Does winter snow improve junk car prices? Or does the summer driving season pay more? We analyze the seasonal trends of the Milwaukee scrap market.
Timing the Market: Is There a “Right” Season?
Stock traders watch the ticker. Farmers watch the harvest. Scrap metal recyclers watch the weather.
In Wisconsin, the seasons (specifically Winter vs. Summer) have a dramatic impact on two things:
- The Supply of Junk Cars (How many people are selling).
- The Logistics of Pickup (How hard it is to get them).
These factors influence the price you get. Here is the insider breakdown of the Milwaukee market calendar.
The Winter Spike (December - March)
In Wisconsin, winter is brutal. But it can be a goldmine for sellers.
1. The Supply Crunch
When it’s -10°F and snowing, nobody wants to go outside and deal with their broken car. People put off selling until Spring.
- Result: Scrapyards are starved for inventory. They need steel to keep the shredders running.
- Price Effect: Prices often rise in deep winter to incentivize sellers to brave the cold.
2. The 4x4 Demand
Snow means crashes. Crashes mean body shops need parts.
- High Demand: 4x4 trucks, SUVs, and AWD sedans. If you have a junk Subaru or Jeep in January, it is worth more than in July because body shops are screaming for hoods, bumpers, and headlights to fix collision repair jobs.
3. The “Plow Truck” Factor
We see a massive surge in demand for cheap 4x4 work trucks to be used as plow beaters. A rusty Chevy Silverado that runs might sell for a premium in November/December.
The Spring Clean-Up (April - May)
As the snow melts, the “Spring Cleaning” mindset hits.
- The Flood of Inventory: Everyone who waited all winter suddenly calls to sell their junk car on the first nice Saturday of April.
- Price Effect: Prices can dip slightly due to market saturation. When every tow truck in Milwaukee is booked solid, buyers don’t need to compete as aggressively on price.
Pro Tip: If you can, sell before the huge Spring rush (late March) or wait until mid-Summer.
The Summer Cruise (June - August)
Summer is stable. Construction is in full swing (high demand for steel), and logistics are easy.
- Gas Prices: High gas prices usually mean more people scrapping low-MPG SUVs.
- Commodity Stability: Steel markets usually stabilize in summer.
- Pickup Speed: Fastest of the year. No snowbanks to dig out, no frozen parking brakes. Same-day pickup is easiest in Summer.
The Fall Drop (September - November)
Historically, scrap steel prices often see a dip in the Fall as global manufacturing schedules adjust before the end of the year.
- However: This is the best time to sell a “beater.” People are looking for cheap winter cars before the snow flies. If your junk car runs and has heat, September/October is the prime time to get a “Resale” offer (Tier 3) rather than a “Scrap” offer.
So, When Should I Sell?
The “Wait” Strategy (Risky)
You could try to wait for a steel market spike. But remember:
- Registration Fees: You are paying to keep plates on a dead car.
- Depreciation: Every month a car sits, hoses rot, gasoline turns to varnish, and tires go flat. A non-running car degrades quickly.
- Risk: Values drop faster than seasonal spikes rise.
The “Sell Now” Reality
The difference between a “good season” and a “bad season” might be $20-$40 on an average car. It is rarely worth paying insurance and registration for 6 months just to chase a theoretical $30 seasonal bump.
Weather Logistics: Help Us Help You
If you are selling in Winter (Jan-Feb), you can get a better price/service by:
- Plowing a Path: If the driver has to shovel for 20 minutes to reach the car, they might be grumpy (or unable to retrieve it).
- Thawing the Locks: Make sure the keys actually turn and the doors open.
- Clearing the Roof: A car covered in 2 feet of snow adds weight and danger to the tow. Brush it off.
Summary
- Best Price Potential: Deep Winter (Inventory shortage).
- Best Convenience: Summer (Fast pickup, easy access).
- Best for “Runners”: Fall (Winter beater demand).
No matter the season, {businessInfo.name} operates 24/7/365. Rain, sleet, or snow, we buy cars.