Over the past couple of years, the car parts industry bore witness to what can only be described as “the biggest shift in consumer behavior to date”, driven by the fact that the demand for new components is steadily on the decline – or at best, holding steady in the neutral zone.
On the flip side, reputable pick-n-pull yards are skyrocketing in popularity. Destinations such as BYOT Auto Parts in Bryan / College Station, TX are seeing incredible success as more and more people flock to their lots in search of recycled components. The million-dollar question is: “Why is this happening?” Let’s dive in and find out!
Why are used auto parts gaining popularity in the U.S.?
In a nutshell, this growing trend is fueled by a combination of factors, the most prominent being economic pressures, growing eco-consciousness, bustling online DIY community, and the technological advancements that made this mode of maintenance more viable than ever.
Economic drivers
The most compelling (and obvious) reason why people go for used car parts is their sheer affordability. In an era defined by economic uncertainty and inflation, vehicle owners are constantly looking for ways to mitigate repair costs – as well as to postpone committing to buying a new ride which, today, can take a significant chunk out of their budgets.
To that end, pre-used components are a logical choice. Compared to brand-new OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts, used variants are significantly cheaper – up to 50% on average. Plus, if they’re sourced from a reputable salvage yard, there’s a high chance that the parts will be inspected, so there’s practically minimum-to-no risk involved in purchasing them.
Focus on sustainability
Environmentally conscious buyers are growing in numbers by the day and their sphere of influence definitely rubbed off the automotive industry. So much so, that their commitment to sustainable solutions became a significant contributor to the demand for used auto parts. In fact, more than a third of drivers cited sustainability as a key reason for their purchase decision.
What’s more, the usage of pre-owned parts perfectly aligns with the principles of the circular economy – a concept that emphasizes reusing resources, instead of trashing or recycling them. This approach directly helps reduce landfill waste and lower energy requirements for melting/remanufacturing materials, making it incredibly beneficial for the environment.
Technological advancements
Thanks to the digital revolution, used auto parts have become more accessible than ever. Today, there’s virtually no salvage yard that doesn’t have some sort of online inventory system or mobile app that allows their customers to conduct a real-time part lookup.
Don’t want to download several different apps or visit multiple websites? No problem – there are platforms (the so-called “aggregators”) that automatically collect part info from many different yards, allowing you to browse them and compare prices as you see fit.
There are even some solutions that feature search filters so advanced, that they enable you to find compatible/interchangeable parts across various makes and models, dramatically cutting the time (and frustration) when searching for hard-to-find components.
The rise of the DIY communities
Finally, we must recognize the role of internet communities in encouraging people to take car maintenance into their own hands. These resources made DIYing safer, easier, and more predictable than ever – and they will continue to empower users to source and utilize used car parts effectively.
From sites where you can find in-depth information on every vehicle’s make and model to forums where you can get real-time answers to your DIY questions to dedicated platforms with high-quality video guides on every aspect of car repair (yes, even for specific models!) – every ounce of knowledge is readily available and within your reach.
