Do You Get Paid for Car Batteries, Radiators & Engines? Here’s the Breakdown

When you’re scrapping a car or simply decluttering old vehicle parts, it’s natural to ask: Do car batteries, radiators, and engines have scrap value? Can you get paid for them? The answer is a solid yes! These components contain valuable metals and materials that scrap yards in Western Australia (WA) actively buy.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain the value of car batteries, radiators, and engines in Perth, how much you can expect to get paid, what metals they contain, how to prepare them for sale, and tips to maximise your payout. 

Plus, you’ll find a handy price comparison table and frequently asked questions to clear up common doubts.

Contact Premier Metals today to sell your scrap metals at the best price at 08 6252 8500

What Are Car Batteries, Radiators & Engines Made Of?

Understanding the materials inside these car parts helps explain their scrap value:

• Scrap Car Batteries: Mostly lead-acid batteries containing lead plates and acid electrolyte. Lead is a high-value metal in the scrap industry.
• Radiators: Usually made from aluminum (core and fins) and sometimes copper or brass in older models.
• Engines: Composed of various metals, primarily cast iron, steel, and aluminum alloys. Engines can be heavy, dense, and valuable.

Can You Sell Car Batteries, Radiators & Engines for Scrap?

Yes! Scrap metal yards in Perth accept these parts regularly because of their valuable metal content.

• Car batteries are highly sought after because of their lead content, which is 100% recyclable.
• Radiators offer a good payout due to their aluminum and copper/brass metals.
• Engines bring decent value mainly from ferrous metals and aluminum, especially when cleaned and free of contaminants.

Current Scrap Metal Prices in Perth for These Parts (2025)

Breakdown by Part

1. Car Batteries

• Lead-acid batteries contain recyclable lead plates.
• Scrap yards pay well because recycling lead saves resources and reduces pollution.
• Most car batteries weigh between 10-20 kg, meaning you can earn around $20 to $60 per battery, depending on the exact price.

Tips:

• Remove acid safely or let the scrap yard handle it.
• Bring batteries intact—broken or leaking batteries might be rejected.

2. Radiators

• Radiators contain aluminum cores and copper or brass tubes.
• Older models may have more copper, fetching higher prices.
• Prices vary with metal composition and weight, typically from $1.50 to $3.00 per kg.

Tips:

• Remove plastic end tanks and other non-metal parts.
• Separate brass or copper if possible to get top rates.

3. Engines

• Engines mostly consist of cast iron or steel blocks with aluminum parts.
• Scrap yards weigh the whole engine and pay per kilogram of ferrous or non-ferrous metals.
• Engine prices are usually lower per kg than batteries or copper but add up due to weight.

Tips:

• Drain oil and fluids before selling.
• Remove external non-metal parts if you want more precise metal value.
• Engines in good condition might be sold for reuse instead of scrap.

How to Prepare Car Batteries, Radiators, and Engines for Sale

1. Car Batteries:
   • Do not open or dismantle.
   • Avoid damage or leaks.
   • Transport safely to avoid spills.
2. Radiators:
   • Remove plastic parts, rubber hoses, or insulation.
   • Sort aluminum cores separately from copper/brass parts.
3. Engines:
   • Drain all oil and fluids to avoid contamination.
   • Remove non-metal attachments like wiring harnesses or plastic covers.
   • Weigh accurately before taking to the yard.

Where to Sell in Perth?

Some reliable scrap metal yards and auto recyclers that accept batteries, radiators, and engines:

• Premier Metals
• Perth Scrap Metal
• WA Metal Recyclers
• Fremantle Metals

Call ahead to confirm prices and accepted items.

Pricing Comparison Table: Car Batteries, Radiators & Engines in Perth (2025)

Tips to Maximise Your Payment

• Separate metals: Bring lead batteries, aluminum radiators, and steel engines separately.
• Clean parts: Remove oils, grease, plastic, and fluids.
• Accumulate volume: Larger amounts typically get better rates.
• Check yard pricing regularly: Scrap metal rates can fluctuate daily.
• Ask for payment options: Some yards pay more for cash or bulk.

FAQs About Selling Car Batteries, Radiators & Engines in WA

1. Are car batteries worth scrapping?

Yes, car batteries are valuable due to their lead content. You can earn between $20 and $70 for most car batteries depending on size and lead price.

2. Can I sell radiators with plastic parts still attached?

Most yards require removing plastic tanks or hoses before accepting radiators. Clean radiators fetch better prices.

3. How should I dispose of engine oil and fluids?

Drain all fluids before selling engines. Proper disposal is crucial to comply with environmental regulations.

4. Do scrap yards pay differently for whole engines vs. dismantled parts?

Yes. Whole engines might be accepted as a bulk ferrous load, but separating aluminum parts can increase value.