Buying parts from a salvage yard has a lot of positive benefits, and many people find it a great, costeffective option for them. But if you plan to go to the salvage yard to find the part you need for your car, you should implement some things so you are prepared when you get there.
Plan Your Trip in Advance
Take the time to look at your vehicle, and figure out what parts you will need from the donor car in the salvage yard. If you need to, make a list of the parts important for the job at hand. If you are not sure what parts you need, you could end up having to go back several times to look everything over.
If your car has missing parts, you may need to do some research online to determine what parts you will need from the donor car. You may determine you need something extra when you get to the yard, but having a plan will make the trip easier and faster.
Photograph Your Parts
When you arrive at the salvage yard, you may find several models of cars have the part you need on them. Some of these parts will fit, and some may be slightly different than your parts. A good way to compare the part in the salvage yard to your part is to take pictures of your part from as many angles as possible.
When you are in the salvage yard looking at a part, the pictures are a useful tool to help determine if the part you found is right for your car or not. Sometimes, the difference may be a hole in the mounting bracket or a different pulley, but look carefully, because, in some cases, you can swap the accessories and make the part work for you.
Prepare Your Tool Box
Take the time to check your toolbox before you head to the salvage yard, making sure you have the right tools for the job. You can check the part on your car to determine what tools you need for the job before you leave home.
Take some extra tools with you if you have space, and if you need to remove a tire to get to the part, do not forget a lug wrench. Often, tools are not usually available at the salvage yard, so do not usually count on using one from there. Include things like gloves, cleaning supplies, and a penetrating oil or lubricant to help free up bolts and fasteners.
Check the Interchange Guide
One common misconception with car parts is that a part must be from an identical make and model to fit your car. Many times, manufacturers used the same part across several models because it saves money. If you understand this, you can find a part that will fit in a car that you might not take a second look at otherwise.
Interchange guides used to be something only available to mechanics and salvage yards but are not readily available with a quick search online. If you have had a hard time finding parts for your specific car, try the interchange guides and get the parts you need from another model that is easier to find.
At
Advantage Salvage & Auto Parts LLC, we have over 10 acres of vehicles with usable parts on them. Give us a call or come by today to see if we have the part you need for your project. We are happy to help you find the parts you need and answer any of your questions about our salvage facility.