Salvaging old vehicles is a great way to find affordable parts and contribute to the recycling process. According to United Tires, around 95% of end-of-life vehicles are recycled annually. Working with a salvage yard is one way to do this. Keep reading to learn a few things you need to know before you start this process.

Understanding What Salvage Yards Do

A salvage yard exists to purchase junk cars that can’t be driven any longer. The salvage yard can pull parts from the vehicle to resell and scrap the metal. Some vehicles may be in good enough shape to restore and resell for a profit.

Pulling Parts

The most common type of service that a salvage yard will provide is pulling parts. This process varies between individual businesses. Some yards will pull all the functional parts themself. They will also gather oil and other fluids from the vehicle. Some other facilities will only remove fluids and tires, and then allow the customer to remove the parts on their own. 

If you don’t know how to pull parts from a junk car or don’t have the right tools to complete this task, you’ll want to find a yard that does this for you. However, this could affect the amount of money you get for the car. It's important to weigh these factors before you show up to the yard.

Prioritizing Safety

You also need to be aware that being on the property can be hazardous if you aren't careful. If you’re pulling parts on your own, then these safety tips are especially important. Firstly, you need to wear protective shoes while you're on the property. There is no end to the different types of risks of things you could step on.

You should also consider protecting your eyes while pulling parts. While doing any type of mechanical work, there is the chance of debris or fluid flying into your eyes. Wearing gloves is also recommended so you don’t get cut or injured on a junk car. There are lots of rusty, sharp pieces at the salvage yard that gloves can protect you from.

Now that you know the basics of getting car parts from a junk car, you're probably ready to get started with a quality salvage yard. You can turn to Miechiels Auto Salvage for all your needs! Give us a call today to get started with an estimate!