When you’re ready to sell your junk car, you’ll likely want to know how much you can get for it. There are several factors that typically affect prices, so it’s important that you understand them prior to making a trip to the auto salvage yard. Here’s what might raise or lower the value of your scrap vehicle. 

4 Factors That Affect Junk Car Prices

1. Current Value of Metal

The overall value of your vehicle depends heavily on the current value of scrap metal. While aluminum may start around 25 cents per pound, steel could go for far more. Auto salvage yards might offer more or less than the national average, so ask them before you bring in your car. 

2. Vehicle Weight  

One of the easiest ways to get a rough estimate of how much your junk car is worth is by multiplying the weight times the current price of steel. If the average car weighs between 2,000 and 3,000 pounds, and steel is worth $100 per ton, you can use that information to guess the worth of your vehicle.

3. Prep Work

The more work an auto salvage yard has to do to before crushing your vehicle, the less it will be worth. Maintain the value of your junk car by draining it of all the fluids and cleaning it prior to signing it over to the scrap yard. Also, remove any personal items. Make sure to check everywhere, including under the seats, in the glove compartment, and in the trunk. 

4. Towing

Keep in mind that the expense of towing your vehicle may wind up subtracting from its overall value. Double-check to see if your auto salvage yard will cover the cost of towing services. 

The next time you need to get rid of a junk car, sell it to Rudy’s Towing & Auto Salvage. They offer cash for junk cars along with removal and wrecker services to clients throughout Philadelphia. Call (267) 235-9421 to get an estimate on your car or truck, and visit them online to learn more about this scrap yard.