Buying the parts that you need to fix up your vehicle can be a pricey and frustrating endeavor, especially when you’re trying to scrape up mirrors or wheel rims for an older or foreign car. Rest assured, auto salvage yards provide a simple solution for the money savvy.
Whether you’re looking for the part to keep your most prized possession roadworthy, or you’re hoping to give your vintage vehicle a facelift, a salvage yard can be your one-stop-shop for all things used auto parts.
Choose your auto salvage yard wisely
Full-service auto salvage yards like All Truck and Car, a top-rated pick and pull in Utah, typically work in one of two ways. These hubs for car parts either break their vehicles down as soon as they come in, or salvage yards will choose to shell out auto parts as they receive orders from customers.
If you have access to a full-service yard, reach out and ask about their inventory and let them know what you need. If they can, these auto part professionals will inform you of what’s available and what pricing is on what you want. While these full-service salvage yard spots are more convenient, they may be more costly than self-service options.
Self-service yards are relatively self-explanatory. Once auto salvage yard professionals lug in the scrap vehicles and place them on the lot, it’s just a matter of time before customers arrive to break down the cars themselves. Once customers have snagged the parts they want, they’ll purchase these second hand parts for a fraction of the price of brand-new parts.
Don’t be afraid to explore
Salvage yards might not be familiar territory, so consider taking a pre-scavenger-hunt tour to get a lay of the land and see what they have around. If you’re lucky enough to have a few auto salvage yards in your area, this could be a fun way to explore your options. Take an experienced friend if you’re nervous, and get a feel for the quality you can expect from the auto salvage yards in your local area.
Plan ahead if you want something specific
There’s always a new buried treasure awaiting you at a salvage yard, but if you’re in the market for something particular, there are a few things you should consider. Call in advance to make sure they have the vehicle you’re looking to pull from–or something comparable. If you have a specific part you’re looking for, you should ensure you have all the tools you need for the job when you show up, so you don’t waste your time and entry fee.
Do your research
Much like other companies, salvage yards will niche down to meet the needs of their clients. For a fruitful excursion, study up on the vehicle you’re looking to fix and see what other cars have compatible parts. To further avoid unsuccessful salvage yard trips, explore your local salvage yard’s website or give them a call to see if they handle the type of vehicle you’re looking for or something potentially compatible before you drop in and start hunting.
Decide if you want to browse or get something specific
Salvage yards can be a treasure trove for the bargain shopper, especially if you’re buying parts for an older vehicle with components that aren’t manufactured anymore and might require custom machining. With top-tier auto salvage yards leaving you spoiled for choice, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when there are auto parts as far as the eye can see. For time efficiency’s sake, ask yourself if you’re only going to grab what you need right now or if you’re looking to snag anything you think might be helpful.
Bring a friend to help
Depending on what you’re looking to pull, you and your tool bag might not be enough to get the job done. Want to load up the back of your truck with everything you need to fix up that rare classic you’re rebuilding? Grab a few handy friends to join you on your adventure to help you break everything down into manageable pieces and cart it out when you’ve found everything you want. Remember to treat them to pizza after.
Don’t be afraid to ask staff for help
Auto salvage yards have resources available to streamline your experience. While they may not be willing to loan you the tool belt you forgot, these auto part professionals can offer you a receptacle to store found treasures in. Additionally, if you’re looking to pull something big, like the engine out of that old SUV, you can make use of their A-Frame.
Upon request, these salvage yard attendants might even be able to help you find what you’re looking for. For example, these professionals–who know the yard like the back of their hand–can point you in the direction of your top-choice vehicle. Remember, having the staff help you plot your potential path through the yard and to your treasures will save you valuable time.
Wrap up
Salvage yards provide a unique opportunity to find the parts you need at a fraction of the cost of retail. Now that you’ve got the basics of auto salvage yards, it’s time to start rummaging for buried treasure.
