Last updated 1 month ago
There has always been certain appeal to working on a project car, but when do you draw the line between a fixer-upper and a lost cause? Take a look below for the telltale signs that it may be time to scrap your old vehicle:
You’re Spending More on Repairs Than It’s Worth.
Paying for expensive replacement parts may be cheaper than buying a new car in the short-term, but it may not be as cost-effective as you think if you’re constantly dealing with outrageous repair fees. The upfront costs of a new or pre-owned car may seem daunting, but consider whether the monthly payment will be lower than major work such as replacing the transmission. If you decide to scrap your vehicle, the cash payment can help offset the costs of a down payment. Look up your vehicle’s Kelly Blue Book Value to determine if you may be needlessly sinking money into repairs.
You’re Spending Too Much at the Pump.
Unless you’re actually driving a refurbished classic, there’s no reason to lose money at the pump with an inefficient vehicle. Several new models on the market reach upwards of 40 mpg—and considering gas prices these days, every mile counts. While there are measures to improve your car’s fuel efficiency, most of them involve receiving regular scheduled maintenance, which may be counterintuitive if you’re constantly anticipating the next major repair. If you invest in a newer car, you’re all but guaranteed years of worry-free service with regular maintenance.
We here at Brock’s Auto Parts and Recycling are here committed to help residents of the St. Louis area responsibly dispose of their old cars and appliances with ease. We’ll provide free towing and cash payment, ensuring that you get the best value for your scrap. We also maintain a wide selection of affordable salvaged parts to help you keep your fixer-upper on the road as long as possible. If you have questions about our parts and services, contact us online or call (314) 332-1359 today.
Last updated 1 month ago
Every car eventually reaches the end of its usable life, but rather than wasting money on repairs that may be worth more than the car itself, it’s often more economical to sell an old car. But a scrapped car can have a significant environmental impact if it isn’t disposed of properly. So what exactly happens to a scraped car once it leaves your home? Read below to find out:
Dismantling and Salvaging
Many cars that have only suffered major collision damage or mechanical failure in one component still have many intact parts that can perform for hundreds and thousands of miles longer. They also contain several environmentally harmful components such as the batteries, tires, gas tanks, and various fluids. That’s why auto salvage businesses first dismantle the vehicle for used auto parts and remove these harmful materials before sending the main body away for further processing.
The Sifting Process
Even without hazardous materials, cars are constructed with a variety of materials—some of them recyclable, and some not. The main body is flattened by heavy machinery into a uniform shape for transportation and later shredded into a pile of metal, foam, cloth, plastic and other materials. A special machine magnetically pulls aluminum, iron, steel, and non-ferrous metals out of the chaff for later stream distribution and recycling, and the rest of the “fluff” is then disposed of in landfills.
Recycling Old Materials
The average North American automobile consists of approximately 60 percent steel, and this steel is 100 percent recyclable. In fact, it’s the most recycled material in the world ahead of paper, plastic, aluminum, copper, and glass combined. The recycled steel and other materials from car bodies is then used to manufacturing lighter and stronger frames and body panels for new automobiles.
As you can see, we here at Brock’s Auto Parts and Recycling of St. Louis, MO have played a major part in the cycle of automotive sustainability for over 50 years. Visit us online or call (314) 332-1359 today to receive a quote for your old vehicle or search for a used auto part.
Last updated 1 month ago
Many cars are recycled each year. Yet, there are still some who don't know that they can recycle their vehicle, or they don't understand the benefits of auto recycling. Check out this video, which helps explain the benefits of auto recycling. And, if you'd like to recycle your old junk car, contact Brock Auto Parts and Recycling of St. Louis. Call us at (314) 332-1359. And, be sure to watch the video below:
Last updated 1 month ago
Learn the impact that recycling your car can have on the sustainability of the industry and environment by checking out the pages below. Brock Auto Parts & Recycling in St. Louis can answer your auto recycling questions. Call us today at (314) 332-1359 to learn more!
Check out this article from National Geographic to learn about different kinds of metals and scrap that can be recycled or repurposed.
Follow a BMW 3 Series on its journey through the recycling plant and salvage yard in this article from CarAndDriver.com.
Where does your junk car go? Find out in this helpful PDF.
Read this article from Aluminum.org to learn why aluminum is one of the most recyclable metals on the planet.
Last updated 2 months ago
Select auto parts can be reused, reducing the cost of new parts. This video explores a few common auto parts that are safe for reuse under certain conditions.
Power steering assemblies and gearboxes are often in good repair, even from a used vehicle. Thermostat housings have solid construction, helping them to withstand normal wear and tear. Distributor caps can be reused as long as the terminals are not corroded. Other parts like distributor assemblies and flywheels can often be matched to the same make, model, and year of a vehicle.
Brock Auto Parts & Recycling in St. Louis maintains a salvage yard with quality used auto parts. Learn more by visiting us online or calling us at (314) 332-1359.
