We all know that auto parts can be very expensive. Even little things like door handles or mirrors can cost quite a bit of money. Fortunately, you can save some money by going to a salvage yard. A salvage yard is like a scavenger hunt where you search for cars that have parts that you are looking for and then remove them. Before you head to a salvage yard, it’s important that you are properly prepared. Here’s how to prepare for your visit.
Make A List Of What You Want
Before going to a salvage yard, you need to figure out what you are going there for. Many salvage yards, like Tear-A-Part, tend to have a lot of different cars to take parts from which means that there could be millions of different parts at your disposal. Make a list of the items that you want to try to find and bring this list with you. This will ensure that you don’t forget anything that you were really hoping to get.
Dress Appropriately
You will probably get very dirty when you are at a salvage yard. Now is not the time to wear some of your nicer clothes. You will get dirt and grease on whatever you wear. Make sure you dress in clothing that you don’t mind getting ruined. Also, be sure to wear proper footwear. You should wear sneakers or water resistant boots if at all possible. Don’t forget to bring a change of clothes. If your clothing gets too soiled, you may not want to get your car dirty by wearing these items home.
Bring The Right Tools
You will need quite a few tools when you go to a salvage yard. Items like wrenches and pliers will be useful. You may also find it beneficial to bring a hammer and scissors with you. Often times, many individuals also being a large bucket with a handle so they can put the parts they find in it and transport them around the salvage yard. It’s better to bring too many tools instead of not enough of them. If you find the perfect part, you may have to leave it behind if you don’t have the right tool to remove it from the vehicle.
Set Aside Enough Time
Salvage yards tend to be pretty big and it may take a while to find what you are looking for. Because of this, you will need to set aside a good amount of time for your visit to the salvage yard. This is especially true if you plan on looking for quite a few parts. Plan on being at the salvage yard for at least an afternoon.
Make Sure You Have The Preferred Method Of Payment Before You Head To The Salvage Yard
Some salvage yards prefer credit cards while others only accept cash. Make sure you know what the salvage yard you are heading to accepts before you head out the door. If cash is what you will need, make sure you have plenty of it with you. You don’t want to have to leave a part behind because you didn’t have enough cash on hand or the preferred method of payment with you.
Salvage yards are a treasure trove of great items at a good price. Before heading to a salvage yard for the first time, it’s imperative that you plan ahead. Make a list of the items that you want to try to find, bring a sufficient amount of tools with you, dress in ratty old clothes that you don’t mind getting ruined, have the preferred method of payment with you, and make sure you set aside enough time for your visit. By doing all of these things, you will ensure that you will be adequately prepared for your first visit to a salvage yard. Fair warning though; after you go once you may end up being hooked and want to go on a weekly basis.
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