If you’ve ever wondered what happens to your old car once it’s been hauled away by a wrecker or a cash-for-cars company, you’re not alone. A lot of people assume scrapping a vehicle just means crushing it and calling it a day. But in reality, there’s a pretty important process that happens before that — especially when it comes to fluids.
Cars aren’t just made of metal and rubber. They carry a cocktail of oils, coolants, and other liquids that can be harmful to the environment if not properly handled. That’s why, before a car gets scrapped or recycled, all its fluids need to be carefully drained and safely disposed of.
Let’s break down exactly what fluids are removed — and why it matters.
1. Engine Oil
One of the first fluids to go is the engine oil. Most vehicles carry between 4 to 6 litres, depending on the engine size. Old engine oil can contain harmful contaminants like heavy metals and fuel residues, so it’s essential that it’s drained completely.
At most licensed wrecking yards in Australia, this oil is collected in large storage tanks and sent off for recycling. Some of it gets re-refined into base oil for lubricants, while other batches might be used for energy recovery.
2. Transmission Fluid
Whether your car’s manual or automatic, the transmission fluid plays a crucial role in keeping things moving smoothly. But just like engine oil, it breaks down over time and collects dirt, metal particles, and chemicals. Leaving it in the vehicle while scrapping would not only be messy—it could also be dangerous.
Transmission fluid is typically red or pink and can be reused or recycled in some industrial processes when properly filtered.
3. Coolant / Antifreeze
Coolant helps regulate the engine temperature and prevent overheating. In Australia’s hot summers, it does a lot of heavy lifting. However, coolant often contains ethylene glycol or propylene glycol—both of which are toxic to humans, pets, and wildlife.
Before the car is scrapped, the coolant is drained from the radiator and cooling system. If it’s in good condition, it can sometimes be reused. Otherwise, it’s treated as hazardous waste and disposed of safely according to EPA guidelines.
4. Brake Fluid
Brake fluid is another liquid that’s harmful to both people and the environment. It’s highly corrosive and can catch fire under certain conditions—definitely not something you want leaking out during the recycling process.
Brake fluid is removed from the master cylinder and brake lines, then stored separately for proper disposal.
5. Power Steering Fluid
Not every car has hydraulic power steering these days (hello, electric steering!), but many older models still do. That means there’s usually a reservoir full of power steering fluid—typically a type of oil—that needs to be drained as well.
Just like the other fluids, it’s collected and processed to prevent contamination of soil and water.
6. Windshield Washer Fluid
It might not seem like a big deal, but even washer fluid needs to be removed. It often contains methanol or ethanol, which are flammable and can be toxic if ingested. Though it’s usually present in smaller amounts, it still gets pumped out to ensure nothing is left behind.
7. Air Conditioning Refrigerant (Gas)
Okay, so this one’s technically not a “fluid,” but it’s an important one to mention. Older vehicles often use refrigerants like R134a or even R12 (which has been phased out due to its ozone-depleting properties).
Before scrapping, this gas is recovered by a licensed technician using specialised equipment. It’s either recycled or disposed of in compliance with Australia’s environmental regulations.
Why All This Matters
It might sound like a lot of effort, but removing fluids before scrapping a car is absolutely necessary. Here in Australia, strict environmental standards are in place to ensure that old vehicles don’t end up polluting our waterways, damaging ecosystems, or becoming fire hazards.
By draining and recycling fluids responsibly, auto recyclers do more than just clean up your old car—they help protect the environment and keep hazardous materials out of landfill.
A Quick Real-World Example
We recently had a customer from Dandenong who called us to collect his old Mitsubishi Lancer. It hadn’t run in two years, and he figured it was just a rust bucket by now. But after we removed the vehicle and brought it to our recycling yard, we recovered more than 10 litres of fluids—some of which could still be repurposed. That single vehicle, if dumped illegally, could’ve caused serious damage to soil and nearby drains.
So even if your car seems like a write-off, there’s still a responsible way to part with it.
What to Take Away from This
When you sell your car to a licensed cash-for-cars company or wrecker, you’re not just getting paid for your old ride—you’re making sure it’s handled the right way. Every drop of fluid is accounted for and removed with care before the rest of the car is recycled or dismantled.
Got a car that’s just sitting around? Maybe it doesn’t run. Maybe it leaks. Either way, we’ll take care of it—from the fluids to the final farewell.
Let us handle the messy bits—you just enjoy the cash.
If you are in Plenty, and looking for a cash for cars service, this is the best way to visit us.
Bundoora Cash For Cars
13 Nickson St, Bundoora VIC 3083