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scrap your old car in winter

Why Winter is the Best Time to Scrap Your Old Car

Published on Mar 24, 2025 | Last updated Aug 15, 2025

Introduction

Winter brings unique challenges for car owners, especially if you have an old, damaged, or non-functional vehicle. Freezing temperatures, snow-covered roads, and constant exposure to road salt can make an aging car even more of a burden. If your vehicle already has mechanical issues, the harsh winter conditions will only worsen them.

Many car owners postpone the decision to scrap their vehicles, often planning to fix them later. However, waiting too long can reduce the value of your car and increase maintenance costs. Instead of dealing with a car that won’t start on cold mornings or spending money on repairs that don’t make financial sense, winter is the perfect time to let it go. If you decide to scrap your old car, we make the process simple with quick pickups and instant cash..

If you have been thinking about scrapping your car, winter is the ideal time to do it. The demand for scrap metal is high, towing services are readily available, and you can avoid the stress of keeping an unwanted vehicle. Here are the top reasons why you should take advantage of this season and scrap your car before winter is over.

1. Cold Weather Can Damage Your Car

Cold temperatures, ice, and road salt can cause wear and tear on a vehicle. If your car is already damaged, winter will only make things worse. Salt used on icy roads accelerates rust formation on the car’s underbody, doors, and wheel wells. Battery efficiency drops significantly in extreme cold. Oil and transmission fluid thicken in cold weather, reducing your engine’s performance. Freezing temperatures cause tires to lose air pressure and increase the risk of a flat or a blowout. If your car is already struggling, these winter effects will make it even more unsafe and expensive to maintain.

2. Higher Demand for Scrap Metal in Winter

Winter often leads to increased demand for scrap metal. The automotive and manufacturing industries require more recycled metal to produce vehicles and machinery. The factors influencing this demand include road salt and weather damage, which increase the need for metal parts for repairs and replacements.

With less outdoor construction in winter, manufacturers turn to recycled metal for production needs. Plus, higher heating and electricity usage raise the cost of mining and processing new metal. By scrapping your car in winter, you may get a better price for its metal parts compared to other times of the year.

Also Read: How To Get The Most Money From a Broken Car?

3. Avoid Higher Repair Costs

Fixing an old or broken-down car in winter is more expensive than at any other time of the year. Repair shops often charge higher prices due to increased demand. If your car constantly breaks down in winter, it’s a clear sign that it’s time to get rid of it. Instead of spending money on repairs, scrapping it can give you instant cash.

Some common winter repairs include:

    • Battery replacement ($150–$300)
    • Brake repairs ($250–$800 per axle)
    • Tire replacements ($400–$1,000 for a full set)
    • Rust repairs ($500–$2,000 depending on damage)

4. Faster and Easier Scrap Car Removal

Many people wait until spring or summer to scrap their cars. In winter, fewer people are scrapping their vehicles, which means faster pickup times from scrap yards. With less competition for appointments, scheduling a pickup becomes much easier. You also receive better customer service since auto recyclers have fewer clients to manage.

5. Save on Insurance and Registration Costs

Keeping an old car means paying ongoing insurance and registration fees. Even if you are not driving it, you might still be paying unnecessary costs. Scrapping your car in winter saves you money in several ways.

Once you scrap your car, you can cancel the insurance and stop making monthly payments. You also avoid paying for license plate renewals on a vehicle you no longer use. If your old car sits in the parking or on the street, you won’t have to worry about ticket fines or towing costs.

Also Read: What Happens to Your Car Insurance When You Scrap Your Car?

6. Help the Environment by Recycling Your Car

Recycling your car in winter benefits the environment by reducing waste and pollution. When you scrap your car with a licensed auto recycler, they ensure dangerous fluids such as oil, coolant, and transmission fluid are disposed of safely. Usable parts like batteries, tires, and catalytic converters are removed and reused.

Metal components are melted down and repurposed for new vehicles or products. Instead of letting your car sit and leak harmful chemicals into the ground, scrapping it responsibly helps protect the environment.

Also Read: Car Recycling 101: How Your Old Car Can Help the Environment

7. Get Instant Cash Payment

Winter often brings extra expenses, from holiday shopping to heating bills. Selling your old car for scrap gives you quick cash when you need it most. Most auto recyclers offer same-day payments, so you don’t have to wait for money. If your car is sitting unused, scrapping it for cash can help cover important expenses instead of letting it lose more value.

Conclusion

Do you have a damaged car at your home? Then winter is the perfect time to scrap it. Cold weather worsens vehicle damage and increases repair costs. By scrapping your car, you also save on insurance, avoid expensive repairs, and get instant cash.

Greenway Auto Recycling offers fast and free scrap car removal services in the GTA. We manage the entire process, from towing to eco-friendly disposal, and offer you the best value for your vehicle. Don’t wait until spring when scrap yards get busier. Call us today at (647) 366-7252 and turn your old car into cash before winter ends.

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