There are about 12.6 million cars recycled in the United States every year. The junkyard industry is a $22 billion dollar a year business with more than 8,200 companies.
When you need an affordable used car part, there is no better place to go than your local salvage yard. Whether you are looking for a catalytic converter, bumper, door, rear seat, or any other part, you will likely find it in a junkyard near you. The key to getting the part you need is to first understand that there are different types of junkyards.
Self Service Junkyard
With this type of junkyard, you will be doing all the work yourself, so bring your tools. Check-in with the staff to get clearance to roam the yard looking for the parts you need of cash for junk cars.
When you find what you want, you need to disassemble the part from the vehicle. You then take the part into the junkyard store to complete the purchase.
Full Service Junkyard
This type of junkyard makes it easy with staff providing assistance. You roam the junkyard to locate the part you need. A member of the staff will then remove the part for you.
If you do not have proper tools or are not familiar with taking cars apart, this is the better option. Staff members have the proper tools and know-how to take the parts off a vehicle without damaging them. Parts are generally a bit more costly than at a self service facility.
Online Junkyard
Move into the digital media age and yes, you can shop for junkyard parts online. A large number of salvage yards provide inventory lists online that you can browse to find what you need.
Because you can’t inspect the item, some junkyards offer a limited warranty or guarantee of quality. Some places will ship the part to you. Others may require you to pick up the part in person.
Specialty Junkyards
Not all junkyards are created equal. Some offer a variety of vehicle parts and others specialize in one particular area. There are eight types of specialty yards:
- Car Salvages—these specialize in a particular brand or model of vehicle
- Truck Salvages—carry an assortment of trucks and SUVs; some have semi-trucks only
- RV Salvages—this specialty junkyard carries motorhomes, campers, and other RVs
- Motorcycle Salvages—contain all types of motorbikes, including street, dirt, racing, and scooters
- Boat Salvages—you will find parts for marine vehicles from a dinghy to a yacht
- Construction/Heavy-Duty Salvage—bulldozers, bobcats, cranes, and other heavy-duty equipment
- Tractor Salvage—this may be all-encompassing or specialize in one brand, including other farming equipment
- Used Tire Salvage—save by purchasing used tires for your vehicle
Specialty yards service unique areas. General auto salvage yards provide a wider selection of items.
Selling Junk Cars
When selling your junk cars the best bang for your buck may not be a junkyard. Clean up your car and take it to a location that will pay you cash based on value.
Why clean it up? Because whoever you sell it to, whether a junkyard or junk car buyer is going to strip parts from it. With a clean interior and exterior, the value of your vehicle will go up.
Familiarize Yourself With the Types of Junkyards
Familiarize yourself with the types of junkyards so you can determine who will likely have the parts you need. If you are looking to sell your vehicle to a junkyard, take appropriate steps to get the best price possible.
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