If you have a junk car taking up space on your property, you should consider recycling it. Doing so will yield a decent payout, and it can also reduce your carbon footprint. Cars contain a variety of valuable metals that can be repurposed into everyday items.

5 Valuable Metals That Can Be Found in Junk Cars

1. Steel

Most of the recyclable metal in your vehicle will be steel. Because it contains iron, steel is a ferrous metal and must be separated from all the non-ferrous metals during the scrapping process.

Found in the car’s frame, hood, and doors, steel is a durable metal that can withstand extreme conditions. Recycled steel can be used to produce everything from other automobiles to construction materials. 

2. Lead

While the automotive industry has been phasing out the use of lead during the manufacturing process, older vehicles still have a bit of this non-ferrous metal in its various components. Examples include the battery, wheel weights, and electronics. Recycled lead is often used to produce batteries, cable sheathing, and radiation shielding. 

3. Brass

Brass can be found in the radiator cores, tanks, and tubes of junk cars. A non-ferrous metal that retains quite a bit of value, brass can be recycled into plumbing fixtures, keys, door handles, bolts, locks, screws, and pins.

4. Copper

Copper is an incredibly valuable non-ferrous metal, and junk cars tend to contain quite a bit of it. This malleable material is most often used for wiring. It’s a conductor that can be found in batteries, alternators, radios, and electronic safety systems.

5. Aluminum 

Aluminum is the second most widely used metal in motor vehicles. Like steel, it can be found in the frame, doors, and hoods. This non-ferrous metal is also present in the rims and engine, where its high heat resistance is integral. Recycled aluminum is used to produce a variety of items, from bicycles and boats to soda cans and cookware.  

If you want to recycle a junk car, you can count on Rudy’s Towing & Auto Salvage for a fair payout. Based in Philadelphia, PA, this shop offers cash for scraps across Bucks and Montgomery counties. With exceptional service and complete transparency, their friendly team will ensure you get the best deal for your unwanted vehicle. To schedule a pickup, reach out on their website or call (267) 235-9421.