Do older cars have more value for recycling than newer cars?
Recycling an old car may be the only option when it cannot be resold or donated. Recycling a new car is recommended when the seller cannot or rather not go through a resale. Some people are confused as to whether older, recycled cars have more value than newer ones.
It Depends on the Buyer
Every car parts buyer has needs that are different from the next one. A powerful engine on an old car may be more valuable than the polished seats on a brand-new car. Some parts buyers are classic car collectors who prefer the features of old cars. On the other hand, there are buyers who see new engines, doors or tires as having minimal damages and being of higher value than decades-old car parts. The higher value is ideal for sellers who want to sell quickly.
All old cars are good candidates for auto recycling. People are more hesitant when they decide to recycle new cars. Either type can be recycled and reused to create new cars, electronics or appliances. An older model is more likely to be recycled than a newer one, but it doesn’t necessarily have more value. In either case, the car is being reused using the most environmentally friendly methods.
Read MoreRecycling Aluminum Wheels
Does Recycling Cars Really Help the Environment?
Recycling auto parts and selling junk parts also means less mining, which means less damage and contamination to the surrounding ecosystem. Recycling fluids, like oil or transmission fluid, means that they aren’t being left on your property leaking into the ground and polluting groundwater. Auto repair shops recycle oil all the time since it can only get dirty and not degrade.
Car batteries can have their acid safely removed and essential metals extracted and recycled, which, again, reduces the damage caused by mining. Thanks to new technology, it’s also a lot easier to recycle old windshield glass into things like glass bottles and jewelry. All the plastic in your car can be recycled by reselling the junk parts if they’re in good shape or melting and shredding them down if they’re not.
Even more complicated auto parts, like engines, can be recycled. Engines are often dismantled, cleaned and reconditioned to be used in other cars. They can even be remanufactured into newer engines. Things like spark plugs and transmissions are also valuable to both auto manufacturers and auto repair mechanics.
If you want your car to be among the junk cars that help the environment, contact New York City Auto Salvage & Glass today. We can show you how everything from the tires to the windshield can be renewed.
Are tires bad for landfills?
Discarded tires have a severely negative impact on the environment that most drivers would never consider. Not only do they take up a lot of space, they do not biodegrade so they will not break down no matter how long they sit in the landfill. The most responsible way to reduce the waste of old tires is recycling these auto parts, and purchasing products made from the recycled material is possible.
Impact On The Environment
Landfills are a major environmental issue because there are so many non-biodegradable materials taking up needed space. As this designated land becomes scarce, people are forced to start dumping materials like junk cars and auto parts in wooded areas or in residential yards. Burning tires produce a very harmful smoke that gives off an oily residue, and breathing the fumes is harmful to humans and animals. A single tire can burn for several weeks at a time and continues to contaminate the air and nearby surfaces.
The Benefits of Recycled Rubber
Over 3 billion pounds of rubber are used to create more than 250 million new tires each year. Fortunately, scrap tires decrease the amount of new rubber used in the production of the following innovations:
• Garden mulch that is resistant to termite infestations.
• Drainage ditches, internal layers of roadways, and most other applications of traditional gravel.
• Playground mats, welcome mats, vehicle mud guards, and playground flooring.
• Filter media for wastewater treatment.
How You Can Help
Anytime you need auto repair, try to shop in auto salvage for junk parts to reduce the environmental impact of unnecessary new parts. Work with a buyer of junk cars if you want to get rid of an old vehicle in a way that it can be recycled. Finally, ask questions anytime you get an auto repair to find out if your junk parts can be recycled.
Read MoreHow to buy a used parts for cars and make sure it fits?
Auto parts can be purchased for your car but you will obviously need to make sure that they fit first. Junk cars offer many different parts that you can use for your car. You will need to first find out the exact model of the car that the parts are from before you actually buy it for your car. If it is not the exact model you may end up running into issues with getting it to fit on your car. Junk parts can be found in a lot of scrap yards. They offers many parts for your car from a windshield to tires.
Once you find junk parts you will need to make sure that the part works. You are taking a risk by buying parts that are used but it may be well worth it. If the part works you can then make sure that it fits. A lot of auto repair shops can install the part for you if you cannot do it on you own. There may also be various auto repair shops that sell junk parts for customers to buy.
You will then need to check to see how much the part is going to cost. It may or may not be worth it for you. The entire point of buying them used is that you can save yourself some money. Auto parts can be extremely expensive depending on what you are looking for. A windshield can actually be more on the expensive side. Junk cars are very good for providing these types of parts for those in need. Once you have a part in mind, making sure that it fits is extremely important prior to purchasing it. This will make the buying process a lot easier.
Read MoreWhat Does a Car Weigh and How Much Can Be Recycled?
The average car weighs about 4,000 pounds according to EPA statistics from 2018. Many smaller cars are lighter than this with the Chevy Spark weighing just over 2,200 pounds. Others are heavier with the Lincoln Navigator weighing as much as 6,000 pounds if optional auto parts such as four-wheel drive are included. Eventually, all of these vehicles will become junk cars, and you may be surprised to see how many junk parts can be recycled.
For example, the windshield can now be recycled thanks to advances in technology. 15 million of these are replaced each year, and it’s now possible to turn windshield glass into bottles or fiberglass insulation while the plastic can be turned into carpet glue.
The engine itself can, in many cases, be recycled. Auto repair mechanics can recycle engines and make them more efficient and better than before thanks to more advanced materials. Most plastics from junk cars can be recycled and used in newer vehicles. Other auto parts that can be recycled include batteries, tires, belts and even the carpets.
Scrap metal can be sold, and even old catalytic converters can be recycled by auto repair professionals for their platinum. With all that can be reused, there are really no such things as junk parts, only parts that can be given a new life if you give them the chance.
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