What to Remove from Your Car Before Scrapping It

When it’s time to say goodbye to your old vehicle, scrapping it is often the most efficient and environmentally responsible option. However, before you hand over the keys, it’s essential to know what to remove from your car before scrapping it. Doing so not only ensures you don’t lose any valuable or personal items, but it also allows you to potentially make a bit of extra cash and avoid legal complications.

If you're located in Dubai or anywhere in the UAE, and you plan to scrap your car with a trusted service like Scrap My Car UAE, this guide will walk you through everything you need to take out before the tow truck arrives.

1. Personal Belongings

✔ Check All Compartments

Cars are like mobile storage spaces. Over time, we stash items in glove compartments, seat pockets, under the seats, boot space, sun visors, and even the center console. These may include:

• Sunglasses

• Documents

• Electronics (chargers, USBs)

• Tools or equipment

• Spare keys

✔ Don’t Forget Trunk and Hidden Spaces

Many drivers forget to check under the mats, inside the spare tire compartment, or in hidden storage sections in SUVs. Be thorough—you never know what valuables might be hiding there.

2. Vehicle Documents

Before scrapping your vehicle, gather and remove important documents that you may need for future reference or to comply with UAE legal requirements.

✔ Documents to Remove:

• Vehicle registration card (Mulkiya)

• Insurance papers

• Service and maintenance records

• Ownership or purchase paperwork

These documents could help prove ownership or may be required when de-registering the car with the RTA (Roads and Transport Authority) in the UAE.

3. Number Plates (License Plates)

In the UAE, it’s important to remove your license plates before scrapping your car. The RTA requires vehicle owners to return these plates when cancelling the car registration.

✔ What to Do:

• Unscrew and keep the number plates.

• Visit your nearest RTA service center to return them and officially cancel your vehicle registration.

This step is critical to avoid fines or legal complications, especially if your plates are reused fraudulently.

4. Aftermarket Accessories and Electronics

If you’ve upgraded your car with aftermarket parts or accessories, you may be able to resell or reuse them. These include:

✔ Items Worth Removing:

• Stereo systems or subwoofers

• GPS or dash cams

• Custom rims and alloy wheels

• Seat covers, steering wheel covers

• Phone mounts or holders

• Roof racks or bike racks

✔ Sell or Reuse:

You can either reuse these accessories in your next vehicle or sell them online for extra cash before scrapping the car.

5. Valuable Auto Parts

If your car is being scrapped but still has functional auto parts, you might be sitting on some extra value. Removing these parts could get you more money than the scrap value alone.

✔ Parts That May Be Valuable:

• Battery (if it's still in good condition)

• Tires and wheels (especially if they're aftermarket or new)

• Catalytic converter (contains precious metals)

• Alternator and starter motor

• Air conditioning compressor

• Radiator

• Engine and transmission components (if you know how to dismantle or get a mechanic)

💡 Note: If you're unsure about removing parts, consult with your mechanic or Scrap My Car UAE to see if they offer removal services or better rates for cars with intact components.

6. Fuel

Even though petrol isn’t as expensive as in some countries, you don’t want to waste a full tank. If your car still has usable fuel, consider siphoning it before scrapping.

✔ Fuel Removal Tips:

• Use a siphon pump (available at hardware stores)

• Store the fuel safely in approved containers

• Reuse it in another car or vehicle

⚠️ Warning: Fuel siphoning can be dangerous. If you're not confident doing it yourself, let professionals handle it.

7. Remove or Cancel Insurance

Before scrapping, cancel your insurance policy to prevent future charges and possibly receive a refund for the remaining term.

✔ What You Should Do:

• Contact your insurer and provide the car scrapping confirmation.

• Request cancellation and refund if eligible.

• Remove any insurance stickers or IDs from your windshield.

This step is essential to avoid paying for coverage on a car you no longer own.

8. Deactivate Salik Tag

Most UAE drivers use Salik tags for toll payments. Don’t forget to remove and deactivate yours.

✔ Steps to Take:

• Peel off the Salik tag from your windshield.

• Log in to your Salik account and deactivate the vehicle.

• Transfer your tag or credit to your new vehicle.

This ensures you won’t be charged for any tolls after the car has been handed over.

9. Remove Vehicle Decals and Custom Graphics

If your car was used for business or personal branding and has stickers or decals, it’s a good idea to remove them.

Why?

• Protect your privacy or brand reputation.

• Reduce the chance of someone misusing your company branding.

Scrap My Car UAE can assist with proper removal if necessary.

10. Retrieve Spare Tires and Tools

Most vehicles come with:

• A spare tire

• A car jack

• A wheel wrench

• Emergency kits

These items are often in good condition and can be reused or stored for future use. Make sure you check the trunk compartment and remove them.

Legal Note: Inform the RTA and Transfer Ownership

Even though the car is going to be scrapped, UAE law requires you to formally transfer ownership to the scrapyard.

✔ How Scrap My Car UAE Helps:

• We handle all documentation.

• We ensure the car is deregistered with the RTA.

• We guarantee that you are legally cleared from any future liabilities.

Why This Matters

✔ Avoid Legal Trouble

If you don’t cancel registration or remove your number plates, you could receive fines for a car you no longer own.

✔ Maximise Financial Return

By removing valuable parts or accessories, you can gain more value than the basic scrap price.

✔ Protect Your Personal Data

Removing dash cams, documents, or infotainment systems prevents personal data from falling into the wrong hands.

Bonus Tip: Take Photos of Your Car

Before scrapping, take a few pictures of your vehicle—inside and out. This can help:

• Provide proof of condition

• Aid in insurance cancellation

• Be a memento of a car that served you well

Why Choose Scrap My Car UAE?

Scrapping your car can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. At Scrap My Car UAE, we offer:

• Fast pickup anywhere in Dubai and UAE

• Instant cash on the spot

• Free paperwork assistance and RTA deregistration

• Environmentally responsible scrapping

Whether your car is old, damaged, or simply not worth fixing—we make the process smooth and profitable.

📞 Call or WhatsApp us at 055 745 83 22 📍 Visit www.scrapmycaruae.com 👍 Facebook: scrapmycarUAE