How to junk your clunker in the KMC

By Ms. Mary Ann Davis (IMCOM)July 20, 2018

Clunker
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany -- It drove you through snow and rain, to and from work and on trips around Germany without a complaint -- well, maybe a sputter or two -- but now it's finally time to say goodbye to your old junky car that finally went kaput.

So, how do you dispose of an old clunker that's ready for the scrap heap?

Drive it to the professionals at the Baumholder Auto Skills and Parts Yard, located at Bldg. 8438 on Smith Barracks, who can take your vehicle for parts or resale.

It's very simple to get rid of a vehicle you no longer need -- even if it can no longer be driven, said Darwin Baecker, Baumholder Auto Skills manager.

"Normally, vehicle owners drive their U.S. Army in Europe-registered vehicle to our location," Baecker said. "If it can't be driven, they can pay to have it towed to the facility ($60 hookup fee and $1 per kilometer, round trip with no distance limitations).

Once the vehicle is at the facility, the owner must:

• Provide the car keys, lien release (if applicable) and one copy of the vehicle registration,

• Remove all personal property from the vehicle to include license plates,

• Complete three copies of the AE 190-1Z-R (Certification of Release/Donation of POV). You must be the vehicle owner or have a power of attorney from the vehicle owner.

• Pay the $30 donation fee, plus towing fees to the Auto Skills Center

• Remove license plates

Once the old car is donated, people will have to take the license plates, a copy of the registration and one signed, stamped copy of their AE Form 190-1Z-R to vehicle registration to clear the vehicle, Baecker said.

If you are deployed, provide a friend with a power of attorney to turn your vehicle.

"We had Soldier who had to get rid of a car for a friend downrange," Baecker explained. "The car had no keys and was parked in the housing area with its windows rolled down slightly. The car was totally full of water with mold spores growing inside. To make matters worse, someone busted out the back window and painted the inside of the vehicle bright orange. All the neighbors were all angry because it was an eyesore and wasted a parking space. So, he disposed of it, and we sell parts from it."

So when it comes time to part with your old car, drive it (or have it towed) to the professionals at the Baumholder Auto Skills and Parts Yard. Hours of operation are 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Tuesdays through Fridays and 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturdays. Call DSN 531-2949 or civilian at 0611-143-531-2949, for more information.