Pull-A-Part
By Catarena Now Jan 29, 2021
Established in 1997 in Atlanta, Georgia; Pull-A-Part is the fastest-growing self-service used auto parts retailer and recycler in the United States. Beginning as a scrap metal recycling program, their first vehicle salvage and recycling yard opened in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1998. Pull-A-Part’s hands-on concept, environmental awareness, and catering to the auto consumer are some reasons for its self-perpetuated growth in the ’90s that continues to today.
Located in 12 states and 25 cities, this company allows you to bring your own tools and remove parts to purchase at a discount versus buying new ones. In a world where everything feels as if it’s online; you can take some of your freedom back. Each lot has a map of the vehicle’s make so you can find the specific car you need parts off of. They also have an online search tool that makes finding your desired parts easier. This enables part-seekers to see if a location nearby has the parts or vehicle they need and when it arrived at their location. My favorite feature is subscribing to be notified when the vehicle you are looking for has arrived at the Pull-A-Part lot. This way, you are able to get first dibs on your treasure hunt.
Environmental awareness is a must in today’s world. The information on climate change is in our faces now more than ever. Pull-A-Part’s ability to stay ahead of the game and keeping strict environmental standards has been a key to having the EPA’s support, further contributing to its success. Pull-A-Part is One of the top-5 recyclers of mercury switches in the United States. According to a quick internet search, these are just four of the environmentally friendly things Pull-A-Part does:
Each vehicle is thoroughly drained of all fluids and refrigerant from air conditioning systems, which are either shipped for recycling or sold for reuse (such as engine coolant).
Mercury switches, which each have the potential to contaminate 132,000 gallons of drinking water,[10] are removed and shipped for recycling through the EPA's National Vehicle Mercury Switch Removal Program (NVMSRP).
Lead-acid batteries are removed and tested. Good batteries are resold for reuse, and unserviceable batteries are palletized, shrink-wrapped, and shipped off-site, where the lead and plastic are recycled and the acid can be recovered.[11]
Catalytic converters are removed and shipped off-site for recovery of their precious metals content and the stainless steel shells.
In 2008, they were recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), for their participation in the EPA’s National Partnership for Environmental Priorities. The idea of being able to recycle used vehicles and keep up with the environmental standards of today is remarkable. You also have more control of finding used parts than ordering online with some warehouse workers just doing “the job”.This allows the consumer to find fair prices on parts while also adding to their hands-on automotive experience. Today the consumer is king; but exactly who are Pull-A-Part’s primary consumers? The small auto shops, people working on their own vehicles, and private sellers of used auto parts. By meeting the needs of its consumers, Pull-A-Part is able to retain its customer base exceedingly well.
Pull-A-Part also provides a rare opportunity to “work” on a vehicle without repercussions. I once heard the story of some friends who told me when they were going to do a repair they haven’t done before; they went to Pull-A-Part or a competitor and did the repair to practice beforehand. So if the vehicle was damaged, it had no consequence to them aside from the small fee to enter the facility. This indeed a rare and wonderful opportunity due to the fact that botched repairs on vehicles can be extremely costly.
Overall, Pull-A-Part is an amazing company for plenty of reasons. Their efficacy in keeping up with environmental standards, hands-on approach with part removal, and their ability to cater to a competitive consumer base while staying relevant in today’s ever-changing auto industry. In the end, It is truly worth any home mechanic’s time to visit a Pull-A-Part.
