When your vehicle breaks down, the issue is often as simple as a faulty part that needs to be replaced. If the job requires replacement truck or car parts, you may want to avoid paying the steep price of buying them new from the manufacturer. Luckily, there are a variety of ways to find used auto parts. Keep the following tips in mind to ensure you get the right high-quality products for your vehicle.

A Guide to Buying Used Parts for Your Car

1. Know What You Need

Before shopping for used truck or car parts, write down the model number of the part you need. If you still have the broken one, bring it with you to the scrapyard or shop so you can find an exact match. If you don’t have this information, provide the salesperson with your car’s vehicle identification number (VIN) to ensure you get the right part. This is usually listed at the front of the driver-side dashboard.

2. Check Scrapyards 

Scrapyards offer a wide selection of used auto parts at affordable prices. Their staff can help you locate the part that you need. They can also provide guidance on cleaning and transporting the part.

3. Watch Out for Counterfeit 

There are many counterfeit products on the used auto parts market, so you should know how to identify fakes. Obvious signs the parts are not made by the original manufacturer include misspelled words and inaccurate logos. Keep in mind that parts labeled Class B or lower have a lower likelihood of being genuine.

4. Consider Aesthetics

If you plan to replace parts on the exterior of your vehicle, you’ll want as close a match as possible. Make a note of your car’s existing wheel rim, bumper, and grille sizes and styles, and try to find fenders and side panels in the same color as your vehicle.

The next time you need quality used auto parts, browse the inventory at T&S Automotive. This family-owned and -operated scrapyard offers used batteries, engines, transmissions, tires, and other car parts to customers throughout Thomasville, NC. Call (336) 882-7989 to ask about scrap metal or cash for cars, and visit their website to learn more about pickup services for junk vehicles.