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You Can Do It Yourself!

There’s nothing more frustrating than a car that won’t start when you’re already late for work. If nothing happens even after you’ve made sure that you have gas and checked if the steering wheel isn’t locked, then you may be dealing with a problem in your car battery, including the possibility of battery corrosion. Aside from keeping your vehicle from starting, did you know that battery corrosion can also do considerable damage to your car’s electrical wiring and air conditioning system?

What Is the Main Cause of Battery Corrosion?

The primary cause of car battery corrosion is time. The older your battery gets, the more time it has spent heating and cooling as the motor runs. During the process, hydrogen gases are constantly released through its ventilation until they mix with the battery’s material. Over time, corrosion is formed at the battery’s connection points, which are the terminals.

When Should You Check for Corrosion?

You’ll know that it’s time to check for signs of corrosion when you see low voltage codes on your dashboard lights and experience problems starting your car or diminished auto power.

Before calling for help, you may want to pop the hood and keep an eye out for the corroded parts of your battery. Don’t worry, battery corrosion is extremely easy to spot. Just check for a green, white, or blue-tinged powdery material caked around your car’s battery terminals, battery cables, or battery posts. Once you’ve identified the problem, the next step is to clean it up.

You’ll be glad to know that the process of removing car battery corrosion is simple and you won’t need to take your car to the mechanic to get the job done. You can do it yourself!

Get Rid of Car Battery Corrosion in 6 Easy Steps

If you want to extend your battery life and performance, you have to keep your car’s battery clear of any signs of corrosion. Goodwill Car Donations is here to guide you through the process. Check out these easy steps to get rid of car battery corrosion:

• STEP 1: Disconnect your battery cables.

You wouldn’t want to be electrocuted and suffer severe burns. That’s why you need to be sure to identify the negative battery cable and disconnect it before you disconnect the positive battery cable. The negative cable is black and is marked by the abbreviation “NEG” and the negative sign (-). On the other hand, the positive cable is red and is marked by the abbreviation “POS” and the positive sign (+).

• STEP 2: Check the cables for signs of damage.

One of the most common reasons behind non-starting engines is damaged or worn-out battery cables. Do you see signs of corrosion on your cables’ insulation? Are the cables splintered, frayed, peeled, cracked, or dried? If your cables are damaged, you need to have them replaced immediately.

• STEP 3: Use a cleaning agent to remove and neutralize the battery corrosion.

You’ll need to apply a battery cleaning agent to get rid of the corrosion from the car battery and the cables while neutralizing the battery acid. If you don’t have commercial-grade battery cleaners, you can use baking soda or Coca-Cola. However, take extra caution if you decide to use Coca-Cola because it contains phosphoric acid and synthetic sugars that can cause damage to your car’s engine.

The method is extremely easy to perform. Just mix a teaspoon of baking soda with a glass of water or else use a small amount of Coca-Cola and pour a small amount of the liquid on the areas that are corroded. The Coke will bubble and eat away at the rust and corrosion. The acid in Coke will neutralize the corrosion on the battery and cables.

When the Coke has finished bubbling, take a wire brush and brush away any corrosion that is stuck around bolts or any other hard-to-reach areas.

If you’re using baking soda, cover the battery terminals and other corroded areas with a coat of this chemical before pouring a tiny amount of water on them. Then, use an old toothbrush to scrub the solution on the surface.

When you have brushed away all of the loosened corrosion and rust, wipe the corroded areas with a paper towel to remove the Coke or baking soda residue and the corrosion. Pour a small amount of water over the area to rinse away the sticky residue and the last of the corrosion from the battery. Wipe down the area to dry it and soak up any remaining residue.

• STEP 4: Rinse and dry.

To make sure that the cleaning agent as well as the corrosive elements don’t fall on the other parts of the engine and your car’s paint job, it’s best to take the battery out as carefully as possible. After scrubbing off all signs of corrosion, use clean water to rinse the cable ends and battery and let everything dry.

• STEP 5: Apply anti-corrosion pads.

To protect your car battery from corrosion, be sure to apply anti-corrosion pads after everything dries. While you’re at it, be sure to apply a thin coat of petroleum jelly on the battery terminals to enhance the electricity conduciveness between the terminals and the cable ends.

• STEP 6: Reconnect the battery to the car in reverse order.

Reconnect your battery to the vehicle in reverse order to protect yourself from injury. First, connect the positive battery terminal before connecting the negative one.

Thinking How Best to Dispose of an Unwanted Vehicle?

If you’ve driven your car into the ground and you’re now thinking about getting rid of it, consider donating it to us at Goodwill Car Donations. We’ll give your unwanted auto a new and worthy purpose that will make you proud.

Our team will have your automobile fixed before putting it on the auction block. Once it gets sold, the proceeds will go to the Goodwill organizations serving your area.

These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits cater to men and women who are burdened with disabilities, lack of education, essential skills, or job experience, and other limiting personal issues, such as being a former inmate or having a welfare mentality. These disadvantages prevent them from finding decent sources of income that can enable them to escape from the grip of poverty.

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

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

Moreover, we’ll provide you with our free towing service at a date and place most convenient to you anywhere in the country.

Your gift will also allow you to savor the satisfaction of serving your community by helping empower your less fortunate neighbors.

We accept nearly all vehicle types — even those that are no longer working.

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 questions or concerns, call us anytime through our toll-free hotline at 866-233-8586 or message us here.

Become a Benefactor to the Needy Today!

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You can make a difference in your community with your donation of even an unwanted vehicle. Such a donation can make you a benefactor to the disadvantaged residents of your community. Call Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or fill out our secure online donation form now!

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Ensure a Smooth and Safe Ride with These 5 Simple Car Maintenance Tips

College life poses a challenge for student drivers, especially those who are novice car owners or those charged with maintaining a car for the first time away from home. First, it would be tough for them to maintain their car without the help of their parents if they’re studying miles away from home. Second, their school work and social life would take up much of their time, leaving them with little time to care for their vehicle no matter how much they would like to.

If you are such a student, Goodwill Car Donations shares the following simple tips on how you can take good care of your ride without taking up so much of your precious time. Remember that having a well-maintained car will be worth the effort and will save you a lot of money and hassle in the long run.

1. Check your tire pressure and tread.

To ensure that you are safe on the road, make sure that your tires have the proper air pressure. You can check your car owner’s manual for the proper pounds per square inch (psi) of your tires. Also, check your tires for cracks and breaks since these may cause you a blowout on the road.

2. Change the oil regularly.

Changing the oil regularly every 3,000 miles is a good habit to practice to maximize your engine’s performance. If you prefer to do it every three or four months, that’s okay, too, as long as you keep to a regular schedule.

3. Change your air filter annually.

Your car engine needs a good supply of clean air to function at its best. Changing your air filter yearly is a good way to ensure that.

4. Rotate your tires every 5,000 or 10,000 miles.

Don’t scrimp on having your tires rotated every 5,000 or 10,000 miles even though this may cost you a few bucks. This will not only keep you safe while driving but will also save you hundreds of dollars worth of repairs in the long run.

5. Clean and inspect your car regularly.

Keep your car clean and inspect it for signs of disrepair regularly. “An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure” applies very well to owning a car. Giving your car proper care can assure you of a hassle-free driving experience while in college.

What You Can Do With a Car That’s No Longer in Good Shape

Proper car maintenance can keep your car running in peak condition for a long time. However, if you realize this only now after already spending a fortune for the repair of your car that you miserably failed to maintain properly, you probably have no other recourse than to say goodbye to it.

Don’t worry though; you can still salvage its worth by donating it to us at Goodwill Car Donations. We’ll take your donation as it is and use it to uplift the lives of the disadvantaged and impoverished people in your local community.

Our team will sell your vehicle through an auction and use the proceeds to support the life improvement programs of the Goodwill organizations serving your area. These 501(c)(3) nonprofits are dedicated to helping 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.

Your local Goodwill organizations use the funding we give them to provide their beneficiaries with job and skills training, vocational services, scholarships, financial aid, disability benefits, family support, and other types of vital support services.

In return for your gift, you’ll get free towing from any point in the country plus the privilege to claim a top tax deduction in the next tax season.

Feel free to donate any type of vehicle whatever its age or condition.

Interested in learning more about us? Additional information about Goodwill Car Donations and the specifics on how you can become a Goodwill vehicle donor can be found on our FAQs page. You can also call us through our 24/7 toll-free hotline at 866-233-8586 or message us here.

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Give Hope to Your Disadvantaged Neighbors Today!

Using your old and unwanted car, you can transform the lives of the struggling underprivileged residents of your community. It can still do so much good to a lot of people. Call Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or fill out our secure online donation form now!

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Avoid Road Accidents by Knowing These Brake Warning Signs

The brake system is one of the most important parts of a vehicle. Your brakes can go thousands of miles without demanding attention, working quietly each time you bring your car to a stop. As a result, you probably don’t even think much about your brakes — until it’s too late.

If you aren’t mechanically inclined enough to catch car issues before they result in a breakdown, you’re not alone. However, regardless of how handy you are with a wrench, you have to ensure that your brakes are always in top condition. Their worn-out state can spell the difference between a near miss and a nasty fender-bender.

Signs Your Car Needs New Brakes

Worn-out brakes don’t stay silent for long. Goodwill Car Donations is here to show you how to look and listen for the common warning signs that tell you it’s time to replace your old brakes:

1. You can’t see your brake pads.

You can inspect your brake pads by looking between the spokes of your wheel. They’re pressed up against the rotor. They should be fine if they’re more than a quarter-inch thick. However, if your brake pads are no longer visible, this means that they’re completely worn out and you need to replace them right away.

2. You hear a squeak, high-pitched squeal, or clicking noise.

When applying pressure to your brakes triggers weird sounds such as a squeak, squeal, or click, this means that your brake pads are worn down to a dangerously level. These sounds come from the indicator, which is a small metal shim, as it taps against the rotor. While you may hear these strange noises when your windows are rolled down, you may not hear them when your AC is turned on. Moreover, the clicking sounds are caused by loose or damaged clips, bolts, or pins that keep your brake pads to your wheels.

3. You hear a grating sound.

Do you hear terrible grating sounds each time you press on the brake pedal? When you’re dealing with a brake pad that has completely worn out, your metal brake disc and metal caliper end up rubbing against each other. As they do, they produce these grating or grinding noises that you wouldn’t want to ignore. If this problem is left unaddressed, it can lead to serious problems that may require rotor replacements.

Is It Time to Dispose of Your Old Car?

If your old car is giving you more problems than pleasure, perhaps it’s time to retire it. Consider donating it to us at Goodwill Car Donations. We’ll use it to help the disadvantaged folks in your community overcome barriers to opportunities, empowering them to live healthy, productive, and fulfilling lives.

Our team will sell your donated vehicle through an auction and use the proceeds to support the life improvement programs of the Goodwill organizations serving your area. These IRS-certified 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations 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 being a former inmate or having a welfare mentality.

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

It’s easy to donate to us. At Goodwill Car Donations, we make sure our donors get to experience a stress-free donation process. You don’t even have to leave the comfort of your home. All you have to do is contact us online or by phone.

Also, your donation will entitle you to receive high-value rewards, including getting our free professional vehicle towing service, which we provide our donors anywhere in the country.

Your gift will also entitle you to claim the highest possible tax deduction in the next tax season.

Best of all, you’ll find great satisfaction in doing something that will benefit your entire community when once idle members get to enjoy stable and decent sources of income, thus attaining financial stability.

Feel free to donate nearly all vehicle types. We’ll accept anything you hand over to us with open arms, including a car that’s no longer in good condition. We’ll take even vehicles that won’t start or run anymore.

Know more about Goodwill Car Donations, our mission, and our quick and easy donation process by visiting our FAQs page. You can also call us anytime through our toll-free hotline at 866-233-8586 or leave us a message through our online contact form.

Make an Impact in Your Community Today!

If you’re looking to dispose of an unwanted vehicle while making an impact in your community, now’s the best time to do it. Call Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or fill out our secure online donation form now!

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Become Your Car’s First Line of Defense!

The first few signs of your car’s corrosion can be quite subtle — ranging from a harmless-looking brown stain on your fender to a bubble in the car paint. Unfortunately, ignoring these signs could spell trouble for your vehicle.

The iron worm called rust will soon work its way to the other parts of your four-wheeled chariot. Before you know it, you’ll be sending your set of wheels to an early grave.

Once rust manages to land on an iron-containing metal, there’s no turning back. In a natural environment, nothing can stop your car’s unstable chemical makeup from yielding to rust over time — unless you do something to battle the process of oxidation.

Thankfully, you can still save your car from doom. The key to keeping corrosion at bay is to learn more about how vehicles rust and how to address the brown and flaky patches that show up in your car’s problem areas.

What Are the 3 Types of Rust?

1. Surface Rust

When you see scratches, nicks, and cracks on the paint, you’re looking at the first signs of surface rust. The usual culprits of rust that occurs on the surface of your vehicle are mechanical or UV damage.

2. Scale Rust

Ignoring surface rust will only give it enough time to penetrate further into your vehicle’s body. As the rust expands and flakes away the layers of paint, your car’s fresh base metal becomes exposed to corrosion. Before long, a rough and pitted type of damage called scale rust begins to develop. It’s important to note that besides corrupting the surface of your vehicle, the chemical process involved in the formation of scale rust also reduces the strength of the metal.

3. Penetrating Rust

Scale rust that is left unaddressed can quickly progress to penetrating rust. At this point, the metal has turned into brittle iron oxide, causing holes to form. After prolonged exposure, corrosion that’s left unchecked will eat through your vehicle’s metal, affecting your suspension components, and weakening your car’s frame. To ensure your safety on the road, it’s extremely important to keep an eye out for rough or compromised parts underneath your car.

What You Can Do to Get Rid of All Types of Rust

To help you keep your set of wheels free from corrosion, Goodwill Car Donations has compiled these tips to help you get rid of the different types of rust in your car:

1. Surface Rust
   • Clean the area with the surface rust and allow it to dry completely.
   • Mask off the area with the use of painter’s tape.
   • Grab a rust remover and spray it onto the rusty spots. Let it sit for about 10 minutes.
   • Use a microfiber cloth to wipe off the residue.
   • If there’s any leftover rust, use sandpaper to sand it before wiping off the residue.
   • Use a grease remover soap to clean the area and let it dry completely.
   • Grab a primer and spray three light to medium coats and let each layer dry for about an hour.
   • Spray about six coats of your vehicle’s color base coat while making sure that each coat isn’t thicker than the primer coats. Give each coat enough time to dry thoroughly.
   • Spray a clear coat on the area. Avoid washing your car for at least two days and wait for about two months before you wax your car.

2. Scale Rust
   • Mark off the rusty areas and cover the unaffected parts of your vehicle to protect them from the fine dust and the sander.
   • The sanding wheel has to be attached to the grinder. Use this to get rid of the surface rust.
   • Clean the affected area with grease and wax remover soap before allowing it to dry.
   • If you see depressions and holes left, use a fiberglass-reinforced car body filler to fill them.
   • Use 40-grit sandpaper to sand the affected area.
   • Follow this up with 320-grit and 2000-grit sandpaper.
   • Use grease and wax remover soap to clean the area.
   • Tape off the area for painting with the use of painter’s tape.
   • Spray about three light-to-medium coats of primer and let each layer dry before you apply another.
   • Spray five coats of your vehicle’s paint while making sure that each layer gets enough drying time.
   • Spray two layers of clear coat. Don’t wash your car for the next two days and wait at least two months before you wax your vehicle.

3. Penetrating Rust

The only solution for the most advanced car rusting level is to replace the affected part or cut out the affected parts before welding metal patch panels into place. If you don’t have the tools or the skills to do this, it’s best to head to a qualified body shop and let the pros patch your vehicle’s frame back together.

Tired of Maintaining an Unwanted Vehicle?

If you no longer feel the need to maintain or repair your rusty old car, consider donating it to us at Goodwill Car Donations. We’ll quickly dispose of that vehicle for free and use it to help uplift the lives of the disadvantaged and impoverished residents of your community.

Our team will put your vehicle up for auction and turn over the proceeds to the Goodwill organizations serving your area. These IRS-approved 501(c)(3) nonprofits cater to disadvantaged Americans — those who have disabilities, lack education, job experience, or essential skills, and other limiting personal issues, such as having criminal records or a welfare mentality.

Your local Goodwill organizations use the funding we give them to provide their beneficiaries with job and skills training, vocational services, scholarships, financial aid, disability benefits, family support, and other types of vital support services.

While helping the underprivileged members of your community with your car donation, you’ll also get outstanding rewards yourself. These include getting our fast and professional towing service for free and at a date and place of your choice anywhere in the country.

Your gift will also entitle you to receive the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season.

Moreover, your donation will allow you to savor the satisfaction of serving your community by helping empower your less fortunate neighbors through work and learning.

We take nearly all types of vehicles, including those that are no longer in good shape. You may head over to this page to get a list of the types of vehicles acceptable to us.

To learn more about our vehicle donation program, including our quick and easy donation process, feel free to visit our FAQs page. Call us anytime and any day at 866-233-8586 or message us here if you have any questions or concerns.

Decide to Make a Difference in Your Community Today!

With just a click of a mouse or a quick phone call, you can make a difference in the lives of the underprivileged people in your community. You’ll become a life-changer for them. Call Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or fill out our secure online donation form to make your donation now!

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Cleaning the Mess Is Easy!

If you just drove through a flooded area and dirty water entered your vehicle, your floor mats are probably dirty with mud on them. Getting mud out of rubber or vinyl floor mats is frustrating, leaving you with the messy task of getting the sludge out of your car’s carpets. Luckily, cleaning the mess up isn’t rocket science.

Getting Mud Out of Your Vehicle’s Carpets: A Step-by-Step Guide

Don’t worry, it’s not the end of the world. A proper deep clean goes a long way in getting the mud out of your carpets. Goodwill Car Donations shares this step-by-step guide to restoring those carpets to their former glory:

• STEP 1: Gather your cleaning materials.

First, you need to gather your cleaning materials. These include the following:

• Carpet cleaner or liquid detergent
• At least two clean towels
• Industrial vacuum
• Scrubbing brush
• Power washer or garden hose

• STEP 2: Remove your car’s carpets.

Cleaning your vehicle’s muddy carpets is a messy business. If you want to avoid further cleanup, it’s best to remove the carpets outside your garage. If the mud is still wet, lay the carpets in the sun and wait for the mud to dry completely before you clean them. Cleaning the carpets while the mud is still wet will only make the mess even more challenging to clean as the mud expands its surface area and spreads deeper into the carpet fibers.

• STEP 3: Use a brush to scrub off dried mud.

Once the mud is dried and ready to crack off, grab a brush and scrub the mud with it to loosen and break up the dirt from the carpet fibers. Gently scrub the muddy areas until no more dust is coming off. Find something durable and sturdy such as a railing or a pole and hit the carpet against them to get the rest of the dust out of the carpets.

• STEP 4: Vacuum the carpets.

It’s best to use an industrial-strength vacuum to suck up the fine dust particles that are stuck within the fibers. To ensure thorough vacuuming, you’ll want to go over it once with no attachment before returning with a brush attachment.

• STEP 5: Wash the carpets.

If you don’t have a carpet cleaner, try making soapy water in a bucket by mixing dishwashing liquid with cool water. Grab a clean scrubbing brush and work the solution into the carpet’s dirty spots until the suds come up white. While you’re at it, avoid soaking the carpet to steer clear of mold or mildew growth.

• STEP 6: Use a power washer to get the soap and dirt out of the carpets.

Don’t point the power washer’s nozzle too close to the carpets to avoid tearing the fibers as you try to blast the soap and dirt out of them. If you don’t have a power washer, feel free to use a garden hose with a nozzle attachment.

• STEP 7: Dry the carpets.

Use clean towels to dry the carpets and lay them in the sun for at least one day. Be sure that the carpets are fully dry before you reinstall them.

 

A Great Thing You Can Do With Your Unwanted Vehicle

If your car issues are more serious than having mud on your carpets, consider donating that vehicle to us at Goodwill Car Donations. We will use your donation to uplift the lives of the disadvantaged and impoverished residents of your local community.

Our team will have your car auctioned off, with the proceeds used to support the life-enhancement programs of the Goodwill organizations serving your area. These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits are dedicated to helping 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 or police records, or being welfare-dependent.

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

As a Goodwill donor, you’ll have the privilege of taking advantage of our fast and free towing service anywhere in the country. You’ll also be entitled to claim the highest possible tax deduction in the next tax season.

Best of all, you’ll experience the joy of knowing that you’ll be helping empower the underprivileged people in your community so they can live financially independent lives.

We accept nearly all vehicle types whatever their ages or conditions.

Know more about Goodwill Car Donations, our mission, and our quick and easy donation process by visiting our FAQs page. You can also call us at 866-233-8586 or message us here.

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You Can Be Your Community’s Hero Today!

The disadvantaged folks in your community will see you as their hero when they start receiving benefits from Goodwill organizations, thanks to your car donation. Such a gift can help break the barriers that prevent them from achieving their dreams. Call Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or click here to begin your donation process now!

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3 Tips to Keep Your Car Looking Its Best

While it’s good to keep your horseless carriage clean and shiny from the outside, you should also take interior cleaning seriously. If you want to keep your vehicle looking its best, be sure to keep its interior as clean and fresh as its exterior.

However, what happens when snow and rainwater wreak havoc on your car’s interior? The good news is that it’s never too late to learn how to protect and maintain it.

Solutions to Car Interior Weather Damage

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that bad weather can damage your car’s interior. Thankfully, Goodwill Car Donations has rounded up these practical solutions to car interior weather damage:

1. Upholstered Surfaces

When it comes to moisture damage, your car’s upholstered surfaces such as your carpets, mats, and seats, are the first ones to bear the brunt. If you want to make sure that these surfaces won’t rot and go moldy in wet weather, you’ll have to clean them right away.

If your carpets, mats, and seats aren’t completely soaked, be sure to vacuum these areas to get rid of loose dirt and bits. Next, try to eliminate moisture marks and bad odors with a special upholstery cleaner. Before parking your vehicle overnight after a wet drive, you’ll want to use some paper towels to absorb excess moisture quickly. If you’re parking your car in your garage, you may want to leave the windows open.

Are you constantly outdoors? it’s best to use water-resistant mats and covers through the wetter months. Your carpets will thank you for placing trunk lining and synthetic rubber mats in the footwells and trunk liners. Additionally, you can use thin polyester seat covers to help keep your upholstered seats as dry and moisture-free as possible.

2. Leather Surfaces

Although leather surfaces can handle moisture, regular care and maintenance are still required to avoid permanent water damage and keep those surfaces looking their best. Never leave your leather seats wet after a wet drive. If you don’t want moisture to form salt marks and dull the leather finish, wipe them dry with paper towels before applying leather conditioning cream.

Since water can easily pool into your leather seats’ padded cushion, you need to check the usual problem areas. Sitting in leather seats while wearing wet clothes causes water to run down the surfaces to the base of your seat’s backrest. When the moisture gets inside the seat itself, mold and mildew develop over time.

You can steer clear of this problem by reclining your seat back to its full downward position. Grab some paper towels and allow them to absorb as much moisture as they can as you press them firmly into the joint between your seat and the backrest.

3. Plastic Surfaces

Moisture tends to leave behind salt particles that can permanently stain your soft-touch matte plastics and dull the finish of your interior’s plastic surfaces. Needless to say, a leak in a window seal can produce moisture that can ruin your dashboard materials and the plastic surfaces of your door panels. The same can happen if snow has blown into your vehicle. You need to dry off these surfaces as quickly as possible to prevent the snow from interfering with your car’s electronics.

Be sure to keep a paper towel or a microfiber towel ready inside the vehicle. Once your car’s dashboard is completely dry, use a dashboard cleaner or some disposable dashboard wipes to eliminate the stains on the plastic.

Unless you’re willing to run the risk of exposing your car interior to snow, you’ll have to regularly check your door and window seals for any signs of damage. If you’re driving an older vehicle, check if these parts need to be replaced before they start causing problems.

 

You Can Use Your Unwanted Auto to Help Your Community

If your car suffered serious damage from a storm or flood and you’re not willing to pay a fortune on repairs, consider donating it to us at Goodwill Car Donations. We’ll get that vehicle off your hands quickly and at no cost to you while using it to help the disadvantaged and impoverished residents of your community.

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 are dedicated to helping disadvantaged Americans — those men and women in your area 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.

Your local Goodwill nonprofits provide their beneficiaries with job and skills training, vocational services, scholarships, financial aid, disability benefits, family support, and other types of 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.

Moreover, knowing that you’ll be helping the less fortunate folks in your community achieve financial stability and a much better quality of life will bring you an extraordinary sense of joy.

We accept nearly all vehicle types, even those that are no longer working properly.

If you want more information about Goodwill Car Donations, including our quick and easy donation process, head over to our FAQs page. For your questions or concerns, call us anytime through our toll-free hotline at 866-233-8586. You may also contact us here.

Touch Lives with Your Vehicle Donation Today!

Don’t miss this chance to touch the lives of your disadvantaged neighbors. Your car 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!

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Wondering What Type of Yacht to Charter?

After you’ve decided to charter a yacht, you need to make some important decisions. The main one is selecting the type of yacht you want to charter.

Many different kinds of charter yachts are available, such as sailing yachts, motor yachts, and catamarans. The type of yacht you pick will depend on several factors. These include your group size, the kind of experience you want, where you want to go, and your budget.

To help you arrive at an informed choice, Goodwill Car Donations presents the four different types of yacht charters available and their key features:

1. Sailing yacht

Sailing yachts are suited for those who want an idyllic and more tranquil journey on the water. You won’t be able to achieve the same high speeds as you will with a motor boat, but you won’t have to worry about fuel costs, and you won’t have the noise of a motor. Sailing yachts are generally smaller than motor yachts, making them an ideal choice for a romantic getaway or a small gathering.

2. Motor yachts

Motor yachts are the most popular boats to charter, accounting for up to 70% of all yacht charters. These yachts are also widely available, so you’ll have many choices in picking the boat most suitable for you and your party.

A motor yacht is designed for speed, comfort, and pleasure. These boats are generally more expensive than sailing yachts or catamarans of the same class. However, keep in mind that motor yachts also offer superior speed, comfort, and luxury.

3. Catamaran yachts

A catamaran is a type of sailing yacht that comes with two hulls instead of one. Generally, a catamaran offers more space than a monohull sailing yacht or a motor boat of the same size. Due to the extra space, catamarans often have roomy sundecks. Some catamarans also offer trampolines and other fun equipment.

Catamarans are loved for their comfort aboard. If you have a large group with you, a catamaran will provide plenty of space for everyone. Catamarans are also known to be more stable than other types of yachts, making them the ideal boat choice for people prone to seasickness.

4. Megayachts or superyachts

Megayachts or superyachts are big luxurious yachts that are more than 24 meters long and come with their own professional crew. These yachts often come with first-class amenities and a significantly higher price tag. Charter costs for this kind of yacht can cost anything from $100,000 per week to $1,000,000 per week.

Mega yachts are often chartered for corporate events or by wealthy individuals looking for a truly luxurious and exclusive experience.

Take the Selfless Route and Empower the Needy

Do you own an old yacht, which you are now planning to dispose of? Perhaps, the spiraling expenses in maintaining such a luxury vessel have gone through the roof and you can’t take it anymore. Maybe, you’ve decided to live a more modest lifestyle. You probably want to sell it but don’t have the time and the patience to do so.

In this case, your best option is to take the selfless route: Donate that vessel to a charity that supports a cause you care about. You can never go wrong when you donate that yacht to Goodwill Car Donations.

We will sell your precious yacht through an auction with the proceeds going to the Goodwill organizations serving your area. These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits cater to disadvantaged Americans — those men and women who are burdened with disabilities, lack of education, job experience, or essential skills, and other limiting personal issues, such as having a welfare mentality and past criminal records.

Your local Goodwill organizations will use the proceeds from the sale of your yacht to help fund their life empowerment programs and services in your area. Thus, thanks to your donation, their beneficiaries with receive job training, career opportunities, educational services, financial support, disability benefits, and other essential support services.

As such, your charitable contribution will empower the less privileged members of your community, giving them opportunities to overcome the challenges they’re facing. Your donation will help bring in more job opportunities to your community, enabling more disadvantaged residents to harness their full potential, find stable sources of income through jobs and livelihood, and gain financial stability.

Your donation will also bring you high-value rewards. Within days after selling your donated boat, we’ll send you by mail its 100% tax-deductible sales receipt. This will entitle you to claim the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season.

We’ll also provide you with our professional towing service at absolutely no cost to you and wherever you are in the United States.

Aside from yachts and other seacrafts, we also accept almost all types of vehicles regardless of their age or condition.

Want to know more? The details about our easy and convenient donation process can be found on our FAQs page. For your inquiries or concerns, feel free to call us through our 24/7 toll-free hotline at 866-233-8586 or message us here.

Use Your Old Boat to Transform Lives Today!

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You can help transform the lives of the less fortunate residents in your neighborhood. Your donation will open the door to limitless opportunities for them. Call Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or fill out our secure online donation form now!

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Chartering Benefits May Even Exceed Boat Ownership

Many people consider sailing out in the ocean and visiting new places to be the perfect vacation. However, only the super-rich can afford to own a boat of their own.

Nevertheless, those who can’t afford to buy a yacht can still satisfy their longing for sea adventures. How? By chartering a yacht!

The benefits of chartering a yacht may even exceed boat ownership when your goal is a holiday of relaxation and enjoyment. When you charter a yacht, your only responsibility is to have as much fun as possible.

Goodwill Car Donations presents more wonderful benefits of chartering a yacht:

1. You can choose from a wide variety of yachts.

Yacht charters offer customers many choices regarding the types of vessels they can book. The basic options include motor yachts, sailing yachts, and catamarans.

Once you’ve chosen a boat, picking the right yacht charter depends on your needs and wants. You can also select charters based on budget requirements.

2. What you want to do is up to you.

A yacht charter can arrange many activities like swimming, sunbathing, or enjoying the sunset. Other possible fun activities include snorkeling, jet skiing, scuba diving, windsurfing, and kayaking — the choices are yours!

3. The sea is therapeutic.

Seawater’s numerous therapeutic qualities are so widely commended that the phenomenon even has a name: thalassotherapy. The word is derived from the Greek words thalassa, meaning “sea”, and therapia, meaning “healing”.

According to research, negative ions, which allow you to breathe in more oxygen, are found in extremely high concentrations near the ocean. An increase in oxygen in your body helps the body balance your serotonin levels, also known as the feel-good hormones, which lift your mood and improve your health.

4. Your time is yours.

One of the best things about a yacht charter is having your own itinerary. You’re not obligated to follow any schedule, and you don’t need to worry about hotel check-in times.

The destinations you want to explore are all up to you. Do you want to wake up in one location in the morning and another that night? It’s all possible when you charter a yacht.

Do You Have a Vehicle You No Longer Use?

Do you have an old car that you’ve long been planning to get rid of? If you don’t have the luxury of time or the inclination to sell it on your own, consider handing it over to us at Goodwill Car Donations. We will use your donation to empower the disadvantaged people in your community so they can live productive and fulfilling lives.

We will auction off your car and turn over the proceeds to the Goodwill organizations serving your area. These IRS-approved 501(c)(3) nonprofits cater to disadvantaged U.S. citizens — those with disabilities, those who lack education, essential skills, or job experience, and those with other limiting personal issues, such as being welfare-dependent and having past prison records.

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

Donating to Goodwill Car Donations means getting your unwanted vehicle picked up and towed away for free. It also means getting entitled to receive the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season.

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.

Aside from your unwanted car, you can donate just about any other type of vehicle even if it’s no longer in good condition. Your location should not be a problem since we can collect your donation anywhere in the United States.

If you’re interested to know more about our vehicle donation program and the rewards awaiting you, head over to our FAQs page. You can also give us a ring at 866-233-8586 or leave us a message here for any concerns or questions that you may have.

Help Transform Lives Today!

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We can turn your unwanted auto into a powerful tool for transforming the lives of the less fortunate residents of your community. There are no ifs and buts about this. Donate now by calling Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or filling out our secure online donation form now!

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A Simple Guide for Estimating Yacht Charter Costs

Only a few things can match the sublime experience of a yacht holiday. The countless possibilities for adventure in the most relaxing locations, as the salty ocean breeze blows through your hair, sound even more enticing after two years of no vacation. As we start to recover from the pandemic, a private yacht charter could offer fun seekers the perfect escape from the masses.

So how much does it cost to charter a yacht? Goodwill Car Donations answers this question to help you plan your first yacht escapade.

Yacht Charter Costs

A yacht less than 80 feet long will cost you around $15,000 to $35,000 per week. For boats that measure 80 to 120 feet, the cost goes up to $35,000 to $80,000 a week. Some 80-foot catamarans can be chartered at $40,000 to $100,00.

Several factors determine the cost of chartering a yacht. One factor is the size of the boat. Another is whether you prefer to hire a skipper or not. You can captain small bareboat yachts if you have sailing experience. For 100-footer vessels, a skipper and a professional crew are advised for safety reasons.

Megayachts can be chartered, too. The cost can vary from $200,000 to $1,000,000 per week. These prices are not inclusive of fuel, food, and drinks.

Here are the costs of three different ways of yacht chartering:

1. Bareboat Yacht Charter Cost

A bareboat yacht charter doesn’t involve a skipper and a crew. You will be the one to captain the yacht. This arrangement gives you complete control of the journey and the chance and freedom to explore wherever you please.

Charter costs of bareboat yachts vary depending on the size of the boat. Smaller boats measuring from 30 to 60 feet can range from $1,000 to $10,000 a week. Bigger boats that can accommodate 8 to 12 people can start from $10,00 weekly to $20,00 or more.

2. Skippered Yacht Charter Cost

For larger groups of people, say from 10 to 15, a better option would be to charter a skippered or crewed yacht. The sizes of these types of boats can range from 40 to 400 feet.

To give you an idea of the charter cost, a week’s cruise aboard a 50-foot monohull in Alaska can be around $15,000 a week. A cruise on the Caribbean aboard a 110-foot long power yacht for six guests can cost about $35,000 a week. For a week’s voyage on the Mediterranean on a superyacht 300 feet long, the charter costs about $450,000 a week for 20 guests.

3. How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Yacht for a Day?

Perhaps you want to celebrate an achievement or a milestone in your life or treat your family or friends to a fun day at the sea. For occasions like these, renting a yacht for a day can be one of your best options. Depending on the size of the vessel and its amenities and whether it’s skippered or not, the charter costs can be between $1,500 to $13,000 a day.

Spare a Thought for Your Suffering Neighbors Who Could Only Dream of a Yacht Vacation

While planning your yacht escapade for the summer, spare a thought for the disadvantaged and struggling members of your community. You can do something simple to help these folks: Donate any vehicle that you no longer use to Goodwill Car Donations. We’ll use your donation to turn their lives around.

We’ll auction off your vehicle to generate funds for the Goodwill organizations serving your area. These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits cater to disadvantaged Americans — those who are being weighed down by their disabilities, lack of education, essential skills, or job experience, as well as other limiting personal issues, such as being welfare-dependent or a former inmate.

Your local Goodwill nonprofits use the funding we give them to provide their beneficiaries with job and skills training, vocational services, scholarships, financial aid, mentoring and internship assistance, disability benefits, family support, and other essential support services.

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 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.

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Touch Lives Today!

Why hold on to an unwanted automobile when you can donate it to touch lives and contribute to your community’s growth and development? Call Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or fill out our secure online donation form now!

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3 Steps on How to Plan Your First Yachting Experience

Many people think yachting vacations are only for the wealthy and famous, but chartering a yacht doesn’t have to break the bank. While it’s true that some super yachts cost more than a million dollars a week to charter, you don’t need to shell out seven figures to enjoy a yachting experience with your family or friends. In fact, a yacht charter can be less expensive than a week on a cruise ship for a family of four.

Chartering a yacht for the first time can be a confusing and intimidating experience. If you’re wondering what else you need to know before stepping on board, Goodwill Car Donations presents a guide on how to charter a yacht. This will teach you everything about the process of planning your first yachting holiday.

What Is a Yacht Charter?

Think of a yacht charter as a type of yacht rental. You hire a boat from a particular place for a set amount of time. Some yacht charters can be day trips or overnight trips while some may extend to a week or two.

Charters can offer yachts of various sizes, suitable for different occasions, including intimate family vacations and group trips. You can adjust various aspects of your yacht charter based on your needs and budget.

Here are the 3 basic steps on how to charter a yacht:

1. Choose a yacht charter company.

Find a trusted yacht charter that can give you plenty of options and one that seeks your input regarding your preferences. The company should help you establish your travel basics like your itinerary, the places you want to explore, and the activities involved.

2. Pick a yacht and destination.

Gather all yacht and destination options by browsing the company’s website.

Do you want to take in the sights and sounds of New York City? How about sailing around the coast of Venice and dropping in for a wine-tasting tour while you’re there? Or perhaps all you want is to have fun in the sun in the Bahamas? Wherever your imagination takes you, a charter yacht can make it come true.

3. Fill out the paperwork.

Once you’ve chosen your preferred yacht for the dates you want, the yacht charter company will reserve those dates and present you with a contract.

You’ll be asked to fill out a preference form to give the company and crew exactly what you want from the trip. The more input you provide, the better equipped the crew will be to ensure your yacht experience is everything you want and more.

Few vacations are as gratifying as a trip aboard a yacht. You can go wherever you want, whenever you want, and relish every moment of the experience without rushing.

After accomplishing the above steps, there’s nothing left to do but set off and sail away on an unforgettable journey. Enjoy every second of it! You may want to echo the words of renowned French sailor Alain Gerbault, who traveled around the world as a single-handed sailor in 1923. He once said, “I wanted freedom, open air, and adventure. I found it on the sea.”

Help Others Enjoy Life

As you plan your perfect family summer vacation aboard a yacht, spare a thought for the disadvantaged and struggling members of your community who can only dream of a fun yachting experience. You can do something simple that can improve their lot in life. That’s by donating any vehicle you can spare to us at Goodwill Car Donations.

We’ll sell your donated vehicle through an auction, with the proceeds going to the Goodwill organizations serving your area. These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits cater to disadvantaged Americans — those men and women who are burdened with disabilities, lack of education, job experience, or essential skills, and other limiting personal issues, such as having a welfare mentality and past criminal records.

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

Your donation will also bring you high-value rewards. Within 30 days after selling your donated vehicle, we’ll send you by mail its 100% tax-deductible sales receipt. This will entitle you to claim the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season.

We accept a wide range of vehicle types. Whether you’re donating a car, a motorbike, or even a broken-down truck, we’ll be glad to receive it.

Your location should not be a problem either. We can collect your donation anywhere in the United States.

Best of all, you’ll find absolute satisfaction in having done something that will benefit your entire community when once idle members attain financial stability and live productive and fulfilling lives, thanks to your donation.

You can get more information about us, including our quick and easy donation process, by checking out our FAQs page. Should you have any questions or concerns, you may reach us through our 24/7 toll-free hotline at 866-233-8586. You may also send us a message here.

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Start Giving Hope Today!

Reach out to the disadvantaged residents of your community today. You can do that by turning your unwanted auto into a powerful tool that can transform their lives. Call Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or fill out our secure online donation form now!