Finding car parts online can be overwhelming, especially when you appear to have many options!
You must find quality used car parts from the correct type of seller, in the right place and for the right price.
In this article, we will get into sourcing car parts online, whether from a local car scrap yard, car breaker or scrapyard, and whether it will be viable for you to do so.
Before diving in, let’s recap what used car parts you can buy.
After all, the average car has over 30,000 parts to 2,000 moving parts! From key components to the tiniest nuts and bolts.
Sourcing quality used car parts has many benefits over buying replacement parts- The main one being cost saving.
Below are some of the most popular, required car parts and their use case within vehicles.
As you can see, the list is extensive and indicates the car parts required to run a vehicle smoothly.
The heart of your vehicle, the engine converts fuel into power to propel your car forward. Composed of blocks, heads, pistons, and valves, it creates combustion and generates the force that drives the wheels.
This car part is typically the most expensive; not all scrap yards may have this in stock.
The steering system allows you to control the direction of your car. With the help of a gear mechanism, it ensures precise and effortless manoeuvrability.
A Steering system usually comprises a steering shaft and column, tie rods, rack, idler arms, pitman arm, and centre link.
Engine components require lubrication to reduce friction and wear.
The lubrication system circulates oil, preventing metal-to-metal contact and enabling smooth movement.
To maintain optimal engine temperature, the cooling system dissipates heat produced during combustion.
This technology prevents overheating or overcooling, safeguarding engine performance and longevity.
The ignition system ignites the air-fuel mixture in the engine’s cylinders, enabling combustion.
It plays a vital role in starting the engine and ensuring efficient power generation.
The electrical system uses various accessories and components, consisting of a battery, alternator, ignition coil, and other essential parts.
It provides electrical energy for starting the engine and operating electrical features.
Many faulty cars encounter issues with the electrician, with some notable brands notorious for this!
The chassis is the framework (or skeleton!) that supports the vehicle’s body, suspension, and wheels.
It provides structural integrity and stability, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride.
The car battery supplies the initial energy required to start the engine.
It converts chemical energy into electrical energy, powering the electrical system and accessories when the engine is on or off.
Batteries are one of the more easily sourced car parts online at the lowest cost.
While the engine is running, the alternator charges the battery and powers electrical components.
It ensures a continuous supply of electricity to keep your car operational. Starter and alternators are typically paired and sourced/together.
The radiator helps maintain the engine’s optimal operating temperature by dissipating excess heat.
It circulates coolant, which absorbs heat from the engine and cools it before returning.
The powertrain transfers the engine’s power to the wheels.
It includes components like the clutch, gearbox, driveshaft, differential, and rear axle, all working together to deliver propulsion.
All parts within the Powertrain are arguably the most essential, ensuring they work in perfect harmony for optimal safety and harmony
In manual transmission cars, the clutch temporarily disconnects the engine from the wheels.
It allows for smooth gear shifting and disengagement when coming to a stop.
Axles transmit power from the driveshaft to the road wheels.
They enable the necessary drive for forward motion and provide stability and support to the vehicle.
The suspension system minimises vibrations caused by uneven road surfaces.
It comprises springs, connecting links, and shock absorbers, ensuring a comfortable ride and maintaining tire contact with the road—another vital car part.
These hydraulic components regulate the movement of the suspension system.
They absorb impacts and rebounds, ensuring optimal tire contact with the road and enhancing control and safety.
Essential for slowing down or stopping your vehicle, the braking system ensures safety on the road.
Hydraulic or mechanical mechanisms operate the brakes, converting kinetic energy into heat to decelerate the car.
Tires provide traction, stability, and handling, connecting your car to the road.
They come in various types and sizes, ensuring optimal performance and safety in different driving conditions.
The transmission system allows for the efficient transfer of power from the.
An honourable mention, The primary function of a cam belt or timing belt is to regulate the timing of internal combustion engines in vehicles.
It governs the precise timing and sequence of valve opening and closing within the cylinders.
This is achieved by synchronising the rotation of the crankshaft and the camshaft.
This part is often an expensive fix and is the main reason, alongside a knackered clutch, why sure motorists scrap a car.
As mentioned, finding used car parts online can be confusing due to the many options.
For the most part (pun intended!), car parts can be sourced from online marketplaces, local car scrap yards, a breakers yard or a specialist breaker for certain vehicle brands.
Not all three are thepun in the same way, so it’s essential to take note of this when you’re looking for a scrap yard near you that does car parts.
In modern times, most car scrap yards, breakers, and specialist breakers offer nationwide car parts delivery. Retailers and car scrap yards may also list car parts on online marketplaces like eBay or Social Media Platforms like Facebook.
However, we recommend you ring up and confirm the part you require, as this can help ease some of the hassle and haggling of trying to source or find a car part online only to find out that the car part in question is not in stock.
A car scrap yard typically provides services, including scrap car recycling and quality used auto parts.
Like a breakers yard, a car scrap yard can be open to both the public and trade, stocking a wide range of used auto parts both on the shelf and sometimes online.
A breakers yard provides quality used car parts and salvage.
These yards specialise in breaking, as opposed to offering ELV depollution.
A car breaker can offer parts for specific makes and models.
These can include Honda breakers, Audi breakers and Japanese breakers.
However, unlike a breaker’s yard, a car breaker may not have a yard open to the public and may only operate as a mobile-only service.
A standalone scrapyard usually onlly scrap cars.
Typically, they do not offer car parts alongside this.
A notorious problem in car parts and scrap car recycling is that all scrap yards offer car parts.
Unfortunately, this is not the case!
A standalone scrapyard, for example, may only depopulate vehicles for scrappage, as compared to a breakers yard, which will do so for breaking/salvage.
In addition, a car breaker may only sell car parts and not solely scrap cars as their primary operation.
Due to this, it can not be easy trying the produced car parts online as you may be left un-serviced.
This is why it’s vital to have access to a network or source of information that lists the primary function, so you can clearly distinguish the differences between a scrapyard that pony recycled end of life vehicles, compares to a car scrapyard that may do both and a broker who specialises in only one trade.
Another widespread predicament is whether to sell your old car or try to source the car parts and fix it.
Used car parts are much cheaper than new replacement car parts.
For some, this is an easy question to answer when you only need to replace a tyre, Shock absorber or wing mirrors.
However, if you’re looking for a car part with an extensive price tag, such as an engine, timing belt or power system, you’re better off weighing your options.
To put it in perspective, let’s look at these scenarios.
Jane has broken her wing mirror and has noticed her battery has been running flat recently. Her car is running fine otherwise.
In this situation, Jane could find a local car breaker or breakers yard, ask for the desired car part, and the problem is solved.
Bob has a new car on finance and was involved in a high-collision accident. Thankfully Bob is the safe and sound shower.
His vehicle has been categorised as a Cat S, with significant damage to the vehicle’s crumple zone (the area of the car where the engine is found).
In this situation, it’s worth it for Bov to sell his car to a local breaker or salvage dealer.
Ali owns a mini runabout car, which he used when he first passed.
He recently took the vehicle in for an MOT, which failed. It has also been noted that his cambelt and clutch need replacing, which can be an expensive fix.
In this instance, it would be best to scrap his car, as it has reached its end of life and is not economically viable to fix Up.
As you can see, the situation differs for Ali, Jane and Bob. Hence is the case when looking for car parts and car breakers.
You must ask yourself if such repairs, labour costs and car parts would be a viable option.
Sometimes, it’s better to sell your car for salvage or simply scrap a car.
When looking for car breakers near you as well as sourcing car parts themselves, you should look at the bigger picture.
If you’re only after a minor part such as a wing mirror or battery then by all means try find a used car part online.
If however you require a particular part, you should reference the code and search for local car scrap yards and breakers who may have it in stock.
And finally, if your vehicle is on its last legs or is not economicalley viable to fix up it may be better off you salvage a car, or scrap your car entirely.
Otherwise, good luck in sourcing used car parts!
You can search our network for local car breakers and car scrap yards below or you can submit an enquiry where we will send your enquiry to local car breakers and car parts suppliers on our network.
For a complete list of frequently asked questions on car parts, head over to our dedicated Car Parts FAQ section.
Whether you’re a scrap metal dealer, vehicle recycler or even a scrap collector, joining Scrap Local today will give you access to thousands of new enquiries each month!Â
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