Balow's Hwy 7 Auto Salvage at 1838 MN-7, Lester Prairie, MN
Balow's Hwy 7 Auto Salvage is a self-service auto salvage yard in Lester Prairie, Minnesota, at 1838 MN-7. The yard stocks used auto parts for DIY mechanics and repair shops. Customers remove parts themselves and pay by weight. Jeff and Teri Balow have owned the business since 1996. The yard uses Hollander Yard Management Systems to track inventory, helping customers find parts faster. While it’s mostly self-service, staff can assist with part identification and basic questions. Hours are Monday through Thursday and Friday mornings, with weekends closed.
Services & What to Expect
Balow's Hwy 7 Auto Salvage is a self-service yard, meaning customers remove parts on their own. The yard provides basic tools like wrenches and pry bars. You pay by the pound for the parts you take. Towing or vehicle pickup isn’t offered, so you’ll need to transport your own car if selling it.
What to Bring
- Tools for part removal (the yard has basic tools if you don’t have your own)
- Gloves and safety gear (parts can be sharp or dirty)
- A vehicle to haul parts (delivery isn’t available)
- Cash, debit, or credit card (cards are accepted for payments)
- ID (if buying parts for resale or business use)
How Self-Service Works
Start at the office for a ticket. Staff will explain the yard layout and help you find parts using their inventory system. After removing parts, bring them to the scale for weighing. You’ll pay at the office based on the total weight. Staff can help if you need part identification or yard navigation.
Parts Inventory
The yard carries used parts from cars, trucks, and SUVs, including engines, transmissions, doors, fenders, bumpers, and interior components like seats and dashboards. Inventory changes often as new vehicles arrive and parts sell. You can search for parts by make, model, and year using their Hollander system, but availability isn’t guaranteed. Call ahead if you’re looking for something specific.
Selling a Junk Car
The yard may buy junk cars, but they don’t advertise a formal cash-for-cars program. For current pricing, check their website or call (612) 504-4804. Other local salvage yards also buy junk cars, so compare offers if you’re selling.
Location & Hours
Balow's Hwy 7 Auto Salvage is at 1838 MN-7 in Lester Prairie, MN 55354, along Highway 7 in McLeod County. The address is:
1838 MN-7
Lester Prairie, MN 55354
(612) 504-4804 http://balowshwy7auto.com
Business Hours
| 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 – 12:00 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Directions
The yard is on MN-7, about 10 miles west of Glencoe and 15 miles east of Hutchinson. From the Twin Cities, take MN-7 west toward Lester Prairie. The entrance is marked with signs for Balow’s. GPS may not be precise, so double-check the address if you’re unfamiliar with the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours for Balow's Hwy 7 Auto Salvage?
The yard is open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Friday mornings from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. It’s closed weekends and holidays. Call (612) 504-4804 to confirm hours before visiting.
Does Balow's Hwy 7 Auto Salvage buy junk cars?
The yard doesn’t have a public cash-for-cars program, but they may buy vehicles for salvage. For current details, visit their website or call (612) 504-4804. Other local salvage yards also buy junk cars, so check multiple offers if selling.
What kind of parts are available at Balow's Hwy 7 Auto Salvage?
The yard has used parts from cars, trucks, and SUVs, including engines, transmissions, body panels, interior components, and mechanical parts. Inventory changes often, so availability varies. You can search by make, model, and year using their Hollander system, but calling ahead is best for specific parts.
How does self-service salvage work at Balow's?
Check in at the office for a ticket. Staff will help you locate parts using their system. Remove parts yourself with provided tools, then bring them to the scale for weighing. Pay at the office based on the total weight. Staff can assist with part identification or yard navigation. The yard doesn’t deliver or install parts.
Do I need to bring my own tools?
The yard has basic tools like wrenches and pry bars, but bringing your own can make the job easier. Gloves and safety gear are recommended since parts can be sharp or dirty.
Can I search for parts online before visiting?
The yard uses Hollander Yard Management Systems, which lets customers search by make, model, and year. However, the website doesn’t have a public inventory. For the most accurate info, call (612) 504-4804 or visit in person. Staff can also help locate parts once you arrive.
Comprehensive Services
Balow’s Hwy 7 Auto Salvage provides a range of services designed to meet diverse customer needs in the automotive parts and recycling sectors.
| Service Category | Description | Benefits |
| Parts Sales | New and used tires, auto parts with online search tool | Affordable alternatives to dealership prices |
| Vehicle Recycling | Free quotes for end-of-life vehicles, car crushing | Cash for unwanted vehicles, environmental benefits |
| Vehicle Donation | Acceptance of donated vehicles | Convenient disposal option with potential tax benefits |
| Environmental Services | Recycling of antifreeze, oil, freon | Responsible disposal of hazardous materials |
| Parts Search | National parts locator, responding within minutes | Access to hard-to-find parts beyond local inventory |
As a full-service junkyard , Balow’s stands apart from self-service yards by employing knowledgeable staff to assist with parts location and removal. They utilize specialized Hollander Yard Management Systems to streamline inventory tracking and help customers find exactly what they need.
The yard actively buys used vehicles through their recycling program, offering free quotes for cars in any condition. Their primary sales focus appears to be used auto parts rather than whole vehicles, with parts inquiries handled through dedicated contact channels.
For customers seeking specific parts, Balow’s provides tailored assistance and may arrange shipping upon request through their dedicated parts email: [email protected].
