Purchasing salvage auto parts is a great way to reduce your car ownership costs. But if you have never visited a salvage yard, you may be hesitant to schedule your first trip. The truth is that the perception of salvage yards and auto parts is often very different from the reality. Most salvage dealers run well-organized, professional businesses designed to attract customers and keep them visiting throughout the life of their vehicle. If you’re interested in cutting costs and buying used parts, here’s what you need to know.
Pre-Planning Goes a Long Way
Before you visit a local salvage yard, it’s important to plan ahead of time. Don’t just stop in at any nearby dealer. First, you’ll want to identify which parts you need, and then determine whether or not specific dealers have those replacement parts available. It also makes sense to learn more about salvage auto companies nearby before you get started in order to find a professional, reputable dealer.
Look for Dealers That Offer an Organized, Searchable Inventory
Salvage yards often conjure up images of damaged vehicles haphazardly placed in precarious piles on a vacant lot. While this may hold true for some dealers, many businesses pride themselves on their organization and customer-friendly set up. Consider working with dealers that offer a searchable, organized inventory of vehicles for car owners to peruse. This will help you save time and reduce frustration when you visit.
Plan a Trip With a Friend
If you are planning a trip to a salvage yard, it’s a good idea to bring a friend along with you. You’ll be getting your hands dirty, and it will be helpful to have a partner nearby that can help you find parts, load things up into wheelbarrows, and hold up the hoods of cars. From a safety perspective, it also makes sense to visit a salvage yard with a friend. That way, if you are accidentally injured while pulling a part, you’ll have someone right by your side to help.Bring Your Tools
Most salvage yards will require that you bring your own tools in order to pull the parts you need for your car. Before you visit, make sure to get the dealer’s recommendation on what you should bring along with you. This can help you avoid the unfortunate scenario of finding what you need on the lot but being unable to take it along with you when you leave. The right tools make all the difference when it comes to pulling parts at the salvage auto lot.
Purchasing auto parts from a salvage yard can help you cut the cost of car ownership by thousands of dollars over the life of your vehicle. If you are interested in saving money, what are you waiting for? Plan your trip, find the right salvage auto dealer, call a friend, and bring your tools. You’ll be glad you did when you find the parts you need for a fraction of the cost of buying new.
