When you’ve booked a tow truck—whether you’re selling your car to a wrecker, arranging scrap removal, or just moving a broken-down vehicle—you want the pickup to be smooth and stress-free. A bit of preparation on your end can save time, avoid delays, and even make the process safer for the tow driver.
Here’s a simple checklist to get your car ready before the truck arrives.
1. Remove Personal Belongings
It’s amazing how many things hide inside a car over the years—sunglasses, kids’ toys, spare change, even old CDs. Before pickup day, do a proper sweep of the interior, glovebox, boot, and under the seats.
Tow drivers don’t check for personal items, and once the car’s gone, getting them back is near impossible. Think of it like a moving-out clean.
2. Gather Your Paperwork
Depending on why your car is being towed, you might need a few documents ready. For most wreckers and cash-for-cars services, that means proof of ownership (like rego papers) and your photo ID.
Having this ready before the tow truck arrives keeps everything quick and straightforward.
3. Make Sure the Car Is Accessible
Tow trucks need a bit of room to work. If your car is tucked away in a tight garage, blocked in by another vehicle, or surrounded by clutter, moving it can be tricky. Clear a path where possible, and if your car won’t start, try to have it in neutral and on level ground.
A little preparation here saves a lot of hassle for both you and the tow driver.
4. Check for Number Plates
In most states across Australia, you’ll need to remove the number plates if the car is being scrapped. You can usually hand them back to your local transport authority for a small refund on unused registration.
It’s a simple step, but one that’s often forgotten until the last minute.
5. Drain Out the Fuel (Sometimes)
Not always required, but some wreckers prefer cars with little or no fuel in the tank, especially if it’s being scrapped. If you can safely siphon it out, great—it can go into a mower or another vehicle. But if not, don’t stress. Tow drivers deal with this all the time.
6. Remove Extras You Want to Keep
Got a new stereo, dashcam, or GPS fitted? If you want to keep it, take it out before the tow truck arrives. Once the car leaves, everything inside generally goes with it.
7. Double-Check the Deal
If you’re selling your car for cash, confirm the agreed price and pickup time with the buyer before tow day. A quick phone call helps avoid any confusion and makes sure everyone’s on the same page.
Making Pickup Day Simple
Preparing your car for tow pickup doesn’t take long, but it makes a huge difference. Clear out your belongings, gather the paperwork, remove the plates, and make the car easy to access.
That way, when the tow truck arrives, the process is quick, easy, and hassle-free—leaving you with one less thing to worry about.
If you are in Boronia, and looking for a car removal service, this is the best way to visit us.
20A Station St, Bayswater VIC 3153