The automobile industry is in an unending revolution. As such, you may want to upgrade to a new model a few years after purchasing your dream car. If you’re not planning to upgrade, your vehicle will reach its end of life after an average of about eight years. But well-built models can last up to 15 years if the owner maintains them well throughout its life. (1)
There are several options when you get to the point of disposing of your car. Here are the main ones you could try out:
- Hand it over to car wreckers
You’ll find car wreckers in most major cities around the world. Local governments license these to provide professional auto wrecking services. Their goal is to dispose run-down vehicles in the most eco-friendly manner possible. This is because plastics, toxic battery acids, lubricating oil, brake fluid, catalytic converters, and coolants in vehicles can harm the ecosystem if not appropriately handled. (2)
Competent wreckers have the expertise to dispose of these vehicle components safely to safeguard the environment’s integrity. What’s more, some of them, pay you cash for your derelict car. The team usually comes to your home with a tow truck to ferry your car to their junkyard.
The good thing is they deal with all types and models of vehicles––SUV, 4WD, truck, van, bus, salon car, pickup, etc. The process is quite effortless on your part, so don’t hesitate to contact the best car wreckers Rotorua has to offer whenever you need to dispose of your car.
- Dismantle usable parts and sell them
Your vehicle coming to its end of life doesn’t mean that all its components are unusable. Some of them may still be in good shape, and you can sell them to local garages, auto shops, and other vendors. Some of the most marketable car parts include:
- Radiators
- Car batteries
- Alternators
- Brake pads
- Fuel pumps
- Oxygen sensors
- Ignition coils
- Control arms
- Brake discs
- Shocks
- Struts
- Air filters
- Spark plugs
- Catalytic converters
- Tires
- Sound system
- Engine axles
- Seats
So, ask a mechanic to help you determine the ones that are still in good condition and dismantle them. You can make good money out of these and add to your purchase costs for your new car. Also, you get to be mindful of the environment.
- Sell it whole
As earlier explained, the average expectancy of a new car these days is about eight years or 150,000 miles. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that the vehicle will be entirely out of order by this time. Indeed, it can be used for another eight or so years, depending on its quality and how well it’s maintained. Therefore, if you’ve just used your vehicle for a similar duration, you may want to sell it to anyone interested in buying used vehicles.
For example, some college students may not have the resources to purchase a brand-new vehicle. Neither do they need something very fancy. All they want is a means to move around from home to school and perhaps for short weekend road trips. Thus, they’re perfect customers for your used cars.
However, you can’t go asking everyone if they’re interested in buying your vehicle. On this account, consider pinning a ‘For Sale’ sign on your car windows with contact information in plain sight. You can also get the word out on social media, and the power of sharing posts will do the magic. Your country may also have a program to export such vehicles to third-world countries. As long as your car meets the required minimums, take this opportunity to dispose of it.
- Donate to charity
Charity organizations have crafted intelligent methods of getting cash to help run their activities. One of these is through selling donated cars. So, if there’s any cause you support, you’d want to donate your vehicle to your favorite charity.
It’s just as good as giving cash, so you don’t have to feel less helpful. What’s more, tax officials consider it as a deductible item on your taxes. They intend to incentivize such donations for the charity’s use. Knowing that you’re a part of the cause they care about brings that feeling of satisfaction in you. (4)
Conclusion
Disposing of your old vehicle shouldn’t be stressful at all. You don’t have to abandon it by the roadside and risk getting fined heftily. All you need to do is contact a car wrecker near you, and they’ll come to tow away your car and give you cash for it.
Alternatively, you can sell the usable parts and take the body to a scrap yard. You can also donate it to charity for a resale.
References
- “What’s the life expectancy of my car?”, Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna12040753
- “The environmental impacts of cars, explained”, Source: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/environmental-impact
- “Launch your car parts business”, Source: https://www.shopify.com/sell/car-parts
- “What Happens to Donated Cars?”, Source: https://priceonomics.com/what-happens-to-donated-cars/