If you’ve got an old car sitting in your driveway, chances are you’re already thinking about calling a removal service and getting rid of it. After all, why let a rusting vehicle take up valuable space when you can earn cash for scrap cars?
But here’s the catch: many car owners make the mistake of handing their vehicle over without giving it a proper once-over. By skipping this step, they often leave behind items that could either fetch extra money or save them from future hassles.
So, before you book a cash for cars Canberra pickup, let’s look at the essential things you should check and sometimes remove to get the most value from your scrap car.
1. Clear Out Personal Belongings
It might sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how often people leave behind valuable or sentimental items in their vehicles. Cars tend to collect a lifetime of little things, from old chargers and sunglasses to important documents tucked in the glove box.Â
What to check:
- Glove compartment for paperwork, receipts, or spare cash.
- Under seats for lost phones, keys, or small gadgets.
- Boot (trunk) for tools, bags, or sports gear.
Think of it as cleaning out a treasure chest, you never know what you might find before the tow truck arrives.
2. The Car Battery
A car battery is more valuable than most people realise. Even if it’s dead, recyclers and auto shops will pay for it because it contains lead and other reusable materials. If it’s in working condition, you can resell it separately for an even better return.
Tip:
If you don’t want the hassle of removing it, ask the cash for scrap cars service if they offer higher rates for cars with an intact battery.
3. Tyres and Rims
Good tyres and alloy rims can make a difference in your payout. Scrap yards will still accept a car without them, but you’ll get more value if they’re in decent condition. Alternatively, you can remove them and sell them to another car owner, tyre shop, or even keep a spare for your new vehicle.Â
Example: A set of alloy rims can fetch anywhere from $100 to $400 depending on size and condition. That’s extra money you’d miss if you just left them in the car.
4. Stereo Systems and Electronics
Over the years, many car owners upgrade their stereo systems, GPS units, or even install special speakers. These aftermarket electronics hold resale value, especially if they’re still functioning well. Before handing over your vehicle for cash for cars Canberra, make sure you:
- Remove the stereo system if it’s an expensive upgrade.
- Check for portable GPS units or dash cams.
- Keep chargers and adaptors you can reuse in another car.
5. Valuable Spare Parts
Even if your car looks like a complete wreck, some parts might still have life left in them. Mechanics and car enthusiasts often buy second-hand parts to save on repair costs. Parts worth salvaging include:
- Alternators
- Starter motors
- Radiators
- Side mirrors
- Seats (if in good condition)
You can list these online or sell them directly to auto shops for extra earnings.
6. Catalytic Converter – The Hidden Gem
Here’s a big one: the catalytic converter. Found in the exhaust system, it contains precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium. These metals are highly valuable in the recycling market.
In fact, a catalytic converter can sometimes be worth more than the rest of the car’s scrap value combined. Most cash for scrap cars services already factor this into their offers, but it’s always worth confirming.
7. License Plates and Registration
This isn’t about money, but about avoiding trouble later. Always remove your license plates before the car is taken away. In Canberra, you’ll need to return them to Access Canberra to cancel the registration. Don’t forget to also:
- Cancel your insurance policy.
- Keep your car’s registration papers for proof of ownership.
- It saves you from unwanted fines or identity issues down the line.
Why This Matters Beyond Cash
Recycling a car is about more than making money. When you use cash for cars Canberra services, you’re contributing to a cleaner environment. Old cars are full of reusable metals like steel, aluminum, and copper. Recycling them reduces the need for mining, cuts greenhouse gas emissions, and keeps harmful fluids from polluting soil and water.
By salvaging useful items before pickup, you’re not only boosting your payout but also ensuring that materials get repurposed effectively.
Final Checklist Before Pickup
Here’s a quick summary of what to do before you hand over your car:
- Remove personal belongings.
- Check the battery, tyres, and rims.
- Take out aftermarket electronics.
- Salvage spare parts if possible.
- Confirm the value of your catalytic converter.
- Remove license plates and handle registration paperwork.
Conclusion
Before handing over your vehicle, check for items that can add extra value. A quick inspection can mean more money in your pocket and fewer hassles later. With cash for scrap cars and convenient cash for cars Canberra services, turning an old car into instant cash has never been easier.
