Guidance
Getting Started: Begin Your CAR Audit with Confidence
Begin Your CAR Certification Audit
Getting started on your CAR audit is a straightforward process once you receive your CAR Record link. This record serves as your roadmap, guiding you through each section of the audit and helping you track progress as you work toward certification.
If you are new to CAR, the best approach is to take the audit one section at a time. Start with the General Business Standards, as these establish the foundation for compliance and make the remaining sections easier to complete. Working methodically helps reduce errors, keeps the process manageable, and sets you up for a successful audit submission.
Helpful Downloads
Order Certification Branded Items (pdf)
CAR CHECKLIST (pdf)
Photos Required CHECKLIST (pdf)
Gold Seal CHECKLIST (pdf)
HVV CHECKLIST (pdf)
Recall CHECKLIST (pdf)
Section Specific Guidance
Are You Certification ready
Use this guide to quickly assess your readiness for CAR certification and identify any gaps before starting your audit. DOWNLOAD HERE.
CAR Manual Fluid Removal & Storage
This manual outlines proper procedures for safely removing, handling, and storing vehicle fluids in compliance with CAR environmental standards. DOWNLOAD HERE.
SPCC Spill Prevention Control & Countermeasure
This resource explains SPCC requirements and best practices for preventing, controlling, and responding to oil spills at your facility. DOWNLOAD HERE.
Parts Washing
This guide outlines proper parts washing procedures to support cleanliness, quality control, and CAR compliance. DOWNLOAD HERE.
SWPPP Template
This template helps facilities develop a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan that meets regulatory and CAR compliance requirements. DOWNLOAD HERE.
CAR Manual Safety
This manual outlines workplace safety requirements and best practices to support CAR compliance and employee protection. DOWNLOAD HERE.
HAZ Comm Plan Sample
This sample Hazard Communication Plan provides a framework for documenting HAZCOM procedures and meeting CAR compliance requirements. DOWNLOAD HERE.
HAZ Comm and SDS Basics
This guide explains Hazard Communication requirements and how to properly manage Safety Data Sheets (SDS) to support workplace safety and CAR compliance. DOWNLOAD HERE.
ARA CAR Cutting Torch Protocol
This protocol outlines safe and compliant procedures for using cutting torches during vehicle dismantling and processing. DOWNLOAD HERE.
About ARA University
ARA University is an online training platform built specifically for the automotive recycling industry, providing education that supports safety, compliance, and operational excellence.
Its fast-growing course catalog keeps pace with rapid changes in vehicle technology, regulations, and best practices, including electric and hybrid vehicle training.
Designed for both facility owners and employees, ARAU makes it easy to onboard staff, track learning, and build a knowledgeable, well-prepared workforce.
An instruction sheet for initial login and employee setup is available HERE.
Recommended Courses For General Business
Housekeeping
This training discusses the benefits of good housekeeping practices in the workplace. It describes how housekeeping routines can increase productivity and lower the frequency of accidents and injuries. Methods for improving organization are also discussed.
Estimated Completion Time: 5-15 minutes
Recommended Courses For Safety
Safety Courses
General Shop Safety
This training gives an overview of general shop safety hazards and best practices. It includes personal protective equipment, tool safety, compressed air and gas cylinders, and electrical safety. También está disponible en español.
Visite la sección de cursos en español para verlo.
Estimated Completion Time: 15 minutes
Hazard Communication
This training covers hazard communication and complies with OHSA's Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200). It covers hazard communication programs, chemical container labeling, safety data sheets, as well safety precautions. It also addresses general first aid procedures associated with overexposure to a chemical substance.
This training expires 1 year from the completion date.
También está disponible en español. Visite la sección de cursos en español para verlo.
Estimated Completion Time: 15-30 minutes
Accident Record-keeping with OSHA 300 Logs
This training goes over OSHA's updated regulatory requirements on accident reporting. It includes the criteria for recording, the forms that need to be completed, and the new reporting regulations.
Estimated Completion Time: 5-10 minutes
Supervisor and Manager Safety: Incident Investigations
This general awareness training covers the breakdown of the incident investigation process. It includes how to prepare, best practices to follow for the scene of the incident, root cause analysis, and corrective actions.
También está disponible en español. Visite la sección de cursos en español para verlo.
Estimated Completion Time: 15 minutes
Safety Committee Formation
This training includes information on a safety committee’s purpose and responsibilities, how to form a committee, and how to run a safety committee meeting. También está disponible en español.
Visite la sección de cursos en español para verlo.
Estimated Completion Time: 15 minutes
Personal Protective Equipment
This training includes information on Personal Protective Equipment and when it is required. Topics covered include an overview of types of personal protective equipment, care and maintenance, and employee and employer responsibilities.
This training expires 3 years from the completion date. También está disponible en español.
Visite la sección de cursos en español para verlo.
Estimated Completion Time: 10-15 minutes
Eye Injury Prevention
This awareness training covers eye protection controls, eye hazards, types of eye protection, and emergency response practices in the automotive space.
Estimated completion time is 10-15 minutes.
Fire Safety Training
Fire Safety Training on ARA University https://arauniversity.org/.
Fire safety is an important aspect of good facility management at every auto recycling facility.
This compliance issue is address in the CAR Safety Section.
Fire Extinguisher Safety
This training goes over the PASS technique for using a fire extinguisher. It also discusses the different types of fire extinguishers, which fires are appropriate to fight, and when it’s better to evacuate.
También está disponible en español. Visite la sección de cursos en español para verlo.
Estimated Completion Time: 5 minutes
Fire Prevention
This training gives an overview on fire prevention principles for employees. It includes information on common fire hazards and precautions to handle them, how to use a fire extinguisher, and what to expect from your employer’s fire prevention plan.
También está disponible en español. Visite la sección de cursos en español para verlo.
Estimated Completion Time: 15-20 minutes
Basic First Aid Awareness
This training covers basic first-responder techniques designed to keep people safe and alive until EMS arrives to take over.
It includes information on many different emergencies, such as heart attack, choking, or burns, and the appropriate responses for them, including CPR.
Lockout / Tagout General Awareness
This training provides a general awareness on the purpose of Lockout / Tagout, as well as the hazardous energy risks that can occur if machinery is not properly locked out.
For employees authorized to lockout machinery, this training will also cover the requirements for Lockout / Tagout as well as the procedures locking out and tagging out machinery.
This training expires 1 year from the completion date.
Estimated Completion Time: 10-20 minutes
Welding and Hot Work
This training includes information on hot work techniques, hazards and safeguards, proper PPE, arc welding safety, torch use and inspection, and cylinder handling and storage.
También está disponible en español. Visite la sección de cursos en español para verlo.
Estimated Completion Time: 45 minutes
Forklift Safety Training
Forklift Safety Training on ARA University https://arauniversity.org/
Required for all forklift operators once every 3 years. This training provides formal/classroom instruction for forklift operators. It introduces the hazards and principles of safe forklift operation, based on OSHA regulations and best practices.
This training expires 3 years from the completion date.
Estimated Completion Time: 30-40 minutes.
Recommended Courses Environmental Standards
Environmental Standard Courses
Stormwater Best Management Practices
This training covers the definition of stormwater, common stormwater pollutants, how they can impact local waters, and what your organization can do to control their effects.
Estimated Completion Time: 10-15 minutes
ARA - Stormwater Sampling
This training discusses stormwater sampling.
ARA - Depollution Training
A training on depollution.
ARA - Gas Coolant
Depollution and dismantling of vehicles is an environmentally friendlier way of recycling end of life vehicles. ARAU and SEDA, a leader in the market of depollution and offer depollution training which allows for the complete drainage and removal of various parts to be recycled.
This training provides guides for draining oils and fuel processed properly, with environmentally sound practice.
ARA - Oil and Coolant
Depollution and dismantling of vehicles is an environmentally friendlier way of recycling end of life vehicles. ARAU and SEDA, a leader in the market of depollution and offer depollution training which allows for the complete drainage and removal of various parts to be recycled.
This training provides guides for draining oils and fuel processed properly, with environmentally sound practice.
ARA - Safe Removal and Handling of EV, Hybrid and 12V Batteries
This training covers the safe removal and handling of EV, hybrid, and 12V batteries.
ARA - Removing and Recycling Mercury Switches
This training provides information on end of life vehicle mercury switch removal.
A/C 609 Training
This training provides a general overview of A/C 609 MVAC systems, including environmental effects and other hazards.
It covers information on common refrigerants, use conditions for snap substitutes, key Clean Air Act sections, procedures for recovering, recycling, and recharging pure refrigerants, and recovery of unrecyclable refrigerants and leak detection.
This is an EPA Certified course. Estimated Completion Time: 35-40 minutes
R-1234yf: Understanding the Next Generation in Mobile A/C Refrigerant
This training presents 3 videos from Honeywell that educate the user about R-1234yf refrigerant systems, differences between R-1234yf and R-134a systems, and servicing R-1234yf systems.
Estimated Completion Time: 50 minutes
MANAGE YOUR CAR RECORD
Getting started on your CAR audit has never been easier. Once you receive your CAR Record link you will be anxious to get started on your facility audit. If you are new to CAR then take it section by section and audit for General Business Standards 1st!
rUN aN aUDIT rEPORT
This checklist helps Certified Auto Recyclers prepare their facilities, staff, and equipment for the safe and compliant handling of electric and hybrid vehicles. As EV and HEV technology becomes mainstream, proper PPE, lockout procedures, safety signage, and trained shipping personnel are essential to protect workers and meet regulatory requirements.
pROFESSIONAL aUDITOR lIST
The High Voltage Vehicle Standards Checklist establishes a clear framework for safely managing high voltage vehicles in certified auto recycling facilities. It outlines required PPE, specialized tools, technician training, documentation, and compliant battery handling, storage, and shipping to protect personnel and meet regulatory standards.
CAR Auditor Application
DBLO (High Voltage Vehicle Dismantling Protocol) sets the safety and handling standards for electric and hybrid vehicles at Certified Auto Recycler facilities. Backed by ARA training, it protects workers, ensures environmental compliance, and allows high-voltage vehicles and components to be safely and responsibly recycled.