Are you tired of paying high prices for the auto parts you need to keep your vehicle on the road? Here are a few things you can do to save money on those parts:

Buy Your Parts Used

Just because an alternator is used doesn't mean that it won't perform well once it's installed in your own vehicle. Many dealerships and auto parts shops source used parts from vehicles with cracked engines or other serious problems. But the parts they source are perfectly functional. And used parts are typically sold for just a fraction of the cost of new ones.

Some used parts even come with warranties that will financially protect you if something does go wrong prematurely. You might be able to find used parts for your car at local used dealerships, at auto parts centers, and even through classified advertisements in your local newspaper and on the Internet.

Head to the Salvage Yard

Believe it or not, you can save some serious money on your auto parts by visiting salvage yards in your area. A vehicle might be sent to the salvage yard due to a serious accident that resulted in irreparable damage – not because the parts within it have failed. So, that brake cylinder or water pump you need could be in great condition while the body of the car is trashed.

The salvage yard likely has lots of parts on hand that they have already extracted from old vehicles in the yard. If a part you need isn't in stock, they can search the yard for vehicles that may have the part you need. Or you can scavenge through the yard yourself to see if you can find what you need. If the salvage yard doesn't have the part you need at the time and you don't need the part right away, you may be able to get put on a waiting list, and you'll receive a call as soon as the part matching your requirements comes in.

Purchase Items in Bulk

If you can't find the auto part you need used or at a salvage yard, you could still save some money on the part by ordering it in bulk. Ask your friends, family members, and neighbors if they could use the same part as you. If you can get enough people together who do, you can order all the parts at once and take advantage of any bulk discounts that are offered through the dealer you're working with.

You can also put together an auto parts cooperative in your community so people can sign up when they need new parts for their vehicles. Once there are enough people needing the same parts, bulk orders can be made.

To learn more, contact a resource that offers used auto parts.