Yes, junkyards are not amusement parks, and the purpose of the visit isn’t to have fun but to get a good deal for your junk vehicle.
However, there is nothing that stops you from enjoying the experience and at the same time, leaving the yard with solid cash in your pocket. Unknown to many, the junkyard is filled with interesting things; where else will you find parts of cars that were last driven in the 60’s? Or find vintage cars that you can restore to a drivable state?
Whether you are at the junkyard to sell your junk vehicle as scrap, or you are there to pick spare parts for your car, it is important that you have a memorable experience while there.
Here is a list of things to do before going to the junkyard, along with things to do when at the junkyard to ensure that you have the best experience possible:
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What Makes Junkyards Special
If you browse through the internet, you will find countless adverts asking you to bring your junk car and get cash in exchange for it. Some junkyards even run ads on TV, encouraging viewers to contact them or visit one of their yards. Because of the level of exposure this particular activity draws, many people do not realise that junkyards go beyond collecting rundown vehicles and scrapping them for metal.
For example, if you have a car, say a classic, and you need a constant source to pick parts from because the car’s parts are no longer on the market. Where will you go? The junkyard of course. All you have to do is reach out to as many junkyards as possible and request to be informed when someone else brings in that car. When this happens, you can go to the junkyard or have the car transported to your house. Just like that, you have a permanent source of parts for your classic car. If you don’t want to take the whole car home, you can go with your tools and pick the parts you need.
In addition to this, there are many other things that makes junkyards special and if you know how to go about it, there are many wonderful offers and experiences to be found there.
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Prepare Adequately
If you are going to the junkyard to exchange your car for cash, you will find lots of good insight in this post, five things to do before taking your car to the junkyard. If you are going to source for parts, be adequately prepared. Depending on the type of junkyard you visit, you may either request for the parts you need, or go into the yard to pull the parts yourself.
To enjoy the full junkyard experience, u-pull-it junkyards are your best bet. Before going to a u-pull-it, however, prepare yourself adequately. Learn as much as you can about junkyards, and go with all the tools you may need. A complete toolbox is the best option, but if you don’t have that, these are the tools you can’t do without at the junkyard: socket wrench and full socket set, flathead and Philips screwdriver, torx bits, plyers, wire cutters, gloves, and ratcheting wrenches. Please note that this list isn’t exhaustive, and depending on your needs, you may require other tools.
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Things to Do at the Junkyard
You will need an entry fee, so go with some cash. Also, the first thing to do is look for the layout/map of the junkyard, don’t just dive right in. If there is no layout, bear this in mind: most junkyards put the most sought after parts close to the entrance, and the obscure/old parts are kept in the back. To err on the side of caution, talk to an attendant, and you will be pointed in the right direction.
In addition, take a look at the price list before you go dismantling parts you can’t afford.
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Things Not to Do at the Junkyard
Remember that a junkyard’s primary purpose is to buy junk vehicles and scrap them for metal. If you are there to foray for parts, keep in mind that they are doing you a favour, sort of. Respect the attendants and respect their property. The cars may be junk, but that doesn’t mean you can handle them carelessly. Because that part is not important to you doesn’t mean you should destroy it, it will be important to someone else. If a part is too heavy, say an engine block, do not be reluctant to ask for help. You may end up hurting yourself if you try to be macho.
You can have fun without being careless with your safety. Many u-pull-its ask customers to sign consent forms at the entrance. What this means, in essence is: you are responsible for your safety. Be responsible!
