How to Ensure a Used Car Part Is Compatible
If you’re capable of performing your own car repairs, you can save a great deal of money — especially if you buy the car parts for your repairs from a salvage yard. However, it’s incredibly important that you are thorough and ensure that the parts you buy are compatible with your vehicle. How do you do that? Keep reading to learn a few things to do to make sure that any part you buy is compatible.
Write Down Your VIN
Having your car’s VIN can be quite helpful when searching for compatible car parts at a salvage yard or other business that sells used car parts. While not available at every business, some will have a computer system that allows you to input your VIN and search their inventory for compatible parts. This is generally not available for self-salvage yards, however, which are usually the cheapest way to get parts.
Make Thorough Notes
In addition to writing down your car’s VIN, there are a few other pieces of information you should have on hand when searching for used parts. This includes the following:
● Make
● Model
● Year
● Trim level
While most people remember the first 3 items in this list, many forget the fourth. Don’t forget that parts can vary based on trim levels, so this last piece of information can make a big difference when searching for your parts.
Take a Photo or Bring the Part
It’s a lot easier to find the right part if you can make a visual comparison between the old part and the replacement. The ideal option is to bring the old part with you so you can do an in-depth side-by-side comparison between that part and the one you want to buy. If you do bring a part with you to a self-salvage yard, make sure that you have it marked at the front desk. Otherwise, you’ll be charged for both the old and new parts when you leave.
If you can’t bring the part with you, make sure you take a high-quality photo of the part to compare it as closely as possible. It’s a good idea to take photos from multiple angles so you can compare the parts on all sides and find a good match.
If you follow these tips when searching for used car parts in Florida, you should be able to find a compatible one for your repairs, and you’ll save a great deal of money on your car repairs in the process.
