How To Determine If Used Auto Parts Are A Good Option For Your Vehicle
When repairing your car or truck, the parts are often the most expensive part of the job. For DIY mechanics or vehicle owners, many repairs are easily manageable, but the price or availability of replacement parts can make things challenging. Buying used car parts to do the job can be a good option, but you need to be sure you are getting the right parts at a fair price.
Where To Find Parts
Used car parts are easy to get through auto salvage used and used parts dealers in most areas of the country. The trick when buying these parts is getting good parts that fit your needs and work the way they should.
Often, your best bet is to go to an auto salvage yard nearby and talk to them about what you need. Many yards have cars that still have parts on them, and some parts are already removed and inventoried, ready for sale.
Other times, you may need to remove the parts yourself, and that can sometimes be a better option because you can take the time to find the parts you need.
Inspecting Used Parts
If the parts are already off the car, you can take the time to look over the used car parts to ensure they are not physically damaged, but you need to be prepared with a few items that will help. When you go to the yard, there are a few things you need to ensure you can get a good look at the used car parts you are considering.
Take some rags with you and wipe down the part carefully so you can see the outside of it. You are looking for damage to the case or other areas of the part, and any identifying tags that can help you verify that you have the right pieces in front of you. Not all used car parts are identified right when removed from scrap or wrecked cars, and taking a minute to look for a sticker or ID plate could save a lot of time later.
Take some pictures of the car part you are replacing in your car and take them with you. Most cell phones take good pictures and can help identify differences in the components. Used car parts may fit several different vehicles, so if you can see that all the mounting points and connections are the same, it could be worth buying a part tagged for another vehicle.
Many salvage yards or used car parts resellers have interchange guides that can help verify the parts will fit your vehicle, and if they don't, check online because many are published on car repair and restoration websites across the world wide web.