All those cash for clunkers cars must be crushed or shredded within 180 days, whether or not all usable parts have been salvaged. Thousands of cash for clunkers cars have been left at car dealers. So, what happens to all those clunkers after they are traded in for a new, fuel-efficient car? Need any spare parts … better act fast.
Under terms of the Car Allowance Rebate System (more commoly referred to as the cash for clunkers program) the dealer accepting the clunker is obligated to drain the old car’s oil and replace it with a sodium silicate solution, also known as liquid glass.
After replacing the oil, the silicate causes the engine’s parts to freeze and ensures the car will never cruise American roads again. After failing to start the engine, then the dealer writes the cruel words, “junk vehicle, cars.gov” on the car’s title.
The auto dealer has seven days after receiving government reimbursement for the cash for clunkers car to ship the auto be its next stop on its retirement road trip – the certified disposal facility (CDF). Most dealers will shop around, searching for the CDF willing to offer the best price for the clunker, whether it’s a scrap processor, auto recycler, or salvage auction.
Yet clunkers are unknown entities for the CDFs, according to experts. They'll have to spend at least $700 to $1,100 to remove a car’s fluids, mercury switches, and Freon. After that, they’re not sure what kind of return they might be able to get. In ordinary times, the drivetrain and engine block account for about 60 percent of the salable parts, but the cars for clunkers program renders the engine useless and limits the terms under which the drivetrain can be sold.
At this point, the new owner of the cash for clunker has two options. If it’s a newer model, it will usually go to a full-service, professional parts dismantler where it will be instantly stripped of the 20 to 40 most commonly reused parts. If it’s an older model, it will sit at a self-service parts recycler, where individuals will pick a needed piece here and there.
Either way, the CARS program mandates that clunkers be crushed or shredded within 180 days, whether all usable parts have been salvaged or not. In contrast, automotive parts experts say nonclunkers might remain at a professional parts dismantler for between 24 and 36 months.
Comment and add to the story without registration, but keep the comments meaningful please. Links are not accepted.
