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For a number of reasons, there’s likely to come a time when your car just isn’t the best fit for you anymore. Maybe it no longer works properly, maybe it’s damaged, or maybe you’re just upgrading for a newer, more efficient model. But whatever the reason, you’ll end up in a position where you need to get rid of your old car in a way that’s responsible – and hopefully earns you some money in the process.
This is where scrapping a car can come in handy. Not only can it earn you some extra cash, but recycling your old car in this way can help it be turned into other useful materials – or broken up for parts that can help keep other cars on the road.
Scrapping a car involves selling old, unwanted, or even broken cars to a scrap yard or buyer. Typically they then scrap and recycle the cars into materials that can be used in other industries, or, if there are still roadworthy elements, they might salvage parts to fix other cars, or fix up the car itself and make it drivable again.
Not sure if scrapping your car is the right move for you? Check out some of the signs that it might be time to consider it.
Repair bills are creeping up
The longer you have a car, the more likely it is that you’ll find yourself spending more and more money on its repairs. While some cars remain reliable for an impressive amount of time – particularly if they’ve had a conscientious owner – it’s inevitable that older cars encounter more issues.
If this is the case, it’s worth looking at quite how much you’re spending on repairs and balancing this against the value of the car itself. If you find that it’s going to cost more to repair than it’s worth, then it might be worth considering scrapping it instead. This may become a particular consideration if your MOT test is approaching, or has just happened, and your car is no longer going to be deemed roadworthy and legal.
It’s worth considering that you can scrap cars in all conditions; whether it’s old, damaged, has recently failed its MOT, or is in fairly good nick.
You see visible rust or damage
Another key indicator that it may be time to upgrade is if you notice visible rust. Not only can this become a bit of an eyesore, but it can cause significant damage to several elements of your car – potentially making it unsafe to drive, particularly if it’s been left for a while. From the engine compartment to the fuel line, rust can be a silent killer for a car’s overall performance.
You may also want to consider scrapping your car if it’s encountered damage, or if it’s been declared a write off – meaning it’s beyond repair. You should be able to discuss scrap options with your insurance provider in a write-off situation, or you can do some research yourself to find potential offers.
Fuel efficiency is decreasing rapidly
With petrol prices continuing to sit at an all-time high in the UK, and our awareness and concern for the environment building, fuel efficiency is a hot topic. Older, badly maintained or damaged vehicles are likely to become increasingly fuel inefficient over time – meaning you’ll be forking out more and more money to fill up.
If that’s the case, not only will day-to-day driving be costing you more, but you might find that it hinders your ability to sell your car conventionally. With the rise of electric and hybrid vehicles and improved fuel efficient tech in newer models, potential buyers have wised up. Fortunately, fuel efficiency isn’t a consideration when scrapping a car, so you won’t encounter any blockers if you choose to go down that route.
The market is in a good place
Still not sure if now’s the right time to scrap your car? Well, one thing that may make the decision easier is getting some quotes. The scrap metal market is volatile, meaning that how much money you’d get for your car can fluctuate based on the current market value of the metals it’s made of.
Once scrapped, bits of cars are sold on to be made into household items or electrical products like phones and laptops, so when production of these is higher, the value of the materials increases. Doing some research online and getting a few potential quotes is a great way to get a feel for what the scrap market is doing, and see if it’s worth you making a call as things stand.
Need a second opinion?
Scrapping your car can be a quick and often hassle-free process, and a great way to leave yourself with some money in your pocket. If you’re not sure whether now’s a good time to scrap, or you want a second opinion on estimated repair costs before you make a decision, pop into your local Kwik Fit centre.
Driving in heavy rain can be tricky and bring extra risks. Check out our guide for top tips to stay safe and avoid breakdowns if travelling in wet conditions.
Is the UK on the verge of ‘the coldest winter for 50 years?’ Even if El Niño doesn't hit the UK this winter, reduce the risk of a winter breakdown by making sure your car battery is winter-ready.
Your tyre size can be found on the sidewall of your current tyre and is a sequence of numbers and letters. The most common tyre size in the UK is 205/55R16 but there are many variations so it’s important to check your existing tyre first before searching for tyres.
Tip: Take a photo of your existing tyre sidewall to make it easier to identify your tyre size using the guide below.
The first three digits. This displays the width of the tyre in millimetres. A tyre marked 225 will measure 225mm across the tread from sidewall to sidewall.
Aspect Ratio
The fourth and fifth digits of the tyre code that immediately follow the tyre width. The aspect ratio or profile height of the tyre sidewall is expressed as a percentage of the tyre width. So an aspect ratio of 55 for example means that the profile height of the tyre is 55% of its width.
Rim Diameter
The next two digits represent the size of the wheel rim that the tyre can be fitted to. It is also the diameter of the tyre from bead to bead. So a tyre marked 16 will fit on a 16-inch wheel rim.
Speed Rating
The speed rating of a tyre is represented by a letter of the alphabet at the end of the tyre size code and indicates the maximum speed capability of the tyre. Tyres receive a speed rating based on a series of tests which measure the tyres capability to handle a set speed for a prolonged period of time.
Select your tyre speed rating to find out the maximum speed your tyres can maintain.
If you are unsure what speed rating you need, be sure to check your vehicle handbook. Choosing a lower speed rating than that recommended by your vehicle manufacturer could potentially invalidate your insurance.
Load Rating
The load index provides information on the maximum weight capability for the tyre. The load index is a numerical code that can be located just after the tyre size marking and before the speed rating.
Select your load index to find out the maximum load capability for your tyres.
Although not illegal, it is not advisable to have tyres with a lower speed rating or load index than the manufacturer recommended tyre specification for your vehicle, or to have a combination of different tyre construction types. Consult your vehicle handbook to confirm your vehicle’s tyre speed rating and load index as well as any additional requirements.
0800 75 76 77 You can reach our customer care team 6 days a week from 9:00am to 6:00pm on Monday and Thursday, 8:30am to 6:00pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm Saturday, and 10:00am to 4:00pm on Bank Holidays.
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Select Tyre Size
Front Tyre Size
Rear Tyre Size
We endeavour to ensure we are displaying the correct tyres for your vehicle. However, we recommend all customers check the tyre size printed on the side wall of their tyres before proceeding with a tyre purchase as occasionally discrepancies do occur. By selecting the tyre sizes above and clicking 'Continue', you are indicating that you have checked your tyre sizes.
Please select your front and rear tyre size before clicking 'Continue'.
We have identified the tyre size(s) that may fit your {VEHICLE}. Please select your front tyre size and rear tyre size below before clicking 'Continue'.
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Please note: There is a slope that the vehicle must be driven up to reach the vehicle ramp at this centre. This may prevent us from being able to work on some high-performance vehicles, Tesla vehicles or vehicles that have been lowered. If your vehicle has low ground clearance, please contact the centre team on 01342 314 111 before booking.
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Centres do not open until 10:00 on bank holidays. If choosing an earlier appointment time on a bank holiday, please bring your vehicle to centre at 10:00 rather than the time shown.