questions about towing services answered

Posted on: 3 January 2020

If your car is in need of repairs that include replacing a part, your budget may not allow for the purchase of a new one. Fortunately, there are many towing services that also have salvage yards where you can look for and buy used auto parts. However, you may worry that you may wind up picking out the wrong part, necessitating a return to the yard. If so, use the following tips before you venture to the salvage yard that can help you get the correct used part of your vehicle.

1.  Write Down Your Car's and the Part's Pertinent Information

Before you leave your house to go to the salvage yard, you first want to have all of the pertinent information about your car and the part you need written down. Knowing the make, model, and year of your car is a start, but it is not enough since certain models in a given year can have different engine sizes, features, and parts.

Along with the general information about your car, you should also write down the vehicle identification number (VIN). This number is usually located on the side of your driver's side door. If you cannot find the number, you can also look at the title or even inside of the owner's manual. The VIN includes the specifications about your particular vehicle, ranging from the engine size down to the color. It can be helpful for the salvage yard's employee in pinpointing the exact part you need.

You should also write down any numbers that you can find on the part itself. Even if you do not know what the numbers mean, the yard employee will most likely find it useful in finding the replacement part that you need.

2.  Bring the Old Part with You, If Possible

Along with writing down all of the information you can about your car and the part, you should also bring the old part with you. Being able to show the employee the part itself can not only help them find the correct part for you, but it can also let them see if there are any variances in the mounting brackets or size of the part itself.

If you cannot bring in the old part because it is too large or you are unable to remove it yourself, take pictures of it with your phone. Make sure you get as many angles as you can so that you can show the various sides of the part to the yard worker.

Once you have your information, and ideally, the part in hand, present them to the representative at the salvage yard when you arrive. They can then assist you in choosing the correct used auto part for your vehicle during your first visit.