If you like to work on your own vehicles instead of taking them to a mechanic, you need to have knowledge about basic auto parts. We aren't professionals either but we do know enough to make minor repairs on our vehicles. We've learned what we know by talking to mechanics and reading books on auto repair.
We've written this auto parts blog to give you basic information about various car parts and how they work. We'll also tell you the signs to look for when a part is going bad. We think that you'll find our blog helpful and informative whenever you need to fix your vehicle.
Getting The Best Salvage Auto Parts For Your Car
One of the best ways to save money when buying parts for your car is to consider used or salvage auto parts. There are some things to watch for, but if you know how to look for these parts, the pricing can be significantly lower than new parts, and the parts themselves often are just as good as new.
Look For Tested Parts
Salvage operations often pull good parts off cars as they come into the yard, but there is no way to know if the parts are acceptable if the car is not running unless the yard tests them. If you are buying salvage car parts that can be tested, look for a yard that tests and verifies the condition of the parts.
The salvage yard can test starters, alternators, and similar parts to ensure they are working. If the salvage operator tests these parts, they will typically add the date of the test and the condition to the part with a paint pen. If you are buying parts and there are no markings on the case, ask whether the part has been tested or not, and if it has not, ask if there is a replacement warranty in effect if you get the part home and it does not work.
You may also want to try and negotiate the price down on untested parts, and most dealers selling salvage auto parts will lower the price a little because you are taking a chance with the parts. Just be careful how you approach negotiating so you don't give the impression that you don't trust the dealer, or you may find them not wanting to sell you parts at all.
Bring Your Old Part With You
If you are going to buy salvage car parts, it is sometimes a good idea to take the part you are replacing with you to the salvage yard. If you have your original part, you can use it to match the mounting locations, pulleys, or electrical connector locations with the replacement part to ensure it will fit and work properly. When you arrive at the yard, make sure you let the operator know that you have your original part with you, so they can help you look for a match.
Most salvage operators will mark your part so that everyone you deal with knows that it is your original part, and you can take it into the yard with you if you are pulling your own parts. Salvage auto parts may not always come from the same make and model car as yours is, but if you have the original part for reference, you can find one that will fit and work with your vehicle.
For more information about finding salvage auto parts, contact a local salvage yard, like Trusty Pick-A-Part.