Have you ever known someone who bragged about how much he or she saved on car repairs by getting spare parts from a self serve junk yard? If so, you probably wondered how hard it would be for you to do the same. If you know how to use basic tools such as wrenches and screwdrivers, you too can reduce the cost of your next car repair bill by supplying the mechanic with domestic or foreign auto parts from a self service salvage yard. With that said, there are a few details you should know if you have never used a salvage lot—information to help you locate the parts you need and remove them like a pro.
Choose a Yard that Keeps an Inventory
Some salvage yards fail to keep track of the vehicles in the lot, which can make it time consuming and difficult to find the components you need. Some people like combing through these types of junk yards as a form of adventure, but if you need a part to repair your car, you probably need to get in and out fast. A salvage lot that inventories its vehicles will help you swiftly find the part you need.
Use the Business’s Website
A yard that keeps an inventory often has a business website where you can search for the make and model of the vehicle from which you need parts. There may also be some information available about certain types of parts. The more you learn about the inventory of a self serve junk yard before you show up in person, the less time you will spend there, and the quicker your vehicle will be repaired.
Take All the Tools You Need
Bringing a ratchet set and screwdriver set is always recommended, but you may need some additional tools, such as a rubber mallet for tapping a part away from the fitting, long nose pliers for lifting a piece out of a semi-enclosed space, or pliers for holding a partially removed piece in place while the rest of the fasteners are undone. If you have a toolbox, go ahead and bring the whole set (better to have too many tools than not enough).
Dress for the Occasion
Salvage lots are not spotless places. You could end up lying on the ground to remove domestic or foreign auto parts from the undercarriage of the vehicle, and the components might have some grease on them. Bring something to lie on, dress in clothes you would not wear to the office, and bring some gloves to keep your fingers from being covered in tough to remove engine residues.
Know the Policies of the Business
Be familiar with the policies of the business before you spend money. Some salvage lots give you a store credit if a part does not work out, or offer a warranty option, but few lots will return your cash. You should also know how you should dress, what types of tools you can bring, and what type of behavior is prohibited in the lot. Wear shoes that will protect your feet during your time of work, do not wear open toed shoes such as sandals. Torches and other types of cutting tools that create sparks are prohibited, due to the fire hazard.
Bring Extra Help if Necessary
Self serve means self serve. Although Wrench-A-Part will assist you by providing free wheelbarrows, wagons, and engine-pulling equipment, you have to perform the removal on your own. If that means getting the help of your “uncle Fester” who worked for decades as a GM mechanic, bring him along. Do what you need to acquire a part from the lot without trying to solicit physical help from the staff.
Come to Wrench-A-Part for Spare Auto Parts
If you are looking for a customer friendly, self serve junk yard that carries domestic and foreign auto parts, Wrench-A-Part is the place to come. In addition to providing free equipment to assist with your removal operation, we offer a $1 per part per day warranty on all components. To find out more about our inventory and services, visit our website, or call us today.
