Top Junk Car FAQS for Hoosiers

Junk cars are more than just cars and trucks. The auto salvage industry has evolved in terms of technology and EPA regulation, allowing junkyards to accept a wider variety of motorized, or once motorized, commodities. This means that more and more Hoosiers are able to safely dispose of their motorized junk and make an easy profit at the same time. Not sure where to start when it comes to selling a junk car in Indiana?

Continue below to review the top frequently asked questions about junk cars to get you started on the right path.

Auto Salvage Lot Indianapolis Indiana 317-218-7133
Auto Salvage Lot Indianapolis Indiana 317-218-7133

Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana Junk Cars

What is a Junk Car?

A junk car is any motorized or formally-motorized vehicle that is no longer operational and too far damaged to repair. Insurance companies and the DMV deem a vehicle a total loss, meaning totaled, if the cost to repair the vehicle exceeds the current market value, or if it would be unsafe to repair the vehicle. A totaled car is a junk car.

What Can I Sell to an Auto Salvage Lot?

Auto salvage scrappers accept all sorts of automotive-type items. Not only do they buy new, used, or junked auto parts, but they also buy cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, semis, motorcycles, motorbikes, golf carts, bulldozers, forklifts, ATVs, watercrafts, and more. If it had or has a motor, they will take it off your hands. They event accept dismantled vehicles, car frames, tires, wiring, and more.

How Much is a Junk Car Worth at a Scrapyard?

The value of a junk car at the scrapyard depends on several factors. Such factors include the make, model, condition, and location of the vehicle, while others include the fees incurred during the junk car selling process (intake fees, towing, etc.), the vehicle’s scrap metal content, and the current market values for automotive metal. For the most part, the average junk car will reap a scrap payout between $100 and $300, more for newer model and larger vehicles.

Can I Sell Junk Auto Parts at a Scrapyard?

Yes, auto salvage yards will accept anything made of metal that belongs to a vehicle, construction equipment, or watercraft. You can sell them used, new, or junked auto parts, including catalytic converters, tires, batteries, electrical wiring, stereo systems, AC units, motors, undercarriages, frames, and more.

Which Auto Parts are Worth the Most Cash at a Scrapyard?

The most valuable junk car parts are catalytic converters. Because so many criminals are now stealing catalytic converters to sell at scrapyards, many scrapyards no longer accept them. Other high-value auto parts include AC systems, engines, engine blocks, radiators, and mufflers.  

What Do I Need to Sell a Junk Car in Indiana?

You need to have proof of ownership to sell a junk car in Indiana. The car title is the best document to use, but some scrapyards will work with you by accept other forms of proof of ownership, like the car registration or insurance policy.

Do I Have to Have My Junk Car Towed to the Auto Salvage Lot?

If you choose a reputable and well-established Indianapolis junk car buying company, you likely will not have to worry about paying for a tow truck. Professional auto salvage centers provide free junk car removal services for anyone who does business.

Who Pays the Most Cash for Junk Cars in Central Indiana?

Benjamin’s Junk Cars, of course! Get those Benjamin’s in your hand, today! 💸

Here at Benjamin’s Junk Cars, we offer the highest payouts for all junked or totaled motorized commodities, including cars, trucks, SUVs, construction equipment, campers, watercrafts, and more. Our Indianapolis cash for cars professionals never tack on hidden fees or surprise deductions. We pay cash on the spot as soon as we arrived to collect your junk car or junked commodity. Best of all, junk removal service is totally FREE!

Although based out of Indianapolis, we maintain a broad service area throughout Central Indiana, even operating well beyond the Indy city limits. For the areas we don’t normally service, we are always happy to make special arrangements for customers slightly outside of our service area!

Are you ready to get a free quote for your junk car? Contact Benjamin’s Junk Cars at 317-218-7133 to get started with the junk car selling process in Indianapolis, Indiana. We pay cash on the spot, and guarantee the highest payouts in the surrounding metro region!

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Top 3 Reasons Why Your Car Will Not Start

Although there are many automotive mechanical issues that can prevent a vehicle from starting, the most common reasons can be narrowed down to two likely culprits. If your car is not turning over and you have no idea why, continue reading to learn the initial 3 places you should be looking to fix the problem, and some additional reasons that could also cause your car to not start.

Cash Car Buyer Indianapolis Indiana 317-218-7133
Cash Car Buyer Indianapolis Indiana 317-218-7133

Car Won’t Start? Check These 3 Places First

The first and foremost place you should be suspicious of when your car won’t start is the electrical system. Problems with the electrical system are the top causes for this issue. Now, the specific area within the electrical system could be a list of things. But the top 3 most common electrical system malfunctions that prevent a car from starting up is a dead car battery, bad starter, and a faulty alternator. Let’s take a closer look at all three.

Dead Car Battery

Because it is the easiest to fix, first take a look at your car battery. A dead car battery will certainly prevent your engine from turning over because its job is to send an electrical charge to the motor. If it is drained of all power, it cannot send the electrical charge necessary to power the engine. Grab your jumper cable and a pal with a working vehicle and give your battery a jump start. Not sure how to jump start your car? Refer to the owners’ manual for instructions that are specific to your make and model vehicle. You can also ask a pal, watch a YouTube tutorial, or look it up online. Don’t worry, it’s easy!

Faulty Alternator

Your next item on the diagnostic checklist is the alternator. If the jump start was unsuccessful or your car battery is full-power, your car starting problem could be caused by a faulty alternator. Car alternators should be replaced every 8 to 10 years, give or take, depending on the make and model vehicle. Many signs of a bad alternator mimic the same as a dead or dying car battery, such as dimming lights and an illuminated dashboard battery warning light. However, signs more specific to a bad alternator include burning rubber odors, whirring sounds, and grinding noises.

Bad Starter

You might think it obvious that if a car won’t start it must be the starter, but dead batteries and bad alternators are the usual suspects. If your alternator is not the issue and the jump start did not work, your starter could be to blame. Can you turn the key in the ignition? If you can, but the car will not start, it might be an issue other than your electrical system. But if your engine will not crank at all, or it cranks slowly, it could be the starter. Also, if you see smoke outside of your car after attempting to start it, or all of the lights illuminate but the car won’t start, the starter is probable cause.

Additional Causes of a Car That Won’t Start:

➾ Blown Fuse
➾ Bad Wiring
➾ Damaged Timing Belt
➾ Worn Spark Plugs
➾ Broken Fuel Pump
➾ Clogged Fuel Filters
➾ Fuel System Issues

Has your car seen its last days and now you just want to get rid of it as fast as possible? Contact Benjamin’s Junk Cars at 317-218-7133 to sell your junk car in Indianapolis for cash on the spot! We serve all of Central Indiana with FREE junk car removal!

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What To Do if You Just Totaled an Uninsured Car

No insurance? No problem! You can still earn back cash for your totaled vehicle if it wasn’t covered under an insurance policy when you wrecked it! Continue below to learn how!

Sell Totaled Car Indianapolis Indiana 317-218-7133
Sell a Totaled Car Indianapolis Indiana 317-218-7133

Profitable Auto Salvage in Central Indiana

Wrecking a car that is not covered under insurance can really cause a panic. After all, you have this large asset that is now inoperable, and you have no way of paying for to be repaired. Fortunately, you can sell a totaled car. But first, you have to find the right professional auto salvage yard in central Indiana. Not all auto salvage yards will pay you for your totaled car. You must choose one that is highly experienced and reputable, and therefore capable of paying out the full worth of junk car.

Who can provide the services and amenities in Central Indiana? Benjamin’s Junk Cars!

Central Indiana Junk Car Buyers
Central Indiana Junk Car Buyers 317-218-7133

Here at Benjamin’s Junk Cars, we buy all junk cars and motorized vehicles, regardless of age, make, model, or condition. So, a totaled car is absolutely on our list of accepted assets! We will even pick it up for free and pay you cash on the spot! That’s right; we have an in-house tow truck that allow us to provide free haul-away service.

As a locally owned and operated business that operates as a one-stop-shop for auto salvage and recycling, there is never a middleman. This yields less overhead for our business, which means more cash in your pocket. We can offer higher payouts for junk cars in Central Indiana. Best of all, getting started has never been easier!

Not only do we offer several client amenities like free towing, but we also make the junk car selling process simple and convenient. All you have to do to get started is give our Indianapolis junk car buyers a call and request a free quote.

How to Sell a Totaled Car in Indianapolis:

▶ Contact us via email or phone to request a free competitive offer.

▶ Accept our offer and schedule a time for us to pick up your totaled car.

▶ Remove the license plate and all personal belongings.

▶ Cancel the registration with the state.

▶ Sign the title and have it handy when the tow truck arrives.

▶ When we arrive as scheduled, hand over all documents in exchange for cash!

With Benjamin’s Junk Cars, you never have to worry about surprise fees or charges. We offer what’s owed and pay it in cash on the spot! Contact us at 317-218-7133 to sell your totaled car in Indianapolis, today. We serve all of Central Indiana!

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How to Tell if the Liquid Leaking From Your Car is Transmission Fluid

It doesn’t matter what it is, when something goes wrong with your car, it’s a frustrating experience. This is especially true due to the fact that all car breakdowns require some type of costly solution. When your car breaks down as a result of a major auto part failure like the transmission, you can certainly expect to pay a hefty bill for repair or replacement. It is important to keep a close eye on your vehicle’s transmission performance, namely due to its high cost to repair or replace. Transmission leaks are one of the most common types of transmission breakdowns, and often discovered much too late.

Continue below to learn the common signs that indicate you have a transmission leak in your car or truck, plus what your options are if you cannot afford to pay for repairs.

Cash for Cars Indianapolis Indiana 317-218-7133
Cash for Cars Indianapolis Indiana 317-218-7133

Top 4 Signs of a Transmission Fluid Leak

Your vehicle contains all sorts of automotive liquids, all designed with a specific function. As for your transmission fluid, its job is to keep the transmission, and ultimately, the engine, running smoothly. It assists the engine oil with lubricating all inner moving parts and regulating internal temperatures. Without a sufficient level of transmission fluid, your vehicle will suffer damage to engine parts and eventually experience total transmission failure.

The best way to identify a transmission fluid leak is to learn what transmission fluid looks like, smells like, and feels like, plus where it comes from. Here are the top four signs that your car or truck is experiencing a transmission fluid leak:

❶ The Fluid is Red or Brownish

Transmission fluid is red but turns brown as it gets older. Some car fluids are also red, such as coolant or windshield wiper cleaner, so be sure to look for other clues that confirm it is from the transmission.

❷ The Fluid Smells Like Petroleum

It is okay to give the mystery liquid a sniff. If it smells like petroleum, it is likely transmission fluid. If the color of the transmission fluid is on the brown side, it could smell burnt.

❸ The Fluid is Oily and Slick

Place your finger or a stick in the liquid to get a feel for its consistency. Transmission fluid is similar to motor oil or brake fluid since it is greasy, oily, and slick.

❹ The Puddle of Fluid is Near the Front

If the puddle of liquid dripping from your car is landing near the front or middle section, it is likely transmission fluid.

▶ If the liquid leaking from your vehicle meets these tell-tale attributes of transmission fluid, you can safely assume it is indeed, transmission fluid.

Did you take your car in to be repaired but the cost is more than the total value of your vehicle? Junk it for cash on the spot! Contact Benjamin’s Junk Cars at 317-218-7133 to learn how to make instant cash for junk cars in Indianapolis, Indiana! We will pick up your junk car and haul it away for free!

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Central Indiana Junk Car Buyers
Central Indiana Junk Car Buyers 317-218-7133

Should I Have My Wrecked Car Towed to My House or the Junkyard?

The fact that you need a tow is undeniable. Where you should tow your freshly totaled car is the real questions. And the answer depends on a few factors. Continue below to learn what these factors are and how to consider them when deciding on where to tow your wrecked vehicle after totaling it in Indianapolis.

Indianapolis Auto Salvage Yard 317-218-7133
Indianapolis Auto Salvage Yard 317-218-7133

Insurance Coverage for Towing a Totaled Car

After you total your car, whether in the middle of the interstate or in a pond behind your place of work, the first question you should ask yourself is, “Does insurance cover this?” If you have a certain type of automotive insurance coverage that is more than the state minimum, you may be able to snag a reimbursement for any money paid out of pocket for having it towed from the scene of the accident.

However, unless your insurance coverage contains comprehensive roadside assistance plan, it is not likely that your insurance carrier will cover towing expenses. In this case, you will be required to pay for a tow truck all on your own. Then you will file a claim with your insurance carrier, and they will collect your totaled car and confirm it is a total loss. Afterwards, you will receive your insurance payout, minus your deductible. This process can vary from case to case.

No Insurance Coverage

When a car is totaled, it may seem like a huge waste to spend even more money having it transported anywhere, but it is a wise decision for many reasons. In the case that your deductible is higher than the current value of your totaled vehicle, it would not make sense to file a claim.

In this case, you could just sell your totaled car to an Indianapolis junk car buyer for cash on the spot! They will tow it away from the scene of the accident, or from your house, for free! If you do not have insurance coverage on your totaled car, you can also have it towed for free from a local auto salvage yard and make fast cash at the same time!

Are you looking for a trusted cash for cars company in Indiana that will pay you top dollar for your vehicle? Contact Benjamin’s Junk Cars at 317-218-7133 to sell a junk car in Indianapolis, Indiana for cash on the spot. We provide free junk car haul away, so all you need to do is call!

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Central Indiana Junk Car Buyers
Central Indiana Junk Car Buyers 317-218-7133

How Much Can I Scrap a BMW For?

When it comes to scrapping your junked car, you probably already know that its value will be significantly less than a non-junked or totaled vehicle. However, you have a BMW. Does that mean your junk car is automatically worth more than one that is a non-luxury brand? The truth of the matter is, junk car values are always evolving because they depend largely on the current market prices of steel and iron, as well as several other factors, like supply and demand, global tariffs, and even smaller factors like the location of the vehicle and its remaining parts. These factors, plus many more, will ultimately determine how much your junked BMW is worth.

Continue reading to learn more about determining the price of a junk car, plus where you can get the most profit for your junk BMW in central Indiana.

Sell Junk BMW Indianapolis Indiana 317-218-7133
Sell Junk BMW Indianapolis Indiana 317-218-7133

Calculating the Worth of a Junk Car

You might have heard stories of getting $500 to $600 cash payments for junk cars, but the economy has greatly shifted since those decades. Right now, the worth of a junk car is mainly determinate based on the quantity of metal within and the current scrap metal market. The current scrap metal market fluctuates depending on several sub factors, such as supply and demand, global demand, global trade tariffs, and much more.

Top 2 Factors That Affect the Scrap Metal Market:

▷ Quantity of Metal

The more metal in a junk car, the more it will be worth. Metal within a junk car is weighed as a base calculation for generating a junk car offer. Primary metals within a junk car are steel and iron, but there are also other valuable metals within if the parts are still there, including aluminum, copper, platinum, rhodium, palladium, cobalt, and even gold.

▷ Global Economy

The global economy, specifically the supply and demand of the sought-after metals within cars, plays a major role in the overall worth of your junk BMW. The global economy fluctuates on a daily basis, which can give rise to or trigger decline in the values of certain metals on the market.

Look For Localized Details

In addition to the scrap metal market, the worth of a junk car is also calculated based on its make, model, condition, location, remaining auto parts, difficulty of tow, and any related fees for junk car removal. For these reasons, it is important to choose in Indianapolis junk car company that provides free junk car removal and never tax on hidden or surprise fees to their offers.

BMW Junk Car Value

Steel and iron are the primary metals extracted from junk cars in the auto salvaging industry. Right now, their values are low. Whole junk cars are estimated at a value between $100 and $300. Newer model junk vehicles can deliver profits closer to 500 or $600. When you deduct all factors, you can safely assume to get between $100 and $400 for your junked or totaled BMW.

If you have a total or junk BMW in Central Indiana that you want to sell for the highest amount of money possible, you are in the right place. Contact Benjamin’s Junk Cars at 317-218-7133 to get started with the junk car selling process in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer free junk car removal and pay cash on the spot!

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Central Indiana Junk Car Buyers
Call Today 317-218-7133

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Tires in the Winter

Whether it is your first winter as a licensed driver and car owner or you have just recently moved here, where conditions are a bit wintrier than you’re used to, winter car tire knowledge is an important asset you will need to be as safe as possible. Continue below to review some frequently asked questions about car tires and winter weather, from tire pressure and routine care to snow tires, standard tires, tire replacement, and more!

Indianapolis Indiana Free Junk Car Removal 317-218-7133
Indianapolis Indiana Free Junk Car Removal 317-218-7133

Winter Car Tire FAQS We All Need to Know

How Do I Check My Tire Pressure?

Tire pressure is incredibly important in terms of road safety, driving safety, and car care. Tires should not be overinflated nor underinflated. In the winter, tire pressure tends to drop significantly due to the colder temperatures. In fact, it is recorded that tires lose 1 psi of tire pressure for every 10 degree Fahrenheit the temperature drops.

For this reason, it is important to check your tire pressure on a monthly basis. Use any standard tire pressure gauge, either manual or digital. Simply volume manufacturers’ instructions in your vehicle’s owners’ manual.

Your vehicle, especially if it’s a newer model, should have a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that monitors the air pressure in your tires. This system will notify you through an illuminated icon on your dashboard whenever your tire pressure is too low or too high.

What are the Benefits of Snow Tires?

Snow tires, or winter tires, deliver a wide range of benefits. They are designed to have a more flexible tread rubber compound, which allows for better traction and stability on wet or slippery road surfaces. Whether ice, freezing rain, slush, hail, or snow, having a set of winter tires will protect you against losing control of your vehicle due to the wintry conditions.

Do I Need Snow Tires?

Whether or not you need snow tires really depends on your personal driving habits. If you live here in Indiana where snow and wintry conditions are virtually guaranteed year after year, winter tires are a wise investment. They will also serve you well through the fall and well into the spring, during raining conditions. If you do not drive very often, all-season tires may be the best option.

Should I Remove Winter Tires for the Summer?

Winter tires, or snow tires, are meant for the icy, freezing conditions of the winter season. So, once the temperatures begin to steadily rise, it is important to swap out your snow tires for some summer or all-season tires. Then, swap them back out again once temperatures start to drop in the late fall.

Do My Tires Have to Be the Same Brand?

When replacing a tire or two, you may wonder if you need to stick with the same brand. Well, you do not, but it is highly recommended. Overall, so long as all tires are the same size and relatively the same tread wear, the brand of the tire should not make much of a difference.

Have you just totaled your vehicle as a result of winter conditions, and you have no idea what you’re going to do next? Contact Benjamin’s Junk Cars at 317-218-7133 for free junk car removal in Indianapolis, Indiana. Not only will we tow your car away from the accident for free, but we will pay you cash on the spot if you sell it to us!

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Have You Winterized Your Car Yet?

Winter has been in the making since December 21st of last year. Have you prepared your vehicle for the wintry conditions the season brings along with it in Indiana? If not, continue reading to review some top advice on how to winterize your car or truck, plus what you can do if the winter gets the best of your vehicle this year.

Totaled Car Auto Salvage Indianapolis 317-218-7133
Totaled Car Auto Salvage Indianapolis 317-218-7133

Automotive Maintenance to Prepare Your Car for Winter

When you want your vehicle to perform optimally through the winter in terms of safety and efficiency, it is necessary to implement specific automotive maintenance. Many industry professionals and enthusiasts refer to this as “winterization” or “winterizing a car.” The basic approach to winterizing a vehicle, whether car, truck, van, or sports utility, includes tire care, fuel stabilization, fluid fill-ups, and brake care.

Tire Care

The colder climate in winter can cause your tires to lose air at a faster rate. Not only should you inspect your tire pressure before every drive, but you should also have your tires inspected and serviced by a professional shop to ensure they are prepared for winter conditions. A tire rotation and balance are usually all you need, but you might have to replace a tire or two. Traction is essential when it comes to ice and show, so do not skip this maintenance!

Brake Care

Along with tires, your brakes are the most important safety feature on your vehicle when it comes to traction and control. Have your brakes inspected and serviced to ensure safe winter driving. You may need to replace your brake pads or rotors, or even refill your braking fluid.

Car Fluid Fill Ups

Your vehicle, no matter the make or model, requires 7 essential automotive fluids. Although windshield wiper fluid isn’t always necessary in the winter, the remaining six certainly are. They include motor oil, power steering, brake, coolant, battery, and transmission fluid. Be sure your vehicle is filled up before hitting the winter roads.

Fuel Stabilization

Sometimes the weather can get so cold, your fuel can freeze up or go bad, which can also affect the carburetor. This is more common in vehicles that are parked outdoors. Adding a fuel stabilizer to your tank can help prevent your fuel from gumming up, becoming contaminated, or freezing.

Has your vehicle seen too many winters and now it is a total loss? Contact Benjamin’s Junk Cars at 317-218-7133 to get a quote from an experienced Indianapolis junk car buyer who will pay you the highest cash payout for totaled cars in Central Indiana. We provide free junk removal!

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Central Indiana Junk Car Buyers
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How to Dispose of Toxic Car Parts and Materials

Not all car parts and material are bad for the environment, the ones that are should be carefully disposed of according to all local, state, and EPA regulations. The top three most toxic automotive parts and materials are car batteries, old motor oil, and old gasoline. Continue below to learn exactly how to get rid of each automotive part, safely and within the boundaries of the law.

Car Battery Recycling Indianapolis IN 317-218-7133
Car Battery Recycling Indianapolis IN 317-218-7133

Old Gasoline

There could be many reasons why you have old fuel stores in your possession. Whether you are siphoning a junk car that is being prepared for salvage, storing fuel for lawn and construction equipment, or keep back up gasoline for your motorized bikes, it is important to periodically inspect your fuel to ensure it is still good for use. Gasoline and other forms of fuel do expire; and once expired, they lose their optimal function.

So, how do you throw out old gas and diesel? The answer is, responsibly. You must contact your local waste management center or garbage facility to inquire about the local regulations for fuel disposal. In most cases, you will be instructed to drop the fuel off at their disposal center. If they do not have answers for you, contact the city’s hazardous waste disposal program. They should be able to instruct you on your options. Regardless of which option you choose, you must have all fuel stored in government-certified containers, like the conventional red, plastic cans you see at gas stations.

Car Batteries

You might think car batteries are unsuspecting hazards, but the reality is that they pose several environmental threats if not disposed of properly. Old car batteries contain unsafe and toxic materials, like lead, sulfuric acid, and chemicals. To get rid of an old car battery safely and legally, you must follow the same steps as you would for old fuel disposal. Contact your local waste management center. However, car batteries are 100% recyclable, so your best course of action would be to take it to an Indianapolis auto salvage lot for safe recycling. You may even earn some cash!

Dirty Motor Oil

Dirty motor oil, if improperly disposed of, can cause a significant amount of harm to the local environment. To safely throw out dirty motor oil, contact your local Household Hazardous Waste collection center. Your community may have a designated oil collection tank or container for public use. If you do not have access to a community collection center, you may have luck with local auto repair shops, oil change garages, and service stations. Businesses like these sometimes advertise as an oil collection site, but typically charge a fee.

Do you have old car parts or an entire junked car that you would be willing to sell for cash on the spot? Of course, you would! Contact Benjamin’s Junk Cars at 317-218-7133 to sell junk car parts in Indianapolis, Indiana. Get a free quote, today!

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What You Need to Tow a Toyota Prius

If you have a stalled or totaled Toyota Prius that requires a transport, you may be able to accomplish the job on your own. This can save you a lot of money by avoiding the need for professional towing service. If this sounds like an endeavor you’re up for, continue reading to learn which supplies and tools you will need to tow a Toyota Prius, plus a few tips on how to get the job done safely.

Toyota Prius Cash for Cars Indianapolis Indiana 317-218-7133
Toyota Prius Cash for Cars Indianapolis Indiana 317-218-7133

Toyota Prius Towing Supplies

The towing supplies you need to transport your Toyota Prius will include a rag, Flathead screwdriver, wheel nut wrench, towing eyelet, and some towing cable. You can find all of these tools and supplies at your local hardware or home improvement store, or through an online retailer of your choosing.

You should be able to acquire all of these things for under $50. Your Toyota Prius may already have a wheel nut wrench and towing eyelet next to the spare tire and jack. Only use a towing eyelet that is specifically made for a Toyota Prius, preferably the one that came with your car.

In addition to your supplies and tools, you will also need a towing dolly or wheel lift. These can be a bit pricier, but many places will rent them for a lot less than wholesale price. You will also need another person to drive either the towing vehicle or the Prius.

What You Will Need:

▶ A Towing Driver
▶ Flathead Screwdriver
▶ Wheel Nut Wrench
▶ 6 Inch Towing Eyelet
▶ Towing Cable
▶ Rag

Towing Recommendations for a Toyota Prius

In all cases of towing a Toyota Prius, the manufacturer strongly discourages using a sling type tow truck. Instead, they recommend flatbed towing as the best option. If flatbed towing is not possible, the next recommended method of towing a Toyota Prius is to use a wheel lift truck, which will work like a dolly or dinghy tow depending on which end of the car is on the road.

The front wheels of your Toyota Prius should be on the wheel lift truck, and the wheels should not be able to rotate. If the rear wheels of your Toyota Prius are connected to the wheel lift, then the front wheels should be on a towing dolly.

How to Tow a Toyota Prius

Start by setting up your wheel lift and/or tow dolly. Refer to manufacturer’s instructions. You can look them up online if you do not have the original literature.

Remove the eyelet cover on the front bumper of your Toyota Prius. It looks like a square metal panel, slightly offset from the center of the bumper.

If you have trouble opening the eyelet cover, wrap your Flathead screwdriver in a rag and then wedge it in to use it for leverage. This will prevent scratching or damaging your car.

Screw your towing eyelet into the space provided beneath the eyelet cover. Begin this step manually, by hand. Next, use your wheel nut wrench to further tighten the eyelet into place.

Once the eyelet is secure, start up the engine. The car must be on so that you can shift the gear into neutral. Shift into neutral and then release the parking brake.

Remain in the Toyota Prius to help steer and use the brakes as it gets towed. This is mandatory.

Have the second driver connect the towing cable from your Toyota Prius to their towing eyelet. Be sure they remain under 18 miles per hour, which means you will need to avoid highways.

Be sure to not brake suddenly or start abruptly, as this can cause the towing eyelet to pull free.

Is your Toyota Prius totaled but not covered by insurance? Contact Benjamin’s Junk Cars at 317-218-7133 and sell a junk car in Indianapolis, Indiana for instant cash on the spot. We offer free junk car removal too!

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