How Auto Salvage Yards Work
Most cities have an auto salvage yard, but not everybody is aware of what goes on in the rows of old cars and truck parts. If you are in possession of an obsolete vehicle or want to browse the inventory for a particular part, here's what you need to know:
When to Sell Your Vehicle to an Auto Salvage Yard
If your truck is still running, you probably don't want to sell it to a salvage yard. This type of business is only interested in your vehicle's parts. Furthermore, the manufacturer, year and model won't make much monetary difference when the auto yard appraises your vehicle for inventory.
Automoblog.net describes how auto salvage yards usually offer a price based on weight. The yard is only interested in taking the car apart, not trying to sell it as a working vehicle. This is why a salvage yard will pay the same prices for a 1990 Ford Bronco as it would for a 2011 model. There are rare circumstances when yards pay more for a particular auto part. If you're handy you can take inventory of your vehicle's pieces and describe them when you make contact with the auto salvage yard.
When you do have a vehicle damaged beyond repair, selling a vehicle to a salvage yard can be a simple process. You can contact multiple yards in your area and get the best price. Most businesses will tow the car or truck off your property for you. You don't even have to walk through the front door.
It's much easier if you have your vehicle title. If you want to sell a car or truck to an auto salvage yard without the proper paperwork, there are ways to secure documentation from the Department of Motor Vehicles or other local government offices. You have to check your area for their local auto yard requirements.
What They Do With the Inventory
An auto yard rarely gets a vehicle running again. It's called a salvage yard because the business usually sells the cars or trucks for parts. As soon as the vehicle is towed through the front entrance, the workers prepare it to be parted and sold.
Many auto salvage yards put old vehicles directly in inventory after pretreatment.
Pretreatment - The first step in the auto salvage yard procedure is called pretreatment. Before the yard starts taking the parts off the vehicle, it has to drain all the fluids. Employees remove fuel, oil, coolant and other fluids from the car or truck so the inventory doesn't leak while it sits in the yard. Some businesses reuse or sell the drained materials.
After the fluids, yard workers remove the tires. If the products are in good condition, the yard can sell or use them. Older products are utilized as ground rubber. The auto salvage yard can also burn the tires for energy.
Repair - When it comes time to evaluate individual parts of the vehicle, not every yard will make the effort to try to repair certain pieces of inventory. Some businesses, however, will remove auto parts and get them in working order to sell as separate products.
An auto salvage yard that employs mechanics to fix up inventory will usually have a side retail business in a unique location or online.
Sell - Many auto salvage yards put old vehicles directly in inventory after pretreatment. They don't remove the parts; instead they invite customers to strip the vehicles themselves. Self-service yard parts are usually cheaper, as the business doesn't have to pay for additional mechanics.
Recycle - If the car or truck is rusted beyond use or has some other form of damage that makes it unsellable, the auto yard will sell the inventory directly to a recycling center. The center will melt down the material to its base components and use it for other purposes.
Many communities are proud to have an auto salvage yard in their area because they can be beneficial to the environment. The yard ensures the resources that go into vehicle manufacturing are put to further use beyond the traditional life of cars or trucks.
How to Purchase an Auto Part From a Salvage Yard
If you are looking for a specific car part, especially for an older model vehicle, a salvage yard can be an excellent option. They are almost always cheaper than dealers, and if you have auto skills, browsing the inventory can be a fun afternoon.
When you just want a specific part, you should jump online and contact an auto salvage yard that employs mechanics who refurbish and clean the parts themselves. Full-service yards should have inventory Web pages that describe the types of parts they have available and the price for the unit. You can also try to contact a local yard on the phone and discuss what you're looking for. Tell them if you need parts for a Dodge, Toyota, Ford, Mazda or any other kind of make and model.
Self-service or you-pick salvage yards don't part cars themselves. In a you-pick yard, a consumer may browse the aisles with their own tools and remove the parts they need and then pay for them at the front. Popular Mechanics says car experts can find some real hidden treasures in a you-pick yard. You may discover onboard computers or other expensive equipment that could be put to good use.