How to Get Rid of Old Auto Parts

How to Get Rid of Old Auto Parts

How to Get Rid of Old Auto Parts

If you're a mechanic working on cars, trucks, and motorcycles, you may have a lot of parts hanging around your garage. While it's OK to have a stock of parts just in case you need them, a cluttered workspace is no place for you to perform maintenance work on a vehicle. Here are some ways for you to get rid of old auto parts, and get your garage organized.

Spare Parts and Old PartsIf you have a large collection of parts, it's very important to segregate them between "spare parts" and "old parts." Segregating parts can help you decide which parts are important to keep, and which ones can be disposed of.

• Spare parts are relatively new or working parts that you can use to replace broken or defective parts on your automobile. They need to be in good working condition for you to be able to use them. Check the parts for rust, wear, or any major sign of corrosion.
• Old parts are worn, rusty, or corroded parts that can no longer be used as replacement parts for your automobile. They should be disposed of, or recycled as scrap metal.

Make an InventoryA good mechanic always has a checklist of the components he or she has in the garage. An inventory can help you keep track of the parts that you have in your garage. Here are some important details you should place in your inventory:

• Date. Note the date when you acquired the part.
• Make and model. Different cars have different parts and specifications detailed on the label, box, or the part itself. Take note of the serial or part number.
• Condition. Whether you're buying new or used parts, make sure that they're in good working condition, although some parts may be reconditioned or restored. Take note of the condition of each part when taking them to inventory.

Segregating PartsAutomotive parts can be quite expensive, and it's always handy to have parts in good working condition in your garage shelves or cabinets. Most OEM or aftermarket parts for automobiles are built to last, though, and you may not need to keep all those parts in your garage. You may want to divide your inventory of parts into the following:

• Parts worth keeping are components that tend to suffer from more damage or wear and tear than other parts of your car. You may want to hang on to fan belts and gaskets, but get rid of spliced wires or camshafts if you're not into customization.
• Parts worth selling are either worn parts that can be sold for scrap, or aftermarket parts that you don't use at all. If you're not doing a lot of customization work, you may need to dispose of many of your car parts to prevent clutter.

Salvage Old PartsOnce you have completed your auto parts inventory, chances are you're left with a lot of parts that you don't have any use for. Here are some ways to eliminate them from your inventory:

• Disposing parts. Many plastic or rubber parts like worn caps and gaskets may be disposed of along with your non-recyclables. Make sure that the used parts do not contain harmful oils or chemicals. If they do, contact your local waste disposal facility for information on how you can throw these parts away safely.
• Selling parts. Metal parts are often bought by junk shops and salvage yards for a fair price. You can earn quite a sum of money if you sell old parts that you have no use for, like spare flywheels, brake discs, pedals, or even old engine blocks. Salvage yards and recycling facilities have the equipment needed to refurbish these parts, or process them to make other components.

Disposing of auto parts can help you clean up your garage, and make your workspace a better place to work in. With these steps, you can get rid of old auto parts and organize your garage for your next auto project. If you're interested in reading this article, might as well read how to maintain your car.