What Is an End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV) and What Happens to It in New Zealand?

Is your old vehicle repeatedly failing its Warrant of Fitness (WOF)? You may be dealing with an End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV), and you’re not alone. In New Zealand, around 150,000 vehicles are taken off the road per year. In this article, we will examine what an ELV is, why vehicles reach this stage, and what happens after you hand your vehicle over to a professional car wreckers. We will also explore how recycling ELVs helps protect the environment and how you can get the best payment for your unwanted vehicle.

What is an End-of-life vehicle (ELV)?

An end-of-life vehicle is a car that is no longer roadworthy, not safe to drive, or not repairable. These vehicles are often too old, heavily damaged, have serious faults that mechanics cannot resolve, or the cost of repairs exceeds the vehicle’s original value.

Common types of end-of-life (ELV) include:

• Vehicle with major engine or transmission issues
• Vehicles that are no longer needed or desired by their owners are often left unused
• Cars that have been declared a total loss after an accident
• Vehicles that are rusted or have been damaged by flooding
• Vehicles that failed WOF/COF checks multiple times
• When the cost of repairs exceeds the vehicle’s value

Why Do Vehicles Become End-of-Life (ELV)?

Multiple factors can contribute to a vehicle reaching the end of its life:

• Mechanical Failure: When a vehicle experiences a significant issue, such as an engine, transmission, or electrical system problem, it can be very costly.
• Economic Factors: When the cost of repair is more than the vehicle’s value.
• Natural Disasters: Natural disasters like floods, fires, or extreme weather can cause a vehicle to become irreparable.
• Rust and Corrosion: Rust can weaken a vehicle’s structure, especially in older models.
• Owner Decision: When the owner decides to retire their vehicle, it may be chosen to be scrapped due to age, condition, model or any other personal reason. The rise of electic vehicle could be the main reason.
• Accidents & Damage: Accidents can result in significant damage, making repairs unfeasible or too costly.
• Failed WOF & COF: Unsafe to drive & not possible to repair
• Age & Mileage: Components that are worn out and showing reduced performance.

When a vehicle has these signs, keeping it can be expensive, unsafe, and environmentally harmful.

What happens to an ELV in New Zealand?

When a vehicle is in the end-of-life category, here’s what typically happens:

1. Deregistration: The owner informs the NZTA and proceeds to deregister the vehicle.
2. Vehicle collection: A car wrecker like National Car Parts arranges free towing from your property.
3. Dismantling & Parts Recovery: Usable parts like batteries, tyres, engine & transmission components, etc are removed, tested and resold.
4. Fluid Drainage & Hazardous Waste Disposal: Oil, brake fluid, fuel, and other hazardous fluids are safely drained and disposed of to protect the environment.
5. Scrap Metal Recycling: The car’s body is crushed, shredded, and recycled as scrap metal for reuse in manufacturing.

Environmental Benefits of ELV Recycling:

Properly disposing of ELVs prevents hazardous chemicals from contaminating the soil or waterways. It also:

• Reduces landfill waste
• Supports a circular economy by reusing car parts
• Saves raw materials and energy through metal recycling

By choosing to sell your ELV to a certified recycler, you’re helping protect New Zealand’s environment.