Scrapping your car is a great way to get fast cash and free up driveway space. But that doesn’t mean everything has to go to waste. Before you wave goodbye to your old car, take a moment to look inside. Many parts of your vehicle can be removed, resold, or reused before handing it over to a junk car buyer. At Chips4Whips, we help Memphis car owners get the most cash for their junk cars or engines, whether they’re running or not.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what to remove from your car before scrapping it, from high-value items like the battery and tires to overlooked components like floor mats and stereo systems. If you’re scrapping your car in Memphis, these tips can help you get more out of it (literally and financially).
Why Bother Removing Parts Before Scrapping?
When you sell your junk car or engine to a reputable junk car buyer in Memphis, you’re already getting value. But if you have the time and tools, pulling a few parts before the tow truck shows up can give you added resale or reuse value. Reasons to remove parts before scrapping:
- Resell useful components online or locally
- Use them in another car
- Avoid giving away parts that could be worth more than scrap
- Keep personal tech or upgrades you paid for
If you’re not mechanically inclined, don’t worry, many of these are quick removals. And if you prefer to skip the hassle, then most junk car buyers in Memphis offer full car value even if parts are still attached.
What to Remove Before Scrapping Your Car?
1. Car Battery
Car batteries have resale value, even when used. A working battery can be reused in another car or sold to recyclers for cash.
Don’t forget: newer batteries (less than 2 years old) can sell for $30–$70 depending on condition and brand.
You can also recycle them at an auto parts store, which often pays a small fee for returned batteries. Even if the vehicle won’t start, you can still sell a scrap car engine in Memphis if other key parts like the battery or alternator are intact
2. Tires and Rims
Tires with good tread are always in demand, especially if they’re newer or part of a matching set. Even if the tires are worn, aluminum or alloy rims can fetch a decent price at scrap yards or online.
If you have aftermarket rims, it’s definitely worth removing and replacing them with basic wheels before the car is towed away. Used tires are among the easiest ways to make fast cash before you sell junk cars in Horn Lake or schedule a pickup.
3. Stereo and Speakers
Upgraded audio systems are one of the most overlooked salvageable items when scrapping your car. If you installed a custom stereo, speakers, or subwoofer, take it out. These can be resold or installed in your next car.
Even factory stereos can be worth something if they’re in working condition, especially for older models where replacements are hard to find.
4. Catalytic Converter
If there’s one part you must consider removing, it’s the catalytic converter. These devices contain valuable metals like platinum and palladium and can be sold for several hundred dollars, depending on the model and market.
That said, removing a catalytic converter requires cutting tools and knowledge of exhaust systems. If you’re not sure how to do it safely, leave it to professionals who’ll factor its value into your offer.
5. Spare Tire and Jack
Check your trunk! A full-size spare tire or compact “donut” tire, along with the jack and tools, can be reused or sold separately. Most people forget about these entirely before scrapping a vehicle.
These accessories may not be worth much alone, but every dollar counts, especially when scrapping your car.
6. Floor Mats and Seat Covers
Have decent-quality rubber floor mats or aftermarket seat covers? Pull them out before the car heads to the crusher. These are easy to resell or transfer to your next vehicle.
Cleaning and reselling used interior accessories online or at flea markets can get you more than you’d expect.
7. GPS Units or Dash Cams
These often come with suction mounts or adhesive pads and are easy to remove. Even older models can be reused or given away.
If you’ve hardwired your dash cam into the fuse box, just be cautious when removing to avoid electrical shorts.
8. Tool Kits, Accessories & Personal Items
Don’t forget the glove box, center console, and door pockets. Remove
- Registration and insurance papers
- Phone chargers
- Emergency kits
- Garage door openers
- Tools or custom accessories
Once your car is scrapped, these are gone forever, so double-check everything.
9. Seats, Rugs, and Interior Panels (Optional)
This step takes more effort but can pay off if you’re dealing with a rare vehicle or well-kept interior. Cloth or leather seats, clean rugs, and trim panels are sometimes resold by hobbyists restoring older cars.
Only attempt this if you’re confident in removing bolts and panels without damaging the parts.
What Not to Bother Removing
Not every component is worth the effort. Skip removing:
- Old spark plugs or filters
- Heavily worn wiper blades
- Minor electronics that won’t sell on their own
- Dented body panels
Remember: if you’re working with Chips4Whips, we’ll offer you a fair deal with or without parts removed. If you want max value but don’t want to do the work, we’ve got you covered.
What Can You Do with Removed Parts?
Once you’ve removed salvageable parts before scrapping your car, you have several options for how to use or sell them:
Resell:
- Online marketplaces like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp
- Local auto shops or mechanics looking for used parts
- Recycling centers for metal-heavy items like batteries or converters
Reuse:
- Install in your next car
- Keep tires, mats, or tools as backups
- Repurpose mats or seat covers for garage or shop use
Donate or Give Away:
- Help a friend fix their car affordably
- Offer items free to someone in your community
Even small items like jumper cables, jacks, or air fresheners can help someone else, and keep them out of the landfill.
Why Chips4Whips Makes Scrapping Simple
At Chips4Whips, we buy junk cars all over Memphis and we’re not picky. Whether your old ride is missing a few parts or fully intact, we’ll make you a fair offer and tow it for free.
Scrapping your car doesn’t have to be a hassle. We handle:
- Title paperwork (or help you if you’ve lost it)
- Free pickup
- Cash on the spot
- Assessing value whether parts are removed or still attached
Got an old Toyota? A 12-year-old Chevy with engine trouble? Stop letting it sit and get those junk cars out of your yard.
Strip Smart Before You Scrap
Scrapping your car is a great way to clean up your property and get fast cash. But before you say goodbye for good, take a quick inventory of what’s worth saving.
From car batteries and audio systems to floor mats and spares, there’s plenty to reuse or resell. And if you don’t want to remove it yourself, Chips4Whips can still give you the best possible offer for your car’s full value.
Ready to scrap that old car in Memphis? Call Chips4Whips today!
