Discover the Value of Local Salvage Yards Near You
The automobile industry is one of the biggest industries in the world. While new cars are mass-produced every year, others reach the end of their lives and are taken off the road. Whether the vehicle has been scrapped after an accident, is no longer useful or the damage is too costly to fix, chances are that it’s not fully useless, and some parts can still be salvaged. In the article below, get to learn about the value of the salvage yards near you.
Introduction to Local Salvage Yards
Local salvage yards collect used cars no longer suitable for driving and strip them of usable parts and components. These auto parts are then refurbished, recycled, or sold. Salvage yards attract hundreds of businesses and car enthusiasts as they can get replacement parts at lower prices. Usually, preowned parts can cost 20 to 80% less than their brand-new equivalent. Most yards will allow customers to enter the lot and look for the parts they need.
Advantages of Shopping at a Salvage Yard
A salvage yard may be the final resting place for cars, but it’s much more than where people dump their old vehicles. While many people believe that used car parts aren’t useful, there are many benefits of shopping in auto salvage yards. Here are some of them.
Find Replacement Parts at an Affordable Price
It’s common knowledge that parts prices are quite high. Even buying used parts online can be costly. However, yards have plenty of salvaged cars with parts you can clean and use for lower prices. Scouring a junkyard for replacement parts may take some work, but the effort is worth it if you find what you want at a lower price.
You Get Plenty of Options
Most of the time, when looking for parts for your old car, the average dealership shops might not readily have them. They will have to order them from other places. At times, some of them will actually get the parts from salvage yards. Ultimately, you are getting the part from the same source. The only difference is that, in one scenario, a middleman was involved.
Used Car Parts Meet OEM Specification
Used tires, car doors, batteries, and other parts comply with OEM requirements. The original car may no longer be useful, but you can still benefit from the used parts. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that the parts you need meet the industry standards.
Finding Parts Is Easy
You may be worried that when you go to the salvage yard, you’ll have to go through a ton of vehicles to find what you need. But while that may have been the case in the past, today, you don’t have to do that. Some of these yards have websites where they post available parts. Go online and check whether what you want is available.
You’ll Be Helping the Environment
Besides all these advantages of shopping for parts in a yard, you’ll also be helping the environment. Installing used auto parts prevents them from going to waste. These parts have heavy metals that shouldn’t be allowed to go to waste. The more they’re reused and recycled, the better for the environment.
Tips for Finding the Best Local Salvage Yard
Now that you know the benefits of shopping at a salvage yard, the next step is finding one. Should you just go to any salvage yard, or is there a process involved? Here are some tips to help you find the best local salvage yard.
Check if the Yard Has a Website
You can get a lot of useful information from a junkyard website instead of going there physically. This includes the kind of parts they have available. For instance, you may want truck parts, but they don’t have them at the moment. Checking the website first will save you time.
Check for Warranty
Just because you’re buying parts from an auto salvage yard doesn’t mean there shouldn’t be a warranty. While in most cases the warranty may lack, that’s not the rule. Find a reputable junkyard that will offer you a warranty for parts, even if it’s just for a month or two. Cosmetic parts may not have warranties, but important parts like the transmission and engine should.
The Cost of Parts
While most yards pride themselves in having great prices, not all of them are affordable. Some may sell parts at a higher price than local parts stores. If that’s the case, you may just want to buy parts at your local store.
Benefits of Buying Used Parts
New auto parts are expensive and can also be difficult to find in certain circumstances. The good news is that you can look into other options, like getting used auto parts. Some of the benefits of buying used car parts include the following.
Easy to Find
There are many used parts readily available, especially for popular brands. This makes it easy to find the parts you want, whether for your truck or SUV.
Affordable
One of the major reasons people go for used car parts instead of new ones is the price. Buying a used car part is an easier way to fix your car and be back on the road in a short time.
High-Quality
You may assume that car parts from junkyards aren’t worth it. But contrary to that opinion, you can get quality car parts that will fit your car. The major difference is that, unlike new parts, used parts have already been used. Fortunately, before they are sold, they’re cleaned and inspected, ensuring you don’t end up with a useless part.
Readily Available
Anytime your car needs a replacement part, you most probably want it as soon as possible. Most of the time, a scrap yard will have a huge inventory of these parts, making it easy for you.
Eco-Friendly
Buying used parts reduces the need for manufacturers to produce new auto parts. By reusing what already exists, you reduce your impact on the environment.
What to Look for When Shopping at a Salvage Yard
While shopping at a yard instead of an auto parts store has many benefits, you have to inspect the parts carefully before picking them. Some of the things you need to look at when shopping include the following.
Rust and Corrosion
Inspect parts before you remove them, as they could be rusty or corroded. Doing so will save you time and energy. The last thing you want is to pull parts only to find they are useless. Even worse, you have already paid and taken them home, only to realize you can’t use them. While some yards have excellent customer service and will refund you, others may take you in circles and waste your time.
Compatibility
In the process of shopping for a part, ensure it’s compatible with your vehicle. The great news is that some parts from older models may be compatible with your car even if the model years are different. Either way, do some research to find parts that will keep your car running.
Excessive Wear
Most cars in a junkyard are more than five years old. That means the parts have been used, and some are worn out. Don’t settle for excessively worn-out parts, as they won’t give you service for a long time.
OEM Parts
OEM parts come from the same manufacturer that made your car. As such, they will fit well and last much longer. Just because you’re buying a part from a salvage yard doesn’t mean you should settle for a fake part. If you can’t find what you want, it’s better to look for it in auto parts stores.
How to Save Money on Salvage Yard Purchases
If you’ve never been to a salvage yard to pull parts, here are a few tips to help you save money.
Check Prices and Sales
Most yards will post a price list on their website or quote a price when you call. Have this information before going to the yard so that you know where to start bargaining.
Do Some Research
Research the cost of the item you want to know how much it costs. When the salesperson quotes a price, you’ll know whether you are being overcharged.
Know How to Bargain
Unlike most parts stores with fixed prices, there is room for bargaining in salvage yards. This is where you need to work on your bargaining prowess. Don’t settle for the first price you hear. Try to negotiate as much as possible for a good price.
Conclusion: Why Local Salvage Yards Are a Great Resource
Local salvage yards are an incredible resource for car owners. While one person may see it as a place to drop a junk car, those who know what to look for, benefit the most. It’s here that you get affordable car parts to restore or repair your car. You can also find discontinued car parts in these yards. Some stores can charge you a fortune for hard-to-find parts, but yards are quite affordable.
