Have you ever wondered what happens to your junk car after it arrives at a salvage yard? As the team at Stewart’s Used Auto Parts in Barkhamsted, CT, explains, there’s more to the process than leaving the vehicle in a lot to rust. Here, the salvage yard explains what happens after you wave goodbye to your car.

Not all vehicles that get sent to a salvage yard qualify as a “junk car.” In fact, some cars simply require a bit of extra work to be restored to functional condition. After the restoration process is complete, the vehicle is inspected to ensure it meets safety and performance requirements before being offered for sale.

In most cases, however, a junk car has a few working parts but is otherwise too far gone to be fully restored. The first step after this type of vehicle arrives at a junkyard is to drain all fluids. Gasoline, brake fluid, oil, and other liquids must be removed to keep them from leaking into the soil. Next, the parts worth selling are salvaged. Everything from transmissions to taillights may still be usable, so they’re removed, cleaned, and tested.

Of course, this still leaves an unusable vehicle body and several parts that can’t be resold. In most cases, they’re either crushed or broken down for recycling. Tires, car batteries, and other parts can be processed and reused for other purposes, ensuring your junk car doesn’t merely sit around gathering dust.

Whether you’re looking for a quality used radiator or need help getting rid of your junk car, contact the team at Stewart’s Used Auto Parts. With a strong local heritage, they are committed to providing top-quality service so you can get the automotive help you need. To learn more about the inventory and services offered by this salvage yard, visit them online or call (800) 726-0871.