When it's time to buy car parts, you may be overlooking a potential source of quality parts at reduced prices. Salvage yards are sometimes the place to get exactly what you need without paying the high prices of dealer items and parts warehouses.

If you're one of those handy people who can do your own tune-ups, change your own oil and handle minor repairs, congratulations. You have the skills to save thousands of dollars over the life of your car. But you also know that you can spend hundreds on car parts with a single trip to the auto supply house. And if you need an item that's classified as a dealer-only part, you could easily be looking at thousands of dollars for the replacement.

So what's the answer? Almost since the invention of the automobile, people have recognized the value of used car parts. When it's time to work on your vehicle, used car parts can solve several problems, including cost and availability.

Especially for older cars or antique vehicles being restored, used car parts may very well be the only answer to your parts needs. You may not find any auto supply outlet with access to car parts for a '49 Studebaker pickup or a '32 Ford, but you may very well find salvage yards with cars that are being sold for parts.

Most salvage companies have