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Want to Donate to a Charity that Allows You to Claim a Top Tax Deduction?

When it comes to donating clothes, equipment, vehicles, or other personal items to charity, one of the most important things you should consider is whether the organization you’re donating to is an IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

If you are a long-time supporter of a charity, you must already know what this means and why it’s important. However, if it will be your first time to make a charitable contribution, it’s best to understand what a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is all about.

What Is a 501(c)3 Organization and Why It’s Important to Know This?

An organization is classified as tax-exempt if it meets the requirements defined in section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code. If the IRS recognizes an organization as 501(c)(3), this organization will not be required to pay federal taxes. This means the organization can keep all the donation proceeds it has received in full. This also means that the contributions made by its donors are tax-deductible.

It’s worth noting that although many organizations accept donations, not all of them are classified as 501(c)(3). Donations to non-501(c)(3) organizations are not tax-deductible. For the IRS to consider a charity a 501(c)(3) organization, it must operate exclusively as a nonprofit organization that has any of the following classifications:

• Charitable
• Educational
• Scientific
• Literary
• Fostering national and international sports competition
• Preventing children cruelty
• Working against animal cruelty

What Are the 2 Types of 501(c)(3) Organizations?

The IRS recognizes two types of 501(c)(3) organizations: public and private charities. Here’s how each of them works.

• Public Charities

In most cases, 501(c)(3) organizations are public charities, each of which is typically run by a board of directors, who may or may not be related to each other. The IRS closely scrutinizes these nonprofit organizations to ensure their compliance with mandated rules and regulations.

A private individual may donate up to 50% of their income to a public charity while corporations can donate up to 10% of their revenue without being taxed.

• Private Organizations

Private non-operating foundations are another type of 501(c)(3)-certified organizations. An individual or a group of people may fund these organizations. However, most private organizations are usually funded by a family.

Additionally, private organizations often assist other nonprofits or individuals who are working toward the same tax-exempt purposes. Their donors may give 30% of their income without paying taxes on it.

How Can I Identify a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization?

If you’re considering donating your vehicle or other belongings to a charity, you’ll want to verify if it’s an IRS-approved 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Check the IRS database.

One of the easiest ways to check whether an organization is a 501(c)(3)-certified nonprofit or not is through the IRS website. First, get the organization’s name, city, state, country, and employer identification number or EIN. You’ll need this information to search the IRS database. If it is not on the list, it’s not a 501(c)(3) organization.

2. Call the IRS.

Another way to check is to call the IRS directly. One of its officers can search the agency’s database directly and advise you on the 501(c)(3) status of the organization.

3. Ask to see a determination letter.

501(c)(3) nonprofits receive determination letters once they are recognized by the IRS as tax-exempt organizations. If you’re thinking of donating to one such organization, ask to see its determination letter. If its staff hesitates to show you the letter, it’s most likely not a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. You might be better off finding another organization to donate to.

Donate Your Car to a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Today!

You are assured of dealing with a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that will entitle you to a top tax deduction when you donate an unwanted vehicle to us at Goodwill Car Donations. It’s because we are the online vehicle donation platform of Goodwill organizations throughout the country, all of which are 501(c)(3) nonprofits.

Once you decide to donate to us, we will quickly haul off your unwanted car for free while giving you all the rewards you deserve for taking part in our vehicle donation program.

More importantly, your vehicle donation will allow you to help the disadvantaged people in your community overcome the tough challenges they face that will eventually enable them to break free from poverty.

We will auction off your vehicle and turn over the proceeds to the Goodwill organizations serving your area. These nonprofits are dedicated to helping disadvantaged Americans — those who are being weighed down by their disabilities, lack of education, job experience, or essential skills, and other limiting personal issues, such as being a former inmate or having a welfare mindset.

Your local Goodwill organizations use the funding they get from us to provide their beneficiaries with job and skills training, employment opportunities, scholarships, livelihood assistance, disability benefits, family support, educational services, financial assistance, and other essential support services.

As a Goodwill donor, you will be entitled to claim the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season. Expect to receive by mail the 100% tax-deductible sales receipt of your vehicle within 30 days after it gets sold.

You will also benefit from our free towing service, which is available to our donors in all parts of the United States.

Better yet, you will savor the satisfaction of having done something wonderful for your community by supporting the creation of new jobs and livelihood opportunities. This will surely contribute to the growth and progress of your community.

You can donate almost any type of vehicle. It doesn’t even have to be in good shape when we collect it.

For more details on our vehicle donation program, including our quick and convenient donation process, check out our FAQs page. If you have any concerns or questions, feel free to reach us anytime through our toll-free hotline at 866-233-8586 or leave us a message here.

Start Making a Difference Today!

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Is it time to retire your old beater? Give it a new and worthy purpose by using it to help your disadvantaged neighbors. Call Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or click here to begin your donation process now!

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How to Tell If Your Engine Is Burning Too Much Oil

High oil consumption can be detrimental to your engine, which could shorten its lifespan. If you notice your engine using up more than the required amount of oil during normal operating conditions, expect your car to encounter some trouble while you drive.

Increased oil consumption is caused by poor oil quality, oil leaks, loss of oil ring mobility, and defective crankcase ventilation — just to name a few factors. Once you realize that your engine is burning too much oil, it’s best to bring your car to the repair shop.

The question is, how can you tell if it is indeed burning too much oil? Goodwill Car Donations points out the following signs of excessive oil consumption in your car:

1. Blue or grey smoke appearing

If you see blue or grey smoke coming out of your exhaust pipe, it’s possible that engine oil has entered the combustion chamber and is burning away. However, this can also be due to other factors such as damaged cylinder walls or worn piston rings.

2. Topping up more frequently than usual

Been finding yourself needing to top up your oil level more often? If so, you can assume that your car is consuming too much oil. The same goes if you notice your oil level gradually dropping over time.

3. Unusual noise from your engine

At some point, you may hear a strange sound coming from your engine. A knocking or ticking noise usually means you’re running low on oil. The noise is caused by metal parts rubbing together without enough lubrication.

4. Failing coolant

Coolant deterioration is another sign that you’re losing engine oil. This occurs when your engine comes in contact with the cooling system, resulting in excessive oil consumption. The mixture of oil and coolant also affects heat transfer.

5. Engine running hotter than normal

A temperature gauge that’s reading higher than usual is another sign that your engine is consuming too much oil. Since an abnormally hot engine can cause major damage, you need to have this fixed by a professional ASAP.

If you notice any of these signs, drive your car to your trusted mechanic right away and have them check your oil consumption. Excessive oil consumption can be caused by a variety of things, so it’s best to have a professional diagnose the problem.

Not Sure What to Do with Your Troublesome Car? Here’s a Sure Winner of a Solution!

Getting stressed over your car consuming too much oil and exhibiting other signs of deterioration? Frustrated that its costly repairs didn’t work out for long? Put an end to your car troubles and find peace of mind by letting that vehicle go. Donate it to us at Goodwill Car Donations, and you’ll be freeing yourself from your car woes while making a difference in your community at the same time.

We’ll use your donation to improve the lives of the disadvantaged residents of your community. These are the men and women living among you who are suffering from disabilities, lack of education, job experience, or essential skills, and other personal issues that keep them chained to a life of poverty.

We’ll have your vehicle auctioned off, with the proceeds used to support the life-enhancement programs and services being delivered by the Goodwill organizations serving your local area. These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits cater to disadvantaged individuals, providing them with job and skills training, employment opportunities, scholarships, livelihood assistance, disability benefits, family support, educational services, financial assistance, and other essential support services.

Expect to receive your 100% tax-deductible sales receipt by mail soon after your vehicle’s auction. You’ll need it to claim your top tax deduction in the next tax season.

Also, you can take advantage of our free towing service, which we offer our donors throughout the country. It’s up to you to pick the time, date, and place for this.

Best of all, your gift will allow you to savor the satisfaction of serving your community by helping empower your less fortunate neighbors.

We accept almost all types of vehicles whatever their ages or conditions.

For more information about our vehicle donation program, including our quick and easy donation process, feel free to visit our FAQs page. If you have questions or concerns, call us anytime through our toll-free hotline at 855-588-2477 or message us here.

Give Your Old Beater a New Purpose Today!

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If you own a vehicle that no longer serves your purpose, it’s time to give it a new one — one that can uplift the lives of the struggling folks in your area. Donate that vehicle by calling Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or filling out our secure online donation form now!

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What to Do When Your Steering Wheel Becomes Wobbly

A shaking steering wheel is never a good sign for drivers. It’s a warning that something’s wrong with the car. The question is, what might that be?

Knowing what’s causing your steering wheel to shake is essential so you can take action right away. It can either be a minor issue that you can solve on your own, or it can require the expertise of a professional auto mechanic.

To help you find out what’s going on with your steering wheel, Goodwill Car Donations shares three of the most common reasons why steering wheels become wobbly along with their solutions:

• Reason #1: Your tires are uneven or unbalanced.

Uneven tires can impact your axle and suspension, which then leads to steering wheel vibrations. This is inevitable since tires tend to get unbalanced due to several factors like poor road conditions, inflation differences, seasonal changes, and rough driving patterns.

Solution: Getting a routine tire balancing service should be your best bet. Ideally, you want to have your tires balanced every 10,000-12,000 miles.

• Reason #2: Your brake rotors are warped.

If your steering wheel vibrates whenever you slow down or stop your car, warped brake rotors are the likeliest suspect. Bent rotors will cause the brake pads to press against an uneven surface when braking, thereby creating the vibration. You might also feel some shaking from the brake pedal each time you push your foot down on it.

Solution: You need to bring your car to your local repair shop as soon as you can. If the shaking indeed comes from your rotors, your mechanic will most likely advise you to get them replaced. However, if you got to catch the issue early enough, they may be able to resurface your rotors to make them smooth and even again.

• Reason #3: Your suspension components are loose.

Your car’s suspension consists of systems that connect your vehicle to its tires. Any components — be it the shock absorbers, bushings, joints, etc. — that encounter an issue can potentially produce steering wheel shaking or even a total loss of steering.

Solution: Such an instance will likely require an inspection from a professional mechanic, considering that suspension troubles can get really complicated.

Here’s the Best Way to Dispose of a Clapped-Out Vehicle

If a shaky steering wheel is just one of the car issues that threaten your safety on the road and you’re not confident that they can ever be fully repaired, you might want to consider letting go of that clunker.

The easiest and most rewarding way to get your hands off your problematic vehicle is by donating it to us at Goodwill Car Donations. When you do that, you’ll be helping the struggling disadvantaged members of your community while freeing yourself from the burden of keeping and maintaining an unwanted automobile.

We’ll auction off your donated vehicle to generate funds for the life improvement programs of the Goodwill organizations serving your area. These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits cater to disadvantaged Americans — those who are burdened with disabilities, lack of education, job experience, or essential skills, and other limiting personal issues, such as having prison records or being welfare-dependent. These disadvantages prevent these folks from finding decent sources of income that can help free them from the clutches of poverty.

Your local Goodwill nonprofits use the funding we give them to provide their beneficiaries with job training, employment opportunities, scholarships, livelihood assistance, disability benefits, and other essential support services.

With these services that you will help support with your vehicle donation, the underprivileged residents of your community will be given opportunities to make full use of their potential to help them attain financial independence.

Taking part in our donation program won’t require you to leave the comfort of your home or pay for the towing of your vehicle. We’ll send out a licensed towing company to pick up your vehicle at no cost to you and wherever you’re located in the country.

Plus, we’ll have the 100% tax-deductible sales receipt of your vehicle delivered to your doorstep days after we get it sold. With this receipt, you can claim the maximum tax deduction for your charitable contribution in the next tax season.

Best of all, you’ll find great satisfaction in helping create new jobs and livelihoods for the benefit of all in your community.

We accept nearly all vehicle types, whether they’re still in good condition or no longer.

You can learn more about how everything works in our vehicle donation program, including our quick and easy donation process, by checking out our FAQs page. If you have questions, call us anytime through our toll-free hotline at 866-233-8586 or write to us here.

 

Turn Your Beater into a Catalyst for Your Community’s Growth Today!

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Donating your unwanted vehicle to us can make a lasting impact on the lives of the less fortunate folks in your area. Let us turn your car into a mighty tool for transforming lives. Call Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or fill out our secure online donation form now!

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Learn How to Prevent Salt Damage on Your Vehicle This Winter!

The winter season is about to go into full swing, and motorists are naturally concerned about road safety. Thankfully, local and state authorities are on standby, ready to plow, sand, and salt the roads to ensure safe driving. Salt is used to lower the freezing point of water, thus preventing hazardous ice from forming on roads.

However, while salting is integral to keeping the roads safe during winter, it can also cause significant damage to vehicles. Unless you take precautionary measures, you might find yourself dealing with a rusty car exterior and massive repairs that could cost you thousands of dollars.

How Does Road Salt Damage Your Car?

Salt is a corrosive substance. Whenever it comes into contact with water, it creates a chemical reaction known as oxidation. This reaction then causes rust to form on metal surfaces, such as the exterior of a vehicle.

Besides causing considerable damage to a vehicle’s paint job, salt can also wreak havoc on your car’s brake lines and other important components. Once these sensitive parts deteriorate and corrode, they can compromise your safety on the road. In addition, you’ll likely be hit with a bill for shockingly expensive repairs.

Does Car Insurance Cover Salt Damage?

The short answer is “no”. Road salt damage is considered normal wear and tear since it is caused by continued exposure to road salt.

Most car insurance policies cover only unexpected damages, such as those resulting from accidents or natural disasters. Insurance companies might not cover the cost of repairing salt damage since it is an “expected” phenomenon.

 

How to Prevent Salt Damage

Since auto insurance typically doesn’t cover salt damages, you’ll want to protect your vehicle from road salt’s destructive effects. Goodwill Car Donations is here to help you do just that with these tips:

1. Avoid driving before or after a snowstorm.

Avoid driving before, during, or after a snowstorm if you can. Highway authorities are more likely to layer the roads with salt in anticipation of extreme weather.

2. Wash your car regularly.

Wash your car at least once a week to remove salt traces from its exterior. After driving your car during a snowstorm, you need to wash your vehicle immediately once the storm has passed. While at it, ensure that your tires and undercarriage are clean and salt-free.

3. Wax your vehicle’s exterior.

Since waxing your car’s exterior allows you to create a barrier against salt, it prevents corrosion. For this reason, experts recommend waxing your vehicle at least once every six months.

4. Avoid puddles.

Puddles during winter are a reservoir for salt. If you’re driving, it’s best to avoid going over them to avoid splashes of salted water on your car.

5. Prep your vehicle for winter.

The best way to prevent salt damage is to prep your vehicle for winter ahead of time. Before the authorities apply salt on roads, wax your car and fix the chips of paint and scrapes on it. These areas are prime targets for salt damage and rust.

What to Do If Your Car Is No Longer Safe to Drive?

Is your old beater compromising your safety on the road? If you no longer feel safe driving it during the winter months, consider handing it over to us at Goodwill Car Donations. We’ll turn it into a powerful tool for transforming the lives of disadvantaged individuals in your community.

Our team will have it fixed before selling it through an auction. We’ll use the proceeds to fund the community-based life-improvement programs of the Goodwill organizations serving your area. These IRS-approved 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations are committed to helping destitute Americans who are burdened with disabilities, lack of education, job experience, or essential skills, and other limiting personal circumstances, such as being a former inmate or welfare-dependent.

Your local Goodwill organizations use the funding we give them to provide their beneficiaries with job and skills training, employment opportunities, scholarships, livelihood assistance, disability benefits, family support, educational services, financial assistance, and many other essential support services.You won’t be going home empty-handed after making your donation. You’ll enjoy awesome rewards such as getting entitled to claim the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season. You’ll also benefit from the free professional towing service that we’ll provide you regardless of where you’re located in the country.

Best of all, you’ll find great satisfaction in doing something that will benefit your entire community when once-idle members attain financial stability and live productive and fulfilling lives.

We accept almost all vehicle types, including those that are damaged or no longer working properly.

For more details about our easy and convenient donation process, visit our FAQs page. You can also call us through our 24/7 toll-free hotline at 866-233-8586 or leave us a message here for your inquiries or concerns.

 

You Can Be a Local Hero Today!

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Why hold on to an old and unwanted vehicle when you can use it to help the less fortunate people in your community attain financial stability and live productive lives? Call Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or fill out our secure online donation form now!

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They’re Telling You to Check Your Car ASAP!

Like babies, cars make noises when they need your attention. They can produce such a variety of noises that often make it hard for most drivers to pinpoint what exactly is going on.

Some noises are perfectly normal, like the sound of the engine running or the exhaust system rattling. However, others are signs that there’s something wrong with your car. If you hear any strange noise coming from your engine, it’s important to address it before it turns into a bigger problem.

Goodwill Car Donations identifies some of the most common engine noises and what they’re telling you:

1. Squealing

A squealing noise coming from under the hood may be telling you that your serpentine belt is loose or worn out. With this belt responsible for controlling all the engine accessories, you’ll want to get a replacement ASAP.

You may also hear squealing when you step on the brake. In this case, you may be dealing with either dirty brake pads, rusty rotors, or a defective braking system. Another time squealing occurs is when your steering system is experiencing an issue.

2. Grinding

Numerous factors can cause your car to produce a grinding noise. The most common ones are as follows:

• When driving and idling: worn bearings
• When taking a turn: bad CV joint or another suspension-related issue
• When shifting: damaged clutch
• When braking: brakes are down to the metal

3. Sputtering

If your vehicle sputters or continues to run even after taking the keys off the ignition, the odds are, it’s the effect of dieseling. Dieseling takes place whenever fuel is ignited by another heat source aside from the spark plug.

While this issue is fairly limited to older engines with carburetors, there’s still a chance that you’d hear a coughing noise from your engine after turning it off.

4. Tapping or clicking

Expect your engine to make a distinctive sound when you’re running low on oil. It will notify you by producing a clicking, tapping, or ticking noise. You can solve this problem by simply refilling your oil tank. You can then figure out what’s causing your oil level to drop.

5. Rumbling

Does your car sound like it’s competing at NASCAR when you accelerate? If so, you better check your muffler to see if there’s a hole. Muffler holes may not be detrimental to car performance, but they can be dangerous as they allow toxic fumes to leak into the passenger compartment.

Donate Your Unwanted Vehicle to Support a Meaningful Cause

If your car is suffering from multiple problems and continues to make strange noises despite having it fixed numerous times, perhaps it’s time to give it up. You don’t want to compromise your safety on the road and pose a hazard to other drivers, do you?

Your best option is to hand over that vehicle to us at Goodwill Car Donations. When you do that, you’ll be supporting the disadvantaged members of your community. These are the men and women who are burdened with disabilities, lack of education, essential skills, or job experience, and other disadvantages that make it difficult for them to find decent jobs and livelihoods that can enable them to rise from poverty.

Our team will have your car auctioned off, with the proceeds going to the Goodwill organizations serving your area. These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits are dedicated to helping disadvantaged Americans. They use the funding that we give them to provide their beneficiaries with job and skills training, employment opportunities, scholarships, livelihood assistance, disability benefits, family support, educational services, financial assistance, and other essential support services.

Donating to Goodwill Car Donations is not only easy and hassle-free, but it’s super rewarding, too. Your gift will entitle you to claim the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season.  You will also benefit from our free towing service, which you can get wherever you are in the country.

Best of all, your act of charity will bring you an immense sense of personal satisfaction. Thanks to your gift, your community will be seeing more productive individuals and contented families. You’ll be amazed to discover how your unneeded car can transform so many lives.

We accept nearly all types of vehicles regardless of their conditions. You can donate even a damaged or non-working car.

To get to know our simple and convenient vehicle donation process and other relevant information, visit our FAQs page. For your questions and concerns, call us anytime through our toll-free hotline at 866-233-8586 or leave us a message here.

Bring Hope to the Less Fortunate Today!

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Give the underprivileged members of your community a chance to achieve financial stability and live decent and productive lives. You can help empower them with your car donation. Call Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or fill out our secure online donation form now!

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Don’t Let Car Trouble Ruin Your Next Adventure!

There’s nothing like embarking on the great American road trip. Whether you’re looking to get away for a long trip to the lake or you’re heading out of state, you’ll want to make sure that your set of wheels is up to the task. The last thing you’d want is to find yourself stuck in the middle of nowhere because of car trouble.

How to Get Your Car Ready for Your Upcoming Road Trip

Although you can’t always prevent every mechanical breakdown that could happen to your car, performing a few maintenance tasks before hitting the road can spell the difference between having fun and wasting valuable vacation time in the car shop. To help you get your vehicle ready for your next road trip adventure, Goodwill Car Donations has compiled these practical tips:

1. Check your owner’s manual for scheduled maintenance items.

You wouldn’t want to go on a 2,000-mile odyssey without checking your owner’s manual for the list of your vehicle’s scheduled maintenance items. In most cases, these items are listed by the age of your vehicle and/or its mileage. You can check out your manual’s electronic version online if you can’t find that manual in your glove box.

2. Inspect your battery.

If your car’s battery is more than two years old, you’ll want to have it checked. If it shows signs of corrosion, you’ll have to disconnect the battery and use a wire brush to clean the connectors. In case you’re not aware, car batteries contain corrosive acid that could leak when their connectors are forced off. For this reason, it’s best to leave this job to a professional if you’ve never checked and cleaned a car battery before.

3. Assess your brakes.

Worn brake pads usually produce odd, squealing noises. Moreover, your brake fluid may be low if your brake pedal feels spongy whenever you press it. If you notice the symptoms of a faulty brake system, you should take your car to a trusted auto mechanic right away and have it repaired before you hit the road.

4. Top off all fluids.

It’s best to check the levels of your engine oil, windshield washer, as well as your power steering and transmission fluids. If they’re low, you shouldn’t hit the road without replenishing them. You should also have your oil change done before your road trip if your car is close to needing one.

While you’re at it, check if your engine coolant or antifreeze tank is filled based on the manufacturer’s recommended level. If you spot floating debris in the coolant, have it replaced. Since your coolant can become acidic over time, have the tank checked for signs of corrosion which can cause damage to your hoses or radiator.

5. Examine your tires.

Tires that don’t have enough pressure in them can affect your vehicle’s fuel economy and compromise your safety on the road. For these reasons, it’s best to check your tire pressure before leaving for your trip. Moreover, you’ll want to check your tire tread by placing a penny upside down between the ribs of the tread. Seeing the top of Abraham Lincoln’s head on the penny indicates it’s time to replace your tire.

You may also have to rotate, align, and balance your tires before your trip if you notice uneven wear on all of them. It’s best to hire a trusted mechanic to examine your rubber and recommend corrective action as needed.

You Can Use Your Unwanted Car to Uplift Lives

Perhaps your road-tripping days are over because your aging car says so. However, even though your vehicle no longer runs the way it used to, you can still use it to uplift the lives of the disadvantaged and impoverished people in your local community.

You can make that happen when you hand over that vehicle to us at Goodwill Car Donations.

Our team will have your auto fixed before selling it through an auction. The proceeds will go directly to the Goodwill organizations serving your area. Just like us, these IRS-approved 501(c)(3) nonprofits are committed to helping disadvantaged Americans — those men and women who are saddled with disabilities, lack of education, job experience, or essential skills, and other limiting personal issues, such as having police records or a welfare mentality.

Your local Goodwill organizations use the funding we give them to provide their beneficiaries with job and skills training, employment opportunities, scholarships, livelihood assistance, disability benefits, family support, educational services, financial assistance, and other essential support services.

You won’t be going home empty-handed after making your donation. Your charitable contribution will entitle you to receive the highest possible tax deduction in the next tax season. You’ll also get our free professional pickup and towing service. We can provide you with this service wherever you’re located in the United States.

However, the best thing about donating to Goodwill is the priceless joy and satisfaction you’ll feel when you see the less fortunate people in your community achieving a better quality of life, thanks to your donation.

Feel free to donate almost any type of vehicle whatever its age or condition. You can donate even a damaged car or a truck that’s no longer running.

For more information about our vehicle donation program, including our quick and easy donation process, feel free to check out our FAQs page. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to call us anytime through our toll-free hotline at 866-233-8586 or leave us a message here.

Make a Difference in Your Community Today!

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Give your old vehicle a new and worthy purpose by using it to create opportunities for the disadvantaged residents of your community to harness their full potential so they can achieve financial independence. Your car donation can help free them from a life of misery. Call Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or fill out our secure online donation form now!

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How to Determine If They Are the Right Fit

After investing a substantial amount of money to purchase a car, keeping it in its best condition is something you’ll want to do. Whether your vehicle needs a tune-up or major repairs, the last thing you’d want is to have untrained hands working on your precious vehicle. For this reason, it’s best to take it to a qualified and reliable auto mechanic.

Top 3 Questions to Ask When Looking for a Qualified Mechanic

With many auto shop options out there, choosing the right person to fix your car can be a little tricky. However, it’s worth noting that your first conversation with a new mechanic sets the tone for the rest of your service experience. To help you out, Goodwill Car Donations shares the three most important questions you need to ask your prospective mechanic to see if they are the right fit:

1. “How long has your shop been in business?”

Since good auto mechanics are experienced at what they do, you’ll want to ask how long they’ve been in business before moving forward with their service. If they’ve been in business for a long time, they should have a long list of satisfied customers and excellent reviews of their work on Google or social media.

Besides having plenty of experience to back up their claims, the ideal mechanic prides themself on going above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction and build lasting relationships with their clients. Always look for one with a good track record. This will assure you that your mechanic will do a great job at fixing your vehicle.

2. “Have you ever worked on cars like mine before?”

You can find vehicle repair shops that specialize in certain types of vehicles with auto technicians certified to handle the maintenance and repairs of specific makes and models. When hiring a new mechanic, it’s best to ask if they’ve worked on vehicles with the same make and model as yours.

For instance, if you’re driving a European car or a diesel truck that requires special maintenance, you wouldn’t want to choose a mechanic who isn’t an expert in repairing such a vehicle.

3. “How does your shop handle unexpected costs?”

You’ll probably walk away happy after taking your car to the mechanic and agreeing on the timeline for the repair of your car and how much this will cost you. However, what happens when they open the hood and discover other repair issues? Unless you’re willing to run the risk of facing an unexpected bill that’s higher than what you initially agreed to pay, you’ll need to know how your new mechanic handles unexpected costs.

Consider yourself lucky if your state requires auto shops to call customers to get their approval on repairs and parts that exceeded the price they agreed on. However, if your state doesn’t require your mechanic to call you if anything comes up on top of what was quoted on the written estimate, you’ll want to ask them how they handle situations like this.

Reach Out to the Disadvantaged Folks in Your Community

If you have an unwanted vehicle you’re looking to dispose of quickly, at no cost to you, and with no hassle on your part, talk to us at Goodwill Car Donations. Handing over that auto to us will allow you to enjoy a highly rewarding donating experience that will benefit the disadvantaged and struggling residents of your local community.

Our team will sell your car through an auction and use the proceeds to support the life-enrichment programs of the Goodwill organizations serving your area. These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits are fully committed to uplifting the lives of disadvantaged Americans — those who are burdened with disabilities, lack of education, job experience, or essential skills, and other limiting personal circumstances, such as having prison or police records, or being welfare-dependent.

Your local Goodwill organizations use the funding sourced from the sale of donated vehicles to provide their beneficiaries with job and livelihood opportunities, disability benefits, financial assistance, family support, internship programs, scholarships, and other vital support services.

In return, you’ll have the privilege of enjoying our free towing service, which is available anywhere in the country. Your charitable contribution will also entitle you to claim the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season.

Best of all, you’ll find great satisfaction in knowing that you’re empowering your disadvantaged neighbors to realize their full potential and live productive and fulfilling lives.

Feel free to donate any type of vehicle, regardless of its year, make, model, mileage, or condition.

Check out our FAQs page for more information about our vehicle donation program, including our quick and easy donation process. If you have questions, call us anytime through our toll-free hotline at 866-233-8586 or message us here.

 

Use Your Unwanted Vehicle to Impact Lives Today!

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Instead of letting your unwanted vehicle rot in your garage, use it to transform lives today! Call Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or fill out our secure online donation form now!

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6 Ways to Keep Your Tires in Tip-Top Shape

Tires are a critical component of any vehicle. They can affect your ride quality, the handling of your car, and most importantly, your safety and that of your passengers and other people on the road. They’re also the only parts of your auto that touch the ground, making them more prone to wear and tear than your car’s other components.

As such, your tires need proper care for them to last longer. Moreover, investing in tire maintenance can go a long way in ensuring that they stay in optimum condition.

While some vehicle owners know the right time to replace their tires and set aside a budget for them, many others don’t get to find out their tires are already worn out until they suffer flats or blowouts. Since replacing your damaged tires with new ones may impact your budget, you’ll want to learn how to take care of them. Goodwill Car Donations shows you how to do just that with the following tips:

1. Check tire pressure at least once a month.

Did you know that a tire can lose air approximately one pound per square inch (psi) per month? It could lose even more air when the weather is cold. Although this might not seem like a big deal to you, the difference could have an impact on the quality of your drive and your car’s overall safety. Plus, it can increase the wear and tear of your vehicle’s tires.

For these reasons, you need to check your car’s tire pressure at least once a month. In doing this, make sure that your tire pressure gauge is in good condition and shows accurate readings.

2. Inspect your tires after going out for a drive.

Since tires encounter various road conditions on any given day, it pays to check for tire damage after going out for a drive. In physically inspecting your tires, check for gouges, cuts, and bulges. It’s also important to look for embedded debris such as small rocks, glass, screws, and other items that can puncture your tires, which will then need to be repaired or replaced.  

3. Rotate your tires every six months.

One of the best ways to maximize the tread wear of your tires is to rotate them periodically. The front tires of your vehicle are especially prone to premature wear and tear. During tire rotation, technicians exchange the front and back tires, which helps even out the tread wear of all four tires.

Depending on the vehicle type, it’s generally recommended that rotation be done every six months or 6,000 to 8,000 miles. To be sure, check the recommended tire rotation schedule on your vehicle’s user manual.

4. Avoid putting extreme weight on your car.

A car can tolerate only a certain weight or load limit. Anything more than that can overload the vehicle. If this happens, the tire could become subject to extreme pressure, which can cause underinflation, or worse, tire failure.

5. Realign your tires once a year.

Driving on bumps and potholes could misalign your vehicle’s tires. Misaligned tires can lead to uneven wear and tear and premature tire failure, which could render your car unsafe for driving. To prevent this, it’s generally recommended to have your car’s tires checked and realigned by an experienced mechanic at least once a year.

6. Check your tires’ treads.

Tire treads are important in helping a vehicle maintain its traction and grip on wet or icy roads. Over time, the treads of tires can wear out, reducing their ability to maintain their grip on the road. If this happens, you’ll most likely need to replace your tires with new ones.

The easiest way to check the tread of a tire is to place a penny between the tread ribs on your tire, with Abraham Lincoln’s head facing the outside. If the tread can still cover the top portion of the head, then it is still fine. However, if the tread no longer covers the entirety of the coin’s head, it may be time to replace the tire.

Looking to Dispose of an Unwanted Vehicle?

If putting an end to your car problems requires more than just replacing your tires, consider donating your troublesome auto to us at Goodwill Car Donations. We’ll give your unwanted vehicle a new and worthy purpose by using it to uplift the lives of the disadvantaged and impoverished residents of your community.

Our team will have your vehicle fixed before selling it through an auction. Once it’s sold, we’ll turn over the proceeds to the Goodwill organizations serving your area.

These IRS-approved 501(c)(3) nonprofits are dedicated to helping Americans who are suffering from disabilities, lack of education, job experience, or essential skills, and other disadvantages that serve as barriers in their pursuit of a productive and meaningful life.

Your local Goodwill organizations use the funding we give them to provide their beneficiaries with job and skills training, employment opportunities, scholarships, livelihood assistance, disability benefits, family support, educational services, financial assistance, and other essential support services.

You’ll also benefit greatly from your donation since this will entitle you to receive outstanding rewards, such as getting the privilege to claim the highest possible tax deduction in the next tax season. We’ll also pick up and tow away your unwanted auto anywhere in the country. We’ll provide you with this service for free!

Best of all, you’ll find great satisfaction in doing something that will benefit your entire community when formerly idle members get to enjoy stable and decent sources of income, thus achieving what they’ve long been dreaming of.

Nearly all vehicle types can be donated to us, even those that are no longer running.

For information about our quick and hassle-free car donation process and other relevant details, visit our FAQs page. You can also call Goodwill Car Donations through our 24/7 toll-free hotline at 866-233-8586 or leave us a message here for your inquiries or concerns.

 

Empower Your Disadvantaged Neighbors Today!

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It only takes a vehicle donation to help the disadvantaged folks in your community hurdle roadblocks to opportunities. Your car donation can help transform not only their lives but your community as a whole as well. Call Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or fill out our secure online donation form now!

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Leaking Fuel? Here Are the Most Common Signs

If you suddenly smell gas inside your car while driving, you could be dealing with a gas leak. It can be as minor as a small hole in your gas tank. Nevertheless, it can be a major cause of concern that can put you and your passengers in danger on the road. The leaking fuel can ignite, creating a fire or an explosion if the flames make it to the tank.

Fortunately, telltale signs will warn you about this issue before the situation gets worse. If you suspect that there’s a leak in your tank, the following signs will confirm your suspicions:

1. Strong gas odor

The overwhelming smell of gasoline in your cabin, whether you’re driving or parked, is one of the clearest signs of a leak. Although your fuel system isn’t necessarily airtight, you should not detect any gas fumes inside your vehicle if there’s no leak. In most cases, drivers who do have a leaking fuel tank will notice the odor before anything else.

2. An unusual drop in the fuel gauge

A huge drop in your fuel gauge, especially if you haven’t been driving, is another common symptom of leaking fuel. However, unless you’re losing a large amount of gasoline, this can be hard to determine.

What you can do here is take note of your gas gauge when you’re parked for the night and check it again first thing in the morning. If you see a difference, then you should make that trip to the repair shop.

3. Spots of moisture under your car

Another red flag to pay attention to is a small puddle underneath your fuel tank. It can be difficult to detect though as it’s usually translucent. To confirm that leakage is indeed to blame, simply place a piece of cardboard or newspaper beneath your fuel tank to see if any gas leaks on it.

4. Engine trouble

A fuel leak can affect your engine’s performance. Leaking due to a damaged hose in any of your car’s fuel lines can compromise your engine, resulting in issues such as misfires, stalling, and hard starting. It can prevent your automobile from running at all.

Think Your Car Is in Its Final Days? Give It a Meaningful Retirement!

As long as you regularly check your gas tank to ensure there’s no leak and you follow your car’s maintenance schedule, you have nothing to worry about. However, if your car is facing numerous issues, making it look like it’s beyond redemption, getting your hands off it is a wise choice, especially if all those costly repairs did so little to restore its condition.

The good news is that there’s still a way to put that vehicle to good use. By simply donating it to us at Goodwill Car Donations, you get to help transform the lives of the impoverished disadvantaged men and women in your community — those who are burdened with disabilities, lack of education, job experience, or essential skills, and other limiting personal issues, such as being a former inmate or having a welfare mentality.

Our team will sell your donated vehicle through an auction and hand over the proceeds to the Goodwill organizations serving your area. These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits cater to disadvantaged individuals, using the funding we give them to provide their beneficiaries with job and skills training, employment opportunities, scholarships, livelihood assistance, disability benefits, family support, educational services, financial assistance, and other essential support services.

As a Goodwill donor, you’ll enjoy our fast and free towing service anywhere in the United States. Your donation will also entitle you to claim the highest possible tax deduction in the next tax season. Plus, you don’t have to deal with paperwork anymore. Our donation specialists will gladly do it for you.

Best of all, your act of charity will bring you an immense sense of satisfaction, knowing that you’ll be contributing to the growth and development of your community by empowering your needy fellow residents through work and learning.

We take almost all types of vehicles whatever their ages or conditions. You can donate even a clapped-out car that has defective or missing parts.

If you want more information about our quick and hassle-free donation process, head over to our FAQs page. If you have questions or concerns, call us anytime through our toll-free hotline at 866-233-8586 or contact us here. We’ll respond to you as soon as we can.

Help Transform the Lives of Your Needy Neighbors Today!

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A simple vehicle donation can make all the difference in improving the lives of the disadvantaged people in your area. Let’s work together to give them a better future. Call Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or click here to begin your donation process now!

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Catch Those Signs Quickly Before They Put You in Big Trouble!

Even with diligent care and maintenance, your car may overheat. You may then experience complicated issues as a result, especially if you fail to address the problem right away.

Engine overheating damage may vary depending on how high the temperature gets. For instance, if it rises to 20 to 40 degrees above the normal engine temperature, you could experience an engine knock, which could crack a piston or shatter a piston ring if you continue to run the engine. Driving with an engine that’s 40 to 80 degrees hotter could damage the bearings and the engine’s interior.

When your engine overheats, expect an expensive trip to the repair shop if you don’t act on it swiftly.

The good news is that warning signs will alert you that your engine is in trouble before it overheats. Catching those signs quickly can save you from the headaches of facing costly major engine repairs.

That being said, Goodwill Car Donations points out the following early signs of an overheating engine:

1. Strange engine smells

You’ll notice a distinctive odor when your engine heats up enough to start burning oil. It can be any of these three:

Burning oil: As your engine oil begins to burn, you’ll most likely smell a sulfur-like odor.

Burning plastic: Vulnerable engine components like rubber seals and plastic valves may melt when your engine overheats, thus emitting the smell of burning plastic.

Sweet: The radiator fluid’s coolant is ethylene glycol, which is molecularly similar to the sugar compound. As such, you may smell something that resembles maple syrup or butterscotch if the coolant burns.

2. Temperature gauge

Most cars today come with a warning light or temperature gauge that shows how hot your engine is. You’ll know your engine is heating excessively if the gauge indicates that the temperature is approaching the maximum level or if the dashboard warning light flashes on. However, since this light functions by measuring the coolant’s temperature, it won’t be able to measure anything in case the coolant leaks.

3. Coolant on the ground

A puddle of coolant under your parked car is a good indicator of engine overheating. This either tells you that there’s a leak somewhere in your cooling system that caused the engine to run hot, or that the coolant has boiled and has been relieved by the coolant overflow tank.

4. Clanking or clicking noise

An overheating engine will cause oil to lose its lubrication properties. In such cases, you might hear a clicking or clanking noise coming from your engine components as they work together without the buffer of your oil.

5. Poor engine performance

Acceleration and performance troubles aren’t uncommon for drivers who are experiencing engine overheating. If you find that your engine isn’t working properly, check your temperature gauge and pay attention to any weird smell to confirm that overheating is indeed to blame.

Turn Your Problematic Car into a Vital Source of Support for Disadvantaged Folks

If your car continues to have engine issues despite numerous trips to the auto shop and spending a fortune each time, you’d be better off disposing of it. Splurging on repairs would be unwise since they can’t guarantee that your car would be restored to its former pristine condition.

You can still put that vehicle to good use though. By handing it over to us at Goodwill Car Donations, you’ll be helping the struggling disadvantaged people in your local area find opportunities to improve their living conditions.

Our team will have your vehicle auctioned off to generate funds for the Goodwill organizations serving your local area. Like us, these IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits are dedicated to helping disadvantaged Americans — those who are saddled with disabilities, lack of education, job experience, or essential skills, and other limiting personal circumstances, such as being a former inmate or welfare-dependent.

Your local Goodwill organizations use the funding we give them to provide their beneficiaries with job and skills training, employment opportunities, scholarships, livelihood assistance, disability benefits, family support, educational services, financial assistance, and other essential support services.

You’ll also reap outstanding rewards from your charitable contribution. It will entitle you to claim the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season. You will also benefit from our free towing service, which we give to our donors throughout the country. Plus, you don’t need to worry about paperwork — our donation specialists will handle that for you.

We accept almost all vehicle types, including those that are damaged or no longer working properly.

For information about our quick and convenient vehicle donation process, tax deductions, and other important details about our vehicle donation program, feel free to check out our FAQs page. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to call us at 866-233-8586 or leave us a message here.

Be a Ray of Hope to Your Less Fortunate Neighbors Today!

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Don’t miss this chance to contribute to uplifting the lives of the less fortunate folks in your area. Your auto donation will bring positive changes in their lives. Call Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or fill out our secure online donation form now!