LKQ's search system lets you find used and aftermarket auto parts by vehicle year, make, model, and part name

LKQ Corporation operates the largest network of used auto parts recyclers and aftermarket distributors in North America. Their search tools work differently depending which LKQ brand you're using — LKQ Pick Your Part, LKQ Keystone, LKQ Sensormatic, or LKQ's direct wholesale site — but all of them let you search inventory by the vehicle the part came from or the part itself. You can search online before you visit a yard, call a location directly, or walk in and search their kiosk.

The search results show you the part's location (which yard, which section), its condition, and usually its price. Some locations let you reserve parts online; others require you to call or visit in person. Knowing which LKQ brand operates near you and how that location's search system works will save you time and money.

Key Takeaways

  • LKQ Pick Your Part is the self-service yard brand where you search online or at a kiosk, then pull your own parts; Keystone and Sensormatic are wholesale-focused and serve body shops and mechanics.
  • You can search by vehicle (year, make, model) to see what parts are available from that car, or search by part name to find that specific component across multiple vehicles.
  • Online search results show the part's location in the yard, its condition rating, and price, but availability changes daily as parts are sold and new vehicles arrive.
  • Most LKQ yards require you to visit in person or call to confirm a part is still in stock before you make the trip, because inventory updates are not always real-time.
  • Pricing varies by location and part condition, and many yards offer discounts for multiple purchases or for members of their loyalty program.

Which LKQ brand operates in your area

LKQ owns several regional brands that operate independently. LKQ Pick Your Part is the consumer-facing self-service brand — you search, locate the part yourself in the yard, and pull it. Locations exist in California, Texas, Arizona, Colorado, and a few other states. LKQ Keystone serves the Northeast and Midwest and sells primarily to body shops and repair shops, not to individual consumers. LKQ Sensormatic operates in Florida and Georgia and also focuses on the trade. LKQ's direct wholesale division sells to shops and dealers nationwide.

If you are a consumer looking to buy a used part yourself, you almost certainly need LKQ Pick Your Part. Visit the Pick Your Part website and enter your zip code to find the nearest location. If no Pick Your Part yard is near you, you may be able to call a Keystone or Sensormatic location and ask if they sell to the public, but most do not. In that case, you'll need to use a local independent recycler or a national online marketplace like eBay Motors or Craigslist.

How to search by vehicle on LKQ Pick Your Part

On the LKQ Pick Your Part website, select your nearest yard location first. Then choose "Search by Vehicle." Enter the year, make, and model of the car the part came from. The system will show you every part available from that vehicle in that yard's current inventory.

Results display the part name, its condition (usually rated as "Good," "Fair," or "Core"), the aisle and row where it's located in the yard, and the price. Some yards also show a photo. Write down the location code or take a screenshot before you visit, because the yard layout can be confusing and you'll need to know exactly where to look.

This search method works well if you know what car you're pulling from — for example, if you need a door panel from a 2015 Honda Civic and you know one is in the yard. It's less useful if you're looking for a specific part and don't care which vehicle it came from.

How to search by part name

Select "Search by Part" on the LKQ Pick Your Part website. Type the part name — for example, "alternator," "radiator," "headlight assembly," or "door handle." The system will show you every instance of that part in the yard, regardless of which vehicle it came from.

This search is faster if you know exactly what you need but don't have a preference about which car it came from. You'll see the year, make, and model of each vehicle, the part's condition, its location in the yard, and the price. Prices often vary depending on the vehicle and the part's condition, so compare before you decide which one to pull.

Part names matter. Searching "door" will return hundreds of results; searching "driver side front door" or "door panel" will narrow it down. If you're not sure of the exact name, call the yard and ask a staff member to help you search, or describe the part and ask what it's called in their system.

Understanding inventory updates and real-time availability

LKQ's online inventory is updated throughout the day as parts are sold and new vehicles arrive at the yard, but the updates are not always instantaneous. A part you see online may have been sold an hour ago. For this reason, most LKQ yards recommend calling before you visit to confirm the part is still there and hasn't been reserved by someone else.

Some Pick Your Part locations let you reserve a part online for a set number of hours — usually 24 to 48 hours. Check your local yard's policy on their website or by calling. If your yard doesn't offer online reservations, call the parts counter and ask them to hold the part for you while you drive over. They will usually do this for a few hours.

Inventory changes fastest on weekends and during peak hours (usually late afternoon). If you find something you want, don't wait — call when ready to confirm it's still available and ask them to hold it.

Pricing, condition ratings, and discounts

LKQ prices used parts based on the part's condition, the vehicle's year and model, and local market demand. A headlight from a 2020 vehicle will cost more than one from a 2010 vehicle. A part rated "Good" costs more than one rated "Fair." Prices vary by location, so the same part may cost different amounts at different yards.

Condition ratings are usually "Good" (fully functional, minimal wear), "Fair" (functional but shows wear or minor damage), or "Core" (for core exchange parts like alternators or starters, where you pay a deposit and get money back when you return the old part). Ask the yard staff what each rating means at their location, because standards can vary.

Many LKQ Pick Your Part locations offer discounts for multiple purchases on the same day, or discounts if you join their loyalty program. Some yards also offer discounts on certain days of the week. Ask at the parts counter or check the yard's website for current promotions.

What to do if you can't find the part online

If your search returns no results, the part may be out of stock, or it may not be listed under the name you searched. Call the yard directly and describe what you need. Staff can search their system using different terminology or check incoming vehicles to see if a matching part is expected soon.

Some yards will special-order a part from another LKQ location if it's available there. Shipping between yards usually takes a few days. Ask if your local yard offers this service and what the shipping cost is.

If LKQ doesn't have the part, ask the staff for a recommendation on where else to look — they often know other local recyclers or can point you toward an online marketplace.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I search LKQ inventory without visiting the website?

Yes. Call your nearest LKQ Pick Your Part location and speak to the parts counter. They can search their inventory by vehicle or by part name and tell you what's available, the location in the yard, and the price. Many yards also have a kiosk inside where you can search yourself.

Do I have to pull the part myself at LKQ Pick Your Part?

Yes, that's the model — you search, locate the part, and remove it yourself. If you're not comfortable doing that, some yards offer a "we pull it" service for an additional fee, or you can ask a staff member to show you how. Keystone and Sensormatic locations pull parts for you, but they don't sell to individual consumers in most cases.

What if the part I found online is damaged when I get to the yard?

Inspect the part before you buy it. If it's damaged or doesn't match the condition rating shown online, you can leave it and search for another one, or ask the staff if they have a different copy. Most yards will not accept returns once you've paid, so check carefully before checkout.

Can I return a part if it doesn't fit my car?

Return policies vary by location. Most LKQ Pick Your Part yards do not accept returns on used parts, so make sure you have the right part number and that it fits your vehicle before you buy. If you're unsure, take a photo of the part and compare it to your car's part, or call a mechanic to confirm before you leave the yard.

How much does it cost to search LKQ's inventory?

Searching is free. You only pay for the parts you buy. Prices vary by location and part condition, but used parts are typically much cheaper than new ones — often 50 to 80 percent less.