Used parts from a junkyard can be a fantastic alternative to aftermarket parts, UNLESS that used part is also an aftermarket part. Cars can be in an accident more than once. If a vehicle that is in a wrecking yard, say, from a front-end impact and your vehicle requires a left rear door, this part could be a great option. What if that same car had been in an accident prior and was repaired before the front-end collision which made it a total loss? That used part is now not only pulled from the wrecking yard; it is also an aftermarket quality part. That is like doubling down on alternative parts.
Who finds these parts anyway? Used parts go through many hands before they reach a body shop. First, a vehicle has to hit 70% threshold of the resale value before qualifying as a total loss. Once a car is deemed a total loss, it is then towed to a wrecking yard to await tear down. Salvage yards usually have a big fenced-in area as well as different warehouses to store vehicles and parts. Once a title has been verified and secured for the car, it can then pulled apart and various parts sent to repair shops as needed.
Each wrecking yard manages its vehicles and parts differently. Some salvage yards attempt to keep cars in a clean and dry condition by using warehouses to house their parts previously pulled and inventoried. Seats and other interior parts are easily damaged or exposed to weather, therefore keeping these parts clean and dry is a difficult task due to the nature of the industry.
When a collision shop calls for a part and places their order, a "Yard Dawg" heads out to the vehicle or warehouse to pull the specific part needed and puts it in que along with its paperwork for a truck heading to the collision shop in need. The driver then loads this part for transport. Each handler is responsible for noting the condition of each part and notifying someone if it has been damaged or does not accurately fit the description of the order placed. Once the truck is on the road, parts are subject to other outside sources of damage. A tie-down cinched too tight can cause dents; other parts on the delivery truck can impact it. Something as simple as lifting a part off the truck and setting it on the ground wrong can crumple a vital corner or mounting bracket.
It is the responsibility of the collision shop to inspect all used parts when they arrive at the shop for quality and usability. Receiving the part from the wrecking yard is the final and trickiest part of securing a salvaged part. Usually, the technician in charge of the repair will inspect the part, ensure fit and determine usability.
Severe delays can occur in the repair process when waiting for used parts when receiving damaged or unusable parts. When this happens, a new part will need reordering, and the process will need to start all over again. Your body shop needs to track these parts carefully to keep cycle time (repair process from start to finish) from getting out of hand.
When you need some help navigating your vehicle repair, come into CARSTAR Robert's Auto Repair. Our skilled technicians provide the best repairs and services in the region and will fight for you and your car to make sure you have the best possible parts. We are here for all of your auto repair and maintenance services, auto body repair, tire needs, or full auto detailing. We strive to be your one-stop auto shop, and we work hard to provide you with an outstanding customer service experience! Make your appointment today! We are located at 234 Ramona Ave, Monterey, CA. 93940. We look forward to your visit!