U Pull It

Sam Auto Salvage - Charlotte, NC

Sam Auto Salvage is a self-service auto salvage yard in Charlotte. Customers come here to find used auto parts, scrap metal, and other automotive components. The yard runs on a "u-pull-it" model—you browse the lot, find what you need, and take it yourself. It’s a go-to spot for DIY mechanics, car owners doing repairs, and anyone looking for affordable used parts instead of new ones. The yard is at 2711 Wilkinson Boulevard in Charlotte and serves the local area with a straightforward, no-frills approach to part sourcing.

Services & What to Expect

Sam Auto Salvage is a self-service yard, meaning you handle the work of finding and removing parts yourself. The yard doesn’t offer part removal or installation, but it provides the tools and space to do it. This setup is great for saving money on repairs by getting parts directly from wrecked vehicles.

What You’ll Find

The inventory changes often, but you’ll usually find a mix of used auto parts from different makes and models. Common items include:

Engines and transmissions
Body panels and bumpers
Interior parts (seats, dashboards, door panels)
Suspension and steering components
Electrical parts (wiring harnesses, sensors, lights)
Brake system parts (calipers, rotors, brake pads)
Exhaust systems and mufflers
Tires and wheels

Since stock depends on recent vehicle acquisitions, call ahead or check the website to see if the part you need is available.

How Self-Service Works

Visitors can enter during business hours and search the lot at their own pace. The process usually goes like this:

Find the part: Look for the vehicle and part you need. The yard may have an inventory list, but most customers rely on visual checks.
Remove the part: Tools are on-site, but bring your own if you need something specific. Gloves and eye protection are a good idea.
Pay for the part: Prices are often based on metal weight or a flat fee. Payment is made at the office before leaving.
Dispose of the vehicle: If you don’t need the rest of the car, the yard may take it off your hands. Otherwise, check with a local junk car buyer for scrap or parts.

The yard doesn’t clean or test parts, so you’re responsible for checking their condition before buying.

What to Bring

Make your visit easier by bringing:

A list of the parts you need, including the vehicle’s make, model, and year.
Basic tools (wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers) if you plan to remove parts on-site.
Safety gear like gloves and eye protection.
A vehicle to haul parts—some components are heavy or bulky.
Cash or a debit/credit card, as payment options may be limited.

If you’re unsure about a part’s fit, bring the old one for comparison.

Location & Hours

Sam Auto Salvage is at 2711 Wilkinson Boulevard in Charlotte, NC 28208. The yard is easy to reach from major roads and has plenty of parking. Nearby landmarks include:

Freedom Park (about 2 miles east)
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (around 10 miles south)
Downtown Charlotte (roughly 5 miles west)

The yard is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and closed on weekends and holidays.

Directions

From I-77:

Take Exit 24 for Wilkinson Boulevard.
Turn left onto Wilkinson Boulevard.
Drive about 1.5 miles—the yard will be on your right at 2711 Wilkinson Boulevard.

From I-85:

Take Exit 1A for Morehead Street toward Downtown.
Turn right onto Morehead Street and go about 3 miles.
Merge onto I-277 North toward University Area.
Take Exit 14 for Wilkinson Boulevard.
Turn right onto Wilkinson Boulevard and go 1 mile to the yard.

GPS works best, as some roads may have temporary closures.

Videos & Virtual Tours

For a quick look at how a self-service salvage yard works, the video below shows a similar operation in the Charlotte area. While not Sam Auto Salvage, it gives a good idea of the layout, tools available, and the self-service process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the hours for Sam Auto Salvage?

The yard is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It’s closed on weekends and holidays. Call ahead if you’re visiting outside normal hours, as occasional changes may happen.

Does Sam Auto Salvage buy junk cars?

Sam Auto Salvage focuses on selling used parts, not buying junk cars. If you need to sell a junk car, check with a local junk car buyer for a quick sale.

What kind of parts can I find here?

The yard carries a variety of used auto parts, including engines, transmissions, body panels, interior components, suspension parts, electrical components, brake systems, exhaust parts, and tires. Stock changes often, so call or check online to see what’s available.

How does self-service work at Sam Auto Salvage?

You handle the work yourself. The steps are:

Search the lot for the part you need.
Use the provided tools (or your own) to remove it.
Pay at the office before leaving.

The yard doesn’t remove or install parts, so bring tools and safety gear.

Can I test parts before buying them?

The yard doesn’t test parts, so you’re responsible for checking their condition. If you’re unsure, take the part to a mechanic or compare it to a working one from another vehicle.

Are there any restrictions on removing parts?

You can remove most non-restricted parts, but some may be locked for safety. Ask staff if you’re unsure. You can’t take parts from vehicles not in the yard’s inventory.