Vehicle Scrap Metal: Which Parts Are Worth the Most?
If you’re a mechanic, you’ll know how quickly old car parts, vehicle fittings and metal components build up in your workshop. But what looks like a pile of scrap could actually be worth more than you think.
A quick trip to your local scrap yard can turn those worn-out engines, gearboxes and alloy wheels into same-day cash – with prices tied directly to the London Metal Exchange (LME)! But which vehicle scrap metal is worth the most?
Scrap Copper
One of the most valuable vehicle scrap metals, copper tops this list due to its high demand across the mechanical industry. Found in many automotive parts, from wiring and alternators to motors and radiators, copper’s superior conductivity and corrosion-resistance make it essential for modern vehicles.
Where can mechanics find scrap copper to sell?
- Vehicle wiring: The most common conductive material for automotive wiring, mechanics will definitely be able to find copper in end-of-life vehicles due to its excellent conductivity and flexibility.
- Engines: A real hotspot for scrap copper, car engines contain the valuable metal in several of their important components – including the engine’s wire harnesses, sensors, electronics and motors.
- Radiators: Most cars (including some electric cars) feature radiators to cool their engines and batteries, as well as power electronics, by dissipating heat. Some of these radiators will contain copper due to its superior conductivity.
Scrap Aluminium
With the UK government’s constant push for energy-efficiency, demand for recycled aluminium within the automotive industry remains strong, making it a steady source of extra profit for mechanics.
Where can mechanics find scrap aluminium to sell?
- Alloy wheels: Alloy wheels have a high aluminium content, being primarily made from aluminium alloys. They are often found on passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, motorcycles and luxury cars.
- Gearboxes: Some gearbox casings are made from aluminium due to its lightweight and corrosion-resistant nature.
- Vehicle chassis: An increasingly common source of scrap aluminium, vehicle chassis offer significant weight reduction, without compromising on the safety or structural integrity of the vehicle. This also improves fuel efficiency, allowing modern cars to meet new, stricter environmental regulations.
Scrap Lead
Scrap lead holds good value for mechanics thanks to its frequent use in several vehicle components. While it’s heavier and less common in newer cars, lead remains in steady demand because it’s easily recycled and can be reused in battery production.
Where can mechanics find scrap lead to sell?
- Lead car batteries: The most common source of scrap lead for mechanics, recycling lead car batteries is particularly good for the environment as they can contain toxic substances, such as sulfuric acid.
- Wheel weights: Some older wheel balancing weights are a good source of lead, and sometimes zinc, giving mechanics a healthy payout at the local scrap yard.
- Catalytic converters: Some catalytic converters contain lead, but they also contain several precious metals like platinum, palladium and rhodium. These are highly valuable and can be re-used to make new products, conserving natural resources and contributing to a circular economy.
Sell Your Vehicle Scrap Metal to KAS
Don’t miss your chance to make a profit on these top vehicle scrap metals!
Why Choose KAS?
- Scrap metal prices based on the London Metal Exchange (LME)
- Same-day payments before 4pm
- The latest in metal analysis systems
- Safe and tidy unloading & waiting areas
- Friendly, local scrap metal merchants
Give us a call, email or visit our local scrap metal yard today. Based in Atherton, we can also service the following areas:
- Astley
- Bolton
- Chorley
- Lancashire
- Leigh
- Manchester
- Preston
- Salford
- Tyldesley
- Westhoughton
- Wigan
- Worsley
Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to keep up to date with the latest company updates & industry news.
