If you’re thinking of scrapping your car, you may be surprised to learn that you can make some extra cash by selling some of its parts. While not all parts are valuable, there are some components that are in high demand by scrap car dealers and car recycling facilities. In this article, we’ll take a look at ten car parts you can sell for scrap.
Before we dive into the car parts you can scrap, it’s important to emphasise 3 reasons why you should consider recycling your scrap vehicle or its car parts:
Environmental benefits: scrapping old or damaged car parts is an environmentally responsible action. It reduces the amount of waste and pollutants that would be released into the environment if parts were left to rot in a landfill or dumped illegally.
Financial benefits: Scrap car parts can be sold to salvage yards or metal recyclers, like us, for money. Check out our latest scrap metal prices or get a quote for your scrap vehicle on our website.
Safety benefits: Damaged or worn-out car parts can be hazardous to drive with and can put you, and other people, in danger and at risk. Scrap any old or worn parts to make sure your car or vehicle if safe to drive on the road.
10 car parts you can scrap for money
1. Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter is one of the most valuable parts of a car when it comes to scrap value. This component helps to reduce emissions and contains valuable metals such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium, making it a target for scrap car dealers. However, be aware that catalytic converters are also a common target for thieves, so make sure to take the necessary precautions to protect your vehicle.
2. Batteries
Car batteries are another component that can be sold for scrap. Lead-acid batteries contain a high amount of lead, making them valuable to scrap car collection centres. You can earn a decent amount of money for your battery, depending on the current market price for lead.
3. Alternator
The alternator is responsible for keeping the battery charged while the car is running. It contains copper wire and other valuable metals, making it a desirable item for scrap car dealers. Make sure to remove it carefully to avoid damaging it, and store it safely until you’re ready to sell it.
4. Radiator
The radiator is an essential part of the car’s cooling system and contains copper and aluminium, which can be sold for scrap. If your car has a metal radiator, it can be worth more than a plastic one.
5. Starter Motor
The starter motor is responsible for turning the engine over when you turn the key in the ignition. It contains copper wire and valuable metals such as steel and aluminium, making it another item that can be sold for scrap.
6. Wheels and rims
Wheels and rims are also in high demand by scrap car dealers. Steel and aluminium rims can be sold for scrap, and some dealers may also be interested in purchasing alloy rims.
7. Exhaust System
The exhaust system contains valuable metals such as steel and stainless steel, making it another item that can be sold for scrap. Be aware that the exhaust system can be heavy, so make sure to have someone help you remove it safely.
8. Doors
Car doors can also be sold for scrap. They contain metal, glass, and other materials that can be recycled. If your car’s doors are in good condition, you may be able to sell them for more than if they are damaged.
9. Fenders
The fenders are the panels that cover the wheels and are typically made of metal. Like doors, fenders can be sold for scrap if they are in good condition. They can be heavy, so make sure to have help when removing them.
10. Engine Block
The engine block is the heart of the car and contains valuable metals such as iron and steel. While it may not be easy to remove, it can be worth a significant amount of money if sold for scrap.
FAQs
Now you know some of the most popular car parts you can sell to a scrap yard near you, we want to answer some of our customer’s most frequently asked questions.
Can you scrap a car with parts missing?
Yes, you can scrap a car even if it has missing parts. However, the amount of money you receive for the scrap metal may be lower if the car is missing certain valuable parts. It’s also worth noting that if you are scrapping a car with missing parts, you may need to provide documentation to the scrap yard to prove that you are the legal owner of the vehicle.
Where can I dispose of car parts in the UK?
There are several options for disposing of car parts in the UK. You can sell them privately through online marketplaces such as eBay or Gumtree, or you can sell them to a scrap yard. Many scrap yards will take car parts as well as whole cars, and some may even pay you for the parts.
Another option is to donate the parts to a charity or community project that works with cars. This can be a great way to support a good cause while also getting rid of unwanted car parts.
Do I need to notify DVLA if I scrap my car?
Yes, you do need to notify the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) if you scrap your car. This is important because it removes your responsibility for the vehicle and ensures that you are no longer liable for things like road tax or parking fines.
You can notify the DVLA by filling out a section of the V5C registration certificate (also known as the logbook) and sending it to them. You should also receive a Certificate of Destruction from the Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF) where you scrapped the car.
You can read more about the process of scrapping your vehicle and everything you need to know in our ultimate guide. Check it out here: https://londonmetalrecycling.co.uk/scrapping-your-vehicle-in-7-steps-everything-you-need-to-know/
Is it better to sell car for parts or scrap?
Whether it’s better to sell a car for parts or scrap it depends on several factors. If the car is in relatively good condition and has valuable parts that can be sold individually, then selling it for parts may be the better option. However, if the car is in poor condition and the parts are not worth much individually, then scrapping it for its metal value may be the better choice.
Another consideration is the time and effort required to sell the car for parts. Selling individual parts can be time-consuming and may not be worth the effort if the parts are not particularly valuable. In contrast, scrapping the car is a quick and easy process that can be completed in just a few hours.
In conclusion, if you have an end-of-life vehicle or salvage car, selling its parts can be a great way to make some extra money. Vehicle scrap yards will often take these parts and pay you for their scrap value. Among the most valuable car parts are catalytic converters, batteries, alternators, radiators, starter motors, wheels and rims, exhaust systems, doors, fenders, and engine blocks.
While you can scrap a car with missing parts, the amount of money you receive may be lower. Before disposing of a car, make sure to notify the DVLA and obtain a Certificate of Destruction from an Authorised Treatment Facility. Ultimately, whether it’s better to sell a car for parts or scrap it depends on the car’s condition and the value of its parts.