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Top 5 Signs that You Need to Replace Your Spark Plugs

Though small in size, spark plugs play an incredibly important part in your car’s function. They’re responsible for igniting the air-fuel mixture in your vehicle’s engine, which allows you to start your vehicle and get on with your ride.

Unfortunately, they’re not built to last for a long time and will wear down eventually. Most spark plugs can last 100,000 miles (or more, depending on the manufacturer and vehicle) before needing to be replaced.

There are tell-tale signs that your spark plugs are going bad. Goodwill Car Donations lists five of them:

1. Misfiring engine

When an engine misfires, it’s accompanied by your check engine light flashing on the dashboard and by a distinct knocking sound as your car is starting up. It’s one of the most common symptoms of worn or bad spark plugs. If you keep ignoring it and have a few misfires down the road, you’ll eventually damage more of your vehicle’s components.

2. Rough idle

When your car is idle and you hear rattles, knocks, or other weird noises coming from your engine, it’s time to get your spark plugs checked.

3. Poor acceleration

Have you noticed that your car isn’t as powerful as it used to be? Struggling to accelerate properly is one of the results of at least one of your spark plugs failing.

4. Poor fuel economy

Worn spark plugs aren’t just bad for your engine; they’re bad for your wallet, too. Deteriorated spark plugs mean extra work for your engine to compensate, which also means a reduction in its efficiency. More work for your engine equals more fuel being used up.

5. Hard start

Your spark plugs are responsible for sparking the ignition that starts your engine. When they start to go bad, you’ll have a hard time starting your vehicle.

Your Old Ride Can Bring New Hope to Your Disadvantaged Neighbors

Vehicle maintenance is part of the package when you purchased your car. As your automobile ages, however, maintenance gets more challenging as well as expensive.

If you’re tired of trying to keep your old ride in tip-top shape, consider donating it to us at Goodwill Car Donations. We’ll use your donation to uplift the lives of the disadvantaged residents of your community. These are the folks who are burdened with disabilities, lack of education, job experience, or essential skills, and other limiting personal issues, such as being a former inmate.

We will sell your vehicle through an auction, with the proceeds going to the Goodwill organizations serving your area to help finance their community-based job and livelihood generation programs.

These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits are dedicated to helping disadvantaged Americans, providing them with job and skills training, vocational services, scholarships, financial aid, mentoring and internship assistance, disability benefits, family support, and other types of support services.

While helping disadvantaged individuals attain financial independence, you’ll also rid yourself of an unwanted vehicle with no hassle and at no cost to you since we will provide you with our free professional pickup and towing service. What’s more, your donation will make you eligible to enjoy the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season.

Your act of charity will also 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 accept almost all vehicle types, whether still in good running condition or no longer.

For more information about our vehicle donation program, including our quick and easy donation process, head over to our FAQs page. If you have questions, call us at 866-233-8586 or contact us here.

 

Make a Difference with Your Auto Donation Today!

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It’s a win-win situation when you team up with us at Goodwill Car Donations. Help underprivileged individuals and impoverished families in your neighborhood while getting rid of an unwanted vehicle quickly and for free. Call us at 866-233-8586 or fill out our secure online donation form now!

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Your Wallet Will Heave a Sigh of Relief, Thanks to These Tips

If you’re a vehicle owner, you would know that one of the biggest regular expenses in owning a car is paying for its fuel. That’s why saving fuel is the top priority of discerning drivers with an eye out on their budget.

You can do simple things to save on gas without putting your car through expensive modifications. Goodwill Car Donations shares these five simple yet effective ways to save gas:

1. Drive slower.

Typically, drivers would want to reach their destination faster, making them step on the gas more. However, if you drive at a slower pace when you’re not in any rush to get where you’re going, you’d notice more savings at the pumps. If you make a habit out of it, you’d be saving a lot of money on gas more consistently.

2. Check your tires.

Making sure your tires are inflated with the right amount of air will help you save on fuel because vehicles with tires that have the maximum allowable air in them are generally more fuel-efficient.

3. Turn on your vehicle’s eco mode.

Some vehicles have the eco-driving mode, which increases fuel economy and decreases emissions by running on less fuel. This typically saves you 10% of gas compared to the normal driving mode. If you are driving a hybrid, using the electric-only mode can help you save more fuel.

4. Avoid traffic.

Avoid driving in heavy traffic by scheduling your errands during off-peak hours or leaving home earlier for work before the morning rush. Driving in traffic is bad for fuel savings because you have to rev up your engine every so often, which takes up a lot of gas.

5. Religiously maintain your car.

Fuel economy is just one of the benefits of making sure that all of your car’s parts are functioning well. Take special care of your engine because a well-maintained engine will generate power without wasting fuel. Refer to your owner’s manual to monitor when your auto is due for its next maintenance check.

Give Your Old Ride a New and Worthy Purpose

If your old gas guzzler is continuously burning a hole in your wallet because of its costly fuel consumption as well as its maintenance and repairs, perhaps it’s time to let it go. The most sensible way of retiring an old auto is by donating it to a charity that supports a worthy cause and one that will give you a most satisfying and rewarding giving experience.

You will precisely get that when you turn over your outdated car to us at Goodwill Car Donations. When you do so, you’ll help uplift the lives of the disadvantaged people in your community — those who are saddled with disabilities, lack of education, job experience, or essential skills, and other personal issues, such as being a former inmate. Their disadvantages prevent these folks from finding decent jobs and other sources of income that can free them from a life of poverty.

Your donation can help them achieve financial independence through work and learning.

We’ll auction off your donated vehicle and use the proceeds to finance the community-based life improvement programs of the Goodwill organizations serving your area. These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits are dedicated to helping underprivileged Americans, providing them with job and skills training, vocational services, scholarships, financial aid, mentoring and internship assistance, disability benefits, family support, and other critical support services.

Thanks to your generosity, your community will be seeing more productive individuals and contented families. You’ll be amazed to discover how your seemingly worthless car can transform so many lives.

To give you another reason to be thankful for, we’ll reward you with a hefty tax deduction. Expect the 100% tax-deductible sales receipt of your car in your mailbox within 30 days after its sale. Plus, we’ll be towing your vehicle for free, and it’s up to you to decide on the date, time, and place for this.

We accept nearly all vehicle types regardless of their conditions. We can also collect your donation wherever you’re located in the country since we operate in all 50 states plus the District of Columbia.

Got a question for us? Call us anytime through our toll-free hotline at 866-233-8586 or message us here. You may also want to check out our FAQs page to learn more about our vehicle donation program, including our quick and easy donation process.

Help Build Your Community Today!

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Help empower your disadvantaged neighbors and build your community 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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Time to Let Go of Outdated Practices and Save on Gas for Real

As a car owner, you may be looking to save on your vehicle’s regular expenses like gas as a means to save money. As such, you may have heard of countless “tips” from various sources about how to go about it.

If you didn’t know yet, many of these tips have been debunked over the years and exposed as the myths that they are. If you’ve been following them, here are some practices that you should stop doing.

1. Warming up the car before setting off.

If you have a new car, there’s no need to do this since modern engines have fuel-controlled injectors that heat the car to the right temperature and it needs no warm-up time to do so.

2. It’s not about premium fuel.

Many drivers have long believed that premium fuel will boost the performance of their car, seeing it as an investment. However, this high-octane fuel is designed for high-performance engines. If you have a normal engine, you can opt for less expensive normal fuel, which can save you more money.

3. Leaving the air conditioning off to save on fuel.

Turning off your car’s AC has no proven impact on fuel savings. If you’re driving at higher speeds, turning on your air conditioning unit is a more efficient way to cool the car.

4. Smaller cars are more fuel-efficient.

It’s not the size of the car that matters, but rather, the technology that it’s using. Larger model cars with modern engines can get as much mileage as a smaller auto using the same amount of fuel.

5. Older cars are less fuel-efficient.

While it’s generally true that cars lose fuel efficiency as they get older, the age effect varies depending on the condition of the automobile. Well-maintained vehicles only become slightly less fuel-efficient over time.

6. Leaving the car idling is more fuel-efficient.

Many motorists claim that leaving the car idling rather than turning it on or off is more fuel-efficient, especially when one is stuck in traffic. The truth is that you’ll save more gas if you switch your car off when traffic is at a standstill and turn it on again when traffic flow resumes. Leaving the car idling even for a few minutes can burn more fuel.

 

Retiring Your Auto? Give It a Worthy Purpose This Way

If you think that your old car can no longer be fuel-efficient no matter what trick you try, perhaps it’s time to consider getting a new replacement. You wouldn’t want to be caught stranded on the road once again when your auto conks out for the nth time, would you?

You can give your old ride a well-deserved retirement by giving it a new and worthy purpose. You can do that by handing over that vehicle to us at Goodwill Car Donations for the benefit of the disadvantaged people in your community. These are the men and women living among you who are saddled with disabilities, lack of education, job experience, or essential skills, and other personal impediments, such as having prison records.

Your auto donation can help these folks harness their full potential so they can live productive and fulfilling lives through work and learning.

We will auction off your donation and turn over the proceeds to the Goodwill organizations serving your area. These IRS-approved 501(c)(3) nonprofits cater to disadvantaged Americans. They use the funding we give them to provide their beneficiaries with job and skills training, career opportunities, vocational and educational services, internship programs, financial support, disability benefits, and other critical support services.

We’ll pick up and tow your vehicle for free wherever you are located in the country. Your donation will also entitle you to receive the maximum tax write-off in the next tax season.

More importantly, 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 with the creation of more jobs and livelihood opportunities.

We accept almost all types of vehicles, including those that have dents and scratches and a few missing or defective parts. Apart from cars, we also take RVs, motorcycles, trailers, trucks, vans, golf carts, snowmobiles, fleet vehicles, and boats.

To learn more about our donation program, including our quick and easy donation process, head over to our FAQs page. If you have questions or concerns, tell us about them here. You may also give us a call through our toll-free 24/7 hotline at 866-233-8586.

Touch Lives of Your Disadvantaged Neighbors Today!

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Reach out to the disadvantaged members of your community with your car donation and make a difference in their lives. Call Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or fill out our online donation form now!

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Make the Right Choice with These 6 Tips

Snow tires, also known as winter tires, are made specifically for winter weather driving. While you can still use regular or all-season tires during winter, they don’t provide the same grip and handling as snow tires. From the rubber of the treads to the tire edges, snow tires are designed to provide you with the best traction when traveling on roads covered in ice and snow. This is especially useful for vehicle owners who live in areas that regularly experience extreme temperatures or snowfall.

When deciding on the snow tires to buy, you need to figure out the right ones for your vehicle. Don’t just go for the nearest tires on the shelf or choose them at random. You need to consider factors such as your driving habits, vehicle type, and the usual routes you take when making your choice.

To help you make the right choice in buying your snow tires, Goodwill Car Donations presents these six top tips:

1. Take time to compare.

Take time to compare the prices of different tire brands as well as their pros and cons. The expensive price tag of a certain tire brand doesn’t automatically mean that it’s the best.

2. Know your tire size.

You’ll need to buy snow tires that are the right size for your vehicle. If you don’t know what your tire size is, it’s in the code in the markings on your tire’s sidewall.

3. The type of roads you drive on matters.

Consider the roads in your usual routes when choosing the quality and brand of your tires.

4. Visually compare the tires.

Compare the quality of the different tires displayed at the tire shop. Check their flexibility, grooves, and stiffness.

5. Don’t be shy in asking questions.

If you have questions about tires, don’t hesitate to ask them to the salesperson. They can help you decide on the best snow tires to buy for your vehicle.

6. Don’t mix and match.

Make sure the tires you’re using are from the same brand.

Got a Defective Car? Here’s What You Can Do

Snow tires are unlikely to let you down when driving on ice- or snow-covered roads. However, if you’re driving a vehicle that’s in bad condition, not even the best snow tires can assure your safety.

If you have a defective automobile, don’t risk your life driving it. Don’t have second thoughts about disposing of it. Hand it over to us at Goodwill Car Donations and we’ll quickly get it off your hands at no cost to you while allowing you to enjoy a highly rewarding donating experience.

Once we get hold of your donated auto, we’ll have it fixed before selling it through an auction. We’ll then turn over the proceeds 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 prison records. These disadvantages pose as barriers in their quest to find decent sources of income that can free them from a life of poverty.

Your local Goodwill organizations use the funding sourced from the sale of donated vehicles to provide their beneficiaries with job and skills training, vocational services, scholarships, financial aid, mentoring and internship assistance, disability benefits, family support, and other support services. Thus, thanks to your donation, these services will enable the underprivileged residents of your community to eventually attain financial stability and live productive and fulfilling lives.

You’ll also benefit from your charitable contribution since this will entitle you to receive the maximum 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.

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. We can collect your donation anywhere in the country since our vehicle donation program covers the entire United States.

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 leave us a message here.

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Help Your Needy Neighbors Today!

You can be a hero to the disadvantaged residents of your community. Help your neighbors in need by donating your unwanted car to us at Goodwill Car Donations. Call us at 866-233-8586 or fill out our secure online donation form now!

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7 Easy Steps to Get Your Bike Ready for Winter

You’re in for a surprise if your idea of winterizing your motorcycle is just throwing a cover on top of it. The last thing you’d want is to find out your bike won’t start when it’s riding season once again. Getting your motorcycle ready for winter should be on top of your “to-do” list — especially if you want to avoid costly repairs.

To save your precious ride from things like rust, corrosion, or a dead battery, you need to do some prep work when the snow starts falling. Goodwill Car Donations presents these seven easy steps to properly winterizing your motorcycle:

1. Wash your bike.

Give your bike a thorough cleaning before you store it away. Add a coat of wax to the paint finish for an extra layer of protection and spray any metal surfaces with WD-40.

2. Change your oil.

It’s better to have fresh oil sitting in your bike’s system rather than old oil. You may also consider using an oil product that’s specifically designed for winter.

3. Lubricate your bike’s moving parts.

Moisture buildup on your bike’s moving parts can cause them to rust or become brittle. Prevent this from happening by lubricating them before storage.

4. Fill your fuel tank.

Avoid rust in your gas tank by filling it up. You should also add a fuel stabilizer to keep your gas fresh during the months when your bike is in storage.

5. Use a battery warmer.

A battery warmer is like a blanket for your battery. Wrap your bike’s battery with a warmer to keep it charged and prevent it from dying.

6. Keep your tires off the ground.

Tires left sitting in the same position for too long can develop flat spots. Keep your tires off the ground by using a stand when you put your bike in storage.

7. Add anti-freeze to your coolant.

Before you store your bike away, have your coolant system prepped by adding a sufficient amount of anti-freeze. This will help prevent your coolant from freezing when temperatures drop steeply.

Do You Have a Car That’s Giving You Fits? Allow Us to Help You

Winterizing your motorcycle isn’t that difficult. What’s difficult is having an old vehicle that has become prone to breakdowns and costly repairs. If you have a car in this condition, consider getting it off your hands before it ruins your finances or, worse, puts you in harm’s way.

Your best option here is to simply donate that auto to us at Goodwill Car Donations. We’ll use your donation to uplift the lives of the less fortunate people in your community while giving you all the rewards you richly deserve for making such a charitable contribution to us.

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 burdened with disabilities, lack of education, job experience, or essential skills, and other limiting personal issues, such as being a former inmate.

These Goodwill nonprofits use the money sourced from vehicle donations to provide their beneficiaries with job training, employment opportunities, scholarships, livelihood assistance, disability benefits, and other critical community-building support services.

As a reward for your generous donation, you’ll get high-value rewards. They include receiving our free vehicle towing service and getting entitled to claim the maximum 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 the chance to harness their full potential and attain financial stability.

We accept almost all vehicle types. You can donate even a damaged or non-working vehicle. You can also make your donation anywhere in the country since our vehicle donation program covers all 50 states plus the District of Columbia.

You can find more information about Goodwill Car Donations, including our quick and straightforward donation process, on our FAQs page. For your inquiries or concerns, feel free to call us at 866-233-8586 or leave us a message here.

 

Be a Blessing to Others Today!

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Help empower disadvantaged members of your community by partnering with us at Goodwill Car Donations. All you have to do is donate your unwanted car to us. Call us at 866-233-8586 or fill out our secure online donation form now!

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5 Things You Can Do to Save Your Battery’s Life

During cold weather, the chemical reaction in your battery that’s responsible for generating power considerably slows down. The drop in temperatures can drain your battery’s power by as much as 60%, making it the main reason why a lot of drivers have a hard time starting their vehicles at this time of the year. In some cases, such as with batteries nearing the end of their shelf life, the freezing weather can be enough to leave you with a dead battery.

These Tips Can Protect Your Car Battery

Unlike phones, car batteries don’t have any indicator of how much juice they have left. The cold weather might be the final straw for your battery, especially if it’s already close to being depleted. While you probably have more leeway if your battery is relatively new, the winter weather can still take its toll and leave your vehicle with some start-up issues.

Thankfully, you can do certain things to address your winter battery woes. Goodwill Car Donations lists five tips on how to keep your car battery from dying in cold weather:

1. Park your car indoors if possible.

The less exposed your car is to the elements, the better it is for your battery. This is especially true for old and weak batteries that are vulnerable to freezing temperatures.

2. Use a battery warmer.

A battery warmer, also called a thermal blanket, can keep your car battery insulated and warm. However, you’ll likely need to park indoors as thermal blankets need to be plugged in.

3. Invest in a battery tender.

Battery tenders are designed to maintain a battery’s charge without overcharging it. If you’re not going to use your car for a few days or so, it’s well worth it to invest in one.

4. Turn your car on every 6-12 hours.

Turn your car on and let it idle for at least 15-20 minutes. This will let your car battery warm up and allow it to regain its charge.

5. Make sure your battery is corrosion-free.

Corrosion can cause additional strain on your battery when starting up. Take a look at your battery terminals to make sure they’re free of corrosion.

Here’s How You Can Give Your Old Vehicle a New and Meaningful Purpose

Your vehicle’s components aren’t designed to last forever. Just like your car’s battery, you’ll have to replace them when they’re already worn down. This is especially true for older vehicles, where maintenance is a necessity to keep them reliable on the road.

If your old car is starting to become a money pit because of constant repair expenses, perhaps it’s time to consider letting it go. The best way to do so would be by donating it to us at Goodwill Car Donations. We offer an easy way for you to part ways with your unwanted vehicle while allowing you to support your community at the same time.

We 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 are dedicated to empowering 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.

Goodwill organizations use the funding to provide their beneficiaries with job training, employment opportunities, scholarships, livelihood assistance, disability benefits, and other critical community-building support services. Thanks to your donation, all these benefits will help the underprivileged folks around you turn their lives around.

You’ll enjoy meaningful returns for your generosity. Your gift will entitle you to receive the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season as well as a free professional towing service to pick up your vehicle anywhere in the United States.

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.

We accept nearly all vehicles, including those that are no longer in good condition. You can even donate a car that doesn’t run anymore.

For more information about our hassle-free donation process, visit our FAQs page. You can also call us at 866-233-8586 or leave us a message here for your inquiries or concerns.

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Are You Ready to Make a Difference?

You can transform the lives of the destitute men and women around you by donating your old ride to us. By partnering with us at Goodwill Car Donations, you’ll help generate opportunities for growth and development in your community. Call us at 866-233-8586 or fill out our online donation form to donate your vehicle now!

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Get to Wherever You’re Going in One Piece This Winter with These 5 Safety Tips

Even for experienced drivers, ice or snow-covered roads are challenging to drive on. You won’t be able to get as much traction with your tires on frozen roads, making it harder for you to steer and stop. With reduced handling, your risk of losing control over your vehicle increases and you’re more likely to get into an accident.

Unfortunately, most of us have no escape from icy or snowy roads during winter. It’s because 70% of roads in the United States are located in snowy areas. This makes winter driving an essential skill to learn if you want to be able to confidently drive in winter.

To help you drive more confidently and safely when the snow starts falling,  Goodwill Car Donations presents these five helpful tips:

1. Look ahead.

Make it a habit to look farther down the road to anticipate what to do next. This will give you extra time to react if something unexpected happens.

2. Drive smoothly.

Avoid jerky movements with the steering wheel. Turn gradually, avoid slamming on the brakes, and drive smoothly.

3. Check your tires.

Make sure your tires are in good condition and not worn down. If you have the budget, it’s well worth it to invest in winter tires.

4. Drive defensively.

Reduce the likelihood of getting into an accident by practicing defensive driving. Keep your eyes focused on the road, slow down for turns, and be extra alert when there are pedestrians.

5. Know what to do when you skid.

No matter how careful you drive, you’ll experience skidding eventually. Don’t panic, slam on the brakes, or do sudden turns.

For front-wheel skids, ease off the gas and remain calm. Your front tires should regain their traction after a few seconds.

For rear-wheel skids, turn the steering wheel in the same direction where your rear tires are skidding while easing off the accelerator. Traction should return to your rear wheels and you can safely steer back to your original direction.

Got an Unwanted Car Sitting Idly in Your Garage? Turn It into a Vehicle of Hope!

Winter is a difficult season for the disadvantaged residents of your community. Many of them don’t have the privilege of enjoying a warm home, the security of a stable job, or a scholastic degree to help them land a decent source of employment. Some of them have to deal with these problems while struggling with life-limiting disabilities.

It’s heartbreaking to see these folks living miserable lives. You can extend them a helping hand by simply donating any vehicle you no longer need to us at Goodwill Car Donations. We’ll use it to create opportunities and provide much-needed support for the underprivileged men and women in your area.

We’ll sell your donated vehicle at an auction and use the proceeds to support the job and livelihood programs of the Goodwill organizations serving your area. These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits use the funding we give to provide disadvantaged individuals with job training, employment opportunities, scholarships, livelihood assistance, disability benefits, and other critical support services.

You’ll get awesome rewards as a vehicle donor. We’ll haul off your vehicle for free and entitle you to receive the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season. You can avail yourself of our free towing service regardless of where you’re located in the country because Goodwill Car Donations operates in all 50 states plus the District of Columbia.

Best of all, your act of charity will bring you an immense sense of personal satisfaction, knowing that you’ll be empowering the less fortunate folks in your area, helping them free themselves from the grip of poverty.

We accept a wide range of vehicle types. We take in even damaged or non-working vehicle donations.

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.

Build a Brighter Tomorrow for Your Disadvantaged Neighbors Today!

Using your old car, you can reach out to the suffering families in your area this winter. Your car donation will show them that they’re not alone in their struggles. Call Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or fill out our secure online donation form now!

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Your Regular Tires Aren’t Built Specifically for Winter

Regular or all-season tires are standard equipment installed on your vehicle. They’re quiet, comfortable, have decent tread life, and can be used for different road conditions. They’re called all-season tires because they’re built for year-round performance regardless of the season. They’re designed to offer the combined benefits of both summer and winter tires.

Unfortunately, however, all-season tires have to compromise their winter capabilities to perform well in other conditions. For the winter season, they’re only suited for light winter driving. They won’t be able to handle serious winter woes such as heavy snowfall, black ice, or ice-covered roads.

The Benefits of Snow Tires

Snow tires, also called winter tires, are designed for dealing with snow, ice, and cold temperatures. Snow tires have special rubber compounds and tread designs that give you increased grip, traction, and handling during extreme winter weather conditions. They perform significantly better than all-season tires on roads covered with snow and ice, giving you that extra safety net when driving during winter.

Do You Need to Buy Snow Tires for Winter Driving?

A set of new tires isn’t cheap, so deciding whether you’re going to buy snow tires or not isn’t a simple decision. A good set of snow tires will likely cost you up to $1,000, which makes them an expensive purchase. However, tires are responsible for maintaining your vehicle’s contact with the ground, which makes them one of the most critical components of your car.

The thought of buying an extra set of tires that you’ll probably be using for only a couple of months may be overwhelming, but it can also be well worth it if safety is your priority. If you live in areas where there’s heavy snow and you’re surrounded by frozen roads, snow tires are an investment that you won’t regret.

Also, since you’ll only be using them for three to four months every year, it’ll probably take at least eight years before your snow tires get worn down.

Reach Out to Disadvantaged Folks This Winter

Winter is a dreadful season for those living in poverty. They include your disadvantaged neighbors who don’t enjoy the comfort of a warm home and a stable job. They also include those struggling with life-limiting disabilities and other disadvantages. Without a helping hand to give them a second chance in life, all they can do is hope that someday things will eventually get better.

If you’ve got a heart that’s willing to help, reach out to your struggling neighbors this winter by partnering with us at Goodwill Car Donations. All you have to do is donate to us any vehicle you no longer need or use.

We’ll sell your vehicle through an auction to generate funds for the Goodwill organizations serving your area. These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits are dedicated to helping disadvantaged individuals, providing them with job and skills training, vocational services, scholarships, financial aid, mentoring and internship assistance, disability benefits, family support, and other types of support services. All these services are meant to empower deserving men and women to harness their full potential so they can live productive and fulfilling lives.

You won’t go unrewarded for your good deed. Your charitable contribution will entitle you to receive the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season. You’ll also benefit from the free vehicle pickup and towing service that we will provide you anywhere in the United States.

Your act of charity will also 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.

Nearly all vehicle types can be donated to us, including damaged or non-working vehicles.

For more information about our quick and easy donation process, visit our FAQs page. You can also call us 24/7 through our hotline at 866-233-8586 or leave us a message here.

Be a Hero to Your Impoverished Neighbors Today!

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Team up with us at Goodwill Car Donations and be a hero to the less fortunate residents of your community. Your car donation can provide them with the opportunities they need to build a better life. Call us at 866-233-8586 or fill out our secure online donation form now!

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Check If Your Tires Are Still Up to Snuff!

Since your tires connect your car to the road, they’re a critical part of your vehicle’s general maintenance. For this reason, you should check them once in a while to make sure they’re not losing traction or slackening in their performance. Unfortunately, not every motorist knows when they need to get a new set of tires.

Top 4 Signs You Need to Replace Your Vehicle’s Tires

Although you wouldn’t know how long your tires would last, a combination of certain factors can help you determine their approximate lifespan and mileage. These factors include the tires’ design, your driving habits, the care you put into those tires, as well as the weather and road conditions. To make it easier for you, Goodwill Car Donations has compiled these tell-tale signs that you need to replace your tires.

1. Your tire tread is becoming thin.

The part of the tire that makes contact with the road is called the tire tread. Since it’s made from rubber, it can start to deteriorate and become thin. To determine if your tires are no longer roadworthy, you only have to take a look at the wear indicator bars. These are small, raised bars found within the grooves of your tires between the tread markings. They are placed around the tire at different points to measure how evenly your tread is being worn down.

You’ll have to replace your tires right away if their treads have already reached the tire wear bars. Otherwise, you’ll run the risk of driving a vehicle with tires that have poor water dispersing and handling capabilities.

2. Your tires are old.

Under normal use, tires usually last from three to six years. To determine the age of your tire, you need to check its production year, which you can find on its sidewall. In most cases, the production year is denoted by four numbers.

However, if your tire’s manufacturers added letters and digits to the production year, all you have to do is check the last four digits. These digits can tell you the year and week of that year the tires were manufactured.

When a tire has undergone numerous heat cycles in its lifetime, its rubber compound gradually deteriorates until it gives out. When this happens, the tire tread shows signs of cracking and chunking, which indicates that the tire needs to be replaced.

3. Your tires are damaged.

Driving a vehicle with compromised tires will not only cost you a fortune in repairs, but it will also put your safety at risk. Once you notice signs of uneven wear or cracks on your tires, this means that they’re not properly aligned or that they’re on their way out.

4. You feel unusual vibrations.

Do you feel vibrations while driving? Do these vibrations increase in strength when you drive faster? If they do, chances are your tires are uneven or unbalanced. This means you need to replace them as soon as possible.

Looking for the Best Way to Dispose of Your Old Car?

If having worn-out tires is just one of the many problems plaguing your old and outdated car, perhaps it’s time to retire it. If you’re looking for the best way to dispose of it right away, consider donating it to us at Goodwill Car Donations.

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 area. These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits are dedicated to helping disadvantaged Americans — those who are saddled with disabilities and other barriers to opportunities that prevent them from living productive lives.

Your auto donation will help them harness their full potential, thus transforming their lives. Your local Goodwill organizations will use the funding to provide their beneficiaries with job training, employment opportunities, scholarships, livelihood assistance, disability benefits, and other critical community-building support services.

Donating to us is easy and convenient. You’ll be doing it in the comfort of your home.

Making a Goodwill car donation means a hassle-free experience that’s free of paperwork, complicated steps, and unnecessary requirements.

Moreover, your charitable contribution will entitle you to receive surprisingly useful perks, such as getting our free towing service and the maximum tax deduction that you can claim 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 attain financial stability, thanks to your donation.

We accept a wide range of vehicle types. Feel free to hand over your spare vehicle to us regardless of its age or condition. We even take vehicles that don’t run or start anymore.

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.

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Help Build a Brighter Future for Your Community Today!

When you donate an unwanted car to us, you’ll help build a brighter future for your disadvantaged neighbors and your community itself. Call Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or fill out our secure online donation form now!

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How to Make Your Vehicle Less Appealing for Car Thieves

Are you aware that car thieves and joyriders are getting smarter and savvier these days? After stealing cars with a bunch of smart keys, they avoid detection by switching vehicle identification numbers.

You can either choose to become a willing victim by not doing anything to slow them down, or you can make your car look less attractive to these criminals. If you’re determined to protect your horseless carriage from theft, you need to secure your vehicle by taking preventive measures.

9 Things You Can Do to Avoid Car Theft

You wouldn’t want to make it easy for car thieves to steal your set of wheels. The more attractive your car is to them, the more they’d want it. Goodwill Car Donations has pulled together these tips to help you make your car a less appealing target.

1. Keep your doors locked.

This first step is a no-brainer. Getting into the habit of keeping your doors locked is always a good idea.

2. Keep your windows closed.

A parked car with an open window is an easy target. In just a few seconds, a thief can reach into your car to unlock the door.

3. Avoid leaving your keys in the ignition.

It’s never wise to leave your keys in the ignition while you go into a convenience store for a quick purchase. A thief won’t hesitate to break a window, hop in, and drive off.

4. Don’t keep a spare key anywhere in the car.

When it comes to locating a spare key, thieves know where to look. Do yourself a favor by not leaving your spare key in the glove box or under the car. Getting your car stolen is a thousand times worse than getting locked out of your vehicle. It’s best to take your keys with you every time you leave your car.

5. Avoid parking in poorly lit areas.

A thief would have to think twice before they try to steal a car that’s parked in a well-lit area. As much as possible, be sure to park your vehicle under a light. While you’re at it, make sure that it’s a well-trafficked spot.

6. Don’t leave valuables inside your parked vehicle.

Leaving your purse, smartphone, laptop, or any valuable item inside your parked car is like placing a welcome mat out for a thief. For this reason, it’s always a smart move to leave your valuables at home. If you must have them with you, be sure to put them in the trunk before you leave your home. You wouldn’t want to let a would-be thief see you moving high-value items to your trunk before you leave your car.

7. Invest in an anti-theft device and an audible alarm system.

One of the best ways to deter a car thief is to install visible anti-theft devices such as a steering wheel lock, an alarm system’s flashing light, or window etching. You’ll also want to install an audible alarm system that’s specifically designed to emit a loud noise if a car thief tries to enter your car. Since thieves want to get away with your vehicle as quietly as possible, they’d have to think twice before they try to steal yours.

8. Use a vehicle immobilizer system.

Experienced car thieves are experts at bypassing the ignition by hotwiring your vehicle. A thief can’t make off with your car if you disable your car with an immobilizer system that incorporates kill switches, smart keys, and wireless ignition authentication.

9. Install a vehicle recovery system.

A vehicle recovery system can help track a stolen vehicle through wireless and GPS technology. This system is designed to emit a signal to a monitoring service or the police pinpointing the car’s location.

 

Looking for the Best Way to Dispose of an Unwanted Car?

If your problem is not how to avoid car theft but how to easily and quickly dispose of an old car that you no longer need, we at Goodwill Car Donations are here to serve you. With just one call to us, we will have your vehicle hauled off wherever you had it parked or stored anywhere in the country. Moreover, we will provide you with our professional pickup and towing service at zero cost and at a time and date most convenient to you.

That’s not all. Your charitable contribution will also entitle you to receive the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season.

Your donation will likewise allow you to experience the joy of giving since we will use your gift to uplift the lives of the disadvantaged men and women in your community. These are the folks who are burdened with disabilities, lack of education, job experience, or essential skills, and other barriers to a poverty-free life.

We’ll have your car auctioned off, with the proceeds used to help fund the job and livelihood programs of the Goodwill organizations serving your local area. These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits are dedicated to helping disadvantaged Americans, providing them with job training, employment opportunities, scholarships, livelihood assistance, disability benefits, and other critical support services.

These services are meant to empower the less fortunate folks in your community, so they’ll be able to harness their full potential to become productive and financially stable members of your community.

You can donate almost any type of vehicle. In most cases, we accept even vehicles that are no longer in good running condition.

For more information on our vehicle donation program, including our quick and easy donation process, head over to our FAQs page. If you have any inquiries, call us through our toll-free hotline at 866-233-8586. You may also drop us a message here and we’ll respond to you ASAP.

Let’s Transform Lives Together!

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With our combined efforts, we can make a massive impact on the lives of the disadvantaged people in your community. Donate your vehicle to Goodwill Car Donations by filling out our secure online donation form or by calling us at 866-233-8586 now!