The Most Valuable Junk Car Parts and Where to Sell Them

Just because you have a totaled car doesn’t mean that everything inside it is broken. The great thing about car parts is that they can be repurposed and reused in other vehicles; that is, if they are still in good condition and/or refurbishable. If you have a junk car that you are thinking about selling, you would be wise to learn which automotive parts are the most valuable so that you can gauge what your offer might look like.

Continue reading to learn which car parts have the most value as a scrap yard, and where you can sell them for cash on the spot.

Indianapolis Junk Car Buyers 317-608-2188
Indianapolis Junk Car Buyers 317-608-2188

Valuable Car Parts in the Auto Salvage Industry

Keep in mind that the parts below are not listed in any particular order other than alphabetical. The actual worth of each type of car part depends on several economic and mechanical factors, the most impactful variables being whether or not they can be reused, and the current scrap metal prices on the market. See our blog, “What Does a Junk Car Appraiser Look For?” to learn some other factors that can influence your junk car offer.

Air Conditioning Systems

AC units are valuable car parts, especially if they still work well, and therefore, be reinstalled into another vehicle. AC systems for vehicles have compressors and condensers that contain good quality metal, making them profitable for scrappers.

Alternators and Starters

Alternators and starters are another highly-valuable and sought-after automotive part, buy both private consumers and scrap yards. Not only do they have steel casings, they also contain copper wiring, both of which can be recycled.

Batteries

Automotive batteries, as well as, batteries for any type of motorized vehicle (i.e. boats, tractors, etc.), are high in value at a junk yard. You might even be successful at refurnishing your used car battery using the old Epsom salt and distilled water method!

Catalytic Converters

Arguably one of the most valuable car parts is the catalytic converter. They are typically manufactured with an inner protective lining made from two high-priced metals: platinum and palladium. If the catalytic converter still works, it is worth even more.

Engines and Motors

Like catalytic converters, the other car part that tops the list as most valuable is the engine (or motor, depending on the type of vehicle). Engines, especially if refurbishable or still operable, are worth the most money in a junk car.

Radiators

Radiators contain a decent quantity of aluminum, which is a highly-useful and recyclable metal. For this reason, junk car buyers want vehicles that have them still intact. If you have a functioning car radiator, you can expect your junk car to be more valuable.

How to Sell a Junk Car in Indianapolis, Indiana

When you really just don’t know who to trust when it comes to selling a junk car in Indianapolis, Indiana, simply go with the best. Contact GC’s Junk Cars at 317-608-2188 to request a free, over-the-phone quote, or more information regarding the junk car selling process. Whether your vehicle runs or not, we are ready to make you an excellent offer and take it off your hands for free. We have an in-house tow truck that will come directly to your location to pick up your junk car.

GC’s Junk Cars
GC’s Junk Cars 317-608-2188

Is My Car Totaled if Motor Oil Gets Inside the Engine Coolant?

Motor oil and engine coolant are two of the seven essential vehicular fluids. Motor oil lubricates the engines internal workings, while coolant manages the internal engine temperatures. Although both fluids are vital for all vehicles, they can also be harmful under certain circumstances. You see, if motor oil leaks into the coolant, it can be highly damaging to an engine. In fact, it is among the most damaging circumstances a vehicle could face internally.

Continue reading to learn why motor oil can leak into engine coolant, how to identify signs that suggest this type of damage, and whether or not it means the end for your car.

Indianapolis Junk Car Buyers 317-608-2188
Indianapolis Junk Car Buyers 317-608-2188

Motor Oil Engine Coolant Damage

When oil and coolant mix, it forms a viscid milk-like substance that closely resembles a melted chocolate milkshake. This combination is problematic because coolant contains glycol, which will not boil away and disintegrate. It stays in the oil and forms organic acids that turns the oil into a thick, viscous substance. This, subsequently, reduces the oils ability to disperse itself through the engine. Not only does this cause internal engine corrosion and damage, it effects other areas of a vehicle as well.

Causes

The most common cause of finding oil in engine coolant is a blown head gasket. A blown engine gasket can create an internal leak that is unnoticeable to a driver until it’s too late and damage has already been done. A less likely cause could be a cracked cylinder head or engine block. A crack in the cylinder head can occur between the oil galleys and coolant passages, thus allowing oil to leak inside the coolant.

An internal crack in the engine block is an even less likely cause of motor oil leaking into radiator coolant. There could be several other reasons as well, including poorly sealed or stripped head bolts, oil cooler leaks, water pump defects, and more.

The Forecast for a Car With Severe Engine Damage

When a vehicle has a blown head gasket or cracked engine block, the repairs are typically very high. On average, a person can expect to pay around $2,000 for a blown head gasket. For cracked engine blocks, repairs are not usually possible. Instead, engine replacement would be necessary, which can be even more expensive than a blown head gasket repair.

For these reasons, often times, a vehicle is deemed totaled by the insurance company since the cost to repair is worth more than the current market value of the vehicle. If this happens to you, sell your totaled car to a local Indianapolis junk car buyer for instant cash profit.

Sell a Junk Car For Cash in Indianapolis Today!

Call GC’s Junk Cars at 317-608-2188 to sell a junk car in Indianapolis, today! We have been buying junk cars throughout the Central Indiana area for several years and make the car selling process easy. You will get the best price for your car because you are selling directly to the scrap yard! There is never a middle man, which means you walk away with more cash in your pocket. We buy all types of vehicles in all types of shape, running or not, and offer free towing and pick-up.

GC’s Junk Cars
GC’s Junk Cars 317-608-2188