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How To Junk A Car

Got an old car taking up space and no idea what to do with it? Whether it’s broken, unreliable, or simply past its prime, you’re not alone.

Many people struggle with the question, “How to junk a car?” Don’t worry—you don’t need to be an expert to make the process simple, profitable, and stress-free.

This guide will walk you through every step, from gathering documentation to ensuring you get the best price for your vehicle.

Broken down car with person looking under the hood

Scrapping paperwork and keys

Documents Needed To Junk A Car

To junk your car, you’ll typically need the vehicle’s title. The title proves you’re the legal owner and have the right to sell it. However, junking it without the title is possible, but it makes the process a bit trickier. In some cases, junk car buyers may accept other forms of ownership proof, like the vehicle’s registration, and a government-issued ID. You can also contact your local DMV (find your DMV office) for specific requirements.

Do I Need to Renew My Registration Before Junking My Car?

No, you don’t need to renew your car’s registration to sell it. Registration ensures a vehicle is roadworthy, but junkyards and salvage buyers only care about proof of ownership. If your registration has expired, don’t worry—it won’t stop you from completing the sale.

Can I Sell My Junk Car With a Title Loan?

No, you can’t sell a car with an active title loan until the loan is fully paid off. The lender technically owns the vehicle until the loan is cleared. Once it’s paid, you’ll receive the title in your name, making it eligible for junking or salvaging. If in doubt, consult with the title loan lender, but this guide should help you understand how title loans work.

How to Junk a Car Without Keys

If you’ve lost your car keys, don’t panic. Most junk car buyers don’t require keys to purchase the vehicle. They’ll bring specialized towing equipment to collect your car safely. As long as you can provide proof of ownership, like the title or registration and a valid ID, you’ll be good to go.

How do you know it’s time to scrap?

How to Know When It’s Time to Junk Your Car

Deciding when to junk your car can be a tough decision, especially if it holds sentimental value. However, there are some clear signs that it’s time to let go. If your car is breaking down frequently and costing you more in repairs than it’s worth, it’s likely no longer worth keeping. High maintenance costs, especially for older vehicles, can quickly outweigh the benefits of holding on to them. Additionally, if your car no longer meets your needs—whether it’s outdated or no longer suits your lifestyle—it may be time to junk it and move on. Holding on too long can cost you more money and unnecessary frustration in the long run..

How to Get the Best Price for Your Junk Car

Finding A Specialist Buyer: Finding the right buyer who can recycle the most value from your old car is key to getting the highest offer. Good online services combine large networks of specialist buyers, salvagers and scrap yards – not only do they save you you the time by avoiding having to ring around, but they will connect you specialist buyers you might have otherwise not found.

Increase the value before selling: Even a junk car can bring in a nice payout using the right approach. One of the simplest ways to maximize value is to keep the car intact. Selling individual parts might seem like a good idea, but it often lowers the overall value of the vehicle.  Typically, junkyards prefer complete cars, because not having to source parts saves them time and effort during processing. 

Give an accurate description: It also helps to be honest and accurate when describing your car’s condition. Providing misleading information, even unintentionally, could result in a lower offer when the car is inspected. Following these steps will help ensure you get the best price possible for your vehicle.

Scrapping a car in parts

While it’s possible, it’s not ideal. Selling your car whole typically fetches a higher price and saves you time, effort, and frustration. Furthermore, car buyers often offer higher payouts for complete vehicles because it saves them the time and labor of sourcing parts. By keeping your car intact, you maximize its value and make the process easier for yourself. Skip the hassle and opt for a quick, straightforward sale instead!

Why Catalytic Converters Matter

Catalytic converters contain valuable metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium, making them one of the most expensive parts of your car. Selling your vehicle with the catalytic converter intact can significantly increase its value. Learn more about why this component is so valuable and why their metals make them more valuable than the rest of the car .

The Benefits of Selling with Wheelsaway

Selling your car can feel overwhelming, but Wheelsaway makes the process simple and stress-free. With instant offers, you don’t have to waste time waiting for quotes—we provide a competitive price in seconds. Free towing means you don’t have to worry about how to get your car to us; we’ll handle the logistics. Plus, our guaranteed pricing ensures you’ll receive the exact amount offered, with no hidden fees or last-minute deductions. At Wheelsaway, our focus is on convenience, reliability, and getting you the most for your vehicle. Want to know how much your car is worth? Use our calculation tool to get a hassle-free instant offer!

What’s The Process for Junking a Car?

Curious about what happens to your car after you decide to junk it? Junking a car involves more than just towing it away—it’s a carefully managed process designed to protect the environment and maximize the value of recyclable materials. From removing harmful fluids to recycling valuable parts, here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how junkyards handle the process responsibly and efficiently.

Step 1: Depollution

The removal of hazardous fluids like oil, fuel, and brake fluid, which are harmful to the environment.

Step 2: Tire Recycling

Tires are recycled into new products, reducing waste and environmental impact.

Step 3: Crushing

If your car is beyond salvaging and has reached the end of its life, it’ll be put in line for the crusher. These jaws of death will crush it into a block of metal, which will then be sold on to whoever needs it – aluminum can manufacturers, usually.

Turn Your Junk Car Into Cash Today

Illustration of a junk car being collected

Now that you know how to junk a car, it’s time to take action. With Wheelsaway, the process is simple, quick, and stress-free – get your instant offer today!