Pickup Day
Junk Car With Flat Tires or No Wheels
The car has sat so long that all four tires have gone soft. Or you pulled the wheels off two years ago for a project that never happened and the car is sitting on blocks. You may be thinking you have to buy cheap tires so it can be towed.
Please don’t, at least not before you call. Buying tires for a car that’s about to be crushed rarely makes sense. What helps is telling the buyer exactly how the car is sitting.
Short answer
Don’t buy tires first. Tell the buyer which tires are flat, whether the wheels turn, and whether any wheels are missing, and send a photo. We use flatbed tow trucks, and the vehicle doesn’t need to run. A car missing many parts may carry a pickup fee or may be declined, so ask before the truck comes.
Why not to buy tires first
Vehicles we buy go to auto steel recyclers, where tires are removed before the car is crushed. New tires would go the same way. Ask the buyer first: “If I do nothing to the tires, can you still take it, and does the offer change?” Then you can compare any cost against the real difference, if there is one. Until you have that answer, skip the purchase.
Weight and condition are factors in an offer, so a change is possible. It’s one more reason to ask rather than guess. See what can lower an offer.
What to tell the buyer
| What you have | What to say |
|---|---|
| One or more flats, wheels turn | “[Number] flats, on [which corners], and it rolls.” |
| Flats and it won’t roll | “It won’t roll. Could be brakes locked, or it’s in park with no key.” |
| Tires sunk into dirt or grass | “It has sunk in. It has been there about [time].” |
| No wheels, on blocks or stands | “No wheels on [which corners]. It’s up on [what].” |
| No wheels, resting on the ground | “No wheels, sitting on the hubs or frame.” |
| Locking lug nuts and no key for them | “One wheel has a locking nut, and I don’t have the key.” |
| Wheels off but on site | “Wheels are off, but I have them here. Do you want them?” |
A photo of each problem corner can tell the driver more than a long description. You can send up to 3 on our pickup form, and our guide on what photos to send shows how.
What to do on pickup day
- Clear space around the car on all sides.
- Move loose wheels, tires and parts out of the way of the truck, but keep them nearby if the driver has agreed to take them.
- Tell the driver what you told the office, in case the note didn’t make it through.
- Have the key ready, if you have one, and let the driver say whether to shift it into neutral.
- Stand well clear while the car is moved or winched. A car that has sat a long time may shift or roll suddenly.
Then finish the sale the usual way. Our pickup checklist has the full order of tasks.
Skip these jobs
A car on blocks or old jack stands is not a safe thing to work around.
- Don’t try to put wheels back on a car up on blocks or a jack just for the tow. Leave it where it is and tell us.
- Don’t get under it, for any reason.
- Don’t push it to a better spot on flat or dying tires, especially on a slope.
- Don’t drive it on flats to the street or a yard. That can damage the car further and it isn’t safe.
- Don’t over-inflate old tires. If a tire is cracked or looks rotted, don’t put air in it. If a tire looks fine and holds air, a little air from a home pump may help it roll, and that’s the extent of the job.
When missing wheels become a bigger question
Missing wheels are one thing, but incomplete vehicles (a shell) may carry a pickup fee or may be declined. Weight and size are also factors in an offer. If the wheels, engine and interior are all gone, tell us what’s left, and we will tell you what we can do. See selling a car with missing parts.
Don’t leave parts behind for us to find. Mention whatever is still on site, and ask if it should go with the car. State rules list failing to take all remnants and debris among the grounds for fining a licensee, so asking about the loose parts is a reasonable part of the plan.
If you are left with loose tires
Don’t toss loose tires. RCW 70A.205.400 sets a civil penalty of not less than $200 nor more than $2,000 per offense for disposing of vehicle tires outside a designated site. Our guide to getting rid of old tires goes further. Ask the driver first if any can go with the car.
If the car is on a public street, also check street tagging rules so that you are not racing a clock while you sort this out. Our non-running car removal page explains the service, and you can reach us at (206) 941-0612.
Common questions
Official sources
This post summarizes official Washington guidance as of November 2, 2026. It is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules and fees can change, so check the sources above for your situation.
Keep reading
- Washington Junk Car Seller’s GuideEvery guide, sorted by where you are in the decision
- Washington Junk Car Paperwork GuideThe documents you need before pickup
- Getting a Junk Car Out of a Tight Spot
- Junking a Car From an Apartment or Condo Lot
- How to Junk a Car Sitting at a Repair Shop
- What to Remove From a Car Before You Junk It
- How to Erase Personal Data From a Car Before It Goes
- Selling More Than One Junk Car at Once
How we can help
4.9 out of 5 from 160 Google reviews · Licensed & insured · 20+ years in business
They made it so easy and fast! I called them gave them all the details and they came within the hour towed the car and gave us cash on the spot will definitely recommend them :)
Very fast service. The tow truck driver was very skilled at getting my SUV out of a tight spot. I appreciate how easy it was to work with this company. Highly recommend 💞
Fast same day service. I just had to make sure we had the title and the truck was clean and we were good to go! Thanks for getting rid of our old truck for free.
If you have any questions please call us at 206-941-0612