In an era of expensive cars and ever rising fuel costs, it is a good idea to save money whenever you can on transportation. Buying used parts to repair and maintain your car will save you money and may help to reduce some of the negative impact cars have on the environment. Here are some tips for buying used car parts.

Why Used Car Parts Can Be Better Than New
More and more car owners purchase used parts rather than new for car maintenance and repairs. You should consider this because:

1. You typically save about 55% on the cost.
2. There is a wide selection of used parts, some of which may even be an upgrade to the part you are replacing.
3. You reduce pollution because car parts recycling plays an important role in conserving natural resources and landfill space. Car parts recycling also reduces water and air pollution and solid wastes.
A Guide to Buying Used Car Parts
Before you purchase used car parts, here is a general guide to assist you in finding the right parts at the best prices.
  • When you purchase a car part, have your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) handy. The VIN gives the seller a lot of information about your car, including year, make, and model. Having the VIN available is very important, particularly when buying drive train components, such as engines and transmissions.
  • If buying from a vehicle dismantler, breakers yard or used parts broker, check if they offer a warranty on parts.
  • Read and understand the terms of the warranty before purchasing.
  • Try to find out how many miles are on the part and whether the part is being sold as used, rebuilt, or remanufactured.
Car Parts Information
Car parts vary greatly depending on the make and model of the car, as well as its year of production. For example, a car manufacturer may make four kinds of the same part for a single model of a vehicle in one year, so you must be specific on the codes and numbers of the part to be sure you buy the correct one for your car.

The Four Major Categories of Car Parts
The four main categories of car parts are:
1. Car Engines
2. Gearboxes (aka transmissions)
3. Interior and Trim Parts
4. Exterior Body Parts
Considerations for Commonly Purchased Used Car Parts
1. Engines
In most cases, when purchasing an entire engine, there will be no opportunity to see or hear it running so the usual tests won't apply. One potential indicator as to the engine's condition is the state of the spark plugs. A spark plug's location exposes it to extreme temperatures, chemicals, fuel, and oil. It is worn out by cylinder pressures produced by the piston and cam timing and by high-output ignition units. Because of this, you can to some extent find out what and how the engine is doing by reading the firing ends of the spark plugs. There are numerous sites that provide guidance as to how to interpret colour, deposits, gaps etc.

Reconditioned Engines
There are many firms specialising in reconditioned engines. Usually they will require you to provide your existing engine as part of the deal. Some of these firms provide excellent value for money, overhauling and replacing worn or damaged parts and delivering a reconditioned engine that is pretty much as good as they new thing. However, not all of these firms are as reputable as others. Some have been known to simply steam clean and repaint the engine without any form of mechanical attention! Be sure to check reputation, warranties, terms and conditions carefully.

2. Car Gearboxes and Transmissions
Other than the engine, the gearbox is inherently one of the most complex mechanical components of any car. Automatic gearboxes are still more complex. As with engines, that 'bargain' second hand gearbox can't usually be see working (unless the plan is for you to remove it from a 'donor' vehicle after the deal is done). It is therefore essential that you have a cast iron warranty or money back guarantee in the event that the gearbox proves to be faulty.

2. Reconditioned Gearboxes
As with car engines, there is a thriving industry in producing reconditioned gearboxes. Again, most of the firms in this business deliver excellent service but do check the reputation carefully. Most will provide a 'turn key' service: you take you car to them, they remove your gearbox (which they keep to recondition) and replace it with a reconditioned unit. Most offer a least a year's guarantee but check the terms and conditions carefully.

3. Car Batteries
A car battery starts the car�s engine. It also provides power for the ignition, lighting, radio, and other accessories when the engine is idling and when the charging system is not operating. A well-maintained battery lasts for several years. Try to get a warranty on any battery you purchase. This is one purchase that is generally better bought new, not second-hand although there may be some second hand batteries for sale for genuine reasons (many people buy a new battery for an ailing car, only to discover the fault is more serious and the car is scarpped, leaving them with a shiny new battery to sell!) In general, it is better not to buy a battery that is more than six months old.

Types of Batteries
Low maintenance (non-sealed) and maintenance free (non-sealed or sealed) are the two basic types of car batteries. The advantages of maintenance free batteries are: no maintenance required, longer life, faster recharging, greater resistance to overcharging, reduced terminal corrosion, and longer shelf life. Unfortunately, they are prone to deep discharge (dead battery) failures. In hotter weather, buying non-sealed batteries is recommended because a sealed battery will not allow you to add water when required, or to test the specific gravity with an external hydrometer. Some manufacturers offer a third type of car battery, a "dual", that combines a standard battery with emergency backup cells. For about the same cost, it might be more effective to purchase two batteries and isolate them. Batteries are sold by models, so group numbers vary even when the price is the same. This means that for the same price you can buy a physically larger battery with more reserve capacity than the battery you are replacing, which is good! Be sure that the replacement battery will fit, the cables will connect to the correct terminals, and the terminals will not touch the bonnet when it is closed.

4. Tyres
Be sure that any new or second-hand tyres you purchase are of the recommended size and type for your car. Check the tread depth before purchasing second-hand tyres to ensure that it is above the UK legal minimum. A good tread-depth gauge can give you an accurate reading. There may also be wear indicators or 'wear bars' built into the tread; if they show as being flush or nearly flush with the surface of the tyre, there is no point in buying it. If buying the tyre on its own (as opposed to on a wheel), carefully check the interior of the tyre for signs of repair or damage -- walk away if you find any. If the treads on the outside edge or inside edge are particularly worn, this suggests that the vehicle from which the tyres were removed may have been suffering from wheel alignment or 'tracking' problems. Again, tyres in this condition are far from an ideal purchase but in some cases, if the deal is right, you may be able to rotate the tyres to balance the wear -- but it is probably better not to buy them.

Tyres are a major factor in ensuring the overall safety of any vehicle. There are a number of essential points to remember:-
  • Always ensure tyres are inflated to the recommended pressure
  • Perform visual checks before each journey for damage to the sidewall of each tyre
  • Monitor for uneven wear and have the car's alignment or wheel balancing corrected accordingly
  • NEVER leave a slow puncture: it could easily become a blowout with fatal consequences
  • NEVER mix tyre types or treads on the same axle (i.e. both fronts must be the same and both rears)
  • Similarly, ensure tyre wear is even on the same axle: replace BOTH tyres at the same time on the front or rear
  • NEVER drive with worn or damaged tyres
5. Other Parts
A car is composed of thousands of parts. Huge numbers of parts are listed here at classifieds. You can also contact local and specialists breakers depending upon the make of your car. Most parts can be sensibly purchased second hand, with the exceptions perhaps being brake pads and consumables such as brake fluid, oil and engine coolants which, in addition to the difficulties of transporting them, are vulnerable to contamination. Unless you are offered a warranty or very solid money back guarantee, NEVER purchase parts unseen.
UK Home / Motors / Car Parts
To Get Help About This Section, Click Here
free classified ads
Car Parts  
Looking for spare Car Parts? Browse new and used Car Parts here at Classifieds Cars & Motors - the home of FREE Classified Ads.
Either browse through our Car Parts Ads (below) or use the Search & Sort box on the right to filter your results.  Or, alternatively, Post your own Ad for FREE.
    
 
  
      
Classified Ad Results  ( 1 to 4 of 4 ads found )
28 February 2010
Team Dynamics 17" Inch Jet Alloy Wheels with Tyres..
For sale are team dynamic alloy wheels 17" withtyres wheels in good conditions (pictures above) and tyres in excellend condition as hardly used. also comes with free lock and wheel nuts pick up only, wirral - ch61 (can arrange delievery if requested).
£300
CH60
25 January 2010
Car Parts..
here at metrosalvageshop you will be able to buy anything from a mirror to an engine. we have a massive selection of used car parts and spares, all available for rapid dispatch, directly to you. .
24 January 2010
breaking peugeot 306 sxi blue p reg..
Car has had head removed but all other parts are available at super low prices i can remove the item you require or you can come along and do it yourself, i will even deliver items if needed, item is located at baldock all the panels light and bumpers are perfect no rust etc, pl. .
£5
SG7
23 January 2010
TintACar-Window Tinting(COJ217965)..
Tintacar specializes in window tinting for cars with products that can offer benefits such as heat rejection, uv protection, glare reduction and privacy. we also tint homes and commercial buildings. ().
CB1
More :
FirstLast...
1/
...
Information & Advice on Car Parts
Category Ad Tags

"
Ad Tags are keywords Users have added to their Ad to quickly indicate what they’re advertising.
"
There aren’t any Tags associated with this Classification.
Post a FREE Ad
Log In / Register
Help!
About
Share
RSS
Related Classifications
Cars & Motors (149)
Alfa Romeo Caravans & Motorhomes Commercial Vehicles Motorbikes & Scooters Aston Martin
Or Buy Online Now..
Karcher K2.900M Deluxe Pressu
Karcher K2.900M Deluxe Pressure Washer...
Karcher K2.900M Deluxe Pressu
£140.99 - ToolBox
Karcher K2.38M 110 Bar Pressu
Compact yet powerful Includes both standard and dirtblaster lances Pa...
Karcher K2.38M 110 Bar Pressu
£98.35 - Toolbay Direct
Karcher K386MD+ Pressure Wash
Karcher K386MD+ Pressure Washer Max Bar 120...
Karcher K386MD+ Pressure Wash
£209.96 - ToolBox
Paslode IM350 90mm Cordless G
This updated version of the Paslode IM350/90 cordless framing nail gu...
Paslode IM350 90mm Cordless G
£362.70 - Toolbay Direct
Silverline 577326 Circular Sa
Silverline 577326 Circular Saw 190mm Hi-Spec 1400W...
Silverline 577326 Circular Sa
£44.44 - ToolBox
Makita LXT600 6 Piece 18v Cor
Top of the range Makita 18 volt cordless power tool kit, with 6 machi...
Makita LXT600 6 Piece 18v Cor
£576.00 - Toolbay Direct
Makita BTD140Z 18V Lithium Io
MAKBTD140Z...
Makita BTD140Z 18V Lithium Io
£102.17 - HMF Tools
Makita BHP451Z 18V Lithium Io
MAKBHP451Z...
Makita BHP451Z 18V Lithium Io
£116.47 - HMF Tools
Makita 4191DWD 12v Cordless 8
A professional, lightweight diamond wheel cutting machine for use on ...
Makita 4191DWD 12v Cordless 8
£207.27 - Toolbay Direct
Karcher K2.94MD De45Luxe 100
The K2.94M Deluxe is a mobile pressure washer that offers the latest ...
Karcher K2.94MD De45Luxe 100
£125.19 - Toolbay Direct
Classifieds.co.uk | Valueclick Europe Ltd - Privacy - Advertiser Terms - User Terms
You must comply with all laws when making any posting on Classifieds.co.uk.
Under no circumstances shall Classifieds.co.uk be held responsible for any items posted by users on this website.