Auto repair could cost a pretty penny, especially if you have to replace key components in your vehicle. This explains why an alternator is one component of great importance in the electrical system of your car since it powers everything there, including the air conditioner and lights, while at the same time charging the battery as long as the engine runs. It may be that an alternator failure leaves you stranded and requires an immediate replacement. Due to this, purchasing a used alternator from New Jersey salvage yards may fall within your budget, thereby getting you on the road within budget.
In this blog post, we shall explore the merits of buying a used alternator, how to identify a reliable one, and how to locate the best deals in New Jersey salvage yards.
Why You Need to Buy a Second-Hand Alternator
An alternator is the component of the motor engine that ensures your vehicle is running very smoothly by converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. However, depending on the type and model you have for your car, a new alternator may cost anywhere from $300 to over $800. At this stage, buying a used alternator is sensible.
The Main Benefits of Buying a Used Alternator
The advantages of buying a used alternator include the following:
Cost Savings: The major reason to buy a used alternator is the price. A used alternator can save you hundreds of dollars for an equivalent alternator; although current models start at around $50, they top out at just about $200.
Availability of Older Models:
At times, you may have problems with a new alternator when the car is relatively old or not in production anymore. Salvage yards usually carry older automotive parts that can be used to replace an older alternator.
Being Environment:
Friendly Buying used parts will save you a footstep on the planet. Buying a remanufactured alternator helps recycle within the automobile business and saves waste, too.
Available Parts:
Salvaged lots usually have parts ready for pickup the same day, so you can get your vehicle moving faster than if you had to wait for an alternator to ship in.
How to Find a Reliable Second-Hand Alternator
You must make sure the used alternator you buy is in good condition and reliable for your car. The following tips will guide you in getting a good quality part:
- Know Your Car Specifications
You should know everything about your auto before venturing into a salvage yard, including make, model year, and type of engine. There is no such thing as one alternator made to work on all cars; you probably have a different type depending on the car. It’s handy to carry your old alternator or its part number along so that you get the proper replacement.
- Generator
While most salvage yards are capable of selling workable and inspected parts, you should inspect the alternator for yourself. Always check the alternator for signs of wear such as corrosion, rust, or snapped or worn-out wiring. The alternator pulley should spin with no wobble or grinding. Also ensure that in most cases part of the alternator, the voltage regulator, is also good.
- Warranty or testing
Well, that’s a valid question; most salvage yards actually test items prior to sale. Check if the alternator has been tested and works well. However, when buying used parts, customers can have better assurance from salvage yards in New Jersey that offer a short-term warranty or return policy.
- Professional Installation Consideration
Even for someone who has many years of experience in auto repair, it is always worth the safety of paying a professional to install a used alternator. This minimizes the chance of further damage happening in your automobile’s electrical system and will ensure that it is put into place correctly. Most auto technicians can check an alternator after installation to verify that it is functioning as it should.
Used Alternators from New Jersey Salvage Yards
Although you can obtain alternators and other low-priced auto parts in salvage yards, it is really frightening to navigate through them if you are clueless as to how they work. Fortunately enough, New Jersey salvage yards have been highly ranked for offering a big assortment of parts and accommodative customers.
Here are some of the best places in New Jersey to start looking for an old alternator:
- Select Your Piece, LKQ
LKQ is one of the largest groups of junk yards in the country and has several locations in New Jersey. At LKQ Pick Your Part, customers can dig up whatever parts they want themselves; that is a workout and an enjoyable activity if you don’t mind being a little dirty. On their website, LKQ has provided an inventory search function so you can check availability prior to leaving.
- Car Parts G&R
Famous for its large stock, G&R Auto Parts is the most in-demand junkyard based in Vineland, New Jersey. This makes it easier to find the particular alternator that you need because they sell used car parts for domestic and foreign vehicles. In addition, G&R also offers warranties on certain parts and delivery services.
- Junk Jersey Auto Wreckers
Jersey Junk Auto Wreckers has been in the business for over 20 years. This salvage yard is located in Jersey City and has an enormous stock of many alternative products, including alternators, and is known to provide good customer service. The staff at Jersey Junk can look up the perfect alternator for you if you’re not sure which one to get.
- Salvage Yards
Another major salvage yard in Sewell, New Jersey, and that sell used car parts at low price is AAA Parts & Salvage. They have a wide selection of certified pre-owned parts and specialize in high-performance late model autos. Their employees would be able to direct you to the best used alternator for your automobile in the event that you are looking for one.
- Auto Wreckers on Route 3
Based in Clifton, Route 3 Auto Wreckers is a full-service salvage yard selling components for many different brands and models. Their main emphasis is on providing well-inspected parts and a large assortment of alternators. In addition, they warrant specific parts which can provide buyers with even more peace of mind when purchasing secondhand parts.
What to Expect At a Salvage Yard
So, what to expect if you’ve never been to a salvage yard before is as follows:
Full-Service Salvage Yards versus Self-Service:
LKQ is a self-service salvage yard. This means you must bring your own tools and remove the part.Â
Other companies will give you the full service:
they’ll remove the part for you, saving you time as well as effort.
Inventory Search:
Most of the salvage yards have online inventory search so you can view advance if they carry the part you need.
Pricing:
Used alternators cost often much less than new. Prices of parts at the salvage yards are usually determined by the manufacturer, model, as well as vehicle’s component condition.
Return Policies:
Most salvage yards have hardly any guarantees or exchange some products, but others do not accept returns for parts used. Make sure to ask the yard about their return policy before purchasing from them.
Conclusion
Sourcing salvaged alternators available here at salvage yards in New Jersey would serve just fine in getting that reliable replacement part needed, and you can be assured of getting a quality alternator by paying attention to what is being offered in this tutorial and ensuring your car stays in great shape for years to come.