You do not need to siphon the gas out of your junk car before selling. Most junk car buyers, junkyards, and scrap yards accept vehicles with fuel in the tank.
What happens to the gas:
- Junkyards and auto recyclers drain fluids (including gasoline) as part of their standard processing
- The fuel is either reused, resold, or disposed of according to environmental regulations
- Buyers expect cars to have some gas and factor this into their process
When siphoning might make sense:
- The tank is nearly full and gas prices are high
- You have another vehicle that uses the same fuel type
- You have a safe way to store and transfer the fuel
Siphoning gas carries risks. Gasoline is flammable and toxic. Improper siphoning can cause spills, fires, or health hazards. If you do remove fuel, use a hand pump (not your mouth) and approved containers.
For most sellers, leaving the gas in the car is easier and safer. The small amount of fuel will not significantly change your payout when you junk your car for cash.