Keeping your car in running condition should be one of your top priorities. Before you send a problem car to the junkyard, remember that some issues can be narrowed down to a specific part. Although you can purchase a new part, buying used components can save you money while still fixing your car. Here’s how to make sure you’ll get the most out of your used auto parts.

5 Tips for Purchasing Used Auto Parts

1. Make Note of the Part You Need

You should be certain of the part you need before making any purchases. Write down the part number from the owner’s manual, or use the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of your car to find the part online. If possible, bring the part to a dealer who can find an exact match.

2. Verify That the Part Works

An inexpensive used part will get you nowhere if it doesn’t work. Once the dealer finds the correct component, verify that it’s still functioning. Some parts, like alternators and starters, can be tested. In these cases, you would need a jumper starter and circuit tester to confirm an electrical current. If you cannot test it, look for external damage like dents and rust.

3. Ensure It’s a Perfect Fit

Even if you have the right part, it may not fit in your vehicle for one reason or another. Car manufacturers will occasionally make different parts for the same model. This can lead to many drivers confidently buying matching parts that won’t fit into their vehicles and end up in the junkyard. Make sure all purchased auto parts have a place in your car.

4. Learn Its History

Every part has a different history of wear and tear, and it’s up to buyers to request the background information. Ask how old the item is, if it has undergone any repairs or modifications, and why it was sold. Remember that the price can tell you a lot about the history of a used part. If the cost is unusually low, that could mean the component has been through rough use.

5. Ask About Returns

Find out about the shop’s return policies before going through with the purchase. Some auto parts stores will not accept returns or give refunds, and others only offer them within a limited time frame, usually 30 days. Get a full understanding of their policies, especially if you were unable to verify the part’s function or fit for your car.

Do you have used auto parts you need to get rid of? The team at Goshen, OH’s Phipps Auto Parts will take them off your hands while paying you a fair price. This junkyard and licensed recycling service will trade your vehicles, parts, and scrap metal for cash. If you can’t get an old vehicle to the property, they’ll even tow it away for you. For more information on auto parts sales and other services, visit their website. Call the salvage yard at (513) 722-2034 to request a pickup.