Keeping your car in good shape isn’t cheap. Constant maintenance, regular oil changes, and filters, as well as replacement parts, can all add up to a sizable bill. And while buying used parts on the cheap isn’t necessarily expensive, it may not save you money in the long run. It all comes down to how often you drive your car and what kind of mileage it averages.
If you drive under 25,000 miles a year or if your car is fairly new and doesn’t need many replacement parts, then going to salvage yards for used parts may be a good idea for you. If you are interested in learning more about where to buy used car parts and what the benefits are of buying them from junkyards near me, continue reading the article below.
What Are Salvage Yards and How Do They Operate?
Salvage yards are facilities that take in heavily damaged/written-off vehicles and then sell off the parts to be used again. A salvage title is given to a vehicle that has been declared a total loss by an insurance company. That means the vehicle can’t be fixed and is unusable in its present condition.
So, the only way the vehicle can be used again is if the damaged parts are salvaged and reused. When the damaged vehicle is dropped off at the salvage yard, it is inspected and the parts that can be used are separated from the rest of the vehicle. The valuable parts are then sorted and packaged for resale as used parts by the salvage yard.
Why Should You Go to a Salvage Yard?
Most people don’t think of salvage yards as a source for used auto parts, but they can be an excellent resource when you’re on a tight budget. It is possible to find parts at a salvage yard that are less expensive than what is available at the auto parts store. The main reason they’re less expensive is that they’re used.
Keep in mind that even used parts have a limited lifespan. If you go with a salvage part, you may end up having to replace it more frequently than if you had purchased a new part, to begin with. Salvage yards have a variety of different parts available, including engines, transmissions, and tires. You can even find entire cars and trucks for sale at some salvage yards.
Salvage yards offer the advantage of being able to purchase the specific part that you need for your vehicle. That means you don’t have to buy a whole new part if you only need one specific part for your car.
When Should You NOT Buy Used Parts From a Salvage Yard?
Used parts are almost always cheaper than brand-new parts, but there are times when you should absolutely avoid salvage yards. If your car needs major repairs, it’s not a good idea to go to a salvage yard to try to find parts. In fact, you shouldn’t even try to find used parts at all if your car needs major repairs. You should instead focus on getting the repairs done so you can get your car back on the road. When your car is in need of major repairs, you run the risk of buying a part that won’t solve your problem.
The part may not even fit your car, or it may not be installed properly and fail again in the not-too-distant future, causing you more problems and expenses. If your vehicle is drivable but needs minor repairs, you may be able to save money by buying used parts from a salvage yard. However, if your car is drivable, it’s probably safe to drive it until you can get the minor repairs done.
Conclusion
There are many places where you can buy used parts, including salvage yards. It’s important to remember that even used parts come with limited warranties, and when you buy those parts from a salvage yard, you’re getting the same warranty that you would get if you bought them brand new.
