If your car breaks down or fails its MOT, it can be tempting to simply leave it in your driveway even after moving on to a new vehicle. However, there are several good reasons why you shouldn’t do that, especially when car recycling companies are willing to pay good money for broken-down cars.
- Attracts Criminals
Even a broken-down car is going to attract criminals. They might not be able to drive it away, but a car that’s obviously no longer rolling is a prime target for stripping. Taking away the wheels or trying to steal valuable parts is always a possibility. Even if nothing is stolen, vandals may take their toll if the vehicle is clearly broken down.
- Attracts Pests
A car that’s in good working condition won’t have any rust holes or broken glass, and simply moving it around is going to deter most pests. The same isn’t true when it comes to broken-down vehicles. Pests will burrow inside and get comfortable; after all, the vehicle acts as a perfect refuge if it isn’t being driven around all the time. Pests can be a nuisance, leaving mess, attracting other animals, and potentially moving on to your house.
- Damages the Ground
Leave a car in the same position on your driveway for more than a few weeks and you’ll create a discoloured patch that won’t go away even when the vehicle itself is gone. Broken-down cars are also likely to leak fluids, which can mark, damage, or discolour your driveway themselves.
- Decreases Curb Appeal
You might think that broken-down sports car outside your house doesn’t look too bad, but others probably won’t agree. We tend to get used to the way things look, so it’s easy to miss just how much having an older car sitting outside decreases your property’s curb appeal. This isn’t just bad for you – it could get you in trouble with the neighbours.
- Decreases Scrap Value
It makes more sense to have a car recycled instead of simply leaving it where it is, especially since the sooner you scrap the higher the value is likely to be. Cars left outside rust and get damaged, so their scrap value will quickly diminish.
