Becoming a certified auto recycler has never been easier.
By Sue Schauls
Becoming an ARA Certified Auto Recycler (CAR) member has never been easier! 2023 is a self-audit year for CAR with Recall, High Voltage Vehicles and Gold Seal certification in a single application. The online system allows for easy start and stop sessions so certification can be worked on at your own pace.
The professional automotive recycling industry places significant emphasis on the importance of certification, and for over 25 years the CAR program has provided professional automotive recyclers with a set of standards for general business practices, environmental and safety issues.
The program is one of the cornerstones of ARA and industry partners recognize CAR certified automotive recyclers as market leaders. The CAR Program is a tool to be used to track and guide compliance and quality for professional auto recyclers. It is backed by knowledgeable staff and the ARA Certification Committee made up of dedicated auto recyclers to provide the most practical compliance assistance in the industry.
Whether you are new or renewing, CAR membership begins with ordering a certification tracking record. The new online system is easy to use, as well as easy to start and stop at any time.
Order a 2023 CAR Record at https://arauniversity.org/product/certification-record-car-gs/.
You can request a conference call for technical assistance on navigating the CAR Record system or any of the standards as they apply to your facility. The support service is included in your membership fee.
Complete your facility audit by December 31, 2023, per the annual certification schedule to be recognized in the annual member directory as CAR certified. Certification must be completed six weeks prior to the ARA Convention in October 2023 for recognition at the event. Most facilities conduct their self-audit and/or have the professional audit in the warmer months.
High Voltage Vehicle (HVV) Certification is included to set the standard operating procedures and training requirements for the safe management of electric and hybrid vehicles. This section is optional but highly recommended for those seeking certification.
Recall Certification must be completed to meet the new eBay requirement to sell airbags on eBay Motors.
Gold Seal Certification continues to be the standard of excellence in part quality assurance, data management, warranty and return policies and customer satisfaction.
Participating ARA members find that the CAR certification process often adds value to their operation. The certification process is the easiest and most straightforward way to compliance assurance at your professional automotive recycling facility.
Call or email Sue with any issues or questions (319) 290-7843 or at Sue.Schauls@gmail.com.
Sue Schauls is an environmental and safety expert and serves as the Executive Director of Iowa Automotive Recyclers, where she developed and implemented the Iowa – Certified Auto Recyclers Environmental (I-CARE) program. She conducts on-site compliance audits and online or in person training. As the certification consultant to ARA, Sue integrated the CAR program with the Gold Seal program for quality assurance, High Voltage Vehicle certification for safe management of electric and hybrid vehicles, and the Recall Certification for airbag safety and sales. She facilitates the ARA certification standards online audit system for tracking compliance. Resources and helpful information can be found at https://aracertification.com
