Cash for Clunkers program boosts West Knoxville business

Cash for Clunkers program boosts West Knoxville business

By SHELBY BAKER
6 News Reporter

KNOXVILLE (WATE) -- "Clunkers" are arriving at Knox Auto Parts on Oak Ridge Highway every day. 

"We've contacted about two dozen dealers and made arrangements to haul their scrap, we've so far got about 300 cars secured," says Knox Auto Parts General Manager Greg Peck.

They can sell everything on the car except the engine.

"The dealership drains the oil and they pour in a liquid glass type solution. They run the engine at 2,000 RPMs for seven minutes and that destroys the engine and makes it no longer good for anyone to use at all," Peck says.

Peck says the Cash for Clunker program will help make up for last year's loss.

"Last year with the price of fuel, it really hit us hard and this year with this little boost of cars, we are excited about the opportunities we're going to have." 

One of the regulations recyclers face is that all of the clunkers have to be crushed on site within 180 days.

Peck say Knox Auto Parts is on the end of life vehicle solutions list, which put it in position to contact dealers and offer them scrap value for the vehicles.

Meanwhile, the Senate has reached a deal to save the Cash for Clunkers program. Senators agreed to vote Thursday on adding $2 billion to the federal plan.

This means consumers will be able to take advantage of the rebates of up to $4,500 until Labor Day.