Thousands of vehicles are decommissioned each year. These vehicles often end up in salvage yards. Many of the cars and trucks that find their way to a salvage lot still have a lot of quality parts. Mechanics and DIY enthusiasts can take advantage of these parts to help reduce repair costs.
You will be able to buy anything you can take apart from a salvage yard, but you should understand how the process works if you want to maximize the benefit a salvage yard can offer.
Discover four tips that you can use to streamline your salvaging experiences in the future.
1. Remove Old Parts First
When relying on a salvage yard for used auto parts, remove the old part from your own vehicle before you head to the nearest salvage yard.
By pulling the old part first, you will have a better idea which tools are necessary to get the job done. Bring these tools with you to the salvage yard to ensure you are able to secure the part you need with relative ease.
Pulling your old part can also give you the chance to identify where the part is within your vehicle’s mechanical system. That way, you do not have to spend too much time looking for the part you need in a salvage yard.
2. Do Your Research
The best option is to pull the replacement part you need from a vehicle that is the same make, model, and year as your own. Unfortunately, an exact match may not always be available.
Take the time to do your research. Find out if any other vehicle makes and models share the same parts. Many car manufacturers will utilize the same parts as other manufacturers for various purposes.
If you have done your research and you know which other vehicles are compatible with your own, you will have an easier time locating a salvage yard vehicle that you can pull the part from.
3. Check for Aftermarket Parts
A lot of drivers like to customize their vehicles by installing aftermarket parts. These parts are designed to maximize the performance of a vehicle, and many also help improve the aesthetic of the vehicle as well.
Aftermarket parts can be expensive. Your local salvage yard can be a great resource when finding affordable aftermarket parts for your vehicle.
Most salvage yards have a fee schedule based on the type of part you pull. Since they have no differentiation between a factory-original part and an aftermarket part, you can save a significant amount of money by buying your aftermarket parts at the salvage yard.
4. Come Prepared to Find the Best Part
Salvage yards can only save you money if you are able to identify the best possible replacement part for your vehicle. Come prepared with a few essential tools and supplies in order to make the selection of a quality part possible.
Bring the tools that you will need to pull the part. Bring a small battery tester so that you can determine if any electronic components are functional before you purchase them.
Also, wear safety equipment to protect against injury while you work in a salvage yard. Gloves, safety goggles, water, and shop towels can prove extremely useful.
The more prepared you are when you go to a salvage yard, the more likely you are to find a quality replacement part for your vehicle.
Contact City Auto Wreckers whenever you need affordable replacement auto parts. We will be happy to answer any questions you have and let you know how to best find the replacement parts you’re looking for.