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Your Guide to Finding Used Parts in a Salvage Yard

Have you ever found yourself in need of a specific car part, only to realize that purchasing it brand new would break the bank? Well, look no further than your local salvage yard! Salvage yards are treasure troves of used parts that can save you a significant amount of money.

 

In this article, we will guide you through the process of finding and obtaining used parts in a salvage yard.

 

  1. Research and Preparation

 

Before heading to a salvage yard, it is important to do some research and preparation. Start by identifying the specific part you need for your vehicle, whether it’s an engine component, a body part, or an interior fixture. Make note of the make, model, and year of your car to ensure compatibility with the used part you find. Additionally, it’s helpful to bring any necessary tools and protective gear, as salvage yards often require you to remove the parts yourself. Check if the salvage yard has an online inventory or call ahead to verify the availability of the parts you need. This preparation can save you time and ensure you get the right component for your vehicle.

 

  1. Visit the Salvage Yard

 

Once you have done your research, it’s time to visit the salvage yard. When you arrive, ask for assistance from staff members about the specific part or parts you are seeking. Staff members have valuable insights about what is available and choices that might work for your specific needs.

 

  1. Inspect the Parts

 

When you have been shown the parts you are seeking, take your time inspecting them. Look for any signs of damage or wear that could affect the performance of the part once installed in your vehicle.

 

  1. Verify Compatibility

 

Before finalizing your purchase and leaving the salvage yard, make sure to verify that the used part is compatible with your vehicle. An employee can help you if you’re not sure about what parts will fit in your car. Once everything checks out, pay for your part and start saving money on repairs!

 

Why Choose Used Parts from a Salvage Yard Instead of Buying New?

 

Choosing used parts from a salvage yard over new ones offers several compelling benefits. Firstly, cost savings are a major advantage. Used parts are significantly cheaper than brand-new components, helping you save money on vehicle repairs without sacrificing quality. Additionally, salvaging parts is an eco-friendly option. By reusing parts, you contribute to reducing waste and minimizing the environmental impact associated with manufacturing new pieces. Another reason is the availability of rare or discontinued parts. If you own an older or unique vehicle, finding parts can be a challenge, but salvage yards often stock items that are no longer produced.

 

Lastly, salvage yards offer a hands-on learning experience. You’ll gain valuable knowledge about your vehicle and how its parts function, making future repairs easier and less intimidating. In short, salvage yards provide a practical, sustainable, and educational solution for vehicle maintenance.

 

Navigating a salvage yard can be an overwhelming experience for first-timers, but with proper research and preparation, finding used parts for your vehicle can be both rewarding and cost-effective. By following these tips and guidelines outlined in this article, you can confidently locate and purchase quality used parts without breaking the bank.

 

Contact our team at City Auto Wreckers for more info.

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CITY AUTO WRECKERS EARNS AUTO RECYCLING’S ELITE CERTIFICATIONS

The Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA) proudly announces that City Auto Wreckers inc Aurora IL has met all requirements necessary and has earned the Association’s Certified Automotive Recycler (CAR) certification and has also taken the next step to become Gold Seal certified.

ARA members can earn the CAR designation only after completing specific criteria for general business practices, safety and environmental compliance. Earning the CAR designation is a lengthy process often requiring significant time, documentation, and employee training. Members receive their CAR certification only following extensive written and photographic documentation.

CAR certification reflects an automotive recycler’s total commitment to environmental protection and the operation of a professional, progressive auto recycling facility. Such environmental commitments include participation in the National Mercury Switch Removal Program, Storm Water Pollution Prevention and specialized training for handling hazardous materials. Federal, state and local regulatory agencies increasingly recognize CAR as an indicator of an auto recycler’s commitment to maintaining compliance with environmental and safety regulations. The CAR requirements set by ARA often exceed the requirements established by government agencies.

In addition, City Auto Wreckers has earned the Gold Seal certification for superior customer service. Participation in the Gold Seal program requires that the certified facility utilize industry standards for parts grading and provide written warranties on specific parts. Gold Seal certified members must also give the customer an optional way to provide customer feedback from their transaction. Gold Seal members are rated “Best in Class” for superior service and may earn this certification only after completing the initial CAR certification for environmental compliance and general business and safety practices.

ARA recognizes City Auto Wreckers as one of the automotive recycling industry’s top recycling facilities.

Since 1943, the Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA) represents an industry dedicated to the efficient removal and reuse of “green” ROE- Recycled Original Equipment® and the proper recycling of inoperable motor vehicles. ARA represents the interests of over 4,500 auto recycling facilities in the United States and seventeen other countries around the world. With programs such as the Certified Automotive Recycler Program (CAR), Green Recycled Parts, and other partnerships, ARA members continue to provide consumers with quality, low-cost alternatives for vehicle replacement parts, while preserving our environment for a “green” tomorrow.

To learn more about the Association, visit ARA’s Home Page at http://www.a-r-a.org or call (571) 208-0428.

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7 Signs That It’s Time to Junk Your Car

Your car is a valuable asset that makes your life more convenient. If the car has any problems, you can call a mechanic to do the necessary repairs. However, some problems may render your vehicle useless. Read on to learn the signs that your vehicle has become junk. 

1. Rust Appears on Most of the Car

The presence of rust indicates that your vehicle is about to become junk. Rust on your vehicle develops when oxygen and water combine with materials on the vehicle. If you don’t intervene quickly, the rust will expand to other vehicle parts.

You can remove rust from your vehicle if the damage is minimal. However, if most of the car is covered in rust, your only action may be to junk the vehicle.

2. The Car Is Too Old

Your car is not going to be operational forever. At some point, the vehicle will reach its expiration date. Your vehicle’s expiration date depends on the model and design. 

Age, mileage, and maintenance also play a part in the lifespan of a car. For example, vehicles start to break down after driving for more than 100,000 miles.

3. Repairs Have Become Costly 

When the cost of repairs becomes greater than the cost of the car, you should probably junk your vehicle. For instance, tires can be very expensive, and replacing them every few months can be very costly. 

Similarly, car maintenance processes, such as oil changes, may require a lot of money. If all these costly repairs happen within a short time, maybe you should spend the money on another car.

4. The Insurance Company Refuses to Pay for a Totaled Car

The insurance company should pay for most of your car’s repairs after a road accident. However, if the company refuses to pay, you may have to junk your vehicle. The decision by the insurance company may be because the cost of repairs is higher than your car’s value.

5. The Brakes Fail to Work

Dysfunctional brakes are a serious problem that can cause road accidents. The brakes may start to become weaker and gradually make it more difficult to bring your car to a stop. If you don’t take any measures, the brakes can stop working in the middle of the highway. Such a situation can easily turn catastrophic. 

6. The Car Breaks Down Frequently

Does your vehicle break down every time you travel? Nobody likes to be stranded on the side of the road waiting for a towing truck. Even if you can get quick roadside assistance, frequent vehicle breakdowns are an inconvenience.

Similarly, if your vehicle frequently breaks down, it can produce leaking fluids that can be an environmental hazard. In some cases, the vehicle may even emit harmful gasses after breaking down.

7. The Car Has a Poor Safety Rating

The latest vehicle models tend to have better safety ratings than older models. Thus, an older vehicle may have fewer safety features and be a road safety hazard. While the vehicle may be working properly, you can junk it to avoid endangering your life and that of other road users.

Your junk vehicle isn’t all that useless. The vehicle can fetch a good amount of money if you sell it to a scrap metal dealer. When you sell your junk vehicle, you help protect the environment and save space on your property.

City Auto Wreckers is one of the few companies that give you a good bargain for your junk vehicle. We will come to your place to inspect the vehicle and then tow it away. Contact us to get started.

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5 Items to Remove Before Junking Your Car

Selling or donating your vehicle to the local salvage yard is a great way to dispose of an unwanted or unreliable vehicle. But before you give your vehicle a final send-off, you’ll want to make sure you don’t leave anything important behind. Here’s a list of important items that are too valuable or too important to leave behind in a junked vehicle.

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5 Scenarios Where Buying Used Parts Makes Sense

Each year, millions of vehicles end up in junkyards all across the United States. Most vehicles are junked after reaching the natural end of their useful service life while others are salvaged due to collisions. These vehicles may be off the road for good, but for a brief time they live second lives as sources for valuable used parts.
No matter how a vehicle arrives at your local junkyard, the car offers a golden opportunity to salvage parts that are still useful. The following showcases five instances where buying used auto parts is the smart choice.

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4 Smart Reasons to Junk Your Car

When you’re contemplating the end of the line for your car, you may have doubts about the wisdom of letting an older car, beat-up truck, or damaged vehicle go rather than repairing it. However, buying a replacement car is a significant investment that you don’t want to make prematurely. Learn when it’s the smart choice to junk your vehicle rather than repairing it.

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