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Tough Competition

Post by: Aaaron Cuttingham February 20, 2023 0 Comments

U.S. auto parts recyclers say online auctions have broadened competition for salvaged vehicles to their detriment.

Insurance companies used to have contracts directly with local automotive recyclers for vehicles that were declared total losses following crashes. Now, insurers primarily work with online auction companies, such as Copart and Insurance Auto Auctions, and recyclers must bid on the vehicles, competing against other automotive recyclers—whether local competitors or those in other states—as well as with auto rebuilders in other countries.

While recyclers have benefitted in some ways from the growth of online auctions, some say they also have had negative effects on the automotive recycling industry.

Sight unseen

Sandy Blalock, executive director of the Automotive Recyclers Association, Manassas, Virginia, says online auctions have expanded automotive recyclers’ pool of vehicles because they can buy from outside their own markets.

Robertson Auto Salvage
Robertson Auto Salvage

But that advantage has an associated disadvantage.

“The biggest problem you have is you can’t get up close and personal and actually verify that what that picture looks like is actually what you’re getting,” she says.

Blalock says it’s not uncommon for people to purchase wrecked vehicles, make some cosmetic upgrades often using aftermarket parts, and rerun the vehicles back through the auctions.

Norman Wright, owner, and CEO of Stadium Auto Parts, Henderson, Colorado, also mentions incidences of what he calls fraud on the auction sites.

He says Stadium bought a 2021 Mercedes van with 24,000 miles from an auction site and found it wasn’t what he and his team expected. “Since you can’t really go down and look at these vehicles, you’re doing it from pictures online,” Wright adds. “We assumed we had a good product. When it came back, the transmission was missing … and they put in an old engine.”

Because vehicles are sold as is in the salvage pools, Wright says he “had no recourse for fraud.”

Broader appeal

Auctions also have increased the number of bidders on salvage vehicles and their geographical reach.

“We’ve got people from all over the world buying local automotive recycler’s salvage in the United States,” Blalock says. “And some of them can afford to pay a whole lot more money for those cars because they have a larger value in the marketplace they’re taking it to and that’s including shipping it there.”

She adds that her biggest concern for the automotive recycling industry is that companies are forced into competing for savage at artificially high pricing because they are bidding against people who aren’t in the same business, “so, they can afford to pay more money.”

Wright says insurance companies are seeing a greater return on their salvage vehicles because the online auctions have opened up the salvage pools “to anybody who wants to buy.”

“Now, we’re competing against not only each other but we’re also competing against what we call rebuilders who buy these cars to rebuild them and then resell them,” he says.

In the last eight to 10 years, Wright says, the number of rebuilders who export cars from the U.S. to other markets, such as Mexico and the Middle East, has grown. He estimates from 30 percent to 40 percent of the salvage vehicles sold on auction sites are exported from the U.S.  

Blalock says she suspects the auctions would confirm 30 percent of the salvaged vehicles they sell are purchased by international buyers. “A good 30 percent or more is purchased by people who are not auto recyclers but rebuilders, and then 30 percent are auto recyclers,” she says. “Basically, we’re one-third of their customer base.”

Robertson Auto Salvage | Wareham, MA
Robertson Auto Salvage | Wareham, MA

The wider competition for local automotive recyclers’ salvage vehicles has raised the prices auto recyclers have to bid to secure inventory. But that’s not the only escalation that has occurred, Wright and Blalock say. The fees the auction companies charge buyers also have increased.

“At the end of the day, all the auctions are in the business and making money,” Blalock says. “And it’s a very competitive market because they’re competing against each other … for those cars. And, of course, the way that you maintain that position is by it costing the insurance companies less. And so they have to make that money up somewhere.”

She says buyers are paying a growing array of fees, including a pull-out fee to remove the vehicle from the auction and a fee to pay via check.

“The thing I get the most complaints about from our members is the fees that they’re paying at the auctions or that a new fee has all of a sudden appeared,” she says. “That is a very big, big concern for our industry.”

Wright says when the fees and higher prices of the vehicles are combined, his cost of goods as a percentage of his overall expenses has grown from 25 percent to 30 percent to nearly 50 percent to 55 percent. “It’s so much pressure on the recycler to continue operations as our margins continue to shrink,” he says.

“And the other dilemma is there are only two realistic salvage pools left,” Wright adds, citing Copart and IAA. “And those two companies probably control 90 percent of the insured local automotive recycler’s salvage, so there are no other alternatives for us.”

U Pull It Yard | Robertson Auto Salvage | Wareham, MA
U Pull It Yard | Robertson Auto Salvage | Wareham, MA

Blalock says Copart and IAA are supportive of the automotive recycling industry and are associate members of the ARA. “I don’t know how we have any influence over that business model other than maybe sit down and talk with them and see if there isn’t something we could work out,” she says, adding that the ARA intends to sit down with leaders from the auction companies. “We need to sit down and see if there isn’t some consideration they could be giving with the true licensed professional auto recyclers that are buying cars from them.”

Blalock says smaller family-run auto recyclers, which at one time were the heart of the industry, are the companies most affected by the growth of the local automotive recyclers’ salvage auctions. “They’re having to pay those buyers’ fees, and it takes away from their buying power for the salvage they need to be profitable in their businesses,” she says. “It’s very sad to think that we might lose an entire segment of our industry just because they can’t afford to compete and pay not only the prices but all the other associated costs of getting cars.”This article initially appeared on Recycling Today

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Buying a Used Truck

What to Look for When Buying a Used Truck

Post by: Aaaron Cuttingham December 21, 2022 0 Comments Used Pickup Truck, Used Truck

Whether this is the first time you’ve shopped for a used truck or just the first time you’ve shopped for one online, it’s worth setting the groundwork before you start browsing.

Read our tips for buying a used truck. These are all of the things you need to consider when deciding which used pickup is the best fit for you.

Reasons to Buy A Used Truck vs. A New Truck

There are many reasons to buy a used truck rather than a new one. And no, it’s not just about the money. Money is still an excellent reason to buy a used truck. The price of new trucks has skyrocketed in the past few years. A used truck is always less expensive than a brand-new

one.

Additional Features – Better Investment

Because used trucks are more affordable, your budget will go further. This means you may find a used truck with additional features that you wouldn’t be able to afford if you bought a new one.

A new truck tends to depreciate rapidly for the first few years. But that downward curve isn’t as steep when buying a used truck. This means that if you sell your well-maintained, used truck later, you’ll get a better return on your investment.

Durability

You can’t beat quality craftsmanship. And some older pickups are made with better, more durable materials. Think steel instead of aluminum. This means that some used trucks may be made better than the newer models.

Things to Consider When Buying A Used Truck

So we’ve covered all the reasons why used trucks are well worth your consideration. But what’s the best way to buy a used truck?

To ensure you’re getting something that meets your budget and requirements, you should nail down exactly what kind of used pickup truck you’re looking for before you start your search.

To do that, consider all of the following points.

Used Pickup Truck

Price of a Used Truck

Budget will always be important when buying a used pickup. When figuring out your budget, factor in all truck ownership costs. This includes:
The sale price
The cost of any repairs or maintenance the truck may need today
Truck insurance costs
Extended warranty costs
Loan terms.

Age of a Used Truck

Some pickups age better than others. So do a little research on the make and model you’re considering to determine how long they’re likely to run without needing significant repairs.

Then you can figure out whether the age and mileage of a vehicle make
it is a sound investment.

Fuel Economy of a Used Truck

Fuel economy is another big consideration when buying used trucks.

A quick Google search will throw up the original EPA fuel economy estimates for any make and model on your shortlist.

Just remember that fuel economy decreases over time, so a used truck is unlikely to meet top EPA performance still.

Your Type of Pickup

Pickup trucks come in all shapes and sizes. There are light-duty, medium-duty, heavy-duty, two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive, luxury, half-ton, three-quarter-ton, one-ton, and compact pickup trucks.

Before you go used truck shopping, have a clear idea of what you 100% need your truck to do and what features are simply nice-to-have.

Size of Used Pickup Truck

What are you planning to use your truck for? And where will you be driving it?

Smaller trucks are easier to drive around urban areas. And they’re easier to park in standard parking lot spaces. Larger trucks have better horsepower and can haul or tow bigger weights.

Pick-up truck bed.

Pickup Truck Beds

When buying a truck, you need to consider length and size. You’ll find trucks in both short- and long-bed configurations. Short-bed trucks (with a bed between 5 and 6.5 feet long) are easier

to maneuver. But long-bed trucks (with a bed of up to 8 feet long) are great for longer loads, like lumber or large furniture.

Pickup Truck  Cabins

When buying a used truck, the next thing to consider is how many passengers you plan to carry around in your pickup. When shopping for a used truck, you’ll find three common cab types:

A standard cab – with two doors and two seats
An extended cab – with two doors and four seats (the front seats slide
forward to give you access to the rear seats)
A crew cab – with four doors and seating for three passengers in the
rear bank of seats (the most comfortable way to transport more than
two passengers).

Pickup Truck  Towing capacity

If you’re looking to buy a used pickup, chances are you’re also interested in regularly hauling or towing loads. So you need to be confident that your chosen used truck can do what you have in mind.

An average light-duty truck has a towing capacity of around 12,000 lb. In contrast, the average heavy-duty pickup could tow up to 20,000 lb. But you should research the payload and towing capabilities of a particular make and model before you commit to buying it.

Remember that towing and hauling capacity is based upon the total weight transported — which means you have to factor in the weight of the driver and any passengers, not just the load in the back.

The Best Way to Buy A Used Truck: Online VS in Person

Buying a truck in person means you get to see it, inspect it, and test drive it yourself.

The downside? Shopping in person means limiting your search to your local area. This means many excellent used trucks don’t even make it to your shortlist.

When you shop for a used truck online, you get your pick of trucks from across the country. Shop with Robertson Auto Sales and Used Car Division, and you get many other benefits.

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Junk Car Is Worth Money

Your Junk Car Is Worth Money

Post by: Raphael Grovers August 26, 2022 0 Comments

Do you have a junk car in your yard or garage that’s just sitting around collecting dust? If so, you can help save the environment and make some money in the process by recycling your vehicle. Many people don’t know this, but automobiles are made with valuable materials that are easy to recycle when it’s no longer running or worth fixing. 

For example, floor tiles, shoes, many plastic items, and even new vehicles use raw materials from recycled cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans. In fact, pretty much every new vehicle contains approximately 25% of recycled materials from old automobiles. 

Plastics, from recycled junk cars, can be utilized to manufacture everything from bumpers, dashboards, and seat cushions. Even the glass in your junk vehicle can be recycled and turned into brand new windshields and windows. This is along with non-automobile related products such as asphalt, fiberglass insulation, and glass jars. 

Most junk cars also have at least a few parts that are in good working shape. Companies like Robertson Auto Salvage can remove these individual parts and re-sell them to consumers who are looking to replace the auto parts in their vehicles for a fraction of the cost of buying brand-new auto parts. 

Even if the individual auto parts in your junk car are not working, they can be recycled and turned into other products. Car batteries are a good example of this. In essence, once the chemicals and lead are removed, they can be melted and turned into brand-new car battery cases. 

Engine oil can be drained from the engine of your junk vehicle. At that point, it can be recycled and reused. Believe it or not, the end product is actually better quality than the original oil because the contaminants have been removed and the oil is purified. 

In addition, coolants, hydraulic fluids, and transmission fluids can also be refined and reused. Even the catalytic converter, that’s part of the exhaust system on your junk car, can be recycled. Both jewelry and electronics can be made from the metals found in them. Alternators and starters, which are part of the ignition and power supply of your junk car, are recycled because they contain both copper and steel. 

If you have a junk car and are interested in selling it to an auto salvage company, or would like to see how much it’s worth, please contact Robertson Auto Salvage today! 

We have been supplying local businesses and the general public with quality used auto parts since 1969. Our secure online inventory is ready to be shipped anywhere around the globe. If you can’t find the used auto part that you need or have any questions, please contact our sales team for assistance. 

Many of our used auto parts include a lifetime warranty when purchased through our website. Please refer to the Resources link on our website for more details.

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Used cars for Sale

Used Autos For Sale | Robertson Auto Salvage

Post by: Aaaron Cuttingham May 22, 2022 0 Comments Auto Recycling, Used Cars, Used SUVs, Used Trucks

The Robertson family has just about seen and experienced it all since we’ve been involved in the used automotive industry for so many years. However, we’ve never experienced a situation quite like the one that is occurring now. Needless to say, we’re all living through unprecedented times. 

Prices are higher than ever before for everyday items such as groceries and fuel thanks to an all-time high spike in the inflation rate. The prices for new automobiles are through the roof.  You can thank the global microchip shortage for that. The bottom line is that there isn’t a large enough supply of new vehicles to meet the current demand. 

Robertson Used Vehicles

In fact, we’re currently suffering from the lowest supply of new cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs in modern times. New vehicles are hard to come by these days.  Consumers are turning to used vehicles instead. That has significantly increased the prices of used vehicles. Due to the spike in used car prices, many hard-working people simply cannot afford to buy a used automobile that’s in good shape let alone decent shape. So, we knew that we had to do something about this in order to help the community. 

Robertson’s Auto Salvage is announcing that we are now selling used automobiles that you can drive right off of our lot at incredibly affordable prices. 

Visit our facility in person at 2680 Cranberry Hwy, Wareham, MA 02571 or check out our pre-owned inventory at https://robertson.autocomp.net/. 

Robertson Pre Owned Vehicles

Robertson’s Auto Salvage has a pre-owned vehicle to fit everyone’s budget and taste. 

Sell us your car. Robertson’s Auto Salvage is now buying used vehicles as well. We will also pay you for your used auto parts and remove your junk cars. If you’re interested in purchasing or selling recycled auto parts online or in person please drop by or check out the Robertson’s Auto Salvage Wareham Website today. 

Robertson Recycled Auto Parts

We have been supplying local businesses and consumers quality recycled automotive parts since 1969. We even offer extended warranties on many recycled auto parts. Robertson’s Auto Salvage also sells a wide range of new aftermarket auto parts including rear bumpers, front and rear driveshafts, mirrors, wheels, headlamps, and fuel sending units to name a few. 

We look forward to working with you.

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Robertson Auto Salvage

Robertson Recycled Auto Parts

Post by: Aaaron Cuttingham March 10, 2022 0 Comments

Salvage yards are a great place to get used automotive parts on the cheap. This article will define your journey to the U Pull It Salvage Yard of Robertson Auto Salvage in Wareham, MA. This type of journey is common for auto mechanics, but not always for the general consumer.

Whether you own a domestic or foreign vehicle, we have both types of parts for sale. When we receive a junk vehicle, we pull and catalog all parts that are in good condition. The odds of finding a low-priced recycled auto part for your foreign vehicle are typically better than you may have imagined.

Getting Your Used Auto Parts from a Salvage Yard

Another significant advantage of using a salvage yard is the low prices they offer. Not only can you buy used vehicle parts at very affordable prices, but at Robertson Auth Salvage, you can also purchase whole used cars. Both of these opportunities are available for our customers.

Salvage yards offer you a variety of benefits, such as the chance to get an intelligent low price on recycled automotive parts and the ability to find rare automotive parts.

Some of the salvage vehicles we receive at our facility are older cars that people are finally giving up. Maybe they’ve had these vehicles on their property for a while and are finally getting around to disposing of them. Perhaps they were going to try and restore them but just didn’t find the time. Whatever the reason, Robertson Auto Salvage buys aging vehicles. You may be surprised when you’re able to find that rare part you’ve been looking for.

Take Your Tools – Pull Your Own Part

You bring your own tools and pull your own parts. We have hundreds of cars and trucks to choose auto parts from. All vehicles are organized in the yard. We offer a friendly knowledgeable staff to assist you to locate the proper recycled used discount auto part.

If you are looking for parts at our salvage yard, you enter and pull the parts yourself. You may want to take some time to see what else you find while you are there. Sometimes there are parts you find that were not on your list. Look around — you never know what you might find

Acres of Used Automotive Parts

With over 4 acres of land loaded with automobiles, our “U Pull It” self-service recycled auto parts yard allows you to pull the item you need while saving money. We have a wide range of makes and models of automobiles, vans, and trucks, both international and local! Vehicles that sit in landfills only add to our environmental problems. By recycling old vehicle parts, and selling used vehicles, we are assisting the planet as well as your wallet.

If you are looking for the best recycled used automotive parts in Southeast & the Cape Cod area of MA, Robertson Auto Salvage Yard is a perfect choice to purchase them at a great price. You can call us toll-free at (800) 551-7000 or contact us.

Robertson Auto Salvage has been saving the environment in the New England Area for many years. We recycle the entire vehicle. The entirety of the parts removed from the vehicles is sold at our Wareham, MA location. The remaining parts, including plastics and fluids, are recycled for the creation of new products. This reduces the number of primary materials and energy needed to make new products.

U Pull It

We maintain the highest standards of social and environmental responsibility. We cannot ignore the important link we have with the planet, our local communities, and the customers who purchase recycled automotive parts here in Wareham, MA. It is often beneficial to the individual seeking the used auto parts, that the Salvage Yard owner is so over-committed to saving the planet.

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The New And Improved Robertson’s Salvage Website

The New And Improved Robertson’s Salvage Website

Post by: Aaaron Cuttingham July 28, 2021 0 Comments Robertson’s Salvage Website

What do you get when you combine the best automobile salvage company in New England with advanced technology that’s typically reserved for high-tech companies? The answer is simple. You get the new Robertson’s Salvage website. Robertson’s Auto Salvage has been selling quality used auto parts since 1969. Our new website is meant to improve upon an already superior customer service experience. It all starts with the new and improved home page. 

We’ve made it even easier to find all of the used auto parts that you could possibly need. Simply click on or tap the Shop Now button and it will bring to you a screen that provides you with the option to shop for used auto parts by the year, make, and model of your vehicle. It doesn’t get any easier than that. We have a full inventory of the used auto parts that you need to repair most makes and models of cars, trucks, vans, and sports utility vehicles both domestic and foreign. 

If you’re interested in selling us your used vehicle, our new and improved website will guide you through the process. All you need to do in order to get started is click on or tap the Contact Us button located on the homepage of our new and improved website. If you’re searching for a vehicle that needs repair work, we have you covered there as well. Just click on or tap the Looking For A Vehicle button on our homepage in order to view our large repairable vehicle inventory. 

Don’t forget to check out our eBay store for your parts. You can access our eBay store with ease by clicking on or tapping the eBay store button on our home page. 
Robertson’s Auto Salvage has your part so please stop by or contact us today. Choose from full service used auto parts, U-Pull used auto parts, new aftermarket auto parts, and New GM and GMC OEM auto parts.

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Tips for Getting the Most Money When Selling Your Vehicle To A Junkyard

Post by: Raphael Grovers April 17, 2021 0 Comments Getting the Most Money When Selling Your Vehicle, Junkyard, Salvage Yard, Salvage Yards, Sell Us Your Car, Sell Vehicle

You’ve decided that it’s time to sell your junk car. You’re getting sick of looking at it just rotting away in your yard, plus you could use some extra money. Once it’s gone and you have some cash in hand, you’ll certainly be a lot happier. So will your neighbors. However, you want to make sure that you’re getting the most money for your junk car. That means you need to always keep in mind that one person’s trash is another person’s treasure. In essence, your junk vehicle is far from worthless, so don’t give it away or take less money just to get it hauled from your premises. 

The good news is that your automobile is worth cash no matter what condition it’s in. In addition, your automobile is worth money no matter how old it is. It is absolutely possible to maximize the amount of cash that you can get for your old Junker. So without further ado, here are some tips for getting the most money when selling your vehicle to a junkyard. First and foremost, you should check for working parts. Even if your automobile is falling apart at the seam and there is rust everywhere there are most likely valuable auto parts.

Those working parts have value. There are some junkyards and auto salvage yards like Robertson’s Auto Salvage that pay top dollar for junk cars. Do you know why? The answer is simple. Robertson’s Auto Salvage specializes in selling high-quality used auto parts. So where does Robertson Auto Salvage obtain the used auto parts that they sell? You guessed it. They buy junk cars and remove all of the parts that are in good working order. If you make a list of all of the parts of your junk car that are working and or can be reused it will go a long way in increasing the value. 

That means you will get more money for your junk car. Robertson’s Auto Salvage looks at your junk car as much more than a heap of junk. They look at your junk car as a great source of used auto parts. It’s also important to negotiate with the junk car buyer in order to get the most money when selling your vehicle to a junkyard. For example, if they offer you a certain amount of money don’t just accept it. Always ask for more. That being stated, you need to be responsible with your counteroffer. A good rule of thumb is to start with 30-40% more than their initial offer. 

It’s also important to only work with a reputable auto salvage company or junkyard. It’s an unfortunate fact, but there are a lot of junkyards and auto salvage companies that are out to rip you off if not outright scam you. The bottom line is that their goal is to pay you as little if possible for your vehicle. However, your goal is to get as much money as possible for your vehicle. A reputable auto salvage company like Robertson’s Auto Salvage knows that it’s only a good deal if both parties are happy when all is said and done. 

If you’re interested in selling your junk vehicle, please contact Robertson’s Auto Salvage today. We have been supplying local businesses and consumers quality used automotive parts since 1969. We even offer extended warranties on many used auto parts. Robertson’s Auto Salvage sells a wide range of new aftermarket auto parts including rear bumpers, front and rear driveshafts, mirrors, wheels, headlamps, and fuel-sending units to name a few. We look forward to working with you. 

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Automotive Recycling on Adrenaline

Automotive Recycling on Adrenaline

Post by: GDMadmin March 26, 2021 0 Comments

The evolution of the automotive recycling industry has begun to speed up. Google the definition of evolution … “the gradual development of something, especially from a simple to a more complex form.” As much as we all sell used auto parts and scrap, none of us do it exactly the same way and we have all perfected our own business models that optimize profits. Therefore, this evolution will impact everyone differently, but none of us will be immune from it altering our business models.

Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors, has said that there will be more change to come in the next 5 to 10 years than in the previous 50 years in the automotive industry. Our Industry is not far behind. When you encounter an affecting change, you can either adapt or resist. Those that adapt usually survive, while others that resist often end up becoming obsolete over time.

By now you must be wondering what is going to cause this change in the automotive world … the electric vehicle. There are many people who doubt the viability 
of global adoption of this technology, and I’ve heard 
most of the rebuttals. Tesla proved that EV’s can be mass produced, if you don’t believe me, look at their share price and market cap, it takes a lot of believers to reach those levels.

Engines and transmissions are our top selling parts, and both are missing from Electric vehicles. I’ve read and heard others claim that the battery and electric motors being developed will last a long time … like 1 million miles. Engines and transmission engineering has come a long way, but most of the better ones will only last 250,000 miles while many fail within 100,000 miles. EVs have far fewer moving parts and requires a fraction of the maintenance of their ICE counterparts. You’ve taken away our top selling items and replaced them with items that do not break … what are we to do?

A far more serious problem we will encounter is 
EV dismantling and handling of high voltage batteries, which, when improperly done, can cause electrocution and facility fires. Andy Latham has been traveling the world educating our industry on proper EV dismantling and handling, but he only scratches the surface of those that could potentially process these vehicles. ARA’s certification committee is finalizing a High Voltage Vehicle 
Dismantling Protocol (HVVDP) for ARA’s Certified Automotive Recycler (CAR) program.

If we do not set the dismantling standards on EVs, we leave it up to other parties that will tell us how to run our business. California and Massachusetts legislators are setting up study groups to investigate how EVs are processed and what happens to the EV battery. Our industry needs representation in these groups that will write the laws that affect all vehicle dismantlers.

EV batteries are mostly composed of rare earth elements, which are mostly mined in countries that are not too friendly with the United States. While EV battery engineering continues to evolve in an effort to lower the production cost and extend the longevity of the charge, everywhere I read says the future relies on recycling the EV battery. These batteries will not only be in your vehicle, but possibly storing the power for residential houses and businesses. The Department of Defense is also looking in to these rare earth elements in developing products to keep our country safe. We need to protect our ability to harvest these EV batteries and not get cut out of the closed loop recycling process.

I haven’t even touched on other disruptors to our industry. Collision avoidance systems, autonomous vehicles, less miles driven by people working from home, subscription services, OEM insurance policies, single use part engineering, certified repair facilities, OEM repair procedures, our shrinking pool of employees, consolidation and attrition within our industry … the list grows every year. But don’t jump out of the window, we will adapt and thrive. ARA is here to make sure this industry is essential and relevant for many years into the future.

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Auto Recycling

Auto Recycling – A Misunderstood Industry

Post by: GDMadmin January 26, 2021 0 Comments Auto Recycling, auto recycling facilities, Recycling

Our industry has an identity problem. Most of the general population has little knowledge of the benefits we offer and has preconceived notions about auto recycling. We are the most misunderstood industry in the world. Unfortunately, many of the first auto recyclers began as an offshoot from an unrelated business plan – some were rag merchants, others paper, and some scrap dealers. There were very little, if any, standards of environmental or quality control. We were the place that collected junk, hence the name “junkyard.”

During World War II, all manufacturing was geared toward the production of war support products. The only place to buy replacement repair auto parts was at a junkyard, but we never improved our image. People started to buy our products more and more, but we never improved our processes. Recycling end-of-life vehicles was a time-consuming, dirty process mostly done by hand. Just imagine chopping up a car with a hatchet by hand, not paying too much attention as to where the oil, gasoline, and other fluids flowed. We were on par with the trash dumps but handling old abandoned vehicles.

There are many auto recycling facilities that never evolved into the modern professional auto recycler of today. These facilities most likely are not computerized, do not follow environmental protocols, and are an eyesore to their neighbors. The unknowing consumer might think that all auto recyclers operate and look the same.

Most of these operators die off when new generations inherit the junkyard, while some are newly formed as illegal operators working out of chop shops or tow yard locations. Whatever the case, we are often judged by the lowest common denominator. Often we have long-standing customers who forget about the many great
parts we supplied to them and latch onto the one part
that failed after installation.

We do a pretty good job in promoting our industry to those who know about us, including fellow recyclers, insurance companies, and body and mechanical shops. The problem here is that in most instances we are preaching to the choir. Body and mechanical shops have a love/hate relationship with us – they hate us when our parts are mandated and love us when they are fixing their own vehicle and want to save money. Lots of times the consumer formulates their opinion of our parts from a shop writing the estimate. Our parts are classified as “junk” and why would you take the chance with a worn-out part. Some even have signs saying they don’t perform repairs with junkyard parts. We have allowed
the industry that installs our parts to formulate the
consumer’s perception of our product.

In the past, every time you saw a salvage yard in the movies, there was a drug dealer or someone was being shot and thrown into the trunk of a car. Unfortunately, movies, TV shows, and the media can formulate people’s opinions for the good and bad. It seems like after getting a bad reputation, it takes forever to make it good. I don’t think we have a bad reputation, just a misunderstanding of the benefits of our industry. Next time you take an Uber, ask the driver if they would utilize our parts in repairs. Better yet, ask a waiter their opinion, but be ready to explain why our parts are good for their wallet and the environment. An educated consumer is our best customer.

Just imagine if every salvage yard around the world started promoting the benefits of our industry to the consumer and the “not yet” consumer. Ideology is formatted early in life, let’s reach out to the younger generation. They might not own a car, but they are zealot environmentalists, the perfect match for our industry.

We must be viewed as stewards of the environment as a carbon-negative industry, not as the polluters that our forefathers portrayed. We should all be utilizing social media in promoting our industry, it’s cheap and far-reaching. Call your local news media and offer a tour and story on the benefits of our industry. Do the same with your town leaders and planners. Maybe we could all offer public tours on World Auto Recycling Day on September 18th!

Perceptions are easy to form but difficult to change.

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5 Tips for Safe Winter Driving

Post by: GDMadmin December 16, 2020 0 Comments

Winter weather can make driving a scary and dangerous undertaking even for the best of drivers out there. What exactly do drivers have to contend with? Drivers face winter storms or blizzards, sloppy or icy road conditions, and unforeseen conditions that could turn a simple trip into a nightmare journey. Unfortunately, thousands of crashes occur each year during the winter. It may seem like a no-brainer that drivers should know and practice being cautious when driving in winter conditions. However, in case you need to be reminded of some safety rules to avoid the hazards of winter driving, take note of these useful tips.

Prepare Before You Head Out in Cold Weather

You should never head out on the road during winter without your cold-weather gear packed away in your vehicle. This should include at least additional food and water, warm clothing, a flashlight, a glass scraper, a snow shovel, booster cables, blankets, emergency candles, and medications. Check to ensure that your tires are fully inflated and have adequate tread. Keep fuel levels high-full or at least half.  It is dangerous to warm up your car in an enclosed space, like a garage. Never do it. Cruise control should never be used on slippery surfaces.

Slow it Down

Winter driving requires you to drive slowly, reducing your speed to about half the posted speed limit and sometimes even lower, depending on the road condition. Keep traction reduction in mind, and pay attention to overpasses, bridges, and ramps, which tend to freeze first.  When accelerating and decelerating, do so slowly. You must adjust your speed accordingly when driving in ice and snow to counter reduced tire traction. If you find that you have lost traction, slowly apply gas to regain it and minimize the chance of skids. Slow down significantly for turns and stop lights/stop signs. When traveling in snowy conditions, increase your following distance by roughly 5 to 6 seconds, essentially giving yourself a longer distance to stop.

Make Vehicle Maintenance a Priority

Your vehicle needs to be ready to go on the road in winter and also to ensure your safety. That is why vehicle maintenance is crucial for winter travel, whether it’s for your regular commute to work or a trip across state lines. Check oil and antifreeze levels, tire treads and pressure, brakes, and your emergency supplies. Slips and slides are more likely to occur with worn tires so ensure that your tires’ thread count is at the recommended level. Ensure that your tires are fully inflated since tire pressure will decrease 1-2 pounds of pressure every 10-degree drop in temperature. When it comes to your brakes, do not ignore them if you hear squeaking. 

Practice Defensive Driving

When driving in winter weather, you have to be even more alert and engaged with what’s going on around you. Avoid quick, jerky movements or slamming on the brakes, and go slowly,  so you can gain traction, but also keep an eye on the speed of other drivers to avoid accidents. Reduce your radio volume and listen to the road so you can identify when the road has changed from snow to ice. There is usually a loud noise when tires go over snow and that noise is not the same on icy roads.  It’s also good to keep the radio volume down to hear winter advisory. Limit distractions and keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

Check the Weather and Stay Connected

Without warning, winter weather can change in an instant. If you are on the road and have no clue what the day’s weather will be, you could find yourself in a predicament. It’s good practice to check the weather on your travel route so you can be aware of weather conditions that would warrant a change of plans. Bad winter weather often forces people to delay or postpone a trip. Let family or close friends know your travel plans, including route, destination, and expected time of arrival.

When preparing your vehicle for winter weather, ensure that you have all the auto parts for it to run smoothly. Visit a Robertson’s Auto Salvage for updated auto parts so that your vehicle will be ready to take on the winter roads. Your safety is a priority. Give us a call today at 508-295-9444.

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2680 Cranberry Hwy.
Wareham, MA 02571
[email protected]

Phone: (508) 295-9444
Toll-Free: (800) 551-7000

Hours

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2680 Cranberry Hwy.
Wareham, MA 02571
[email protected]

Phone: (508) 295-9444
Toll-Free: (800) 551-7000

Hours

Mon – Fri: 8am – 5pm
Closed Sat & Sun

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