Once a vehicle becomes inoperable, it is usually of little use to the person or company that owns it. However due to the intricate and interconnected way in which an engine functions, many parts on an inoperable vehicle remain in excellent working order even though the whole engine no longer works. This is where auto recyclers come into the picture. While the automobile has no value to its owner because it no longer performs the function for which it was purchased – transportation- the auto recycler has another use in mind and will gladly compensate the owner of the car in order to obtain it. This arrangement benefits both parties and the community as a whole. The owner receives at least some money for the vehicle, the auto recycler receives an inventory of parts and the community does not have the economic or ecological strain of dealing with a large useless piece of machinery. This is one of the few win-win scenarios in the world today.

Once the inoperable vehicle has been purchased by the auto recycler, the vehicle is moved to its dismantling facility. Here the process begins. First, all hazardous materials must be removed from the vehicle. There are more than you might think. Once this is finished, technicians go over the automobile thoroughly to discover what parts are in good working condition. Once this has been assessed and the parts are removed, then the rest of vehicle is stripped of plastics and the vehicle is sent to the crusher or shredder. Here, the left over metal frame of the car is compacted and the steel that is left is then recycled back into anything from new parts to completely new vehicles. It has been estimated that since 1997, enough steel has been recovered from salvaged automobiles to build 13 million new ones.

Once the good working parts of a salvaged vehicle have been removed, they are now ready to be returned to use. Most auto recyclers today utilize direct access inventory systems that connect them with other auto recyclers, mechanics and consumers through the internet. When a particular part is needed, all one needs to do is a simple internet search. This system makes it easy to compare prices and in many cases, auto recyclers will compete for your business. If the part is located close enough one can even drive over, inspect the part, and pick it up that day. For parts located further than that, most auto recyclers are happy to ship even large parts right to the consumer or mechanics door. Most reputable auto recyclers provide at least a minimal warranty on the parts they sell, also. As for the actual savings to be had on used parts, it is estimated that most of these parts can be obtained at up to half of what the same part may cost new. Now everyone can enjoy that savings.

If you haven’t been effected by the economic meltdown, you are one lucky person. Personally, I’ve stopped watching the news. I don’t know if we are in a recession, depression or what. All I know is my house isn’t worth much, my retirement account is so low I’ll be retiring right when they bury me and I’m not alone in this situation. If you’re like me, you are giving a lot of thought to how you spend your money. Maybe I should say that you’re thinking a lot about how not to spend money. Welcome to the frugal America.

It isn’t going to change your situation, but one area where you can save a few bucks is on your car. Contrary to the way things appear these days, the modern car is not a device dreamed up by aliens. You can actually work on it yourself. You can definitely save money by doing the basic maintenance yourself – change the oil, check the belts, flush the radiator, etc. Ah, but what if you run into a bigger problem?

Auto repairs are not brain surgery. Assuming your engine isn’t shot, you can change out most parts of your car without needing to call in a pit crew from NASCAR. The key is to understand what you are getting into. I realize this goes against the manly mantra, but reading up on it before hand and watching some videos online can be a huge help.

Once you dive into your repair job, you inevitably are going to run into something that you need an answer to. Here is where you are introduced to the last bastion of real customer service in the world – the auto parts store. When you run into a problem, the people behind the desk at whatever store is in your area are a fountain of advice -free advice.

Obviously they want you to buy something, but they see giving advice as a marketing tool. I’ve actually gone in an out of store no less than four times in a day to ask questions when trying to change out a fly wheel on a car. I felt so bad I actually bought a case of oil I didn’t need. Regardless, the advice I was given saved the day.

Admitting you need help can be difficult. When it comes to your car, you should bite the bullet. Turning a small repair into an engine replacement is not a good idea. Ask the guys who actually work on cars all the time. Their friendly and will give you the answers without rolling their eyes!

Flat Rate or Actual Time

If the actual time it takes to repair the vehicle is LESS or MORE than the estimated flat rate time, the customer still pays the flat rate amount. More experienced auto technicians and techs with time saving tools can most of the time beat the flat rate time (AKA book time). The technician, if paid by flat rate has an incentive to do the job fast and correctly. If he makes a mistake and has to do the job again (commonly called a comeback) he does it the second time for free! Also keep in mind that a flat rate technician does not get paid time and a half for over-time, or for standing around waiting for work or parts. It’s necessary for the technician to be productive and make up for this lost time by learning from his experience and buying tools that make him more efficient. Tools with exception of larger shop equipment items are usually the responsibility of each mechanic to purchase individually.

Parts Cost

The cost of the parts to fix the vehicle will depend on the deal the repair shop gets when they purchase the parts at wholesale, if they are new or rebuilt and how much their profit margin is. The typical markup is 30 to 40%, although this may vary. Yes, some money may be saved by shopping around and buying the parts directly, but most shops won’t install parts provided by the customer. Also as far as the warranty goes, if a part fails that the facility provides, the shop will be responsible during the warranty period. If a part fails that was provided by the customer to the shop, the customer would be responsible for paying the labor all over again and handling the warranty replacement.

I personally would prefer to have a knowledgeable technician work on my car and repair it faster than the book time as opposed to having a less experienced tech work on my car longer to achieve the same results.

Tips for a good auto repair shop experience.

• Choose a shop that has a good reputation.
• Ask to inspect the old parts, ask what has failed or worn.
• Talk to the technician when possible to eliminate a break down in communication.
• Ask for a discount, the worst they could say is there is they cannot provide one.
• Have a written estimate on large repairs.
• Test drive vehicle before paying if possible.
• Choose a shop that specializes in the type of vehicle make.
• Consider if you prefer a national warranty or not.