It makes good sense to find ways to save on family expenses in whatever way you can. While it’s common practice to clip coupons and scour the internet for good deals on certain household items, most folks don’t know how to save on car repair costs. Aside from finding a fair and honest mechanic, one little known way to stretch your car repair bill is to use recycled parts when servicing your car.
When turning in their cars and trucks for service, many people don’t think twice at paying full price for brand new parts used to make the repair. By comparison, you can distinguish yourself from the common consumer by asking your mechanic to use recycled parts whenever possible. You may feel satisfaction in the overall lower prices you pay, but you will also find comfort in knowing you have helped reduce the environmental impact otherwise incurred in the disposal of the parts you just bought.
While buying your next recycled part for your car or truck, price should not be your only point of consideration. Keep in mind these other practical factors:
- Condition of the part: Would you feel comfortable buying a rusted or bent part as opposed to buying another recycled part in better or near-new condition?
- Difference in Price: If the savings you would enjoy in buying a recycled part is not as great as you expected, then try to ask for better pricing from your parts vendor. Show them the brand new price of the part you are trying to buy and how little you would be saving through buying from them.
- Complexity of the Part: While it may seem like common sense to others, it goes without saying that the more complex the part is, the more likely it is to break soon. Try buying a recycled part from a car or truck that has little to no mileage or is a late-year model. This will reduce the likelihood of a recycled part breaking soon.
- Safety level associated with the part: While buying recycled parts on the cheap may seem attractive, consider whether it’s safer to buy brand new. For example, would you rather buy new brake calipers with a warranty, or partly worn recycled calipers that will need replacement soon?
