How to Get Your Car Winter-Ready

Winterizing Your Car | Goodwill Car Donations Photo by Daniel Foster unter Unsplash License

Take Action Before the Weather Starts to Get Chilly!

Are you constantly having trouble getting your car up and running during the cold months? Does it annoy you when your vehicle stalls, especially when you need it to run flawlessly? While living in a cold-weather area allows you to experience a beautiful winter wonderland, the snow doesn’t set the scene for fun driving conditions.

Before the weather starts getting chilly, it’s time to take action. After all, you’d want to make sure that your trusty steed doesn’t give up on you.

3 Tips for Winterizing Your Car

Even if your place doesn’t get inches of regular snowfall each year, cold temperatures can have a drastic impact on your car. Now that winter is just around the corner, how can you guarantee that your set of wheels won’t fail you when you’re in the middle of nowhere? Goodwill Car Donations has put together these tips to help you winterize your car.

  1. Get better snow visibility.

Road accidents are likely to happen at this time of the year. With ice causing the roads to become slippery, drivers often find their steering wheels harder to control. It gets worse if visibility is poor due to sleet and snow.

As a safety precaution, ensure all your car lights are in good working condition. This covers the front and rear lights. If they’re foggy or cracked, your electrical connections will freeze up.

  1. Keep the exterior protected.

Although most auto problems have something to do with the car’s interior components such as the engine and battery, you should not overlook your car’s exterior. Many vehicle owners tend to forget to give some much-needed TLC to their car’s hinges, locks, door jambs, latches, window tracks, and weather stripping.

Unless you’re willing to run the risk of dealing with minor annoyances, be sure to lubricate these components before the temperature drops. Besides preventing corrosion and damage to the cables, proper lubrication also prevents you from getting locked out of your car. If you can’t find dry lubricant, use silicone spray or lithium grease.

  1. A winter kit makes a good car addition.

When you can’t avoid driving in severe winter weather, you’d want to have a winter car emergency kit stashed in your car. You never know when you may encounter impassable roads or extremely cold temperatures while you’re driving to your destination.

Before venturing out into the cold, be sure that your kit has a candle-powered heater to power your car in case you run out of gas. Don’t forget to include a portable air compressor, small shovel, car charger, flashlight, jumper cables, flares, some safety absorbent, a first aid kit, and a tool kit.

What You Can Do with an Unwanted Vehicle

While getting your car winter-ready before the cold season arrives, spare a thought for the disadvantaged people in your community who are likely to face another bleak winter. These are the struggling men and women in your area who can’t find decent jobs and other sources of income due to disabilities, lack of education, essential skills or job experience, and other personal issues such as having prison records.

If you have an extra vehicle that you no longer use, the needy folks in your community would thank you no end if you donate that vehicle to us at Goodwill Car Donations. We’ll use it to improve their lives.

Our team will put your donated vehicle up for auction and hand over the proceeds to the Goodwill organizations serving your area. These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits use the funding that 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 critical support services.

As a Goodwill donor, you’ll get a free professional towing service anywhere in the country. You’ll also have the privilege to claim the highest possible tax deduction in the next tax-filing season.

Best of all, you’ll find unsurpassed 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.

We accept almost all types of vehicles regardless of their age, mileage, or condition. Head over to this page to learn more.

If you have any questions or concerns, you may message us here or contact us directly through our 24/7 toll-free hotline at 866-233-8586. Check out our FAQs page for more information on our vehicle donation program, including our quick and easy donation process.

Modern truck in underground parking lot | Goodwill Car Donations Photo by Erik Mclean under Pexels License

Help the Needy Today!

The best part about doing something to help the needy is the priceless joy of knowing that you’ve done something right. If you’re ready to donate your car, call Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or fill out our secure online donation form now!


Leasing Vs. Financing Your New Car: Pros and Cons

Brand New Cars | Goodwill Car Donations Photo by Erik Mclean under Unsplash License

To Lease or to Buy? Know How to Choose Well

Buying a new car is a major expense that requires some serious thinking. It’s probably the second biggest purchase that most people will make in their lives, next only to their own house.

Unless you have millions in your bank account, you’d want to think about your options before you make that visit to the dealership. Is buying or financing a new car really the best choice for you? Or, would you be better off leasing a vehicle instead?

 

Leasing

When you lease a vehicle, it’s similar to renting. You pay to use the car, typically for three to four years, depending on the agreement you signed with the dealer. Your monthly payments will include the costs to cover the vehicle’s depreciation over time. It’s a lot more restricted compared to financing a vehicle, and you have to return the car to the dealer once your lease is up. If it incurs any damage or is no longer in the condition when you first used it, you might be charged extra fees.

Pros of Leasing

  • You get to drive a new car once your current lease is up.
  • You don’t have to make any down payment, and the initial fees are low.
  • Monthly payments are also lower compared to purchasing a new car.
  • The vehicle is normally covered by a warranty until the lease is up.

Cons of Leasing

  • You have mileage restrictions.
  • You might need to purchase additional insurance.
  • You can incur extra fees.
  • You don’t exactly own the vehicle.

Financing/Buying

Financing a vehicle differs a lot from leasing. It’s when you borrow money from a lending institution or bank to cover the car’s cost. You then pay the lender in fixed monthly installments over an agreed period. You’re not just paying to use the car but to own it once the full amount financed has been settled.

Pros of Financing

  • You get to eventually own the car.
  • You have no mileage restrictions.
  • You have the freedom to change anything in the vehicle.
  • You pay lower insurance premiums.
  • You can sell the car.

Cons of Financing

  • Your car’s value will depreciate over time.
  • Your monthly payments will considerably be higher than what you’ll pay when leasing a vehicle.
  • You may be required to make a down payment.

Disposing of Your Old Car? Here’s Your Best Option

Whether you lease or purchase a new vehicle, you now have to decide what to do with your old ride. Keeping it in your garage can be pointless. Consider donating it to a charity that’s well known for giving its donors great rewards and supporting a cause that will benefit your community. You won’t go wrong when you donate that vehicle to us at Goodwill Car Donations.

We’ll put your vehicle up for auction with the proceeds going to the Goodwill organizations serving your local area. These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits are dedicated to helping disadvantaged Americans harness their full potential so they can live productive and fulfilling lives. They include the men and women in your community who are saddled with disabilities, lack of education, job experience, or essential skills, and other limiting personal issues, such as being a former inmate. These disadvantages greatly hamper their search for decent and stable sources of income.

Your donation will help your local Goodwill nonprofits in providing their beneficiaries with job training, employment opportunities, scholarships, livelihood assistance, disability benefits, and other critical community-building support services.

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 professional pickup and towing service at your convenience.

Best of all, you’ll find great satisfaction in doing something that will benefit your entire community, with once idle members getting great opportunities to attain financial stability.

We accept nearly all vehicle types, even those that are no longer working. We can collect your vehicle donation anywhere in the country since we operate in all 50 states plus the District of Columbia.

For more information about our vehicle donation program, feel free to check out our FAQs page. If you have questions, call us at 866-233-8586 or leave us a message here.

Make Your Best Move Yet Today!

Car donation | Goodwill Car Donations Photo by dbelkin under Pixabay License

Donating your unneeded vehicle to Goodwill Car Donations may be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make. It will not only make it easy for you to dispose of an unwanted vehicle but will also allow you to help uplift the lives of the disadvantaged folks in your community. Make your best move now by calling us at 866-233-8586 or filling out our secure online donation form now!


How Much is RV Storage?

Vintage Mobile RV Parked on Dirt Road | Goodwill Car Donations Photo by Charles Criscuolo under Pexels License

The Real Cost of Owning an RV Goes Far Beyond Its Purchase Price

There’s nothing quite like hitting the open road in your newly purchased Class A motorhome and enjoying the great outdoors. Whether you’re a millennial or a retiree embracing this ever-growing trend, at some point, you’ll need to store your RV.

It’s important to note that the real cost of ownership stretches far beyond your vehicle’s purchase price. Besides maintenance and insurance costs, you’ll also have to consider the cost of RV storage when the camping season is over.

You may wonder why RV storage is necessary when these vehicles are designed and built for the outdoors. Bear in mind that your expensive vehicle may present an opportunity for thieves. That’s why you need to keep it in a safe place. Moreover, you wouldn’t want to expose your RV to the elements that may cause damage to it. With this in mind, you need to carefully weigh your options for RV storage.

Your Options for Storing Your RV

The cost of your RV storage depends on the type of RV you own, your location, and your unique preferences. For instance, monthly storage rates for a short pop-up trailer cost less than those for a large Class A motorhome. Moreover, if you live in a heavily populated urban area with limited parking, or if you prefer to store your RV in an indoor space with a variety of amenities, expect to pay more for storage.

The average monthly cost for all types of RV storage in the United States could be anywhere between $30 and $450, according to glampingorcamping.com.

Here are your options for RV storage:

  1. Driveway storage

If the space you have available at your home is big enough for a large trailer or RV, you may want to store your vehicle right where you can see it. Although this type of storage won’t cost you a dime, it has its share of drawbacks and challenges.

For instance, your area may have local laws or restrictions that prohibit RV parking just outside your property when it obstructs the sidewalk or encroaches on the property of your neighbors.

Also, driveway storage won’t stop opportunistic criminals from making your massive motorhome their next target. Moreover, if you live in an area that’s windy and often pelted by rain or snow, you won’t be able to protect your vehicle from extended exposure to the elements.

  1. Covered storage units

Depending on which state you’re in, covered RV storage units cost between $40 and $230. This type of storage offers enough room for all types of RV, with most units enclosed in high fences and equipped with security systems. The facility may offer a carport that provides your vehicle the protection of a roof or a canopy as well as three walls.

  1. Indoor storage units

Although most indoor storage units only accommodate small RVs, the average cost is between $53 and $500. Despite their relatively high cost, indoor storage units offer the best protection for your vehicle. You won’t have to worry about the weather, thieves, and other issues associated with outdoor storage.

Turn Your Spare Car into a Beacon of Hope for the Needy

Since the cost of maintaining and storing an RV is far from being cheap, the last thing you’d want is to keep on shouldering the cost of maintaining and storing your old RV even though you no longer use it. If you’re thinking of the best and most practical way to retire it, contact us at Goodwill Car Donations. We offer a stress-free and cost-free solution to your problem.

When you donate to us your old RV or any other type of unwanted vehicle you might have, we’ll pick it up for free, auction it off, and hand over the proceeds to your local Goodwill organizations.

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 personal hindrances, such as being a former inmate.

They 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, these services will enable the less fortunate residents of your community to attain financial stability. In other words, you’ll play a critical role in empowering these deserving individuals to realize their full potential and live healthy and productive 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.

The best part about making Goodwill Car Donations your charity partner is the priceless joy of knowing that you’ve turned your vehicle into a beacon of hope for the struggling disadvantaged people in your area.

We accept nearly all vehicle types, even those that are no longer working. We can collect your donation anywhere in the country. It’s because our vehicle donation program covers the entire United States.

For more information about our vehicle donation program, feel free to check out our FAQs page. If you have questions, call us at 866-233-8586 or leave us a message here.

White Camper Van Parked on the Road | Goodwill Car Donations Photo by Jordi Clapera Parés under Pexels License

Donate Your Extra Vehicle Today!

If you’re ready to make a massive impact on the lives of the underprivileged residents of your community, go ahead and donate your unwanted vehicle to Goodwill Car Donations today. Fill out our online donation form or call us at 866-233-8586 now!


How Much Is Boat Storage?

Boat Shelf | Goodwill Car Donations Photo by SKY-TOM under Pixabay License

Choose a Boat Storage Option That Fits Your Budget and Needs

Did you know that the average cost of storing a boat could be anything from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand? The cost depends on the type of boat you have. The key is to choose a storage option that best fits your budget, as well as your needs.

One of the biggest mistakes boat owners make is waiting until the last minute to secure their vessel’s winter storage. If you live in an area where boating is extremely popular, it can be challenging to find winter storage. Unless you have enough space on your property to accommodate your vessel when the temperatures start to drop, you should start taking steps to store your boat before winter sets in.

3 Factors You Should Consider When Looking for Boat Storage

It would be best to find a suitable boat storage facility before the cold season begins. Be mindful that boat storage can quickly dig a hole in your wallet. To help you avoid this, Goodwill Car Donations has compiled these three options for you:

  1. Outdoor boat storage

Outdoor boat storage may be the right choice for you if you don’t have enough space in your yard or garage to keep your boat safe or if your vessel is too large for the indoor storage facility in your area. Although outdoor boat storage is relatively cheap and offers security against opportunistic criminals, you can’t expect it to protect your boat against the elements. For this reason, you’d want to wrap your vessel or purchase a boat cover to keep it safe from wintry weather. While you’re at it, don’t forget to ask those manning the storage facility if they’ll do light routine maintenance of your boat while in storage.

  1. Covered boat storage

Any boat kept outdoors faces damaging elements, including intense sun exposure. If you want to protect your boat, you may want to choose a type of storage space that’s underneath a free-standing shelter. It’s important to note that compared to regular outdoor storage, the cost of getting covered boat storage is a bit higher.

  1. Indoor boat storage

Although indoor boat storage can be very expensive, it should be worth the price. Besides offering total protection from potential theft, this option also shields your boat from the elements. If you’re looking to find a high-end boat storage option that ensures your vessel’s overall safety, indoor boat storage is your best bet.

 

Looking for Ways to Help the Needy in Your Community?

If you plan to dispose of a boat, car, or any other vehicle that you no longer need, hand it over to us at Goodwill Car Donations. We’ll pick it up at no cost to you and no matter where it’s stored in the country. What’s more, your charitable contribution will entitle you to a substantial tax deduction in the next tax season.

However, the best part about donating an unwanted vehicle to us is the priceless joy of knowing that you’ve done something that will empower the disadvantaged folks in your community. With your help, those who are saddled with disabilities, past criminal records, lack of essential skills, education, or job experience can have a chance to live healthy and productive lives.

When you donate a vehicle to us, we’ll auction it off and use the generated proceeds to support the Goodwill organizations serving your area. These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits use the funding to provide their beneficiaries with scholarships, livelihood assistance, disability benefits, job training and placement, career development, and other life-enrichment services.

To get more information about Goodwill Car Donations, including our quick and easy vehicle donation process, head over to our FAQs page. Should you have any questions or concerns, you may contact us through our toll-free hotline at 866-233-8586. You may also message us here.

Colleagues doing a Huddle | Goodwill Car Donations Photo by Edmond Dantès under Pexels License

Give Back to Your Community Today!

Donate a vehicle to Goodwill Car Donations to give back to your community today. With that gift, you can impact the lives of the disadvantaged people in your area and contribute to the growth and progress of your community as well. Call us at 866-233-8586 or fill out our online donation form to get started with your car donation now!


6 Clever Hacks to Keep Your Car Clean and Organized

Organize cars | Goodwill Car Donations Photo by Blocks Fletcher under Unsplash License

Get Car Clutter Under Control!

If you’re like most people, your car is a space that’s just as important and personal as your own home. Unlike your home, however, your vehicle has the added advantage of being mobile. Nevertheless, just like your home, you have to stock it with the essentials you may need on the go.

Just like your house, your car can get pretty messy especially if you have little ones on board. Before you know it, toys, books, and snacks are all over inside the cabin. Unless you get everything under control, car clutter can take on a life of its own.

What You Can Do to Keep Your Car Clean and Organized

While stocking your car with important items is always a good idea, having these items in a haphazard jumble will make it a hassle for you to access them. To help you keep your mobile personal space clean and organized, Goodwill Car Donations has pulled together these clever hacks:

  1. Place trash receptacles in the front and back seats.

After a long drive, the last thing you want is to crawl inside your vehicle while picking up candy wrappers, plastic baggies, and gas station receipts. You can effectively make the cleaning of your car interior less burdensome if you place trash receptacles in the front and back seats to make it easier for everybody to reach them for dumping their trash. Just grab a plastic cereal dispenser, line it with a plastic bag, and you got yourself a place for trash.

  1. Implement the “pack it in, pack it out” rule.

Clutter can quickly multiply overnight. It will be easier for you to keep your car clean and clutter-free if you implement the “pack it in, pack it out” rule. This rule applies to any item brought into the car that should be taken out and packed into the house at the end of the day. These items include water bottles, jackets, gym bags, unfinished snacks, wrappers, or any other things that shouldn’t be inside a car.

  1. Get some organizers.

You need a place for your essentials. Thankfully, you can use an organizer for every space in your vehicle.

  1. Have a spare change organizer.

You wouldn’t want spare change to be clanking in the glovebox or rattling around in your cupholder. Before you lose them in the corners of your console, use an empty gum holder to keep all of the spare change in one place. Aside from fitting nicely in the cupholder, it also comes with a handy flip-top lid to give you easy access.

  1. Install headrest hooks.

Whether you need a place to hang your purse, your kids’ backpacks, or a bag of groceries, car headrest hooks can help make your car look more organized and your life a lot easier.

  1. Use a gap filler organizer.

Dropping something into one of your car’s dreaded gaps is certainly not one of life’s many joys. Instead of wasting your time trying to stretch your arm to retrieve a pen, some change, or your cellphone, use a gap filler console organizer. Besides stopping anything from being sucked into the Bermuda Triangle, you can use this organizer for storing other items as well.

The Perfect Solution to Your Car Issues

While keeping your car clean and organized won’t burn a hole in your wallet, endless trips to the repair shop will.

If you’re looking to find ways to rid yourself of a clapped-out vehicle that you no longer want or need, consider donating it to us at Goodwill Car Donations. We’ll use it to improve the lives of the disadvantaged people in your community. These are the folks who are burdened with disabilities, lack of education, essential skills, or job experience, and other limiting personal issues, such as being a former inmate. These disadvantages serve as barriers that prevent them from living productive lives. You can help dismantle those barriers with your car donation.

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.

When you donate your vehicle to us, you’ll get your unwanted auto picked up and hauled away for free from any location within the country.

You’ll also be entitled to receive the maximum tax deduction in the next tax filing season.

Best of all, your act of charity will also 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.

Goodwill Car Donations accepts nearly all types of vehicles, including those that need a lot of work. What’s more, our donation process is incredibly fast and easy.

If you want more information about Goodwill Car Donations, 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 online.

Donate Your Unwanted Car to Make a Difference Today!

Red Sedan Parked on Pavement | Goodwill Car Donations Photo by Алексей Игнатов under Unsplash License

What’s the point of maintaining a vehicle that no longer serves you well? Donate it to Goodwill Car Donations to make a difference in your community! Fill out our secure online donation form or call us at 866-233-8586 now!


5 Easy Ways to Upgrade Your Car’s Interior

Car interior photo | Goodwill Car Donations Photo by Mike B under Pexels License

Give Your Auto’s Interior a Much-Needed Makeover!

Over time, your vehicle’s interior can start to feel old and musty. This is especially true if you use your car daily, only giving it a break when you’re either sleeping or staying home.

Even though the interior of a vehicle isn’t as exposed to the elements as its exterior, it’s still subject to wear and tear. Car mats and carpets get stained, seats get ripped, and even the steering wheel’s rubber may start peeling off.

Since our vehicle’s comfort level is determined by what’s on the inside, it’s in our best interest to make sure the interior is in tip-top shape. To give your car’s interior a much-needed makeover, Goodwill Car Donations shares these five easy upgrades:

  1. Car mats

Your car’s floor mats are probably the easiest interior upgrades you can make. The standard ones that come with your vehicle may not be that durable and may not last long. If you see that your mats are already in bad shape, you have several options to choose from on the market, including luxury mats.

  1. Car seat covers

Whether your car’s seat covers are cotton or leather, they can look old and stained over time. Leather is easier to clean. However, it’s prone to cracking due to age. Stains on cotton seat covers are harder to remove but they aren’t as expensive as the leather variety. If cleaning products can’t remove the stains on your seats, it’s probably time to replace them.

  1. Steering wheel

Your car’s steering wheel can get scrapes and cuts over time, especially if you don’t use a cover. If you want to hide them inexpensively, just buy a steering wheel cover. For a steering wheel that looks old and banged up, you might want to consider buying a replacement.

  1. Vehicle lighting

Adding lighting to your car’s interior gives an extra feel to it, especially if you’re fond of nighttime driving. LED additions under the dashboard are inexpensive upgrades that can make your car feel more personalized to you.

  1. Touch-screen stereo

If your car didn’t come with a touch-screen stereo, this is one of the best interior upgrades you can get. Unless your car is decades old, it should be easy for you to install a touch-screen stereo. Say goodbye to that jack and hello to Bluetooth technology!

 

Transform Lives When You Donate Your Old Car to Us

If you want to have a spanking new and modern car interior, the simplest way to get that is by buying a brand-new auto!

Once you purchase a new car, it’s time to get your old ride out of your garage. If you’re looking for an easy way to dispose of your ancient vehicle while giving it a new and worthy purpose, consider donating it to us at Goodwill Car Donations. We will use your donation to support the job and livelihood programs being provided by the Goodwill organizations in your area.

We will have your car auctioned off, with the proceeds going to these IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Goodwill organizations all over the country are dedicated to helping disadvantaged Americans so they can harness their full potential to be able to live productive and fulfilling lives.

The Goodwill beneficiaries include the men and women in your community who are saddled with disabilities, lack of education, job experience, or essential skills, and other limiting personal issues. These disadvantages prevent them from finding decent sources of income that can help free them from the clutches of poverty.

Thanks to your car donation, your local Goodwill organizations will be able to help more deserving people in your area, providing them with job training, employment opportunities, scholarships, livelihood assistance, disability benefits, and other vital support services.

It will take you just a few minutes to make an auto donation to us. All you have to do is contact us. We’ll handle everything else from that point on, including picking up and towing your vehicle at no cost to you.

Your charitable contribution will also make you eligible to receive a top tax deduction in the next tax season.

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

You can donate almost any type of vehicle even if it’s no longer working properly.

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 toll-free hotline at 866-233-8586 or message us here.

Hand Over Your Old Ride to Us Today!

Black suv parked near the shore | Goodwill Car Donations Photo by Yi Ma under Unsplash License

Are you ready to transform your old commuter car into a catalyst for growth in your community for the benefit of all? Donate it to us today! Get in touch with Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or fill out our secure online donation form now!


Accessories to Make Your Old Car Feel New

A Steering Wheel of an Audi Car | Goodwill Car Donations Photo by Alexander Pöllinger under Pexels License

Gear Up Your Old Car with the Right Technology!

Did you know that you can breathe new life back into your old set of wheels and enjoy a dramatically different ride? With the right kind of high-tech accessories, you can easily turn that antiquated vehicle into a modern car! Since these cool implements work just as they promise to, they surely are worth every cent.

High-Tech Implements that Can Make Your Car Feel New

You’d be surprised at how a few high-tech implements can drastically upgrade an automobile that’s the equivalent of a senior citizen. Goodwill Car Donations has pulled together these cool car accessories that can bring sparkles back into your trusty steed!

  1. Parking sensors

If you live in a crowded urban area, you’d need something to sound an alert each time you park too close to an obstacle in front or at the back of your car. Thankfully, you can find aftermarket devices that provide proximity alerts. It’s up to you if you want to attach a license plate frame with sensors or install multiple sensors inside your bumpers.

  1. Bluetooth phone hookup

Your car may have the most elaborate integrated audio system, but not Bluetooth connectivity. Don’t be that driver who holds a phone like they’re holding a slice of pizza. Get yourself a Bluetooth phone hookup to ensure safe phone operation.

  1. Smart driving assistance systems

This tech gadget allows you to monitor the engine diagnostics of your car and improve its fuel efficiency. If you have a teen driver, these systems can teach them to drive responsibly. Some of these products even come with scanners that can translate engine codes that are understandable on your smartphone.

  1. Heated steering wheel cover

Getting into your vehicle in the dead of winter can feel like stepping into an icebox. When you try to grip your steering wheel, you may feel like you’re grasping an icicle. A heated steering wheel cover can warm up your frozen steering wheel before you hit the road. Just plug it into your car’s cigarette lighter and you’re all set.

  1. Keyless start

If your hand cramps up at the mere thought of twisting a physical key to start your car, you’d want to replace your older car’s ignition lock with a modern push-button starter. If you want to take this cutting-edge convenience to the next level, consider including proximity fobs that allow you to start, lock, and unlock your car remotely.

Tired of Maintaining an Old Vehicle?

If the total repair cost of your old car is much higher than its actual value, perhaps it’s time for you to part ways with it. When you hand it over to us at Goodwill Car Donations, we’ll turn it into a beacon of hope for the disadvantaged individuals in your community. These are the men and women who are burdened with disabilities and other personal issues that prevent them from breaking free from a life of poverty.

We’ll auction off your vehicle and distribute the proceeds to the Goodwill organizations serving your area. These IRS-certified 50(c)3 nonprofits use the funding sourced from the sale of vehicle donations to provide deserving individuals with job training and employment opportunities, livelihood assistance, disability benefits, scholarships, and other types of support services.

Your donation will entitle you to reap high-value perks, including a free professional vehicle towing service and a top tax deduction in the next tax-filing season.

However, these material rewards may pale in comparison to the priceless joy of knowing that you’ve given struggling men and women the opportunity to live productive and fulfilling lives.

Our team accepts nearly all vehicle types – even those that are no longer in their best condition. We can also collect your donation anywhere in the country.

For more information about our vehicle donation program, feel free to check out our FAQs page. If you have questions, call us at 866-233-8586 or leave us a message here.

Red Alfa Romeo C4 on Road Near Trees| Goodwill Car Donations Photo by Pixabay under Pexels License

Turn Lives Around Today!

Use your unwanted vehicle to bring hope to those who are feeling hopeless. If you’re ready to make your donation today, call Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or fill out our secure online donation form now!


5 Top Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Buy a New Car

Man giving a key after the sale | Goodwill Car Donations Photo by Antoni Shkraba under Pexels License

It’s a Big Decision You Have to Carefully Consider

Buying a new car isn’t something you decide in a matter of minutes. Unless, of course, you’re super-rich and you’re not worried about making financial miscalculations.

For the average Joe and Jane out there, however, a new car can cut a huge chunk into their savings or be a hefty add-on to their monthly expenses should they choose to finance it.

Your budget is something you need to consider when thinking about purchasing a new vehicle, especially since the expenses don’t stop even after you’ve paid the full price for your new car.

Goodwill Car Donations lists five questions you need to ask yourself before you decide to head to a car dealership.

  1. Do I have the funds for this?

Will you be financing the vehicle? Or are you going to pay the full amount right there and then? Buying a new car is an added financial responsibility that you’ll likely be carrying for years. You don’t want to make the purchase solely on impulse and end up emptying your savings.

  1. Why am I buying the vehicle?

Just because you like the looks of a certain car model isn’t a good enough reason for you to buy it. Consider the main reasons for buying, such as the car’s reliability and safety features.

  1. Is this the best deal that I can get?

Don’t stick with one dealer. Shop around. Negotiating with multiple dealers can help you find the best deal. Some dealers may offer you hefty discounts or attractive incentives to convince you to make your purchase from them.

  1. Is this the right time to buy a new car?

Timing is everything. You wouldn’t want to make a vehicle purchase when you just got laid off or you’re in the middle of a financial crisis. Avoid digging a bigger financial hole for yourself.

  1. Is leasing better?

Consider the pros and cons of leasing a vehicle instead of buying one. You might find leasing to be a better choice, not to mention you get to use a new vehicle after your initial lease ends. Some companies also offer allowances for leasing, which can help you cut back on your vehicle expenses.

Buying a New Car? Here’s What You Can Do with Your Old One

When you’re buying a new car, there’s always the question of what you’re going to do with your old ride. We just might have the best answer for you: Donate it to us at Goodwill Car Donations.

When you do that, you’ll benefit from your donation just as much as the needy folks in your area. You’ll be ridding yourself of an unwanted vehicle with no hassle whatsoever while extending your support to the disadvantaged residents of your community.

We will sell your vehicle through an auction and use the proceeds to support the jobs and livelihood programs of the Goodwill organizations serving your local area. These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits cater to disadvantaged Americans. They include the men and women in your community who are saddled with disabilities, lack of education, job experience, or essential skills, and other limiting personal issues, such as being a former inmate. These disadvantages pull them down every time they try to break free from poverty.

Your local Goodwill nonprofits use the funding that comes from our vehicle donation programs to provide their beneficiaries with job training, employment opportunities, scholarships, livelihood assistance, disability benefits, and other vital support services.

While helping your less fortunate community members with your car donation, you’ll also get outstanding rewards yourself, such as getting our free professional pickup and towing service at your convenience.

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 underprivileged neighbors.

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 comprehensive list of the types of vehicles acceptable to us. You can donate anywhere in the country since Goodwill Car Donations operates in all 50 states plus the District of Columbia.

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

Help Build a Better Tomorrow for Your Disadvantaged Neighbors

Sad man sitting on a couch | Goodwill Car Donations Photo by Gadiel Lazcano under Unsplash License

When you donate your unneeded vehicle to us, you’ll become an instrument for change and a life-changer for the less privileged residents of your community. Call Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or fill out our secure online donation form to make your donation now!


Why Rotate and Balance Your Tires?

Man in Black Suit Jacket | Goodwill Car Donations Photo by Artem Podrez under Pexels License

How to Increase Your Vehicle’s Life Expectancy

Do you want to use your car’s tires for a much longer time before you need to purchase new ones? Do you want to make sure that your vehicle won’t skid or slip due to worn-out tire treads? If you do, then you have to rotate and balance your tires when the right time for that comes.

Did you know that the average lifespan of a new tire is about 7 years? While you can find numerous ways to maximize the longevity of your tires, simply rotating and balancing them can increase their life expectancy and help you get the most out of your vehicle. Goodwill Car Donations has pulled together these two important points on taking care of your vehicle’s tires.

  1. Your tires must wear out uniformly and equally.

As you drive your car over hard and rocky surfaces, you have to make sure that your tires are wearing out uniformly and equally. Unfortunately, most car owners tend to forget to rotate their vehicles’ tires, which is one of their most important maintenance responsibilities. The process of tire rotation involves the reattachment of each tire to a different axle.

Aside from maintaining and even enhancing the lifespan of tires as well as reducing noise and vibration, a tire rotation will also help you save money by not having to purchase new tires for your vehicle prematurely. What’s more, timely tire rotation can also ensure your safety because this ensures your tires’ evenness, smoothness, and stability when you’re driving. Their tread depths will become more sufficient and car accidents due to compromised tires will be minimized.

  1. Balancing your tires will improve their efficiency.

With regular use, your tires will eventually become imbalanced, compromising your safety and your control over your vehicle. With imbalanced tires, you’ll feel your car shake while you’re driving.

Making sure that your tires are balanced will enhance their efficiency because this will ensure the proper and equal distribution of weight. With well-balanced tires, their performance will become better.

Regular rotation and balancing your tires will not only help them last longer, but these processes will also ensure your safety on the road by helping you steer clear of accidents including heat build-ups, blowouts, and hydroplaning.

Do Something Awesome for Your Community

If you’ve decided to replace your old vehicle with a new one, you must be thinking about what to do with your clunker. How about donating that beater to us at Goodwill Car Donations? We’ll use it to improve the lives of the impoverished residents of your community.

We will auction off your vehicle and turn over the proceeds to the Goodwill organizations serving your area. Spread throughout the United States, Goodwill organizations are IRS-approved 501(c)(3) nonprofits that cater to disadvantaged Americans. They include the men and women in your community who are suffering from disabilities, lack of education, job experience, or essential skills, and other personal issues that are keeping them stuck in poverty.

Goodwill organizations use the funding sourced from our vehicle donation programs to sustain their delivery of critical services to their beneficiaries. These services include job and skills training, career opportunities, vocational and educational services, internship programs, financial support, disability benefits, and other critical community-building support services.

Expect to be sufficiently rewarded for your charitable contribution. We’ll pick up and tow your vehicle for free wherever you are located in the United States. Your donation will also entitle you to receive the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season.

We accept almost all types of vehicles, including those that no longer functioning well or not running at all.

To find out the details of our quick and easy vehicle donation process as well as other relevant information, visit our FAQs page. Questions? Call us at 866-233-8586 or leave us a message here.

It’s Easy to Help the Needy

You can easily help the struggling disadvantaged residents in your community without much effort on your part. All you have to do is donate to us any vehicle that you’re no longer using. We’ll use that car to turn their lives around. Call Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or fill out our online donation form now!


What the Most Common Car Warning Lights On Your Car’s Dashboard Mean

Bright dashboard | Goodwill Car Donations Photo by Erik Mclean under Pexels License

Keep Safe by Understanding All Indicators on Your Car’s Instrument Panel

Competition in the automotive industry is fierce. Car manufacturers are creating better models, yet they have one constant goal: to promote safety.

Despite society’s changing standards when it comes to car features, safety remains a top consideration for car manufacturers. That’s why more and more safety features are being added to new models.

Some of these safety features can be seen on a car’s dashboard, represented by icons and symbols that serve as warning signals. As has been the case for many years now, a car’s dashboard includes the speedometer, tachometer, odometer, engine coolant temperature gauge, fuel gauge, turn indicators, gearshift position indicator, seat belt warning light, parking-brake warning light, and engine-malfunction lights.

Understanding all the icons, symbols, lights, and numbers on your car’s instrument panel is crucial to keeping you and your passengers safe.

In particular, the warning lights are designed to give off warning signals that turn on when there’s something wrong with your vehicle.

The Most Common Car Warning Signs on Your Dashboard

If you’re clueless about the warning lights that blink on your car’s dashboard, you’re not alone. Goodwill Car Donations is here to help you understand what they mean.

  1. Safety Icons

The numerous safety dashboard icons tell you when your automobile is having trouble with the engine temperature, tire pressure, oil life, and traction control. The security alert light also shows when you are experiencing a chassis and overdrive system issue.

Faulty airbag and seat belt indicators add to the safety features of your automobile as well as issues with the powertrain or power steering system. Indicator lights will turn on when you need to check the brake pedal, the clutch, or the Engine Computer.

  1. Warning Icons

To deal with your vehicle’s failure points, refer to the battery and engine temperature warning lights. If the former turns on, check your battery power or alternator. If it’s the latter, then your engine’s temperature may be unusually high.

Additionally, check your brake and oil pressure warning lights. There might be leaks in the brake system that could be dangerous, or perhaps oil level and pressure are low or totally lost. You should pay close attention to these warning lights to avoid car accidents.

A red light signifies a severe car issue that needs immediate resolution. Meanwhile, the orange light means you can still drive your automobile, but the problem or malfunction requires checking as soon as possible.

  1. Lighting Icons

It is also important to double-check your vehicle’s lighting system. This consists of your low and high beams, auto high beams, fog lights as well as the exterior and adaptive light system.

Bring Hope to Those About to Lose It

Do you have a soft spot for the disadvantaged folks in your community? These are the men and women living among you who are burdened with disabilities, lack of education, job experience, or essential skills, and other personal issues (such as having prison records) that make it most difficult for them to find decent jobs and other sources of income that can free them from a life of poverty.

You can help improve their lives by simply donating a car that you no longer need to us here at Goodwill Car Donations. We will use your donation to provide the disadvantaged residents of your community with opportunities to harness their full potential so they can achieve financial stability and start living productive and fulfilling lives.

We will put your vehicle up for auction and turn over the proceeds to the Goodwill organizations serving your local area. These IRS-approved 501(c)(3) nonprofits use the funding 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 Goodwill donor, you’ll enjoy meaningful returns for your generosity. These include the free towing of your unwanted vehicle and your entitlement to the highest possible tax deduction due to you in the next tax season.

Moreover, nothing compares to the joy and satisfaction you’d feel, knowing that your charitable contribution will greatly benefit your community in terms of the jobs that it will create for the empowerment of your less fortunate fellow residents.

We accept nearly all types of vehicles, whether they’re still in good running condition or no longer. We can pick up and tow your vehicle wherever you had it parked or stored anywhere in the country.

To get to know our quick and easy vehicle donation process and other details, just visit our FAQs page. Should you have any questions or concerns, you may call us at our toll-free hotline at 866-233-8586. You may also write to us here.

Help Us Uplift Lives Today!

Group of People Showing Support and Unity | Goodwill Car Donations Photo by Pavel Danilyuk under Pexels License

You can do so much good in your community by using your old car as a tool to uplift people’s lives. When you donate that vehicle to us, you’ll touch the heart of every needy folk in your area who wants nothing more than to live a productive and fulfilling life, using the tools that Goodwill will provide them. Call Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or fill out our online donation form now!