Have you decided to sell your old scrap car and want the best value? Is your abandoned scrap car consuming too much space in your parking lot? If so, you’re in the right place. If you think that the value that you will get from the vehicle will not be good enough or just a peanut, then you’re wrong.
Scrap cars contain many precious metals that can fetch a high price. They have many components that are made of copper, brass, aluminium, and other non-ferrous metals.
But how do you know their exact worth without advanced tools? Simple checks can be useful. You can use methods like a colour test, a magnet and a basic file or scratch test. Work with reliable scrap metal merchants in Chichester to get higher payouts.
Why Identifying Scrap Metal is Essential Before Selling?
Different metals in car parts carry different values. Identifying the value of different metals helps you determine how much your old car is worth.
The main objectives beyond scrap metal identification are as follows:
- Differentiate between the different kinds of metals present in the vehicle parts
- Know what metals your scrap contains
- Detect precious non-ferrous metals
- Make the assessment process easier for the merchant
Strategies and Tests to Identify Scrap Metals for Higher Payouts
Many people rely on cutting-edge equipment to determine how much scrap a vehicle brings in. But other tactics and tests can also confirm the exact metal grade and final value of the car.
Colour Checks
Colour tests on your scrap vehicle will give you an idea about the value of the metals. The test examines a clean section of metal free of rust, dirt, and paint.
Magnet Checks
Experts use magnets to sort metals. This test helps separate ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Genuine aluminium, copper, steel, and brass will not stick to the magnet.
File or Scratch Tests
Dirty, painted, or coated metals can benefit from a file or scratch test. Select a small surface on the loose scrap that you can safely work on. Remove a small amount of material using a file.
- Copper will turn into reddish-brown in colour
- Brass will show a yellow or golden colour
- A light silver tint will indicate aluminium
Get a Clue by Comparing the Weight
Comparing the metals’ weight will give you a solid hint of your vehicle’s actual worth. Aluminium feels lighter than copper and brass. Copper is heavy, while brass is also quite weighty.
The weight of metals depends on the shape and size of each metal piece. Use the weight comparison with other tests to get a better idea.
Collaborate with Professional Scrap Metal Merchants
Scrap cars aren’t just metal components. They also contain fuel, oil, coolant, and batteries. Don’t make the mistake of dismantling hazardous vehicle parts just to spot metal.
Trust professional merchants to test properly. The experts have specialist tools and follow safe handling methods to find precious metals in your car. They can access the parts and help you get the highest value.
Bottomline
Identifying ferrous and non-ferrous metals in your scrap car doesn’t need advanced tools. You can get a hint of your vehicle’s actual value with a basic colour test, a magnet, and a simple file or scratch test.
Looking for trusted scrap metal merchants in Chichester? At HD White Ltd, we bring expertise in scrap metal recycling. We also offer the best payouts to scrap car sellers. Bag the highest deal by contacting us now.