Work Life Tips

Junking the Heap – Eastern US Junkyards Tips

Winter has shed its white blanket only to reveal some of the ugliest, broken down cars you’ve ever seen. Whether they’re in your yard, or someone else’s yard, you know they shouldn’t be there. But what do you do? Each state has its own abandonment laws; therefore, you should check with your local authorities to find out what can be done. If you’re not sure who specifically to contact, do a search for local car removal services in your area. A quick Internet search will reveal local junk car removal agencies (some of them are free). Tell them your situation. They can help you locate laws and legislation for your area to guide you in dealing with the situation. Sometimes the local police department can help if enforcement is required. In most cases, enforcement will be carried out if the junked car is deemed environmentally hazardous, detracts from the livability and attractiveness of the neighborhood, hinders the promotion of tourism in the area and takes away from the comfort, happiness, health and emotional stability of occupants in the vicinity. These guidelines are somewhat subjective and are open to interpretation. For this reason, it’s best to obtain a copy of junkyard law for your area. If that isn’t clearly written, contact your local police detachment for advice on how to proceed.

Junk Yard Parts – Are they Worth The Money? – Eastern US Junkyards Tips

There’s no question that purchasing used car parts from junk yards is a cheaper option than purchasing them new. But how can you be sure that the parts you’re buying are going to work properly? While junkyards are required to follow city code ordinances in terms of location and appearance, there aren’t any specific associations (unless the junkyard voluntarily subscribes to an automotive association) to monitor what they’re doing. That leaves it up to you, the consumer. If you’re not sure about the company, read the “About Us” section on their website. You should be able to easily locate their customer service department to find out what their warranty and return policies are. Beware of companies selling products with no grace period for returns. While most companies selling used car parts are selling the items “as is,” a good company will understand that from time to time, parts arrive broken or do not work properly. A good company should be willing to work with you to provide the best overall satisfaction. Word of mouth is a good indicator as to whether a car part dealer is reputable, as well. Overall, the things you want to look for in a reputable junkyard operator are a seal of approval from the Better Business Bureau, word of mouth recommendation and knowledge of the industry’s policies and operating procedures. Do an Internet search for used car parts in your area. There’s a good chance you’ll find a searchable database that presents you with the best possible price for the part you’re looking for.

Making The Most Of Your Junk Yard – Eastern US Junkyards Tips

If you’re in the business of recycling automobiles and automotive parts, you’re doing a great service to the environment and to consumers. Reliable statistics show that wholesale and retail customers can purchase quality parts that sell for up to 50 percent less than comparable new parts. As a junk yard dealer, you’re also contributing to the health of the environment by recycling parts back into the mainstream. But how do you know if you’re doing a good job? How do you know what trends are on the horizon? By doing an Internet search for junkyard or automotive recyclers’ associations, you should be able to find a wealth of information. Why join an association? An association provides you with key industry contacts, updated industry information including current trends and even tips on increasing profits. Additionally, associations listen to junk yard dealers’ ideas providing a well-rounded source of support. When looking for an appropriate association to join, make sure to check out the additional benefits it has to offer. You just might find that your membership fee covers much more than you realized. Typically, a good association will offer your company insurance at reduced rates, product promotion and much more.

Handling Gasoline The Safe Way: A Junk Yard Dealer’s Guide – Eastern US Junkyards Tips

As a junk yard dealer, it goes without saying that you’re going to handle gasoline. Every step of the way requires safe handling practices, including disposal. Gasoline is highly volatile and extremely flammable, and it needs to be handled with care. Years down the road, when new hybrid vehicles are mainstream, the issue of gasoline disposal may be moot. In the meantime, there are some key things you need to understand in order to make gasoline a safe and environmentally friendly process. According to Chevron.com, the first thing you should do (and this goes for any chemicals inherent in the junk yard business) is to obtain a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) by doing an Internet search for “Worldwide MSDS.” When handling gasoline in the junk yard, make sure to cover your nose and mouth to avoid inhaling the vapors. Be careful not to get any gasoline on your skin, and use only approved containers (one to five gallons, metal or UL approved plastic, red in color with vapor-tight cap). Never store gasoline in glass or unapproved containers.

For more guidelines on proper handling and disposal of fuel for junkyard operators, contact the American Petroleum Institute or the Petroleum Equipment Institute.

Buy Salvage Cars at Auction – Buying A Junk Car Tips

Often, local law enforcement and city and county governments will sell salvage cars at a public auction. You can check with local agencies to buy salvage cars at auction, usually at prices even below wholesale. Sometimes these cars have only minor damage that will not cost too much to be fixed.

Reputable auction houses will let you inspect the car before you make a bid and should note the car is from salvage. When you buy salvage cars at auction, you usually buy them “as is,” meaning the auction house is not responsible for any problems or malfunctions with the car. Check out the auction house and the vehicle thoroughly and you could find a real bargain if you buy salvage cars at auction!

Look for “Rebuildable Cars” When You Buy Junk Cars – Buying A Junk Car Tips

Be careful when you buy junk cars, there are some salvage companies who don’t tell the truth about their cars! Many unscrupulous dealers will sell dangerous salvaged cars as drivable and safe, but most salvage dealers will tell their customers when a car cannot be driven and is unsafe. They will sell that car for parts rather than as a drivable vehicle.

Some salvage companies have cars that are especially suited to rebuilding or restoring. When you buy junk cars to restore, deal with companies that offer “project,” “rebuildable” or “restorable” cars. These cars aren’t roadworthy now, but with some tender loving care and some hard work, they can regain some of their former glory.

Who Will Buy Junk Cars? – Buying A Junk Car Tips

If you want to sell your junk cars, chances are there are plenty of junk yards who buy junk cars in your area. However, before you call the first ad you see in the yellow pages, think about donating your car to charity instead. The money will help those who need it and you’ll be rid of that junker that’s been cluttering up your driveway.

Here’s how it works. You call a company that specializes in removal of old cars. Normally, they can have your car picked up for free within 48 hours of your call. Your car is towed to a local junkyard, and you receive a tax deduction for the value of your car. All the proceeds from the sale go to a charitable organization the company sponsors. It’s quick, easy and painless, so look for a charitable organization that will buy junk cars and feel good about getting rid of that junker today!

Buy Salvage Cars From Japan for Parts – Buying A Junk Car Tips

Many American car collectors and junk yards buy salvage cars from Japan to use or sell for parts. These salvage cars are much cheaper, even with shipping, and often you can find great buys for cars that are no longer running, but have many salvageable spare parts.

If you buy salvage cars from Japan, you have two options for shipping and delivery. You can have the entire car shipped from Japan in a container and remove the parts yourself when it arrives or you can have a Japanese company remove the parts and ship them to you. Often, it’s cheaper to buy the entire car and have it shipped and remove the parts yourself when it arrives. Whatever you choose, if you buy salvage cars from Japan, you’ll save quite a bit of money over comparable American models, if they are available.

Know the Signs of Flood Damage Before You Buy Junk Cars – Buying A Junk Car Tips

You can save a lot of money if you buy junk cars or salvage cars, but you should be aware of what to look for in a junk car. Many of these cars have been damaged in floods, and it can be very difficult to see the damage. Here’s what to look for:

* Look underneath the seats, in the glove compartment, trunk and dashboard to see if you can see any signs of water damage, including rust and mud or dirt.
* Smell the car with the doors and windows closed. Does it smell musty or moldy?
* Check the upholstery and carpets. If they look stained or faded, they may have been damaged by water and if they don’t match the rest of the interior, they could have been replaced to hide the damage.
* Turn on the ignition and make sure all the warning lights come on and are working. Check the outside lights, too, along with other electrics, like windshield wipers and the cigarette lighter.
* Always run the car through at least one used vehicle database to make sure the vehicle has not been damaged in some way.

If you follow these steps, you can avoid a lot of problems when you buy junk cars!

Buy Salvage Cars From Japan – Buying A Junk Car Tips

There are plenty of reasons for you to buy salvage cars from Japan. The Japanese trade their cars in a lot sooner than most Americans, so their cars have less wear and tear. Also, they have great roads in Japan, so the cars are in better shape when they are traded. The Japanese are also scrupulous about maintenance, so the cars are usually in better shape than comparable American-driven models.

In addition, most Japanese cars are very low mileage (they don’t have that far to drive, it’s a small country!) so buying salvage cars is good bargain even when you figure in shipping from Japan. Finally, repair costs are extremely high in Japan, so you may be able to find a bargain that only needs some minor repairs that won’t cost that much to repair here in the States. So, buying salvage cars from Japan may be a great auto investment for you or your family!