November 9, 2023

Local Auto Junk Yards Near Me: A Surprisingly Fun Treat

For the seasoned junkyard wanderer, each trip is an exercise in targeted efficiency. Like when I needed a rare HVAC control module for my 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee—the usual yard visit became more of a strategic mission.

The contemporary vehicles section might be a bit cleaner and less picked over than where the classics reside. Finding tech upgrades or advanced modules from newer totals often means venturing into this local car junk yards lesser-trodden territory. Keeping abreast with the incoming inventory helps to hit these sections at just the right time.


How I Handle Auto Junk Yards


  • Pull Prepped: Before heading out, review removal tutorials online for your specific part—it's saved me time and hassle during extraction.
  • VIN Decoder: Using an online VIN decoder before arriving can pinpoint exactly which parts will work, especially if you're dealing with variants within model years.
  • Talk To Regulars: Don’t underestimate regular visitor knowledge; some have valuable insights on recent drops they’re willing to share—if you ask nicely.
  • OEM Part Numbers: OEM numbers makes hunting down precise matches faster—worth its weight in gold when eyeing components that need to fit just right.

Strolling through the rows of a local salvage yard is always an adventure, and on one such excursion to find a radiator for my aging Chevy, I bumped into a fellow DIYer. He recounted with glee how he'd managed to clear out his driveway by selling his weathered Dodge Dart directly to the junk car salvage junkyard we were both rummaging in.

After realizing that repair costs would be too high, he made a quick call and got an offer based on the weight and parts value. The next day, his old clunker was hauled away—no hassle or haggling needed—and now here he was, scavenging for treasures with cash in hand from that very same sale.

Meet Alex Turner, the grease-monkey wordsmith with a knack for turning car tales into compelling yarns, and a soft spot for junk car nostalgia. When Alex isn't writing or elbow-deep in engine work, you'll find them at local auto salvage yards, hunting down the next rusty treasure.