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Are you considering scrapping your car, but do you have some questions before committing? Here at Kinsella's Salvage and Recovery, we have compiled some of the most common questions and added them below for your convenience.

How much for car scrappage?

We pay you to scrap your car. Please call us today, and we can offer a price based on current market rates.

Do all vehicles go through a de-pollution phase before being scrapped?

Yes, all our vehicles go through a de-pollution phase. The de-pollution process is a crucial step in the environmentally responsible disposal of vehicles, as it aims to remove and properly manage hazardous materials and fluids to prevent pollution and protect the environment.

What is the de-pollution process?

Fluid Drainage: This includes the removal and proper disposal of fluids such as engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid, and fuel. These fluids can contain hazardous chemicals that need to be managed carefully.
Battery Removal: Automotive batteries are removed and sent for recycling to recover valuable materials like lead and sulfuric acid.
Mercury Switches: If the vehicle contains mercury switches, such as those found in older thermostats and ABS brake systems, these switches are removed and properly disposed of due to the toxicity of mercury.
Airbag and Seatbelt Tensioner Deployment: Airbags and seatbelt tensioners are deployed and controlled to render them safe before disposal.
Refrigerants: If the vehicle has air conditioning or refrigeration systems, they are removed and properly handled to prevent their release into the atmosphere.
Tires and Wheels: Tires and wheels are typically removed and processed separately for recycling.
Catalytic Converters: Valuable metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium are often recovered from catalytic converters before disposal.
Other Hazardous Components: Various other hazardous components, such as lead-acid batteries, asbestos-containing materials, and fluids, are identified and managed appropriately.

How old Should a car be before being scrapped?

The decision to scrap a car is not solely based on its age but on its overall condition, maintenance history, and other factors. While older cars are more likely to develop mechanical issues and may become less fuel-efficient and more polluting over time, there is no fixed age at which a car should be scrapped. Instead, the decision should be made on a case-by-case basis.

Do you still have questions, or would you like a quote to scrap your car? Please get in touch with our offices today.  

Kinsella Salvage and Recovery are one of Ireland's most established car dismantlers and recovery companies. For years we have dismantled all makes and models of cars. Dismantling is an environmentally responsible approach to car scrappage, as it harvests the parts of a vehicle that can be reused. However, the term car dismantler is often misunderstood. To help clear up some of this confusion, we compiled the most common questions we get asked and included them in the below blog.

What does a car dismantler do?

A car dismantler, also known as an auto dismantler or auto recycler, is a professional who specialises in taking apart and dismantling cars, trucks, and other vehicles that are no longer drivable or usable. They then salvage and recycle functional parts and materials, such as metal, plastic, and rubber, which can be sold to auto repair shops, manufacturers, or other buyers.

When a car is brought to a dismantling yard, the car dismantler will first evaluate its condition to determine which parts and materials can be salvaged and which must be disposed of. They use various tools and equipment to remove features such as engines, transmissions, and wheels. They will also drain and properly dispose of fluids such as gasoline and oil from the vehicle.

After removing usable parts, the car dismantler will sort and catalogue them for sale or reuse. The remaining components and materials are then properly disposed of or recycled, ensuring they do not harm the environment.

Overall, the work of a car dismantler is crucial in promoting sustainable practices within the automotive industry, as it reduces waste and helps conserve natural resources.

How do you know when a car is to be scrapped?

A few signs indicate a car may be nearing the end of its useful life and may need to be scrapped. Here are a few things to look out for:

Age and mileage: The older a car is and the higher its mileage, the more likely it is to have mechanical problems that are expensive to fix.
Extensive damage: If a car has been in a major accident or has extensive damage from rust or other factors, it may not be worth repairing.
Cost of repairs: If repairing a car is more than its current market value, it may be more cost-effective to scrap it and purchase a new one.
Safety issues: If a car has safety issues that cannot be fixed, such as faulty airbags or brakes, it may be unsafe to drive and should be scrapped.
Ultimately, the decision to scrap a car is a personal one that depends on a variety of factors. However, if you are unsure whether your vehicle is worth repairing or safe to drive, it is best to call us, and our car dismantlers can advise. 

What do I do with a certificate of destruction?

A certificate of destruction is issued when a vehicle is scrapped or destroyed. This certificate indicates that the vehicle can no longer be legally driven on the road and that its parts and materials have been disposed of or recycled in a responsible manner.

If you have a certificate of destruction, it is essential to keep it in a safe place as proof that your vehicle has been properly disposed of. 

How do I take my car off the road?

If you want to take your car off the road in Ireland, you must follow a few steps to ensure the process is completed correctly. Here's what you should do:

Notify the Motor Tax Office: Contact your local Motor Tax Office and inform them that you wish to take your car off the road. You must provide your car's registration number and other relevant details. You can do this in person, by phone, or online.
Return the vehicle license plates: Once you have notified the Motor Tax Office, you must remove the license plates from your car and return them to the Motor Tax Office. You can do this by post or in person.
Pay any outstanding fees: If you have any exceptional motor tax, you must pay it before you can take your car off the road. You may also need to pay a fee to cancel your motor tax.
Obtain a certificate of destruction: If you plan to scrap your car, you will need to obtain a certificate of destruction from an authorised treatment facility. This certificate proves that your vehicle has been appropriately disposed of and can no longer be driven on the road.
Cancel your insurance: Once you have taken your car off the road, you should cancel your insurance policy to avoid paying unnecessary premiums.
Following these steps, you can take your car off the road in Ireland and ensure that it is no longer legally registered for use on public roads.

Do you still have questions regarding car dismantling? Then please get in contact with our expert team today. We are happy to answer any questions you may have.