Most of us know what it’s like to say goodbye to an old car. Maybe it’s been sitting in the driveway for months, or maybe it finally gave up after years of faithful service. But have you ever wondered what actually happens once a car is sent off to be dismantled?
The truth is, dismantling a car is far more than just pulling it apart. In Australia, the process is designed to be environmentally responsible and make the most of every last piece of the vehicle. Let’s take a closer look at the journey an old car takes once it leaves your hands.
Step 1: Draining Hazardous Fluids
The first job is to safely remove all the fluids that keep a car running—engine oil, brake fluid, coolant, fuel, and transmission fluid. These can be dangerous to the environment if they leak, so they’re carefully drained and either recycled or disposed of in line with strict environmental standards.
Step 2: Salvaging Reusable Parts
Not every part of a car is destined for the scrap heap. Mechanics and wreckers inspect the vehicle and pull out anything that’s still in good working order.
This might include:
- Engines and transmissions
- Alternators and starter motors
- Tyres with decent tread
- Seats, mirrors, or panels in good condition
These parts are cleaned, tested, and then sold second-hand. For many car owners, buying used parts is a cost-effective way to keep their vehicles on the road.
Step 3: Recycling the Shell
Once the fluids are drained and the reusable parts are removed, what’s left is mostly the car’s shell—metal, glass, and plastics.
This is where heavy machinery comes in. The shell is fed into shredders that break it down into smaller pieces. From there, powerful magnets and sorting systems separate steel, aluminium, copper, and other materials.
For example, the steel might end up being melted down and turned into construction beams, while the glass could be reused in bottles or building materials.
Step 4: Repurposing for the Future
What’s amazing is how much of a single car can be reused. In fact, around 85–90% of a modern vehicle is recyclable. That old Corolla or Commodore you sold could go on to become part of a new fridge, a skyscraper, or even another car.
A Real-World Example
We recently picked up an old Holden Commodore that had seen better days. The gearbox and radiator were still in decent shape, so they were sold to drivers who needed affordable replacements. The rest of the shell was shredded and separated, with the metal sent off to be recycled. That one car will live on in countless different forms—it’s a full circle moment.
Why It Matters
When cars are dismantled responsibly, it’s a win for everyone. Vehicle owners get cash for their unwanted cars, buyers gain access to affordable spare parts, and the environment benefits from reduced waste and smarter use of resources.
So the next time you see a tow truck carrying away an old vehicle, remember—it’s not the end of the road. It’s just the beginning of a new life for the parts and materials that once made up that car.
If you are in Fawkner, and looking for a car removal service, this is the best way to find us.
1/26 Acacia St, Glenroy VIC 3046
0437 773 905
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