This article first appeared in the February, 2016 edition of SportsCar Magazine. SCCA members can read the current and past editions of SportCar digitally here after logging into their account; To become an SCCA member and get SportsCar mailed to your home address monthly in addition to the digital editions, click here.

Junkyard Dogs

Gearhead Angela Carlascio reveals the realities of women junkyard shopping

Since competing in any level of motorsports isn’t cheap, money can be exceptionally tight when fixing a broken part. While new replacement parts can be expensive, junkyard parts aren’t. The trick is finding them in good working or salvageable condition. The problem is that junkyards offer a completely different dynamic for women vs. men. So, while going by yourself to a junkyard shouldn’t be a big deal, for women, it can be.

Here’s my story. I went, by myself, to LKQ in Tampa, Fla., to acquire parts for my Civic. I had been there before with a friend, so I knew the place. But this time it was different. Why? Well, you enter the facility, sign the waiver, toolboxes are inspected (only take the tools you will need), and pay the entrance fee. When I was with a male friend, the counter rep didn’t care who we were. When I arrived by myself, he suddenly cared. Don’t get me wrong, he was nice – not overly interested, not offensive, and not flirting – but he was out of character based on my previous visit. There could be a million reasons as to why, but the main one is probably because I’m female and I was there by myself. It caught his attention, and it will also catch the attention of others.

So, does it mean you walk in like Geena Davis in The Long Kiss Goodnight? Fun, but no. It means you make eye contact and be polite while keeping conversations short. In general, most will think you’re there with someone – but face it, people will ask if you need help. The less helpless you appear, the less attention you draw. If you don’t feel safe, leave.

Junkyards are row upon row of vehicles, so ask where to go. The simple act of walking is a safety issue. Take it slow; there are a zillion and one things thrown on the ground that you can trip over. Vehicles are stacked on anything that will hold them up; tires, car parts, other cars. When you go to remove parts, check for stability and secure the car as safely as possible. Unless you’re at some fancy junkyard, employees will not be waiting to assist you, so when removing larger items, try to take a partner with you.

Ladies, I’m about to make you mad, but read on. Is what you are wearing going to matter? Yes. Wear long pants, a solid material shirt (not flimsy), closed-toed sneakers or boots capable of traversing random objects, and gloves. Also, wear your hair so it doesn’t get caught in anything, and don’t wear headphones!

Be prepared. Know what you’re looking for, find it, remove it, and leave. If you have a car that’s rarely found in a yard, call first.

Personally I enjoy going to junkyards. I like looking at the cars trying to figure out their story. I meet friendly people, but I’m always aware – and you should be too. You are the rare find that day. Know this and your experience will be better. Now, find your part, get back to your garage, and get to work!

Image Courtesy of iStockPhoto.com/ Peeter Viisimaa