A salvage yard is a great place to look if you are looking for car parts to fix your car or while doing a car build or restoration. You can often get parts for much cheaper than you can from an auto shop or manufacturer, and salvage yards have a lot of different cars and parts.
If you are new to using salvage yards, follow these 7 tips to help you find the parts you need.
Be prepared to get dirty
When you are looking for a car part, try a car junkyard in Utah to find auto parts and be prepared to get messy. Finding parts at a salvage yard is a dirty job. You must search through old, beat-up cars and sometimes even get the parts out yourself.
It is recommended that you wear clothes you don’t care about ruining or that you use when working on cars.
Know what you want
Junkyards can be really overwhelming. There are a lot of cars, and if you don’t come in knowing what you want, it can be tough to find things. Before going to the salvage yard, you should have an idea of what kind of part you want.
Knowing the parts you want can help you know the right places to look and where you can find the cars with your desired parts.
Look up inventory
Many salvage yards keep an inventory of their cars and even parts. Check the inventory page or call and ask in advance to see if a salvage yard worker can help make sure they have the parts you want.
Some salvage yards even sell used parts online, so you don’t even have to go to the salvage yard and search yourself. This is a good option if you are looking for more specific parts that are harder to find or have to be from a specific make and model.
Ask workers
Once you get to the salvage yard, you should ask the workers to help direct you to the spots where your desired cars or parts may be. A lot of junkyard employees spend a lot of time in the yard and know the areas well.
They can also help advise you on what used parts are best to buy and where they will likely be found in the yard. They may also be able to help you know which parts you might need for your car.
Use a map
When you check in at the salvage yard, you should ask if you can have a map of the property. This map can help you direct yourself through the area. Sometimes salvage yards can feel like a maze you can get lost in, so using a map can help you feel more confident.
A map can also sometimes show you how the lot is set up. Some salvage yards have different sections based on car types, which can help you know the right place to look.
Bring tools
Some salvage yards require you to get the part loose from the car on your own. When you go to the salvage yard, you should bring your own tool kit.
If you are worried about keeping a part intact and damaging the car further, you should consult a mechanic to learn the correct way to remove the part. Be very careful to check the parts to ensure they are in working condition.
Haggle prices
A lot of junkyards are willing to negotiate prices. They will charge for the cars and parts in their lot, but before you go up to them, you should know the average price for your part, both on the market and used. Have an idea of the most you are willing to pay, but work on your haggling skills.
Remember to offer low at first and then negotiate closer to the price you are willing to pay. Don’t lowball too much, though, and always ask what they are charging before you start the negotiation so that you know the starting price.
Parting shot
Buying used car parts at a salvage yard can be a great way to get cheaper parts. Before you go to the junkyard, have a plan in action and be ready to search for what you want.