This Location Self-Service Auto Parts: Your Complete Guide

Looking for affordable used auto parts in This Location? Rick’s Auto Parts Inc. at 16 Riccardone Ave, Torrington, CT 06790 is a self-service junkyard offering thousands of quality used parts. This guide covers everything you need to know before visiting.

Why Choose Self-Service Auto Parts?

Self-service junkyards offer significant advantages over traditional auto parts stores:

1. Verified Savings: Industry data shows self-service yards typically price parts 50-70% below new retail prices. You pay for the part, not someone else’s labor to retrieve it.

1. Inspect Before You Buy: Unlike online purchases, you physically examine every part. Test electrical components, check for wear, verify fitment – complete transparency.

1. Immediate Availability: No waiting for shipping. Walk in, find your part, walk out same day.

1. Environmental Impact: The EPA estimates automotive recycling saves approximately 85 million barrels of oil annually. Every recycled part reduces manufacturing demand.

Location Information

Address & Contact

Rick’s Auto Parts Inc. at 16 Riccardone Ave, Torrington, CT 06790

What to expect when arriving:

• Look for customer parking near the main office
• Check in at the front desk before entering the yard
• Receive a yard map with current vehicle locations

Hours of Operation

General guidance for planning your visit:

• Weekday mornings typically have the best selection and shortest lines
• Weekends are busier – arrive early for best results
• Call ahead on holidays to confirm hours

What Parts Can You Find at U-Pull-It This Location?

Our This Location yard stocks thousands of parts across every vehicle category. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of what you can find:

Engine & Drivetrain Components

• Complete engines (gasoline, diesel, hybrid batteries)
• Transmissions (automatic, manual, CVT)
• Transfer cases for 4WD/AWD vehicles
• Differentials (front, rear, limited slip)
• Axles and CV joints
• Motor mounts and transmission mounts
• Flexplates and flywheels
• Oil pans, valve covers, intake manifolds

Electrical Components

• Alternators and starters
• ECU/PCM computers (engine control modules)
• Fuse boxes and relays
• Wiring harnesses
• Headlights, taillights, fog lights
• Switches and sensors
• Instrument clusters and gauges
• Stereos, speakers, amplifiers

Body & Interior Parts

• Doors (complete with glass and hardware)
• Fenders, hoods, trunk lids
• Bumpers (front and rear, with reinforcement bars)
• Mirrors (side view, rearview, heated/power)
• Seats (front buckets, rear benches, leather or cloth)
• Dashboards and consoles
• Steering wheels and columns
• Carpet, headliners, trim pieces

Suspension & Steering

• Struts and shocks
• Control arms and ball joints
• Tie rods and steering racks
• Power steering pumps
• Wheels and wheel covers
• Brake calipers, rotors, drums
• Master cylinders and boosters
• Sway bars and end links

Cooling & HVAC

• Radiators and condensers
• A/C compressors
• Heater cores
• Cooling fans and shrouds
• Water pumps and thermostats
• Hoses and reservoirs

First-Time Visitor’s Complete Guide

Never visited a self-service junkyard before? Here’s everything you need to know to have a successful parts-pulling experience:

Before You Visit

1. Identify the exact part you need: Know your vehicle’s year, make, model, and engine size. Take photos of the part you’re replacing and note any part numbers visible.

1. Check our online inventory: Our website shows current vehicles in the yard. Search for compatible vehicles and note their row locations.

1. Gather your tools: This is self-service, so bring what you need:

– Basic socket set (metric and SAE)
– Wrenches and adjustable wrenches
– Screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips)
– Pliers and channel locks
– Pry bars for stubborn parts
– Wire cutters (for wiring harnesses)
– Penetrating oil (WD-40 or PB Blaster)
– Gloves and safety glasses
– Flashlight (for under-dash work)

1. Dress appropriately: Wear closed-toe shoes (steel toes recommended), long pants, and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Avoid loose jewelry or dangling accessories.

At the Yard

1. Check in at the main office: Pay the daily admission fee and receive your yard pass. Our staff will provide a map and answer any questions about current inventory.

1. Grab a cart or wheelbarrow: For larger parts, our carts make transportation much easier. Return them when finished.

1. Navigate to your vehicle: Use the map and row markers to find vehicles matching your search. Multiple vehicles of the same year and model may be available.

1. Inspect before removing: Check the condition of parts before pulling. Look for cracks, wear, damage, or signs of previous repair.

1. Remove carefully: Take your time to avoid damaging parts. Use proper tools and techniques. If struggling, ask staff for tips.

1. Keep track of hardware: Bolts, nuts, and clips often get lost. Bag them immediately after removal.

1. Checkout and pay: Bring parts to the checkout area where staff will price and bag your items.

Pricing

General pricing guidance:

• Prices are typically based on part category, not vehicle make/model
• Self-service pricing is significantly lower than retail due to reduced labor costs
• All prices should be posted at checkout
• Ask staff about any current specials or promotions

Safety Guidelines & Yard Rules

Standard safety practices at self-service yards:

Required Safety Practices

• Closed-toe shoes mandatory – this is an industry-wide safety requirement
• Age restrictions – yards typically require adults (16+) in the parts area
• No smoking – fire hazard around vehicles and fluids
• Proper vehicle support – never work under unsupported vehicles

Best Practices

• Stay aware of other customers working nearby
• Alert staff immediately if you notice any hazards
• Stay hydrated in hot weather – bring water
• Ask for help with heavy items

Current Inventory

How to check inventory:

• Most yards offer online inventory search before visiting
• Call ahead for specific vehicle availability
• New vehicles are typically added throughout the week

Commonly Available Makes:
Self-service yards generally stock a mix of:

• Domestic: Ford, Chevrolet, Dodge, GMC, Jeep, Chrysler
• Import: Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Mazda, Hyundai, Kia
• Trucks and SUVs of various sizes

Money-Saving Tips from Our Regular Customers

Our experienced customers have shared their best tips:

1. Come prepared with interchange numbers: Many parts fit multiple vehicle years and models. Research compatible vehicles to expand your options.

1. Visit after weekday floods of new inventory: We add vehicles throughout the week. Fresh arrivals haven’t been picked over yet.

1. Build relationships with staff: Our team knows the yard. They can point you toward newly arrived vehicles or suggest alternatives.

1. Buy backup parts: Since prices are low, grab spares for commonly failing items (alternators, starters, sensors).

1. Check multiple vehicles: The same part from different vehicles may have varying condition or easier access.

1. Bring a friend: Two people work faster and can share tools. Plus, help with heavy parts.

1. Take photos during removal: Document how parts are installed. This makes reinstallation much easier.

Environmental Benefits of Choosing U-Pull-It

When you buy used auto parts, you’re making an environmentally responsible choice:

• Reduces manufacturing demand: Every recycled part means one less new part manufactured from raw materials
• Keeps vehicles out of landfills: Junked cars are systematically dismantled rather than crushed and buried
• Conserves energy: Manufacturing new parts requires significant energy; recycling conserves it
• Reduces automotive waste: We properly dispose of fluids, batteries, and hazardous materials

U-Pull-It This Location is committed to environmental stewardship while providing affordable parts to our community.

Additional Services at This Location

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Ready to Save on Auto Parts in This Location?

Visit U-Pull-It This Location today and discover why thousands of DIYers and professional mechanics trust us for quality used auto parts at unbeatable prices.

What to do next:

1. Check our online inventory for your vehicle
2. Gather your tools and dress appropriately
3. Visit during our operating hours
4. Save 50-70% on quality parts!