Before scrapping your car, remove personal belongings, license plates, registration documents, and any aftermarket or valuable parts you added.
Checklist of items to remove before scrapping:
- Personal documents: Registration, insurance cards, maintenance records, toll transponders
- Personal belongings: Check glove box, center console, trunk, under seats, door pockets, and sun visors
- License plates: Remove and return to the DMV or transfer to another vehicle (required in most states)
- Garage door openers: Erase programming or remove the device
- Aftermarket electronics: Stereos, amplifiers, speakers, GPS units, dash cams
- Custom accessories: Floor mats, seat covers, cargo nets, roof racks you want to keep
- Toll tags: E-ZPass, SunPass, FasTrak, and similar devices
Parts to consider removing if you have time and tools:
- New tires (if selling to a scrap yard that pays only for metal)
- Recently replaced battery
- Aftermarket wheels
Do not remove the catalytic converter, engine, transmission, or factory parts. These lower your scrap value and may violate your agreement with the buyer. Scrap yards expect complete vehicles. Check current scrap car values to see what your complete vehicle should bring.