Junk yards are a DIY mechanic's dream. Not only can you usually find pretty much any part you want at a junk yard, you can find a part for a lot cheaper than what you would have to pay for a new one at an auto parts store. If you have never shopped at a junk yard for parts, it is highly likely that you have some things you want to know before you go. here is a quick look at a few of the most common questions newcomers tend to have about shopping for auto parts at a junk yard like Cottman Used Auto Parts.
Do you need to take tools with you to remove your own parts?
This will depend on the junk yard, but in most cases no because the junk yard will retrieve the part for you. There are designated pull-apart junk yards where you essentially grab a cart at the front and go pull whatever parts you need from the vehicles on the lot. In these cases, you will often be required to bring your own tools, but there will usually be loaner tools also available in limited supply.
Can the junk yard just a pull a part for you and have it ready?
In some cases, yes. You can give a junk yard in your area a call and ask them about a specific part for your vehicle and they will have it ready for you when you arrive. Some junk yards even offer shipping services to customers outside of their area. So if you don't have a local junk yard that has what you need it is always worth calling a few other places to see if they can ship you a part.
Is it safe to buy all types of auto parts from a junk yard?
Junk yards are filled with useful parts for your vehicle, but there are definitely some used auto parts you should not waste your time with. A few examples of used auto parts to leave at the junk yard would include:
- fuel system components, like filters and gas tanks
- water pumps
- used filters, such as oil or transmission filters
- transmissions that have not been properly drained and removed from a salvaged vehicle
What is a junk yard runner?
Some junk yard businesses have employees they often refer to as runners. Runners are responsible for retrieving parts when a customer comes in and makes a request.
Share
