Staying safe and protecting others while operating a vehicle must come first in every circumstance. You must follow the law and be attentive to the road’s state to avoid any unfortunate event. However, if you're operating a junk car, you might not be safe, even if you’re careful.
Do you know that the car's lifespan in the US is only 12 years on average? A vehicle nearing the end of its useful life will not operate properly in some situations, making it prone to accidents and unable to protect its occupants and bystanders. Moreover, the thick smoke emanating from junk vehicles has a negative impact on the environment.
If you’re still contemplating whether or not is time to junk your car, let’s look at six reasons why you should avoid driving it.
Risks of Driving a Junk Car
Many owners are strong-willed when it comes to getting rid of their vehicles, preferring to keep an old junk car instead of selling it and buying a new one. But, doing so brings numerous risks.
Poor Safety Features
The advancement in passive safety is the greatest automotive industry revolution recently. For example, modern cars come with multiple airbags, such as knee, front, and side bags which makes them very safe. Additionally, manufacturers put a lot of money into new materials, more durable body construction, and forefront production techniques, so any model on the market today—regardless of its price or model—is safer than older models. So, when considering driving a junk auto without a driver's airbag, crumple zones, passenger protective cabins, or clever seat belts, keep that in mind.
Fuel Inefficiency
The fuel efficiency improvement in the past decade has been remarkable. Modern cars come with forefront technologies that enhance efficiency while maintaining high-performance levels and contribute to remarkable MPG figures. Older vehicles lack such features, and with gasoline prices growing daily, it appears that owning an old vehicle is becoming quite expensive, especially when you factor in the expense of upkeep and repairs.
Compromised Braking Power
Another danger of driving old car is the chance of getting involved in an accident due to poor braking power. Older cars usually have deteriorated brakes and compromised braking capability as a result. Winter driving presents a greater risk to your safety due to reduced road friction and reduced visibility.
While it is possible to maintain your braking system, it is indisputable that newer vehicle models have brake mechanisms — like brake assist systems, four-wheel disc brakes, and ABS
— that are superior to those of old cars.
Rust Issues
The phrase “junk car” is synonymous with rust. While undoubtedly an eye sore, rust isn’t just a cosmetic issue — it’s one of the biggest signs it’s time to junk your car. If you have rust on the undercarriage of your vehicle or around other critical structural components, it could result in loss of structural support and lead to a crash. Even if this doesn’t happen, a vehicle with a rusted frame would be less able to withstand the impact of a collision.
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Risk of a Roadside Breakdown
Another reason you should never engage in a junk drive is the risk of a roadside breakdown. If you are stranded in the city, you can quickly get your friends or family to help you or call your local roadside assistance company. However, if it happens that you're traveling away from home, your vehicle breaking down unexpectedly could be very dangerous as it leaves you vulnerable to crime and road accidents.
Potential Fire Threat
Fuel lines and wiring in older models also show signs of aging. The rubber hoses on the fuel lines may eventually begin to leak, while the plastic insulation around the wiring has a tendency to deteriorate and break over time. Therefore, even if you change the car’s fuel lines, there is always a chance of fire.
You may have heard of incidents where cars caught fire while parked. The majority of the time, the causes were outdated fuel or electrical installation and a failure to identify these problems in a timely manner. It's even possible for cars to catch fire while driving, which is particularly risky.
What to do With Junk Car
Junkyards are sometimes your only option when you need to get rid of a motor vehicle that is in such bad shape that no one would buy it. Here are the steps to take when looking to get rid of your junk car.
Obtain Proof of Ownership
You'll need a copy of the title to prove ownership when selling a junk car. A title demonstrates your request, enabling you to transfer it to another party. If you can't find your car's title, you can get a new one by contacting the local DMV.
Have All Important Information Handy
When you're ready to sell your end-of-life vehicle, gather as much information as possible to simplify the process and guarantee you're getting the best offer. In addition to the vehicle title, you should know the model, year, mileage, body and engine conditions, as well as indications of exterior or interior damage.
Find a Reputable Salvage Yard
Finding licensed and reputable buyers is the next step. They usually pay cash for junk cars and use them for their parts and scrap metal. You can be certain of receiving exceptional customer service and reasonable prices when you work with reputed, registered, and insured junk car removal specialists like Orthodox Auto Company, where customers and safety come first.
Remove Personal Belongings
After several years of devoted service, your car is certainly housing a variety of personal items, including valuables like jewelry and important papers like insurance cards. Before leaving your car to be junked, go through the trunk and other storage areas to ensure you remove all your personal belongings.
Set a Pickup Time and Get Paid
Now that you’ve completed your due diligence, it's time for the auto salvage yard to pick up your car. Contact them to schedule a convenient time and remember to never pay for towing or junk car removal — reputable junk car buyer services provide free pick-up and towing, making the transaction simple. They will always pay you the agreed-upon price when you sell your junk car to a trustworthy dealer. Avoid dealers who attempt to renegotiate a cheaper bargain at the pickup time at all costs.
Photo by Mike B on Pexels
The Bottom Line
Old cars pose a constant threat to drivers, pedestrians, and passengers. They also require costly maintenance and repairs and emit dangerous gases which harm the ecosphere. So, when you’ve decided that your car has run its course, it’s best to junk it, saving money and helping the environment in the process.
Contact Orthodox Auto Company now to benefit from everything a reputable, family-run salvage yard offers. Our awesome staff would love to go through all the ways we can help you as we are your one-stop shop for anything automotive!