you are dealing with.

Junking your old car frees up space on your property and helps the environment by reducing the

burden on natural resources. Consider turning your old junk car into cash, and give our team at Big Daddy Scrap a call today. We look forward to helping you get rid of your old cars and giving you ready cash for them. Please let us know what questions or concerns you may have about your car.