If you are searching on google for a “salvage yard near me” or “junk yard near me” and you live in West Michigan, chances are you will find us here at Pete’s Auto Parts in Jenison, Michigan. But you might wonder what to expect. Salvage yards can be a bit daunting at first glance, but they’re treasure troves for discount auto parts and facilities like Pete’s are clean and modern with friendly people to help you find the parts you need. Whether you’re gearing up for your first trip or are just intrigued by how these places operate, our crew at Pete’s Auto Parts is here to give you the lowdown!
Where do the Vehicles Come From?
At Pete’s Auto Parts, we purchase used vehicles that have been in accidents and were insurance company total losses. Our vehicles primarily come from insurance auctions in Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana and Kentucky. This is a very different vehicle than the salvage yards that buy vehicles that have just reached the end of their road life, as those vehicles generally are high-mileage and worn out. The cars, trucks, vans and SUVs we buy were running down the road great until they were in an unfortunate accident, rendering some of their parts unusable, so we harvest the good parts. Because the vehicles we buy were fully insured, we find it’s a little higher quality vehicle than you might find elsewhere. A vehicle in a fender bender that destroys the bumpers still has perfectly good doors to provide to savvy consumers like you! A vehicle hit in the side has a good running engine that can power your vehicle down the road!
Salvage Yard Auto Parts: DIY or Leave it to Us?
The way you purchase parts can differ from one salvage yard to another. Some automotive recycling facilities, like Pete’s Auto Parts, do all the work for you of pulling, prepping and quality checking the parts you need. We have many customer who have the skills and the tools to remove parts safely from vehicles, but at Pete’s Auto Parts we don’t allow anyone into our yard, to keep our insurance low and our inventory accurate. Only our trained technicians remove parts at Pete’s. If you are looking for a self-service or “you pull” yard, we are not the right fit for you. However, we can still get you the parts you need, just with a little less work on your end! e
The Salvage Yard Process:
First, reach out to Pete’s Auto Parts by calling or texting us at 616-669-6592, so we can search for the price and availability of the part(s) you need. You may also choose to do your own search on our website first, but we have many more parts available than what is shown online so don’t hesitate to call or text!! Your salesperson will let you know how much the part will cost and the timeframe we can have the part ready for pickup, shipped out to you, or if you are a shop in our local delivery area, when we can deliver it.
Next, your salesperson will send you a secure payment link for you to pay by credit card. We do not charge any extra fees, and we utilize Stripe for our credit card processing so we never receive your card information, just the payment – the most secure way to pay online. If you prefer to pay in cash, your salesperson will instead send you a secure payment link to pay for a deposit with a credit card, and then you may pay the balance of the part in cash when you come to pick up or when the part is delivered. We require at least a deposit to start your order.
Finally, when the part is ready for pickup, you will receive a call or text (your choice!) letting you know it is ready, and you can come get it Monday through Friday 9am to 4pm from our location at 2544 Port Sheldon St, Jenison MI 49428. If you need an after hours pickup, call or text your salesperson. If we are shipping your order, we’ll provide you with a tracking number by text or email. If we are delivering your order, you have the option of signing up for our “EZ Partner” feature where you will receive an email when a part is on the way to you and when it’s delivered!
How Much Will I Really Save?
The costs of new OEM auto parts, aftermarket auto parts and ROEM (recycled original equipment manufacturer) or used auto parts vary widely, and prices change frequently based on supply and demand, but you can expect a substantial savings when you buy a part from Pete’s Auto Parts. Many customers save 40 or 50% over new! Recently we had a customer come in and purchase a radio from us that was $200 for the ROEM used radio, and he shared with us that new from the dealership the radio would have cost over $800! That is a great success story of saving hundreds of dollars, but many other customers save $50 here or $100 there, and every bit helps in today’s world.
If You Opt For Self Service:
If you decide you want to venture into a self-service facility and remove your own parts, we have a few tips for you to stay safe:
Guard Your Feet: Closed-toe shoes are a must to shield your feet from potential hazards lurking on the ground.
Shield Your Eyes: Invest in quality eye protection to ward off fluids and debris.
Protect Your Hands: Slip on some heavy-duty gloves to shield your hands from sharp edges.
Mind Your Head: Cover up, especially for heavier tasks like engine work.
Gear Up: Don’t forget your tools! While many yards rent or sell tools, you may pay a premium if you don’t bring your own!
Plan Your Search: Ask for a map to navigate the yard efficiently.
Ask Away: most salvage yards have staff there to help, so don’t hesitate to ask questions!
Take Your Time: Rushing leads to mistakes, so plan your visit and give yourself ample time.
Know Your Ride: Ensure the part you’re eyeing is compatible with your vehicle.
Understand Returns: Familiarize yourself with the return policy before making a purchase.
Ready for Your Salvage Yard Adventure?
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to navigate Pete’s Auto Parts or any other salvage yard like a pro. Remember to call or text us BEFORE you come to our facility to get the part you need, as there is a whole process we go through to remove the parts, clean & prep the parts and quality check the parts, and we do not want to waste your time! Whether you’re fixing up your ride or flipping cars for cash, we’re here to lend a hand. Reach out to Pete’s Auto Parts by calling or texting 616-669-6592 to learn more about our top-notch used car, truck, van and SUV parts. Or if you prefer to search our site, you can do that now at https://petesautoparts.autopartsearch.com/
