Auto body parts are a huge industry, since pretty much all car owners need them at least once in their lives. Cars that are damaged by accidents or wear and tear can leave owners trying to find the parts to replace them. Some parts such as rear view mirrors or steering wheels may seem easy to replace, but walking into one of the many stores that carry the parts will quickly change that opinion. There are so many to choose from and the price ranges vary so much, that you may not know which is the best one to get.

The sale of these parts are not limited to people who have had an accident or just want a nicer looking car seat. There are many hobbyists who rebuild cars from scratch, either to keep for themselves or to sell newly restored classic cars at a big profit. Trying to find parts for the older model cars is not easy unless you know where to look.

There are several options available when looking for auto body parts. One option of course is to go to a store that sells them, where you can find a huge array to select from. Another option is to go to a car dealer that sells the particular make of the car that you are trying to repair. A third option is to go to an auto salvage yard.

Auto salvage yards carry parts that you may not be able to get elsewhere and you can save a bundle by buying them there. These parts are salvaged from junked cars and since many of the cars are older models, their usually hard to replace parts are readily available in the salvage yards. People who restore cars want to get the original parts that were intended for them, right down to the ashtrays and car antennae. These are the people who most frequently come to auto salvage yards after experience has taught them that this is where they have the best chance to find the part that they want. These yards also have newer model cars that have been totaled in accidents, so you have a good chance of finding parts for these types of cars as well. You can get seats, mirrors, tires, and engine parts, such as starters or even belts. You can also get fenders, bumpers, side panels, hoods or any other part that you might need at a fraction of the cost that you would pay by purchasing them new.

Another way to get discount auto parts is from what's known as the after market. These are parts that are made by manufacturers other than the original company, but are designed to fit a specific car. For example, if you own a Chevy and need a particular part, you can go to the aftermarket and get one without having to pay the expense of a part made by Chevrolet.