choosing parts for maintenance and repairs

Shopping at a salvage yard is a great way to score good deals on used parts for your car. If you are getting ready to head to a salvage yard, however, you'll want to make sure that you are properly prepared. These are a few things that you'll want to bring along when you head to the junk yard.

1. Basic Tools Some salvage yards expect you to "pull your own parts," which means that you'll have to remove the parts from the salvaged cars yourself. Although this can add to the work that you have to do, it can also help you save a lot of money. Depending on the part that you are planning on purchasing, you will need to bring a few basic tools to remove the part. For example, you may need to bring a few wrenches and a pull bar. Research how to remove the part that you're thinking about buying so that you'll know what to bring.

2. Comfortable Shoes Salvage yards can be quite spacious, and you might find yourself walking over several acres to find a car that has the part that you need. Make sure that you wear comfortable, supportive shoes that will provide ample protection in a potentially dangerous salvage yard. Since there's sure to be a lot of dirt, dust and grease on the premises, make sure that you wear shoes that you don't mind getting dirty! Likewise, you'll probably want to change into clothing that you don't mind getting dirt and grease on.

3. Full Description of Your Vehicle You can sometimes use parts from other cars that are of a different make and model than your own, if they are compatible. On the other hand, a car that looks just like yours might not have compatible parts, depending on the engine type, transmission type, trim level and a few other factors. To ensure that you purchase the right part, make sure that you bring along as much information about your car as possible, such as the make, model, year model, transmission type, engine size and trim level. The salvage yard should have books that you can use to determine if available parts are compatible with your vehicle.

If you want to make the most out of shopping for used auto parts at a salvage yard, make sure that you bring along these three things. Then, you'll have everything that you need to purchase affordable used parts for your vehicle.

To buy used transmissions, contact a company such as AAA Engines and Transmissions.