
If you want to learn more about pulling parts at local junk yards to save on auto repairs, I hope this auto salvage yard guide will help you out.
I am Greg Smokes and I have spent far too many of my days poking around local junk yards and want to share some tips and tricks with you. I love car junkyards the same reason I love car auctions: they’re a ton of fun and you never know what surprises they have for you.
I have worked at several junkyards when I was younger and have visited them all over the United States as a customer. I hope my experienced advice can get you going also.
Here at Car Auction Network, I focus mostly on wholesale used car auctions and government / police auctions. However, I do often get questions about salvage auctions and also auto salvage yards. Anyone familiar with flipping used cars at auto auctions (click to read my guide) know that you are going to need the occasional part here and there for some repairs.
Salvage yards feature low-priced used car parts, including for bodywork and remarketing. Paying full retail price for new parts at car dealerships will eat into your profits quickly. That is the advantage of car junkyards and especially the ones that allow you to save a bit more by pulling your own parts.

In the United States, the average vehicle age is 12 years, according to a recent survey. This isn’t surprising, as inflation, parts shortages, and supply chain issues continue to plague the global automobile industry, pulling car prices to an all-time high.
As consumers keep their vehicles longer, pull-a-part yards, also known as auto salvage yards, have thrived. These companies allow buyers to use their tools to remove the necessary vehicle parts. Some yards, however, have willing staff who can do it for you.
If you’re looking for a reliable automobile component and have basic knowledge of car parts and mechanisms, visiting do-it-yourself salvage yards is worth your while. Moreover, if you’re planning to visit a pick a part yard soon, you can read this guide to know what to expect in such settings.

What are Parts Yards (aka You Pull It Car Junkyards)?
The car recycling process (YouTube Video) often starts in some scrap or pull a part yards. Some companies offer cash for cars or money in exchange for old, damaged, or unusable vehicles.
Discontinued cars no longer roadworthy become the source of used car parts for sale. Thus, besides helping the environment, pull a part yards help car owners by making highly sought original parts available.

How do “You Pull It” Salvage Yards Work?
Some yards buy, repair, and resell old cars, so don’t be surprised to see working vehicles in the shop’s expansive garage. Otherwise, you’ll see several piles of junk vehicles about to be recycled and waiting for buyers to take out parts.
If you have an extensive need for vehicle parts, consider online car auctions to find what you’re looking for. Either way, dealing with pull-a-part yards is easy.

Asking for spare parts
Note that many salvage yards inventory their stocks by car and not by part. This means that they can’t always answer consumers’ queries about parts availability; however, some locations have newer digital inventory systems.
If you have the same car model range as the one in their yard, you’re lucky and can proceed to the shop as soon as possible. Note that the yard inventory is updated daily, so you’ll have access to the latest information about car availability.
You can ask the staff for help in looking for the car part you need. These folks should know other vehicle types and models that may use the same component, even if the car has been discontinued. Otherwise, I often just ask the shop to notify you once the vehicle you’re looking for is available.
Pulling the parts out yourself
Listen, I’ve been hitting up junkyards for years now, and trust me, there’s an art to it. First off, never go alone. I learned this the hard way back when I was younger and thought I could handle anything. I was trying to wrestle a stubborn bumper off a truck, and the darn thing nearly pinned me.
Luckily, another guy saw I was in trouble and gave me a hand. It could have been bad. So grab a buddy, not just for safety, but also for an extra set of hands and eyes when you’re navigating those tight spaces.
Next, come prepared. Self-service car parts yards usually don’t have staff to help you out, so bring your own tools. Think wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers – the works. A cordless impact wrench is your best friend here.
Also, dress for the job. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty, and closed-toe shoes are a must. And don’t forget gloves and safety glasses! Those rusty edges and flying debris are no joke.
See Also: Self-Service Junkyards – Pull Your Own Used Parts [A Junkyard Master Guide]

My Tips for Buying Used Car Parts at Junkyards
As the name implies, the customer pulls the part out in self-service salvage yards and is responsible for identifying the item correctly. While you can ask the staff for some suggestions, it doesn’t hurt to ask a car mechanic and do your research for validation.

How to Find and Choose a “pull your own part” Auto Salvage Yard
Ask for referrals from your mechanic for pick-a-part shops or search online for yards conveniently located near you. There are an estimated 7,000 car salvage yards in the country.
- Check the company’s reputation:
Ensure that the company is certified, legitimate, and has a vast inventory and updated information. You may have luck looking at large companies like Pull-A-Part. This company has 25 branches of DIY salvage yards nationwide, which will expand following their acquisition of U-Pull-&-Pay, another salvage firm with multiple yards, last year.
In Texas, CTC Auto Ranch is one of the most popular junkyards, S&S Salvage is in California, and Wildcat Auto Wrecking is in Oregon. These junkyards have been in the business for decades and are still growing.
If you have a classic car up for restoration, consider paying Old Car City in Georgia and French Lake Auto Parts in Minnesota a visit. - Request updated information on parts inventories:
Check the company site of your chosen yard online to find specific locations. You can also filter the fields to know which cars have arrived recently at any company site. Sometimes, these salvage yards will publish the buying prices, so you can compare and prepare your budget. - Ask questions about the salvage yards:
To avoid any issues in the pulling process, know the shop’s terms. You can either call or chat online with representatives. For instance, some yards have specific tool restrictions, whereas some don’t allow clients to drive their cars into the yard and have the replacement work done there. More importantly, ask for warranties and other perks.

VIDEO: 7 Things to Know About Car Parts Yards
This video is from a fellow car junk yard addict that gives you some specific tips and advice for “pull your own parts” type of salvage yards.
Be sure to show caution and ensure you can identify the right part and know how to remove them yourself, especially if going to a DIY car recycler.
Last updated on February 9th, 2025 at 02:45 am