Pick and pull (sometimes stylized as Pick n' Pull) salvage yards make it easier for people to get their hands on spare parts without paying an off-the-shelf price. Not every pick and pull yard is the same in terms of parts success, as some are better at documenting what they have on hand than others. Whether you're a mechanic trying to get a repair done for the lowest price possible, or just trying to find your own repair parts to avoid mechanics and/or their own parts price estimates, here are a few ways to make your next repair cheaper without wasting too much time and money on the salvage part of the job.

Finding Auto Parts And Alternative Supplies

The basics of pick and pull auto salvage is figuring out if your vehicle is in the salvage yard and whether the parts are good. When you call a salvage yard, you should have the part in mind as well as the make, the model, and the year of the vehicle. For parts that attach to the engine or the engine itself, make sure to know the size of the engine (in liters, such as 1.6 vs 1.8) and the piston design (V6 vs V8).

If you don't know what information is necessary, just call. The representative at the salvage yard will ask the necessary information, but it's best to have as much relevant information for the part as possible to make the call go more smoothly and to make sure you're not repeatedly on hold on a busy day. 

Organized salvage yards can tell you if the part is still in the vehicle and whether its salvage status means that part is likely to be bad or not. The vehicle is in the salvage yard for a reason, whether it's a wreck, a fire, or being flooded. The majority of vehicles are in the salvage yard due to wear and tear and wrecks, so if your part had nothing to do with what was damaged or worn out, you're in luck.

A salvage yard representative's report over the phone is still a guess no matter how organized they are, unless someone has personally checked the part before your arrival. At this point, you have two choices: pay a mechanic or salvage staff member to check and remove the part for you, or do it yourself.

Salvaging Your Own Parts

If you're going to a scrap yard, it's either because the new part price is too expensive or not available. If cost is the issue, it's better to learn how to access the part safely on your own. Aside from removing specific components from engines--an act that often requires that you buy the whole engine--much of the removal work can be learned by a novice who can at least use standard screwdrivers and wrenches with a little removal review.

Look up the part that you want to remove and search for videos or guides related to removal. Most parts have some sort of structured location and removal guide, but you may be able to get some free advice from mechanics if you ask around enough--a good reason to be social and friendly to salvage yard staff! Prepare the tools necessary and head out to the salvage yard.

In addition to learning proper technique, be safe. Take safety gloves that can protect against jagged metal and glass, and have safety goggles ready. Avoid areas that may house snakes or dangerous insects until the area can be checked. Contact an auto salvage shop such as Fox Valley Iron Metal & Auto Salvage Inc to get the parts you need.