Profile
Timos Auto Wrecking: Arroyo Grande’s Trusted Auto Salvage Yard Since 1995
Located at 880 Sheridan Rd, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420, Timos Auto Wrecking has established itself as a cornerstone of the Central Coast automotive recycling industry. For nearly three decades, this full-service salvage yard has provided quality used auto parts and exceptional service to customers throughout San Luis Obispo County and beyond.
Establishment and Ownership
Timos Auto Wrecking was established in 1995, marking over 27 years of continuous operation in Arroyo Grande. This locally owned business has built a strong reputation for reliability and quality service in the auto salvage industry. While specific founder details aren’t publicly disclosed, the company has maintained its focus on auto salvage, recycling, repair services, and used parts throughout its history.
The longevity of Timos Auto Wrecking speaks to its stability in the regional automotive recycling sector. Unlike the temporary nature of many small businesses, this salvage yard has weathered nearly three decades of economic changes, technological advancements, and industry shifts.
Services and Operations
| Service Type | Description | Customer Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Auto Salvage & Recycling | Professional dismantling and recycling of end-of-life vehicles | Eco-friendly disposal with DMV paperwork handling included |
| Used Vehicle Sales | Quality used cars with warranty protection | 30-day standard warranty with extended options available |
| Parts Inventory | Extensive selection of used auto parts for domestic/foreign vehicles | Cost-effective alternatives to expensive new parts |
| Property Cleanup | Removal of unwanted vehicles from private properties | Convenient solution for clearing space and avoiding code violations |
| Towing & Roadside | Private towing services and roadside support | Reliable vehicle recovery when you need it most |
Timos Auto Wrecking stands apart as a full-service junkyard rather than a self-service facility. This means customers don’t need to extract parts themselves – the professional staff handles dismantling and recycling services. This approach ensures quality control and proper handling of vehicle parts.
The business is bilingual, offering services in both English and Spanish, making auto recycling accessible to a broader customer base in the Central Coast region. While they focus primarily on local delivery, their parts distribution emphasizes same-day service, getting customers the auto parts they need quickly.
For immediate assistance with finding high-quality used suspension parts at a salvage yard, Timos Auto Wrecking should be your first call in the Arroyo Grande area.
Vehicle Types
Timos Auto Wrecking specializes in providing a diverse range of used vehicles and replacement parts. The business emphasizes handling all makes and models of both domestic and foreign vehicles. This comprehensive approach ensures that whether you’re driving a popular domestic truck or a foreign sedan, you’ll likely find compatible parts for your repair needs.
While specific details about newer or late-model vehicles aren’t explicitly mentioned in their materials, the company’s established operations since 1995 and their warranty offerings suggest they maintain a diverse inventory that rotates regularly. Their willingness to purchase any used vehicle regardless of make, model, or condition means their stock continuously updates with current market vehicles.
For those searching for specific parts like a used car hood for sale at local junkyards, Timos offers a convenient local option with their extensive inventory.
Popular Auto Parts
When it comes to the most commonly purchased auto parts at Timos Auto Wrecking, customers frequently seek out high-value items that offer significant savings compared to buying new. These popular parts include:
1. Engines and Transmissions
These powertrain parts represent the most expensive car parts to replace new, making quality used options highly sought after. Timos specifically lists engines and transmissions as key inventory items. A used engine or transmission can often save car owners thousands of dollars compared to new replacements.
2. Body Panels
Fenders, doors, bumpers, and hoods are frequently purchased for collision repairs. Timos Auto Wrecking stocks these parts for both domestic and foreign vehicles, providing affordable alternatives for body shops and DIY repairs alike. Body panels are ideal salvage purchases since they’re structural rather than wear items.
3. Wheels and Tires
Used tires and rims offer substantial savings for vehicle owners. Timos emphasizes their tire inventory, which can help drivers find matching sets or replacement wheels at a fraction of retail cost. For those looking for the best deals on used tires and wheels, salvage yards like Timos provide excellent value.
4. Suspension Components
Control arms, coils, and struts make excellent used purchases. While not explicitly listed by Timos, these components are standard inventory at full-service salvage yards and represent significant savings opportunities for customers.
5. Electrical Parts
Alternators, starters, and wiring harnesses are frequently salvaged due to their high retail costs. These parts typically function well when pulled from donor vehicles and offer substantial savings.
6. Interior Components
Seats, dashboards, and trim pieces are popular for vehicle customization or restoration. Interior parts are often in good condition and provide exact fit and finish matches for specific vehicle models.
7. Batteries
While some consider batteries wear items, many salvage yards including Timos’s regional competitors offer used batteries with remaining service life at reduced prices.
These parts are prioritized by salvage yards like Timos Auto Wrecking because they balance high retail value with feasibility of reuse, creating win-win opportunities for both the yard and the customer.
Warranty Information
Timos Auto Wrecking offers a 30-day standard warranty on used auto parts purchased from their inventory. This coverage provides customers with confidence in their purchases, knowing they’re protected against defects or unexpected failures.
Extended warranty options are also available, though specific terms and durations beyond the standard period are not detailed in publicly available information. For those interested in additional protection, direct inquiry with the staff is recommended.
Pricing for warranties isn’t explicitly stated in their online materials, suggesting that terms may be customized based on the specific parts purchased or vehicle applications. The business emphasizes same-day service availability and handles all necessary DMV paperwork for parts transactions, streamlining the warranty process.
For used vehicles sold, Timos also provides warranties, but these are separate from parts-related coverage and may have different terms and conditions than their parts warranties.
Entry Fee
Based on the available information, Timos Auto Wrecking does not appear to charge a cover fee for entry to their salvage yard. Unlike some self-service junkyards that implement admission fees, Timos focuses on their salvage services, used car sales, and warranties without mention of entry costs.
The business does offer several customer-friendly benefits:
– Free estimates for services and vehicle valuation
– 30-day standard warranties included with used car purchases
– Extended warranties available as optional add-ons
If you’re interested in confirming potential fees or learning about any exclusive promotions, contacting Timos Auto Wrecking directly via phone (805–343–7747) is recommended, as pricing details or time-sensitive offers may not be publicly listed.
Hours of Operation
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Timos Auto Wrecking operates six days a week, providing ample opportunity for both weekday and weekend visits. The yard does open on weekends, but only on Saturdays. For holidays, hours may vary, and they recommend calling in advance to confirm availability during those periods.
Key features of their operation include:
– Same-day service available for auto salvage, recycling, and DMV paperwork handling
– Used car sales with warranties
– Bilingual service (Se habla español)
Payment options include Apple Pay, Visa, Mastercard, and cash, providing flexibility for customers making purchases.
Tools and Equipment for Pulling Used Auto Parts
To efficiently pull parts from Timos Auto Wrecking, customers should bring their own tools since the junkyard does not explicitly mention providing them. Below is a breakdown of essential tools tailored to specific part types:
Customer-Provided Tools by Part Type
- Engine/Transmission: Socket set (metric/standard), breaker bar, ratchet wrenches, penetrating oil (WD–40)
- Body Panels: Pry bar, screwdrivers (flathead/Phillips), utility knife
- Electrical Parts: Needle-nose pliers, wire cutters, screwdrivers
- Suspension/Exhaust: Adjustable/impact wrenches, jack/jack stands, breaker bar
- Tires/Wheels: Tire iron, lug wrench, valve stem tools
Additional Must-Haves:
- Cutting tools: Utility knife (hoses/seals), wire cutters (electrical)
- Safety gear: Gloves, safety glasses, sturdy boots
- Miscellaneous: Penetrating oil (for rusted bolts), flashlight, work light
Based on the available information, Timos does not mention providing tools in their operations. Their focus is on offering:
– Professional services: Salvage, recycling, DMV paperwork handling, same-day services
– Parts availability: Engines, transmissions, body panels, tires, and complete vehicles
– Warranties: On used cars sold
Key Recommendations
- Use high-quality tools: High-quality sockets/punches help avoid stripping bolts
- Pre-lubricate: Apply penetrating oil to rusted fasteners before removal
- Plan ahead: Identify parts first, then gather specific tools
For complex jobs (e.g., engine removal), ensure a jack stand is in place before working under the vehicle. If you’re looking to buy a used engine block to save on major car repairs, having the proper tools is essential for a successful salvage operation.
Cash for Junk Cars
Yes, Timos Auto Wrecking actively purchases used vehicles from the general public. Their vehicle acquisition policy is extremely flexible – they accept vehicles in any condition (operational, crashed, wrecked, or non-running) and handle all makes and models of domestic and foreign cars, trucks, and vans, regardless of age.
While not explicitly stated as “cash,” they guarantee the highest-paid price for used vehicles. To streamline the process, they offer:
– Towing services for vehicle pickup or allow drop-offs
– Complete handling of all necessary DMV paperwork
Additional services include:
– Warranties on used cars sold and free estimates
– Same-day services and extended hours
For immediate action, contact them at 805–343–7747 or visit their location. If you’re wondering about how to get cash for your junk car instead of letting it rust away, Timos provides a convenient local solution in the Arroyo Grande area.
Service Area
Timos Auto Wrecking serves a wide range of communities in California’s Central Coast region. Nearby cities and towns that may source from Timos include:
- Five Cities Metropolitan Area: Oceano, Grover Beach, Pismo Beach, and Shell Beach
- Other regional towns: San Luis Obispo, Santa Maria, Nipomo, Morro Bay, Atascadero, and Lompoc
These locations are part of the Central Coast region, with San Luis Obispo and Santa Maria serving as larger hubs that might draw customers from broader areas. For residents of these areas looking for used catalytic converters to save big on emissions parts, Timos Auto Wrecking is a convenient regional option.
The yard’s location in Arroyo Grande puts it within easy driving distance of major population centers along the Central Coast, making it accessible to most car owners in the region. Check out other Junkyards in California if you’re located outside Timos’s service area.
Interchange System
Timos Auto Wrecking employs knowledgeable staff and inventory management systems to assist customers in locating compatible auto parts. While their specific methodology isn’t explicitly detailed, their approach likely aligns with industry practices for ensuring proper parts compatibility.
Inventory Assessment and Compatibility Checks
The staff at Timos Auto Wrecking quickly assess parts requirements by evaluating vehicle specifications (year, make, model, engine type) to identify potential matches. Their approach likely includes:
1. Cataloging parts by compatibility across domestic and foreign vehicles
2. Leveraging industry-standard interchange data to cross-reference compatible parts
Inventory Scope and Expertise
With a diverse inventory of used auto parts for both domestic and foreign vehicles, including engines, transmissions, body panels, and tires, Timos has built extensive expertise since 1995. Their experience and supplier network suggest they can source parts from multiple vehicles, potentially using interchange lists behind the scenes to determine compatibility.
Customer Guidance
Staff may advise customers to verify part compatibility by:
– Comparing physical parts (connections, dimensions) with original parts
– Checking engine specifications, as interchange systems often require engine details to avoid mismatches
Services to Streamline the Process
Timos provides same-day services and handles DMV paperwork, indicating a streamlined workflow for verifying part legality and compatibility. Their free estimates and warranty on used cars further demonstrate their commitment to ensuring parts reliability.
While Timos does not explicitly advertise an online interchange system, their staff expertise and extensive inventory likely replace the need for customer-facing databases, relying instead on in-house knowledge to match parts effectively.
Nearby Junkyards and Comparison
The search results identify Arreolas Auto Wrecking as another salvage yard near Timos Auto Wrecking in Arroyo Grande. Located at 2221 Gasoline Alley Pl, Arroyo Grande, CA, it represents a potential local alternative. However, detailed information about Arreolas’ services, warranties, or operational history is limited in the accessible sources.
Comparing the two yards:
| Feature | Timos Auto Wrecking (880 Sheridan Rd) | Arreolas Auto Wrecking (2221 Gasoline Alley Pl) |
|---|---|---|
| Services | Auto salvage, used car sales, DMV paperwork handling, same-day services | Limited information available |
| Warranty | Standard 30-day warranty on used vehicles; extended options available | Not specified |
| Experience | Operating since 1995 with over 20 years in auto salvage | No operational history disclosed |
| Additional Offerings | Free estimates, bilingual support (Se Habla Español) | Undisclosed |
For comparative insights on Arreolas, direct contact would be necessary to assess their services, warranties, or pricing. Timos stands out with documented reliability, warranties, and operational longevity.
Common Questions
1. What types of scrap metal does Timos Auto Wrecking accept?
Timos Auto Wrecking accepts all types of metal, including aluminum, brass, copper, and steel. They also recycle appliances and other metal-containing items, provided they meet recycling criteria. For uncertain items, customers are advised to contact the facility directly for confirmation.
2. Do they offer pickup services for scrap metal or vehicles?
Yes, Timos provides on-site pickup services. They will send a representative to evaluate the material or vehicle before scheduling a pickup. Alternatively, individuals can bring scrap directly to the yard. This streamlined process ensures efficient handling of both minor and large-scale disposals.
3. What parts are available for purchase from their salvage yard?
The facility offers an extensive inventory of new and used parts for domestic and foreign vehicles. This includes:
– Engines and transmissions
– Body panels and exterior parts
– Tires and wheel assemblies
– Electrical and mechanical parts
Prices are competitive, and staff assist customers in identifying the correct parts for their repair needs.
4. How do they handle DMV paperwork for vehicle sales or salvage?
Timos handles all DMV-related paperwork as part of their full-service offering. This ensures compliance with California regulations for vehicle transactions, salvage operations, or recycling processes. Customers are not required to manage documentation independently.
5. What warranty options are available for used cars sold?
Used vehicles sold by Timos Auto Wrecking come with a 30-day standard warranty. Extended warranty plans are also available for purchase, providing additional protection for buyers. This commitment to vehicle reliability differentiates the company from typical salvage-oriented competitors.
6. What services do they offer beyond parts and recycling?
Key supplementary services include:
– Auto salvage and wrecking
– Tire service and repair
– Private towing and roadside assistance
– Property cleanup services (removal of non-vehicular scrap)
– Same-day service availability for urgent needs
7. What are their business hours?
Operating hours are structured to accommodate both commercial and individual customers:
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday-Friday | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The facility is available during holidays for specific requests upon advance coordination.
Additional Notes: The business has operated since 1995, maintains affiliation with the ISRI Recyclers of America, and provides bilingual support (English and Spanish). Payments are accepted via credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard), Apple Pay, or cash.
Timos Auto Wrecking in Arroyo Grande stands as a testament to the enduring value of quality auto recycling services on California’s Central Coast. Whether you’re looking for affordable used auto parts, need to sell a junk car, or require professional salvage services, their nearly three decades of experience ensure you’ll receive knowledgeable assistance and fair prices. With their comprehensive services, bilingual support, and commitment to customer satisfaction, Timos continues to be a trusted resource for automotive needs throughout the region.
Timos Auto Wrecking is located at 880 Sheridan Rd, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 and offers a wide range of services to the community. As one of the largest auto wrecking yards in the area, Timos Auto Wrecking provides an extensive selection of new and used car parts for both domestic and foreign vehicles. Furthermore, they also provide scrap metal recycling services for all types of metals including aluminum, brass, copper and steel. Customers can find an array of affordable and quality parts for their cars, such as engines, transmissions, body panels, tires and even complete engines. In addition to automobile parts, Timos Auto Wrecking also offers a variety of other junkyard materials from small electronics to large pieces of machinery.
The knowledgeable staff at Timos Auto Wrecking can quickly assess which parts are needed for your vehicle repair or replacement needs and provide you with fast service that is backed by experienced technicians. With their years of experience in the automotive industry they have developed a reliable network of sources that allow them to get the right part for your car or truck quickly and efficiently. Furthermore, they offer competitive pricing on their products so customers can get what they need at a price that works best for them.
At Timos Auto Wrecking they treat each customer with respect while providing top-notch customer service every time. They understand how important having a reliable car is in today’s world; therefore, they pride themselves on delivering dependable solutions when it comes to car repairs or replacement parts so you can get back on the road as soon as possible. Providing quality services at competitive prices has been their motto from day one!
