How to Manage an Auto Salvage Business

An auto salvage business is generally in business to disassemble automobiles, trucks or any other motorized vehicle with the intent to reuse or sell usable parts. A manager for an auto salvage business should have industry knowledge and understanding of the machinery used in the business.

Instructions

1. Be able to identify vehicles and parts. The auto salvage industry requires managers to evaluate the worth of vehicles and determine salvageable parts. Some cars can only be used for scrap metal where other vehicles may still function upon arrival.

2. Take care of the environment. One of the challenges that auto salvage managers face is preventing liquid hazardous materials from entering the soil, ground water or surface water. Release of air conditioner refrigerants, known as CFCs or chlorofluorocarbons, into the air is another hazard that can occur. There are many stages during the salvage process where contamination can occur. As a manager your job is to know how to contain and prevent this contamination.

3. Invest the time on vehicles when they're brought to the business. If you invest a maximum of eight hours per vehicle when it arrives, you can remove valuable parts and hazardous materials and inventory the car. Managers who don't do this often spend 25 to 35 hours per vehicle per year. If a fluid spills, you may have to test it to determine if it's hazardous.

4. Recycle materials. Used oil can be burned for heat in any manufactured used oil burner. Likewise, gasoline removed from vehicles can be used to fuel your own vehicle or sold for additional profit. Glass that has the PVC film removed can be recycled into construction aggregate and a catalytic converter can be used for its platinum content. Playground equipment, gravel substitutions and other crumb rubbers are just a few ways that tires can be recycled into useful products.

5. Maintain a safety-first attitude. As a manager, you can implement new safety practices and uphold current regulations. When possible use less toxic products and non-chlorinated products. Review material safety data sheets (MSDS) before you order new products. You should label every container including small spray bottles to avoid cross contamination or misuse.

6. Keep the business compliant with all local, state and government laws. The amount of hazardous materials found in an auto salvage business lead to more regulations than other businesses. You need to ensure that the business doesn't violate noise restrictions or create too much dust or odors.

7. Have general management experience. As with all businesses, you benefit by understanding management concepts like profit and loss, human resource basics like hiring, counseling and termination and how to maintain daily operations.