Introduction
Eventually, heavy-duty vehicles like trucks, vans, and SUVs reach a stage where repair is no longer logical. This may be due to extensive damage, ongoing maintenance costs, or wear and tear resulting from their age, but at some point, keeping them operational becomes more of a hassle than if they were off the road. At that stage, junk car removal services provide an effective and affordable means of disposal.
In Ontario, contact an auto recycler specializing in the safe and legal removal of heavy-duty vehicles, ensuring you receive a fair value for the scrap metal and parts. Read on to learn how junk car removal works for heavy-duty vehicles, what affects your payout, and how you can get your vehicle ready to make the process go as smoothly as possible.
Why Heavy-Duty Vehicles Need Special Removal?
Heavy-duty vehicles are bigger, heavier, and far more complicated than standard passenger vehicles. They might have reinforced frames, larger engines (often more than one), and added components like towing hitches or extended (or beyond-normal) cargo space. Removal and recycling of the vehicle is significantly more complicated in so many ways.
Scrapyards need special tools to tow and dismantle these vehicles, and for most parts, the vehicle’s weight will be the metric most responsible for its scrap value. A full-size pickup truck can be more than double the weight of a compact car, which translates into mixed results of reporting scrap values and significant differences in the removal process.
Common Reasons for Scrapping Trucks, Vans, and SUVs
Many owners choose to scrap heavy-duty vehicles for these common reasons:
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- Severe accident damage that makes repairs too costly compared to the vehicle’s value.
- Engine or transmission failure occurs when replacement parts and labour cost more than the car is worth.
- Excessive rust and frame corrosion compromise safety and cause inspections to fail.
- High maintenance costs from ongoing mechanical issues that keep returning.
- Fleet vehicle retirement occurs when businesses upgrade to newer, more efficient models.
- Failure to meet emissions standards or poor fuel efficiency make daily use expensive.
How Junk Car Removal Works in Ontario?
The process of junk car removal is relatively simple, but heavy-duty vehicles come with specific steps for removal. First, you will contact a licensed scrap car removal service and describe your truck, van, or SUV, including the vehicle’s make, model, year, and condition. The licensed company will usually provide a quote based on the vehicle’s description and current scrap metal pricing.
Once you accept the quote, the company will schedule a pick-up time. The licensed scrapyards will have either a tow truck or a flatbed that is made to carry heavier loads. At pick-up, you will hand over the ownership documents, and the licensed removal service will generally help you cancel your insurance and return your license plates to ServiceOntario. Finally, the vehicle would be taken to a scrap yard, dismantled, and fluids drained before recycling.
Determining the Scrap Value of Heavy-Duty Vehicles
There are a lot of factors that come into play when talking about the value of a heavy-duty vehicle in scrap. First and foremost, the weight will be the heaviest factor, since scrap yards pay in tons for steel and other metals. Larger trucks and vans generally have a lot more steel/aluminum, and in some cases, copper wiring, which will increase their weight.
The condition may also make a difference, as if the vehicle has parts in good condition and the scrap removal company can resell them, they could be quoted more for the car. The current price of scrap metal also impacts the cost and fluctuates up and down. In Ontario, the better scrap removal companies will be upfront with their offer and provide a breakdown of why and how they came to the final offer so that you understand how they reached their number.
Preparing Your Heavy-Duty Vehicle for Removal
Preparing your truck, van, or SUV before junk car removal is crucial. Here is a complete process of how to remove your heavy-duty vehicle:
Step 1 – Remove your items
Have a look in the glove box, the door pockets, underneath the seats, and the cargo areas. Heavy-duty vehicles often have a lot of compartments, so have a thorough inspection.
Step 2 – Remove the license plates
You must return your plates to ServiceOntario to cancel your registration and reclaim a plate credit if you are entitled.
Step 3 – Take off any aftermarket pieces of value
Please remove them before pickup if you plan to sell or repurpose accessories (rims, stereos, tool racks, etc.).
Step 4 – Prepare ownership documents
In Ontario, a scrap yard cannot legally accept a vehicle unless ownership is proven. Bring your vehicle permit.
Step 5 – Vacate any storage compartments in the vehicle
Remove any work-related or seasonal gear stored in large vans or truck beds; you do not want to lose any of these items.
Step 6 – Schedule the vehicle pick-up
Contact the junk vehicle removal company once the vehicle is emptied so they can confirm the date and time to tow the car.
Environmental Advantages of Dismantling Heavy-Duty Vehicles
Dismantling heavy-duty vehicles decreases environmental leverage. Larger vehicles carry greater volumes of fluids — like oil, coolant, and transmission fluid — which can contaminate soil and water if not disposed of properly. Licensed scrap yards in Ontario are required to comply with strict environmental regulations for the safe draining and disposal of harmful fluids.
The steel, aluminum, and other metals can be recycled and reused in production for your vehicle. Using recycled metals reduces the need to introduce new raw materials into production and thus emissions from mining and production. Also, reducing the number of old, inefficient cars removed from the road will allow for decreased greenhouse gas emissions over time.
Benefits of Professional Junk Car Removal
Using a licensed junk car removal service for heavy-duty vehicles offers several advantages:
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- Saves you time and your energy: The company will take care of the towing, paperwork, and recycling, so you don’t have to worry about finding a way to get the vehicle transported or having to decommission it on your own.
- Ensures you follow the law: Registered services in Ontario must comply with provincial laws regarding vehicle dismantling, waste disposal, and ownership transfer. As a result, you run less of a risk for future legal issues.
- Offers immediate payment: Many removals companies provide a cash or instant bank transfer option when they collect.
- Provides safe towing of heavy vehicles: Heavy trucks, vans, and SUVs require specialized equipment to tow and dismantle, which removal services possess.
- Opens up practical space: Removing an unwanted vehicle will clear storage yards, driveways, or parking spaces for better use.
- Helps protect the environment: Licensed recyclers will safely drain fluids and recycle metals, protecting against pollution and conserving raw materials.
Conclusion
Scrapping a heavy-duty vehicle, whether it’s a truck, van, or SUV, is more than just getting rid of old metal. It is about scrapping the vehicle honestly, safely, legally, and most importantly, responsibly while receiving fair value for your vehicle. In Ontario, professional junk car removal services can offer productivity and cost-efficiently from free towing to recycling and proper dismantling.
When your heavy-duty vehicle has reached the end of the line, you can trust Greenway Auto Recycling to offer licensed, reliable removal in Ontario. We remove trucks, vans, and SUVs in every size and version, giving you the maximum value for your vehicle. Our team also works with you to return your license plates, ensuring a seamless operation from beginning to end.
