Save Money On Your Car Repairs After An Accident By Purchasing Used Parts For Some Of The Repairs

When you are involved in a car accident, your car can often be badly damaged. There are certain parts of the car that can be damaged in an accident that can be replaced with use parts. The guide below walks you through a few things to know when you want to save money on repair costs after an accident.

Have the Car Inspected

The first thing you need to do is take the car to a mechanic, you want to have it looked over to determine how badly it is damaged and if it can be repaired. When you are involved in an accident, the damage that is done could cost more to repair that the car is even worth. Before you start buying parts to use on the car, you need to be sure that it is worth fixing. The mechanic will be able to tell you what was damaged in the accident and what parts will be needed to repair it.

Determine What Parts Can Be Purchased in Used Condition

Have the mechanic make a list of parts that do not have to be in new condition to repair the car. There are many times when hoods, fenders, doors, or even trunks can all be purchased used and put on a car when it needs to be repaired. Headlights, tail lights, and blinkers can also be replaced with used parts if the parts are in good working order.

Purchase the Parts at a Salvage Yard

Finally, you need to go to a salvage yard and pull the parts for your car. You need to choose parts from vehicles that are the same make and model and manufactured the same year as your car. This will ensure an exact fit when you take the parts to your mechanic. Be sure to bring your own tools with you because the salvage yard may not have any for you to use. It could be considered a liability if they allow you to use their tools to remove the parts.

When you bring the parts to the mechanic, he or she will be able to remove the old parts for you and replace them with the new parts. Even if the parts are not the same color as your car you can always have the car painted later on down the road to create a more uniform look. Once the car is painted, no one will be able to tell that you were ever involved in an accident. For more information, contact companies like Jensen Tire & Auto.