If you have a car that doesn’t run in your driveway in Akron, it might not seem like a big deal. You can leave it there for months, and life goes on. But then it’s time for the first snowstorm, the neighbors complain, or you’re about to sell the home. Suddenly, you need to get that junk car with the flat tires and the rusted frame out of there quickly.
In many cases, homeowners don’t just need a tow truck to take away the car. It might have been sitting outside through several Ohio winters (check to learn more), so the brakes may be stuck, components may be rusted, the battery may be dead, and the tires may be sunken into the ground. If your driveway is small, it adds another layer of complexity. Figuring out how to get your junk car removed before the deadline comes can take a lot of the stress out of the process.
Deadline #1: Removing the Junk Car Before the First Big Snowstorm
The first snowstorm changes things. If your junk car isn’t running, you lose valuable space. The car could block a plow, and you might need to park one car, push it out, drive it somewhere else, and repeat that process as the snow piles up. The longer the snow piles up, the harder it is to reach the junk car safely.
Salt used on the roads could continue to eat away at the car, even if it hasn’t run in months. Rust could corrode the towing hooks or lock the wheels, making it even more difficult to get the car out once the snow flies. Getting the tow truck to pick up the junk car before the first snowstorm could make the whole thing much simpler. When calling a cashforjunkcarsakronohio.com company, you should be prepared to tell them the following:
- If the car rolls, turns, or stops
- How long the car has been sitting
- How many tires are properly inflated
- Where on your property the car is
- Whether the car is accessible from a tow truck
Every little bit helps. For example, a car that’s facing into the garage is handled differently than one at the end of a driveway.
Deadline #2: Dealing With a Missing Title or Keys
At some point, when it comes to the junk car in the driveway, a homeowner usually has to deal with a missing title or a set of keys. Perhaps the title got lost in a move or was stored in a box. Maybe it needs to be updated. Keys can disappear after a car sits for years.
A missing key doesn’t necessarily prevent the junk car from being removed, but you should mention it before the tow truck arrives. The steering might be locked. The transmission might not be able to be shifted to neutral. You might not be able to get into the car.
A missing title needs to be approached more carefully. Ownership and documentation laws can vary based on the vehicle and transactions. Instead of waiting until the tow truck shows up, discuss the issue when you call. A reputable buyer should be able to explain what they need and whether another document could be used instead.
Discussing the issue ahead of time can save you a wasted appointment. That matters when you’re being forced to get rid of a car because of a neighborhood complaint or a house closing.
Deadline #3: Removing the Car When You Can’t Be There
Sometimes, circumstances keep you away from home. A real estate sale, a job, or a family commitment might mean you’re not going to be home when the tow truck arrives. If you’ll need to have the junk car taken while you’re not there, there are some questions you should settle before the tow truck arrives.
Figure out where the keys and documents will be located and who can give them to the tow truck driver. Find out how you will be paid. Make sure the junk car can be reached by a tow truck. Unlocked gates and other cleared vehicles can make a difference. If the car is behind the house, in the garage, or surrounded by plants, pictures and descriptions can help the tow truck driver get the car out.
Don’t assume that unattended junk car removal is an option. Be sure that you have permission and both parties agree to the terms.
Take Care of Your Junk Car Before the Deadline Does
An old junk car in the driveway won’t necessarily get any easier to remove after another Akron winter. Rust could spread. Tires can go flat. Deadlines get shorter. No matter what the situation is, including a snowstorm, paperwork, or no one being home, early communication is the best way to deal with the problem. A few details given up front can turn a looming property issue into a simple pickup.