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Keeping Your Car Maintained

Recently, my spouse got into his car to go to work. Before he even made it down our long driveway, his car began making frightening sounds. Afraid to continue driving the vehicle to work, my husband decided to stay home for the day. After investigating the car, he traveled to an auto parts store in my vehicle. He purchased transmission fluid to put in his problematic automobile. Thankfully, the transmission fluid helped the car’s performance. Besides transmission fluid, you can find many other types of items to help you maintain your vehicle at an auto parts store. On this blog, I hope you will discover some of the most sought after items available at auto parts stores today. Enjoy!

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Keeping Your Car Maintained

5 Important Things To Know When Entering An Auto Salvage Yard For The First Time Ever

by Renee Miles

Maybe you're recently purchased a used car that needs repair. Perhaps you're a new teen driver looking to save money on used auto parts for your second-hand car. For whatever the reason, obtaining your automobile parts at a salvage yard can save you money, especially if you pull the parts yourself. However, if you've never been to an auto salvage yard before, there are a few crucial things to bear in mind before you set out. As a newbie to the world of auto scrap yard sales, here are 5 important things to keep in mind:

1. You May Need to Provide a Few Things Before Entering the Yard

Many newbies are surprised to learn that a customer cannot simply pass through the gates without consent from a clerk. The auto salvage companies maintain a reputable business, and this is done by ascertaining some a few simple things from their customers. Upon approaching the gate, you will most likely be asked to sign a waiver of sorts. Your signature acquits the owner of any liability should you injure yourself on their property while removing auto parts. In addition, the auto salvage yard may require a small entry fee. Typically, after providing these things you will be free to pass through the gate.

2. Salvage Vehicles and Parts Are Often Arranged in a Specific Order

It's good to know that most auto scrap and salvage yards do not have parts and accessories strewn all over for customers to sort through. These companies run an efficient business by arranging everything in order. For example, a large salvage yard may be divided by lots.

You may find what you are looking for by searching under a vehicle number. Alternatively, parts may be arranged by country of origin (Korea, Japan, USA, Europe, etc.) or by the make of a vehicle, such as GM, Ford, or Kia. While this logical organization is a general rule, keep in mind that some of the smaller scrap yards may not organize their goods in any specific order.

3. Generic Prices May Be Listed on a Board

As a newcomer, you may be inclined to think that all used auto parts will be tagged with a price. However, many modern salvage yards now utilize a price board. On the board you will find listings with prices for the most commonly sought auto parts. If you have a specific price range in mind, or a budget limit to adhere to, you may find this modern system to your liking.

4. Choose From Self Serve or Full Service

For a fee, you may request a mechanic pull your desired auto part from the vehicle for you. It will then be brought up to the front desk where you may carry it out after payment is made. This is a good option for those who are not mechanically inclined or handy with tools.

However, if you are looking to save some cash, and you are pretty good with the tools, you might go for the pull-it-yourself option. This will also give you the opportunity to tinker around a bit with the internals and possibly be surprised by a few mechanical discoveries. The choice of you-pull or full service is yours in most auto junk yards, so think it over. Just be sure to place safety first if you decide to do it yourself. And do remember to bring your own tools, as this will be mandatory.

5. Know Which Supplies To Bring Along With You

If you decide to remove the auto part or parts yourself, you'll need the necessary tools to do so. While hauling along a huge toolbox can be cumbersome and not always necessary, you will need the basics at least. Bring along a pry bar, ratchet set, pliers, screwdrivers, wrenches, and hacksaw. Also, don't forget safety equipment such as gloves and goggles.

In addition to the tools, you will need to be dressed appropriately if you're doing the pulling yourself. Wear coveralls or old clothing. Also, bring along some rags or padding to place on the ground and you'll be all set. 

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