Here’s what happens. Car makers use outside independent companies to help them design their parts. But after a certain time frame the actual manufacturers of these parts are allowed to sell them to other wholesale distributors for resale. This time they come with the manufacturer’s logo and not that of the car maker. So essentially, the identical part is now referred to as an OEM part.

If you must buy used, be sure to do a thorough visual inspection. That means you need to look inside and out. Inspect for internal corrosion and damage to the cooling fins and hose connections.

The discount auto accessories industry is very competitive and there is a healthy secondary market. You can check out the local salvage yard or auto parts shop but if you need something major like a radiator, there are entire networks of salvage yards and garages that you can post what you need and they will find it for you. Then you can decide on the best deal and then the part is delivered to your door. In most cases, it is at least as cheap as having to find and remove the part yourself at some obscure salvage yard and not have the right tools. It’s a lot less messy and the part is torn up before you get it.

Looking online is easy. The sites are vast that will have many parts that you need. Your most difficult task will be finding the sight that will become your favorite. Bookmark a few that are appealing to you after visiting them so you know where to find them again.

One of the best methods that you can use when shopping for deals in auto parts is to check out all of your local sell a junk car and salvage yards. This type of business discounts the prices of these products drastically – mostly because of the fact that the parts are used, and they have so many to offer to the consumer in need of them. Generally, you can elect to have the parts that you need pulled, or you can save a few extra bucks by pulling the items needed yourself. For example, at one point, my radiator cracked and I needed a new one. The local parts stores average price was right around $75.00. However, I went to a local junkyard, had them pull the part for me, and paid only $15.00. In addition to the radiator, the salvage yard also threw in the hoses. Now, how is that for savings?

Sometimes, when the production of certain models of automobiles is discontinued, their auto parts in stock are sold for very heavy discounts. Keep an eye on that, especially if you have a car of the same model, as a few years down the line these same parts could be hard to find, and pretty expensive. Why not buy and store them in bulk?

The first step towards recycling your car is finding a junk yard that is interested in buying vehicles for used car parts. Not all junk yards will pay for old cars, and you might as well make some money out of the transaction.

There are different places one can look for auto parts such as local specialty stores, online stores or auto parts auctions, and last but not least junk or salvage yards. Every place has its pros and cons.