When you buy a used car part from a trusted supplier like DRS Car Parts, you’re not just saving money — you’re also helping reduce waste and extend the life cycle of quality automotive components.

But what happens between a car being scrapped and that part landing in your hands? Let’s walk through the journey.

1️⃣ Vehicle Arrival at a Licensed ATF

When a car reaches the end of its life — whether from an accident, MOT failure, or age — it’s sent to an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF), also known as a licensed scrapyard or breaker’s yard.

Fluids like oil, coolant, and fuel are drained safely to prevent pollution.

Hazardous materials (batteries, airbags, tyres) are removed in compliance with UK environmental law.

Reference: GOV.UK requires scrap vehicles to be processed at registered ATFs under the End-of-Life Vehicles (ELV) Directive. (gov.uk)

2️⃣ Parts Identification & Dismantling

Skilled mechanics carefully remove salvageable parts — everything from engines and gearboxes to smaller components like headlights, mirrors, and alternators.

OEM markings and part numbers are recorded.

Condition is inspected to ensure reusability.

Only parts that pass inspection make it to resale.

Reference: The Vehicle Recyclers Association (VRA) notes that “95% of a vehicle by weight can be recycled or reused.” (vrauk.org)

3️⃣ Testing & Quality Control

Reputable recyclers don’t just sell what they pull off a car. Components are tested for function, wear, and safety.

Electrical parts like alternators and starters are bench-tested.

Engines may be compression tested.

Visual inspections check for cracks, leaks, or damage.

Some suppliers (like DRS) even offer warranties and return policies, adding peace of mind.

Reference: The Automotive Recyclers Association recommends multi-point inspections for safety-critical parts. (a-r-a.org)

4️⃣ Cataloguing & Online Listing

Once tested, the part is catalogued into inventory systems.

Information includes vehicle make, model, year, engine size, and part number.

Photos are taken for online listings.

Customers can search by make, model, year, engine size, and part number to ensure an exact match.

Browse the full selection here: DRS Car Parts Inventory

5️⃣ Sale & Safe Delivery

When you order a used part online:

It’s packaged carefully to avoid damage in transit.

Shipped nationwide via courier.

Reference: Auto Recycling World highlights the rise of e-commerce in salvage, making it easier than ever for customers to buy tested used parts. (autorecyclingworld.com)

6️⃣ Fitted to Your Vehicle

The final step? A mechanic (or confident DIYer) installs the part — restoring your car to the road at a fraction of the cost of buying new.

Bonus: By reusing quality components, you’re cutting carbon emissions and supporting the UK’s circular economy.

✅ Final Thoughts

From scrap yard to driveway, every used car part goes through a strict process:
Salvaged → Tested → Shipped → Reused

So next time you buy from DRS Car Parts, you’re not only saving money — you’re helping reduce waste and supporting a greener automotive industry.

Explore thousands of tested, affordable used parts today at www.drscarparts.co.uk.