How to Wax Your Car in 5 Easy Steps

Car Waxing | Goodwill Car Donations Photo by Orhun Rüzgar ÖZ under Pexels License

Do It Like a Pro by Knowing the Basics of Car Waxing

A regular wash for your car isn’t enough to maintain its shine; you need to wax it, too.

Waxing your car gives it extra protection against the elements while bringing out its shine. This is especially important if your vehicle is brand-new as waxing will help maintain its paint job and decrease the effects of aging. Unless you’re cool with your ride looking dull as a doorknob, waxing is a must-do every time you’re done washing your car.

If you don’t know the basics of how to wax your car correctly, don’t worry. We’ve got your back! Goodwill Car Donations presents these five easy steps on how you can wax your car like a pro:

  1. Wash your car thoroughly.

Never wax your car if it’s dirty. You’re more likely to do more harm than good. This is because a dirty car will have contaminants on its surface that will only scratch your exterior when you try to polish it with wax. Always make sure to wash and dry your car first before waxing it.

  1. Get your equipment ready.

Make sure that your wax and polishing materials are prepped and ready. It’s also best to use microfiber towels to polish your vehicle instead of regular cloth or cotton towels since they can grab onto dirt and grease better.

  1. Apply the wax.

Use an applicator pad or cloth to apply the wax to your car. Apply a moderate amount of wax on the exterior of your car. A nickel-sized amount would probably be more than enough for one section of your car.

  1. Wait for a few minutes and allow the wax to settle.

Don’t polish the wax off just yet after applying. Let it settle and dry first on your vehicle. It will appear matte or chalky if it’s dry enough.

  1. Start polishing.

Using a microfiber cloth or any other soft cloth, start polishing your car thoroughly one section at a time. Make sure to remove excess wax and that you cover every panel that you’ve applied wax on. If you wax and polish your car properly, your car’s paint should be looking extra glossy.

 

Use Your Jalopy to Transform Lives

Waxing is a great way to make sure your car retains its shine. However, if your vehicle is a few years old already, no amount of waxing and polishing will get it to sparkle like it used to before.

If that vehicle has become a major source of financial drain for you with its never-ending repairs, perhaps it’s time to give it up and buy a new one instead. The best and easiest way to do this would be to hand it over to us at Goodwill Car Donations. We’ll use it to improve the lives of the disadvantaged people in your community. These are your fellow residents who are saddled with disabilities, those who lack education, job experience, or essential skills, and those who have other personal issues that make it hard for them to find decent sources of income to support themselves and their families.

We’ll sell your car at its highest possible price in one of the best auction houses within our network. Once sold, the generated funds will go toward the community-building programs of the Goodwill organizations serving your area.

These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits cater to disadvantaged individuals, using the funds that we turn over to them to provide their beneficiaries with vital services such as job training, employment opportunities, scholarships, livelihood assistance, disability benefits, and other critical community-building support services.

These services can empower your disadvantaged neighbors to land decent-paying jobs, freeing them from a life of poverty.

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

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

You can donate just about any type of vehicle, including one that’s no longer working properly. Your location should not be a problem since we can collect your donation anywhere in the United States.

You can get more information about Goodwill Car Donations, including our quick and easy donation process and your benefits as a donor, by checking out our FAQs page. Should you have any questions or concerns, you may reach us through our toll-free hotline at 866-233-8586. You may also contact us here.

Uplift Lives with Your Vehicle Donation Today!

Car parked on mountain | Goodwill Car Donations Photo by Kenny Eliason under Unsplash License

Using your old car, you can uplift the lives of the disadvantaged people in your community while allowing yourself to receive all the privileges we give to all our donors. Call Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or fill out our online donation form to get started with your car donation now!


Top 5 Tips to Keep Your Parked Car Cool In Summer

Off road car parked on roadside in forest | Goodwill Car Donations Photo by ArtHouse Studio under Pexels License

Ways to Reduce the Heat Inside Your Vehicle

Sizzling leather seats, dashboard, steering wheel, gear shift — everything is just hot to the touch! This is what greets you upon entering a car if you parked it directly under the sun, especially during summer.

The heat that enters your vehicle through your windows is trapped inside, which causes the temperature to increase. Everything inside your vehicle absorbs the heat — from your car’s carpets to your fancy leather seats. It may even feel hotter in your vehicle’s cabin than it does on the outside!

If this happens, you probably won’t be able to drive anywhere for the first few minutes until everything cools down a bit, probably with the help of your A/C and you moving to a cooler spot.

Fortunately, there are simple tips you can follow to reduce the heat inside your vehicle’s interior or keep your car cooler when parked. Goodwill Car Donations has compiled the top 5 ones:

  1. Find a spot with a shade.

Park your car where there’s shade and away from the sun’s rays — whether under a tree or in a parking area inside a building.

  1. Use sunshades.

They look like window covers with tin foil in front. While sunshades may look unattractive, these can help big time when no shady area for parking is available. They’ll reduce or limit the thermal and ultraviolet rays entering your vehicle from your windshield and keep your car as cool as it can be even under the sun’s heat.

  1. Crack your windows open.

Cracking your windows open allows heat that enters your car to escape, which means the temperature will be a lot cooler when you get in. However, don’t follow this tip if you’re parked in a place that isn’t secure.

  1. Use tinted windows.

Good quality car tints block out the sun’s thermal rays or have a high heat-rejection rate. Some also reflect or reduce UV rays as well. Tinting your car’s windows is one of the most effective ways of reducing heat inside your vehicle, whether parked or when driving.

  1. Use car and dashboard covers.

While the temperature may still be hot, at least you won’t have to deal with sizzling seats or seatbelt buckles when you use car and dashboard covers. You’ll also be able to touch your dashboard and steering wheel without the risk of burning your fingers.

Help Disadvantaged Folks Break Free from the Bondage of Poverty

In your community, are you aware that not everyone is living the life of their dreams? Some of your neighbors are dealing with multiple challenges. They can’t find decent and stable jobs because they’re disabled, lack education, job experience, or essential skills, and are burdened with other disadvantages, such as having prison records,

If you have a clapped-out car just gathering dust in your garage, you have a way of supporting these disadvantaged men and women. All you got to do is donate that vehicle to us here at Goodwill Car Donations. We’ll fix and shine your vehicle before putting it on the auction block. Once the vehicle is sold, the proceeds will go straight to the Goodwill organizations serving your area. These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits use the funding to provide deserving individuals with job training, employment opportunities, scholarships, livelihood assistance, disability benefits, and other critical community-building support services.

With these services that you will help support with your vehicle donation, the disadvantaged residents of your community will be able to make full use of their potential, find decent jobs or livelihood, thus freeing themselves from poverty.

Taking part in our donation program won’t require you to leave the comfort of your home or pay for the towing of your vehicle. We’ll send out a licensed towing company to pick up your vehicle at no cost to you. Plus, we’ll have the 100% tax-deductible sales receipt of your vehicle delivered to your home address days after we get it sold. With this receipt, you can claim the maximum tax deduction for your charitable contribution in the next tax season.

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

We accept nearly all vehicle types, whether they’re still in good condition or no longer. Your location won’t be a problem since we can collect your donated vehicle wherever you’re located in the United States.

You can learn more about how everything works in our vehicle donation program by checking out our FAQs page. If you have questions, call us at 866-233-8586 or contact us online.

Help Change Lives Today!

Crop diverse colleagues stacking hands together during training in office | Goodwill Car Donations Photo by Andrea Piacquadios under Pexels License

Help disadvantaged residents of your community wean themselves from their welfare mentality as they overcome the obstacles to a financially independent and decent life. Your car donation can make that happen. Donate that vehicle to Goodwill Car Donations by calling 866-233-8586 or filling out our online donation form now!


How to Check the Essential Fluids in Your Car

Mechanic Bottle a Container of Engine Oil | Goodwill Car Donations Photo by Artem Podrez under Pexels License

Make Your Car More Efficient and Reliable!

Besides maintaining your car’s moving parts, don’t forget about the essential fluids that help ensure they run right. Checking the fluids in your vehicle is a must, especially between major tune-ups, to keep it in good running condition.

While regularly scheduled maintenance should address the condition of the fluids, ensuring that they are kept at the right level is also crucial. Give your set of wheels some much-needed TLC by learning how to check its essential fluids. This can save you time and money because those fluids make your car last longer by preventing engine damage.

What Are the Essential Fluids In Your Vehicle and How Can You Check Them?

Even if you’re driving a modern vehicle, you still can’t expect it to be a maintenance-free wonder machine. If you want to get the most out of your car, you’ll have to pay attention to the fluids that play a critical role in fuel economy and longevity. To help you keep these essential fluids at the proper level, Goodwill Car Donations shares these tips on how to check them properly.

  • Engine oil

Next to fuel, engine oil is the most important car fluid. It lubricates the vehicle’s moving internal parts. If the oil gets below the operating range’s minimum level, it can have damaging effects on engine performance and can even lead to engine failure.

Most cars are equipped with a dipstick, a tool you use to inspect the oil level. Pull the dipstick out before cleaning it with a rag or towel. Then, re-insert it entirely and pull it back out. The indicators on the dipstick will tell you how much oil your engine has.

  • Brake fluid

This fluid connects the pedal to the brakes. Poor quality or low brake fluid can significantly affect the brakes’ performance. To check, look through the translucent reservoir to see whether the fluid is at the right level or not.

  • Coolant

The coolant works to prevent overheating by keeping everything in the engine cool. Some vehicles come with a coolant overflow reservoir located near the radiator. You can simply look through it and check the fluid.

However, other vehicles may require you to open the pressurized expansion tank or radiator to check the fluid level between the maximum and minimum marks.

  • Power Steering Fluid

Many vehicles are still equipped with hydraulic power steering systems that use pressurized power steering fluid to seamlessly turn the steering wheels. Low fluid levels can have a significant impact on the steering system’s performance.

Look through the power steering reservoir, which is often located on the passenger side, and check the fluid level. If the reservoir caps have a dipstick, then the process of checking liquid level is similar to checking your engine oil.

What to Do When Your Car Has Become a Liability

When it’s time to part ways with your old car, when it has become more of a liability than an asset because of its frequent breakdowns, then it’s time to part ways with it. Don’t worry, you can still find a good use for it when you hand it over to us at Goodwill Car Donations. We’ll use your donation to carry out our mission of improving the living conditions of the disadvantaged residents of your community.

We will auction off your vehicle and turn over the proceeds to the Goodwill organizations serving your area. These Goodwill organizations are IRS-approved 501(c)(3) nonprofits that cater to your fellow Americans who are burdened with disabilities, lack of education, essential skills, or job experience, and other personal issues. These disadvantages serve as obstacles in their pursuit of a good, financially secure life.

Goodwill organizations use the funding sourced from the sale of donated vehicles 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.

As a Goodwill donor, you’ll be entitled to a free professional towing service no matter where you’re located in the country. What’s more, your gift will entitle you to receive a top tax deduction in the next tax season.

Best of all, you’ll feel good about yourself, knowing that you’ve done something that can potentially turn lives around.

We accept almost all types of vehicles, including those that aren’t in their best shape. Also, our donation process is simple and convenient.

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

Black BMW Car Parked on Garage | Goodwill Car Donations Photo by Hasan Gulec under Pexels License

Bring Hope to the Hopeless Today!

Your vehicle donation can uplift the lives of the disadvantaged people in your community. To donate to us, call Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or fill out our online donation form now!


Best Headlight Restoration Kits for Your Car

Stylish coupe car parked on street | Goodwill Car Donations Photo by Erik Mclean under Pexels License

Top 5 Products That Can Make Your Old Headlights Look Like New

After a few years on the road, your car’s headlights may start to show signs of aging. This is perfectly normal given the amount of air pollution, dirt, UV light, and other contaminants your headlights come into contact with.

From the moment your car leaves the showroom or the factory, the lifetime of its polycarbonate plastic headlights starts a countdown. A few years later, it begins to look hazy or foggy. It’s not pleasant to look at and makes an old vehicle look even more ancient.

This is why vehicle owners turn to headlight restoration kits to fix the problem. There are a lot of headlight renewal products out there that can help grind away the yellowed layer. Goodwill Car Donations has listed five of the top ones:

  1. Sylvania Headlight Restoration Kit

Sylvania’s Headlight Restoration Kit leaves old headlights looking brand-new! The company offers a lifetime warranty that guarantees your headlights will stay crystal clear with the use of this product. However, this kit is the most time-consuming to use out of all the five products on this list.

  1. Rust-Oleum Wipe New Headlight Restore

This kit is easy to use and guarantees clear headlights in a matter of seconds. It includes a small foam block, a pair of nitrile gloves, and a wipe-it cloth saturated with the company’s proprietary sealant. However, many user feedbacks point to the strong, unpleasant odor that the chemicals in the cloth give out.

  1. Turtle Wax Headlight Restore Kit

The Turtle Wax Headlight Restore Kit includes abrasive pads, a clear coat, sealant, lubricant, and an abrasive liquid compound. The kit includes instructions on how to use the product for certain headlight conditions — from lights that are slightly faded to ones that are extremely covered in haze.

  1. Mother’s NuLens Headlight Renewal Kit

Mother’s NuLens kit requires no liquid or compound unlike the other kits here. It includes heavy-duty attachments (to be attached to a drill) to help grind off the haze or yellow fog in your headlights. You may have to put an abrasive liquid or sealant on the attachments to achieve the best effect.

  1. 3M Headlight Restoration Kit

The 3M headlight Restoration Kit includes masking tape, gloves, foam block, and a clear coat. It requires a bit of work compared to other products. Experience with using abrasive pads will help in speeding up the process of achieving the best result.

 

Suffering from Clunker Problems? Here’s What You Can Do

If your car has much bigger problems than having hazy headlights, if it’s sinking you into a financial quagmire with its costly repairs, then perhaps it’s time to part ways with it. You’d be better off buying yourself a new car.

As for your clunker, you can still make good use of it by handing it over to us at Goodwill Car Donations. We’ll use your donation to improve the lives of the disadvantaged people in your local area. These are those men and women who are burdened with disabilities, lack of education, job experience, or essential skills, and other personal issues that prevent them from breaking free from poverty.

We’ll sell your donated vehicle in one of the best auction houses in our network, with the proceeds going to the local Goodwill organizations serving your area. These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits use the funding to deliver life-enriching services to disadvantaged Americans, providing them with job training and employment opportunities, scholarships, livelihood assistance, disability benefits, and other critical community-building support services.

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

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

Making a car donation to Goodwill is super easy. It’s quick, convenient, and hassle-free! All you need to do is contact us. We’ll handle everything else. 

We accept a wide range of vehicle types. Whether you’re donating an old car, truck, or van, we’ll be glad to receive it.

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

You can get more information about us, including our donation process and your benefits as a donor, by checking out our FAQs page. Should you have any questions or concerns, you may reach us through our toll-free hotline at 866-233-8586. You may also contact us here.

 

You Can Make a Difference in Your Community Today!

Trendy red coupe car parked near abandoned barns in countryside | Goodwill Car Donations Photo by Erik Mclean under Pexels License

Donating a car that no longer serves you well is all it would take to make a difference in your community. Such a donation will bring life-changing benefits to your disadvantaged neighbors. Call Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or fill out our online donation form now!


How to Prevent Common Car Problems on Road Trips: 5 Tips

Fuel Petrol Gas | Goodwill Car Donations Photo by PublicDomainPictures under Pixabay License

What Can Go Wrong Will Go Wrong

Murphy’s Law states that anything that can go wrong will go wrong. For vehicle owners, this is something to always keep in mind. While you wouldn’t wish for something untoward to happen to you during a road trip, it’s better to expect it and be prepared. Problems can crop up when we least expect them. You don’t want to get stuck for hours in the middle of nowhere just because of a simple flat tire.

To avoid commonly experienced issues by drivers on the road, Goodwill Car Donations has come up with these 5 top tips:

  1. Flat tire

While frustrating and annoying, a flat tire isn’t something to be terribly worried about. If you have a spare tire on hand, tire wrench, and jack, you’re good to go! Of course, this is assuming you already know how to change a flat tire on your own. If you don’t, find someone to teach you how.

  1. Dirty wipers

You wouldn’t want to be caught with dirty wipers while you’re cruising along the highway and rain starts pouring down. Not only is it dangerous as your wipers won’t clear your windshield properly, but there’s also a possibility of them scratching the glass. Before a road trip, make sure to gently clean your wiper blades to make sure they’re free of grime.

  1. Dead battery

You’re not likely to have this problem if your vehicle or battery is new. However, if your battery has been acting up lately or is nearing its expiration date, you need to double-check it. You don’t want to get stuck with a dead battery halfway to your destination.

  1. Brake issues

Braking is one of the most important functions of your vehicle. Encountering brake issues on the road is a scary and dangerous experience. It’s a good practice to get your brake system checked regularly to make sure everything is working correctly. Replace old parts like the pads or calipers when necessary, and don’t try to skimp on expenses by making do with old ones.

  1. An empty fuel tank

This happens to drivers who think they’ll be able to make it to their destination with the limited fuel they have left. Always make sure to top up your tank for long trips. A short trip to the gas station is better than spending hours on the roadside trying to hitch a ride because you have no more fuel.

Got an Old Car Lying Around? Donate It to Help the Needy

If you’ve been encountering one too many car problems on the road and no amount of repairs can’t seem to solve those problems, perhaps it’s time to get rid of that clunker. Don’t worry, your clapped-out car can still be useful to you and serve a worthy purpose at the same time. All you have to do is contact us at Goodwill Car Donations and hand over that vehicle to us. We will use it to improve the lives of the disadvantaged people in your community. They include the men and women in your community who are burdened with disabilities, lack of education or essential skills, and other disadvantages (such as having prison records) that make it difficult for them to find decent sources of income.

With assistance, they can find suitable jobs, harness their full potential, and contribute to the growth and development of your community. You can help provide such assistance by simply donating a spare vehicle to us at Goodwill Car Donations.

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 individuals and use the funding coming from charitable contributions to help finance the services they provide 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.

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 deduction 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 by empowering your needy fellow residents through work and learning.

We accept almost all types of vehicles, including those that have dents and scratches and a few missing or defective parts.

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 at our toll-free hotline 866-233-8586. We’d be happy to hear from you!

Help Create a Better Life for Your Disadvantaged Neighbors

Use your old car to support the disadvantaged residents of your community. Your vehicle donation can provide them a brighter future as they’ll get opportunities to turn their lives around. Call Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or fill out our online donation form now!

Red Car on the Wet Road | Goodwill Car Donations Photo by Erik Mclean under Pexels License


How to Wash Your Car Like a Pro

Woman washing car | Goodwill Car Donations Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko under Pexels License

5 Tips to Keep Your Car’s Exterior in Prime Condition

When you drive your car regularly, you’re bound to get it dirty. Road salt, dirt, bird droppings, and other debris cling to your car’s body. If you leave your car unwashed for a long time, the dirt can leave hard-to-remove stains, which can damage your vehicle’s paint.

When this happens, you won’t be able to remove the dirt with a normal wash anymore, which means you’d have to spend extra to get it detailed thoroughly or even to have the body panels repainted.

While the thought of scrubbing down your car by yourself can be unappealing at first, seeing your vehicle sparkling clean after washing it thoroughly is worth it. There’s no better feeling than driving a car that’s clean both on the outside and inside.

Don’t worry; it won’t take you half the day to wash your car properly. Check out these 5 tips on how you can wash your car like a pro:

  1. Wash your car in the shade and never in direct sunlight.

You don’t want the water you’re using or the soap to dry too quickly and leave marks all over your car. You also don’t want birds flying over and dropping a “souvenir” on your vehicle while you’re scrubbing it clean!

  1. Organize your cleaning materials.

Don’t mix dirty sponges and clean ones. Keep them in separate buckets. Make sure you don’t use any household cleaning products and only use those specific for vehicles so as not to damage your car’s paint.

  1. Keep separate buckets of water for your car’s body and wheels.

Don’t use a single wash bucket for everything. You won’t be cleaning your car if you mix everything in one bucket, you could end up splashing dirty water all over your vehicle.

  1. Hose your vehicle down thoroughly before washing.

This will help remove any excess dirt and debris to make your wash easier.

  1. Use microfiber towels to dry off your vehicle.

Don’t use regular rags or towels as these can scratch your car’s paint.

You Can Turn Your Clunker into a Source of Hope for the Needy

Washing your car like a pro is easy if you have the time and energy to do so. What’s not so easy is taking your run-down car to the repair shop time and again and plunking down hard-earned money in every instance.

If you have such a clunker, you’d be better off without it! Hand it over to us at Goodwill Car Donations and we’ll use it to improve the lives of the disadvantaged people in your community. These are your fellow residents who are saddled with disabilities, those who lack education job experience, or essential skills, and those who have other personal issues that make it hard for them to find decent sources of income to support themselves and their families.

You can help these folks turn their lives around with your vehicle donation.

We’ll sell your car at its highest possible price in one of the best auction houses within our network. Once sold, the generated funds will go toward the community-building programs of the Goodwill organizations serving your area.

These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits cater to disadvantaged individuals, using the funds that we turn over to them to deliver vital services to their beneficiaries, providing them with job training, employment opportunities, scholarships, livelihood assistance, disability benefits, and other critical community-building support services.

These services can empower your disadvantaged neighbors to land decent-paying jobs, freeing them from a life of poverty.

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

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

You can donate just about any type of vehicle, including those that are no longer working properly. Your location should not be a problem since we can collect your donation anywhere in the United States.

You can get more information about Goodwill Car Donations, including our donation process and your benefits as a donor, by checking out our FAQs page. Should you have any questions or concerns, you may reach us at our toll-free hotline at 866-233-8586. You may also contact us here.

Make a Positive Impact in Your Community Today!

Man talking to a man on wheelchair | Goodwill Car Donations Photo by RDNE Stock project under Pexels License

Using your old car, you can impact the lives of the disadvantaged people in your local area and contribute to the growth and progress of your community as well. Call Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or fill out our online donation form to get started with your car donation now!


3 Ways to Help Prevent a Flat Tire

Flat tire | Goodwill Car Donations Photo by Kenny Eliason under Unsplash License

Reduce Your Chances of Getting a Flat Tire

Getting a flat tire is one of the exasperating experiences that can happen to any driver, especially when they’re on a long trip or in a rush. The sad reality is that this can happen to you at any time while you’re driving without giving you any warning at all. However, there are some things you can do to reduce your chances of getting a flat tire.

Whether you like it or not, the tires of your car are going to go flat at some point no matter how you keep them in good condition at all times. Although flat tires are inevitable, Goodwill Car Donations has pulled together some tips to help you reduce the chances of this occurrence.

  1. Stay away from hazardous roads.

When driving, try to find safer alternative routes. For instance, it’s best to drive along a smoother bitumen road rather than a dirt road. You’ll also want to keep away from construction sites because you never know if loose nails or sharp debris are lying around the area. Likewise, steer clear of potholes that can potentially cause serious damage to your tires.

  1. Avoid overloading your vehicle.

Besides keeping your eyes on the road, another thing that you need to be mindful of is the load your car is carrying. If you are not sure how much your vehicle can take, check your car’s manual. If your load goes beyond your vehicle’s carrying capacity regularly, you run the risk of putting unnecessary pressure on your tires. Over time, this can cause them to wear faster or worse, pop when you least expect them to.

  1. Keep your tires properly pumped.

One of the best things you can do for your tires is to ensure that they are properly pumped. You’ll thank yourself for keeping a tire pressure gauge stored in your vehicle so that you can accurately check each tire whenever you have to.

Experts strongly recommend checking your tires every month. If your vehicle comes with a tire pressure monitoring system, don’t wait for the light to come on before you check your tires. When the light comes on, it means your tires are already underinflated.

Thinking of What to Do with Your Clunker?

Getting stopped on the road because of a flat tire is one of the more common hazards that motorists have to deal with. However, if having a flat tire doesn’t bother you as much as the current sad state of your run-down commuter car, perhaps it’s time to consider getting rid of that clunker.

If you’re looking for the best way of retiring your troublesome car, you can never go wrong if you simply hand it over to us at Goodwill Car Donations.

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

Moreover, your act of charity will bring you an immense sense of satisfaction since we will use your gift for the benefit of the disadvantaged and impoverished people in your area.

We’ll sell your donated vehicle in one of the best auction houses in our network, with the proceeds going to the Goodwill organizations serving your locality. These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits cater to individuals who are suffering from disabilities, lack of education or essential skills, and other personal issues (such as having prison records) that prevent them from finding decent jobs.

These Goodwill nonprofits use the funding that comes from the sale of donated vehicles to provide their beneficiaries with job training and employment opportunities, scholarships, livelihood assistance, disability benefits, and other critical community-building support services.

Making a vehicle donation to Goodwill is super easy. It’s quick, convenient, and hassle-free! All you need to do is contact us. We’ll handle everything else.

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

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

You can get more information about Goodwill Car Donations by checking out our FAQs page. Should you have any questions or concerns, feel free to call us at our toll-free hotline 866-233-8586. You may also send us a message here.

Make a Difference in Your Community Today!

hands holding of people | Goodwill Car Donations Photo by Sierra Koder under Pexels License

Donating to us a vehicle that no longer serves you well is all it would take to make a difference in your community. Your car donation will surely touch the hearts of your less fortunate neighbors. Call Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or fill out our online donation form now!


Top 5 Most Common Summer Car Problems

Man Changing a Car Tire | Goodwill Car Donations Photo by Andrea Piacquadio under Pexels License

The Summer Heat Can Be Rough On Your Ride

Before you strap on your seatbelt and head on down to the beach, you might want to make a final check on your vehicle. Summer’s warm weather could cause a car to break down in the middle of a trip, causing immense frustration and ruining a perfectly planned beach day. Nobody wants to spend an hour or two on the roadside waiting for a tow.

Goodwill Car Donations presents five of the most common car issues often encountered by vehicle owners during the summer season:

  1. Engine overheating

While sunny weather is great for getting tans, it could be bad for your vehicle’s engine. With temperatures higher than normal, engine overheating isn’t uncommon, especially for vehicles that are low on coolant or have oil leaks. When your engine overheats, it means not just a pause to your trip. It can also mean a hefty repair expense or other major car issues.

  1. Tire issues

Hot weather means hot roads, which means your tires receive added stress and flex more. For tires with existing issues, the increased temperatures could be an aggravating factor, leading to either flat tires or tire blowouts. The solution? Do regular checkups on your tires’ condition and air pressure.

  1. Dead or malfunctioning battery

It’s not only during cold weather when you have to worry about your car’s battery. Extreme heat can affect your car’s battery fluid and cause it to evaporate, leading to other issues that you don’t want to get into. Don’t risk going on long road trips if you sense that there’s something wrong with your battery. Have your battery checked at the shop especially if it’s set for replacement.

  1. Fuel leak

High temperatures can cause the liquid in your fuel tank to vaporize. If there’s a cracked hose in your fuel system, your fuel will leak. This will not only drain your wallet (since you’ll run out of fuel faster) but will also pose a fire hazard wherever your car is parked.

  1. Worn-out clutch

Your clutch will wear down eventually, but hot weather conditions have a way of speeding this up.  When you start to experience or see signs of your clutch wearing down, delay your road trip and take your vehicle to the shop immediately.

Tired of Your Clunker Always Acting Up? Hand It Over to Us!

If you don’t have the patience or the extra money to keep dealing with a car that’s always breaking down, it’s probably best to get it off of your hands. Consider donating it to us here at Goodwill Car Donations for the benefit of the impoverished and disadvantaged residents of your community. They comprise of the men and women who are suffering from disabilities, lack education, job experience, or essential skills, and have other disadvantages (such as having prison records) that make it hard for them to find decent and stable sources of income.

We will have your vehicle auctioned off with the generated funds going straight to the Goodwill organizations serving your area. These IRS-approved 501(c)(3) nonprofits use the funding to finance their programs aimed at empowering disadvantaged individuals. From these programs, beneficiaries get job training, employment opportunities, scholarships, livelihood assistance, disability benefits, and other critical community-building support services.

Making a Goodwill car donation is super easy. You’ll be able to quickly dispose of your clunker while getting high-value rewards at the same time. We’ll pick up and tow your vehicle for free wherever you are in the United States. Your donation will also entitle you to receive the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season.

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

You can donate not just cars, pick-up trucks, or motorcycles but also golf carts, farm tractors, boats, and many other vehicles and vessels. We’ll welcome whatever type of vehicle you donate regardless of its condition.

Interested to know more? Find more information about Goodwill Car Donations by visiting our FAQs page.  You can also give us a ring at 866-233-8586 or contact us here.

Give Your Clapped-Out Car a New and Worthy Purpose Today!

Red Sedan Car in the Car Park | Goodwill Car Donations Photo by Neron Photos under Pexels License

Give a new and worthy purpose to your old clunker by using it to help uplift the lives of the less fortunate people in your community. We will make that happen when you hand over that vehicle to us. Call Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or fill out our online donation form right now!


3 Best Vehicles for Road Trips: 2021 Edition

Person Going for A Morning Road Trip | Goodwill Car Donations Photo by Elina Sazonova under Pexels License

Know What Makes for a Good Road Trip Car

Are you excited about your next great adventure? If you’re looking for the perfect set of wheels for your upcoming road trip, keep in mind that not all vehicles are created equal. While maintenance is the key requirement that makes vehicles ready for long journeys, what the vehicle itself can offer matters more than you think.

What Vehicles Are Ideal for Traveling in 2021?

When it comes to road trips, the main requirements for vehicles are clear: The car must be able to last longer and go farther than some others, be spacious and comfortable, and most of all, fun to drive. Goodwill Car Donations has rounded up the best cars for road trips this year.

  1. Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE

Since road trips consist of long hours spent behind the wheel, you’ll want a car that can give you the comfort and space you need. One of the top choices for long trips is the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE.

When it’s fully charged, it can run on 38 mpg for more than 40 miles. What’s more, it comes equipped with a rear cross-traffic alert and a blind-spot monitor to ensure the safety of both the driver and their passengers.

  1. Range Rover Westminster Edition

If you want to enjoy a classy and luxurious road trip, it will be hard to find a vehicle as good as the 2021 Range Rover Westminster Edition. It has a panoramic roof, ambient interior lighting, and advanced technological features.

However, along with its extravagance is its high price tag, which is around $103,000. This vehicle may not be the most affordable or practical choice out there, but it tops most vehicles in terms of design and functionalities.

  1. Toyota Prius L Eco

In contrast to the previous option, the 2021 Toyota Prius L Eco is the best choice for those with a limited budget. Its cargo space may be limited, but no compromises were made in its interior and entertainment features.

Ready to Make a Difference in Your Community?

Before deciding to purchase any of the road-trip-worthy vehicles listed above, consider donating the old car you’re leaving behind to us at Goodwill Car Donations. Your donation will become a vital source of support for the men and women in your community who are burdened with disabilities, lack of education or essential skills, and other barriers to gainful employment and a poverty-free life.

We’ll have your car auctioned off, using the proceeds to fund the community development programs of the Goodwill organization serving your local area. Goodwill organizations are located all over the United States with the primary mission of transforming the lives of millions of disadvantaged Americans. These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits use the funding that comes from the sale of donated vehicles to sustain their delivery of critical services to their beneficiaries. The services include job training, employment opportunities, scholarships, livelihood assistance, disability benefits, and other critical community-building support services.

These services are meant to empower disadvantaged individuals to reach their full potential and turn them into productive and financially stable members of their community.

Expect a 100% tax-deductible sales receipt in your mailbox a few weeks after your vehicle’s auction. You’ll need it to claim your top tax deduction in the next tax-filing season.

What’s more, you can count on us to provide you with a highly satisfying donation experience, knowing that your act of charity will help generate new jobs in 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. You can also make your donation wherever you’re residing in the country since Goodwill Car Donations operates in all 50 states.

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 at our toll-free hotline 866-233-8586. You may also drop us a message here and we’ll respond to you promptly.

Turn Your Clunker into a Weapon against Poverty

If you care for your community and the people who live there, then donating your unwanted car to Goodwill Car Donations makes a lot of sense. Call 866-233-8586 or fill out our online donation form now!

Free Car Image on Unsplash | Goodwill Car Donations Photo by Amber Kipp under Unsplash License


5 Warning Signs of Brake Problems

Car brake close up view | Goodwill Car Donations Photo by Benjamin Brunner under Unsplash License

Save Lives By Knowing These Signs

Most car owners tend to take their car’s functions and parts for granted, especially the brakes. They content themselves with knowing that when they press on the gas pedal, their car moves forward or speeds up, and when they press on the brake pedal, it slows down or stops.

The ability to slow down or stop your car properly once it’s in motion is one of the most important things you should know as a driver. You don’t want to be going 80 km/hour on the highway and then realize your brakes aren’t working! With poor performing or busted brakes, a moving car on the road is a hazard to everyone.

Unfortunately, even though the brake system is one of the most vital components of a vehicle, many car owners don’t know how to take care of their brakes. Many also don’t know the signs that something is wrong with their brakes.

Knowing proper brake maintenance can save you and other drivers from potentially catastrophic road accidents.

Tell-Tale Signs of Brake Issues

If you drive your vehicle daily, you’ll immediately know when something’s wrong. Does it take more force than usual to stop your car? Do you hear a high-pitched noise whenever you step on the brakes? These are tell-tale signs that you’re having issues with your brakes. To avoid a potential disaster on the road, you need to resolve these issues quickly by taking your car to the repair shop.

Take a look at these 5 things that commonly happen to vehicles experiencing brake problems:

  1. Your brake light is on.

If your brake light is on and you don’t have your parking brake engaged, you likely need to get your car’s brake system inspected. When the mechanic can’t find any possible causes, you might want to have the mechanic take a look at your car’s electronics as well.

  1. You hear grinding, squealing, or screeching noise.

Noise when braking signifies different issues. High-pitched, squealing noise is often caused by worn-out brake pads. Grinding noise in the pedal might mean something might have gotten in the caliper unit. Problems can range from minor ones to complicated issues, so be sure to get your car serviced when you hear strange noises when braking.

  1. You experience vibration or wobbling when braking.

Vibrating brakes most likely have something to do with your brake rotors. Get your brakes serviced and make sure the rotor faces are smoothed out and are as flawless as they can be. There might also be rust there that could be the source of the wobbling.

  1. You’re constantly running low on brake fluid.

Are you refilling your brake fluid more than usual? You might have a leak somewhere in the brake system that’s causing you to lose more fluid than needed. A leak essentially means that your car won’t have enough power to force the brake pads to adhere to your vehicle’s rotors.

  1. You have a spongy brake pedal.

A difference in your brake pedal’s resistance could mean air or moisture in the braking system. Make sure to get your vehicle serviced immediately as this could turn out to be a complicated issue concerning your brake’s master cylinder.

Know When to Give Up Your Problematic Car

If your brake problem is just one of several car issues that are giving you endless headaches and depleting your savings with their costly repairs, perhaps it’s time to give up your clunker. Instead of allowing it to bleed you dry, get some benefits from it while using it to serve a worthy purpose.

You can do that by simply donating that vehicle to us at Goodwill Car Donations. Your donation will become a vital source of support for the men and women in your community who are burdened with disabilities, lack of education or essential skills, and other disadvantages (such as having prison records) that serve as barriers to gainful employment and a poverty-free life.

We’ll sell your car at an auction and use the proceeds to fund the programs of the Goodwill organizations serving your area. Thanks to your contribution, needy people in your community will be able to receive job training, employment opportunities, scholarships, livelihood assistance, disability benefits, and other critical community-building support services. These will help them reach their full potential, helping turn them into productive and financially independent individuals that they’ve always wanted to be.

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 deduction 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 by empowering your needy fellow residents through work and learning.

We accept almost all types of vehicles, including those that are no longer in good condition.

To learn more about our vehicle 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. We will respond to you within 24 hours. You may also give us a call at our toll-free hotline 866-233-8586. We’d be happy to hear from you!

Make a Difference with Your Clunker Today!

Yellow suv parked near a tree | Goodwill Car Donations Photo by Matt Hardy under Pexels License

Make the best use of your clapped-out car by allowing us to convert it into a source of funding for services that will benefit the less fortunate people in your community. Call Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or fill out our online donation form now!