CAR Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CAR facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which statement about employee training documentation under CAR compliance standards is correct? → Training records must be kept and made available during audits to verify worker competency
2. Under OSHA's Walking-Working Surfaces standard, what is required for fixed ladders extending more than 24 feet? → A ladder safety system or cage with rest platforms every 150 feet
3. Under EPA regulations, a used EV high-voltage battery pack that tests above 80% capacity and is resold for second-life energy storage is classified as: → A reuse product, not a solid waste
4. Which inventory management system is most widely used among professional automotive recyclers in the United States? → Hollander Interchange
5. An automotive recycler receives a vehicle with a salvage title. What must the recycler report to NMVTIS? → VIN, acquisition date, and disposition status
6. What should an automotive recycler do if a purchased vehicle has a lien recorded on its title? → Obtain a lien release from the lienholder before processing the vehicle
7. Which certification ensures that recycled auto parts meet quality standards? → ARA Gold Seal Certification.
8. When handling end-of-life vehicles suspected of containing asbestos in brake components, workers must avoid: → Using compressed air to blow out brake dust
9. What is the purpose of removing the catalytic converter from a scrapped vehicle? → It contains valuable recyclable metals.
10. An auto recycler notices that a specific vehicle model consistently yields higher parts revenue. What is the best strategic response? → Target acquisition of that model at auctions and from insurance companies
11. When processing an electric vehicle, what is the primary purpose of the components identified by bright orange-colored cabling? → To carry high-voltage current between the main battery, inverter, and motor.
12. The 'land disposal restrictions' (LDRs) under RCRA require that hazardous waste must be treated to meet specific standards before: → Being placed in or on the land
13. Under ARA quality standards, which statement about recycled catalytic converters is correct? → They must be graded based on substrate integrity and absence of cracks
14. A recycler wants to maximize the value of a harvested engine. Which action BEST preserves engine resale value? → Start and run the engine to verify operation before removal when possible
15. Why is it important for an automotive recycler to track parts using a unique 'tag' or SKU system? → To enable accurate inventory control, part location, and sales history tracking
16. Which of the following best describes 'depollution' in the context of automotive recycling? → Extracting all hazardous fluids and materials before processing
17. Antifreeze (ethylene glycol) drained from vehicles at an automotive recycler is NOT regulated as a hazardous waste if it is managed under which condition? → It is sent to an antifreeze recycler or managed as used oil under state programs
18. What is the primary hazard when removing a vehicle's shock absorber or strut assembly? → Sudden spring release causing serious injury if the spring is compressed
19. Why is it important to properly store and dispose of refrigerants from scrapped vehicles? → Improper disposal can lead to environmental damage.
20. What is the minimum aisle width OSHA recommends in auto parts warehouses where forklifts operate alongside pedestrians? → At least 3 feet wider than the widest load plus the forklift width
21. What is the environmental advantage of reusing an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) part from a salvage vehicle versus purchasing a new aftermarket part? → No new manufacturing energy or raw materials are consumed
22. Which component of an end-of-life vehicle is classified as a persistent bioaccumulative toxic (PBT) pollutant and requires special handling? → Mercury in convenience light switches and ABS sensors
23. When preparing a vehicle hulk for crushing or shredding, what is the primary reason for ensuring all hazardous materials and fluids have been removed? → To prevent the release of pollutants and avoid costly environmental cleanups.
24. Which best practice helps automotive recyclers comply with state 'Right to Know' laws regarding hazardous materials at their facility? → Maintaining a current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) library for all chemicals on-site
25. A customer requests a 'LKQ' part. What does LKQ stand for and what condition does it indicate? → Like Kind and Quality — a used part matching OEM specifications
26. Which grading standard is most commonly used by automotive recyclers to classify used parts by condition? → ARA Interchange grading scale
27. Which document must accompany hazardous waste when it leaves an automotive recycling facility for off-site disposal? → Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest
28. What is 'parts interchangeability' in automotive recycling? → The ability of a part from one vehicle to function correctly in another compatible vehicle
29. Which sustainable practice directly reduces a recycling yard's carbon footprint by diverting materials from primary production? → Selling reusable OEM parts to extend component life cycles
30. When removing a catalytic converter for resale, which tool minimizes damage to surrounding exhaust components? → Pipe cutter or reciprocating saw leaving adequate pipe length on each side