Cars are a central part of the American experience, but that experience rarely comes cheap. While keeping a car for years is a great way to save money, repairs can add up as your odometer rolls ever higher. Making the most out of your vehicle means finding ways to save a few dollars here and there whenever repairs are necessary, and used auto parts offer a great solution to keep those costs under control. Choosing used parts may seem intimidating at first, but there are a few options available that can guarantee that you still get great, reliable parts for a fraction of the cost.

Consider Remanufactured or Rebuilt Parts

Just like many electronic items, automotive parts are often refurbished to give new life to old parts. When dealing with automotive parts, you will usually see the terms "remanufactured" or "rebuilt" to refer to refreshed used parts. The original part manufacturer sometimes performs this process, but more complex components (such as transmissions) are often rebuilt by specialty shops, as well. Remanufactured parts are often much cheaper than new components, and they will usually include a lengthy warranty.

When purchasing a rebuilt part, always be sure to read reviews and do research. It is especially important to do this homework if you are considering an expensive remanufactured part, such as a transmission, differential, or another major component.

Buy Used From a Reputable Salvage Yard

Salvage yards are one of the best sources for high-quality used parts. Many cars are totaled by insurance companies due to cosmetic damage, leaving many of the mechanical and electronic components in entirely usable condition. Reputable salvage yards carefully inventory the vehicles on their lots so that they can provide accurate information to potential customers. If you need a specific part, calling up a nearby salvage yard is often a great way to find it for drastically less than the cost of a new or remanufactured part.

When purchasing used parts from salvage yards, always be sure to ask about mileage on the donor car. The condition of mechanical parts is usually difficult to judge, but mileage can be a good indication of how much life the part has left in it.

Don't Forget About Pick-n-Pulls

Finally, it might be worthwhile to pull that used part yourself if you're handy with tools and know what you need. While pick-n-pull scrapyards are not as common as they once were, many still exist. Visiting a pick-n-pull can be a fun experience in and of itself, and you'll have the opportunity to find the exact part that you want. If you decide to take this route, make sure you bring a portable toolkit with you and always carefully follow the scrapyard's rules.