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Recycled Parts Save the Earth
Opting for
recycled automotive parts helps preserve the environment. That's because
recycled parts reduce the need for new parts manufacturing, which uses new
resources. They also prevent unused material from ending up in landfills.
Reclaim, Reuse, Recycle
Bet you didn't know that cars are one of the most
recyclable products on the planet. And professional automotive recyclers
have discovered ingenious ways to reuse most of their materials. They
recycle an astounding 75% or more of each car-namely its steel, aluminum
and plastic. By contrast, consumer recyclers reclaim only 61% of aluminum
cans, 30% of paper products and 20% of glass annually.
Automotive recyclers scrap 10 million vehicles each
year. In doing so, they keep 11 million tons of steel and 800,000 tons of
non-ferrous metals (aluminum, copper, zinc and lead) out of landfills.
Some of this stuff finds its way back to automobile manufacturers, where
it is reused to make new cars. Recyclers also save an estimated 80 million
barrels of oil each year. It, too, goes toward new car production.
Auto Recycling Goes Beyond Salvage
The recycling process begins as soon as a scrapped
vehicle arrives. First, all hazardous and recyclable fluids are removed.
Second, any undamaged parts that can be sold or reused are tested, cleaned
and removed. This typically includes body panels, engines, transmissions,
wheels, water and fuel pumps, alternators and fuel systems. Third, the
vehicle is sent to a shredder, which removes all the metal for recycling.
The small portion of remaining material is sent to landfills-although the
industry is working to reclaim even this.
Recycled Parts Save Money
Used auto parts can save big bucks on your next car repair. Why? They cost
a lot less than new parts-from 50% to 90% less! Find that hard to believe?
A recent study found that a '97 Taurus priced at just under $19,000 would
cost more than $72,000 if rebuilt with new parts. That's because
manufacturers don't supply fully assembled parts. When everything comes
piecemeal, the cost of even basic repairs skyrockets.
Great Deals on Original Parts
Let's say you needed to replace a car door.
Using new parts, you'd have to order the door panel, window, mirror and
related parts separately and at top dollar. Using recycled parts, you
could buy the entire door, already assembled, at a fraction of the
manufacturer's cost. Recycled parts also keep insurance costs down. That's
because most recycled parts come from damaged vehicles that insurance
companies have declared "total losses." Although the damage makes them too
expensive to repair, these vehicles usually have plenty of undamaged
parts. Professional recyclers buy these "totaled" cars at well below Blue
Book prices and salvage the good parts. By reselling those parts-to body
shops, new and used car dealerships, repair shops and individuals-they
keep repairs costs in check. This controls insurance premiums.
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