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Car Shopping: Know Before You Go!

Whether your last purchase of a brand-new set of wheels was years ago or you’re buying your first car, knowing where to start can be challenging. With so many options to choose from, the last thing you’d want is to let your emotions trump logic.

Stepping into the dealership without knowing what specific vehicle brand you want increases your chances of having a car pushed on you by the dealer. If you allowed yourself to be swayed, you might regretfully find out later on that the car didn’t suit your needs.

Although knowing the exact make or model you want before hitting the dealership isn’t necessary, asking yourself the right questions can help narrow your options and improve your car shopping experience.

Questions to Ask Yourself When Choosing the Best Vehicle for You

Most car salespeople tend to pressure people to leave the auto store with a purchased vehicle. Don’t let them push you around. You can do this by arming yourself with information about vehicles you’re interested in and the budget you can afford. Otherwise, you won’t have what you need to negotiate properly.

To help you pick the best vehicle, Goodwill Car Donations has compiled the following top questions you should ask yourself before stepping into a dealership:

• ‘What Kind of Vehicle Do I Want?’

Vehicles are more than just machines that people drive to move around. They’re extensions of their drivers’ personalities and lifestyles. For this reason, it’s best to pick a vehicle brand and model that fits your personality and lifestyle. Knowing what you like will help thin out your options.

If you’re the adventurous type that falls under the “active lifestyle” category, off-road capable vehicles are likely on your list. However, if you’re a family man who values comfort and convenience for your brood, you’re probably drawn to minivans or crossover SUVs.

• ‘What Kind of Vehicle Do I Need?’

Once you’ve thought about the type of car you want, it’s time to figure out what car you need. If you have three kids and another bun in the oven, choosing a vehicle that can fit your entire family is best. However, if you’re a business professional who regularly shepherds your clients around, consider buying a more upscale ride than a high-mileage subcompact.

• ‘What Can I Afford?’

Since most car dealers focus on the monthly payment, they’ll try to convince car buyers to stretch out their payments and pay thousands more in interest as a result. If you don’t want to increase your financial risk, it’s best to focus more on the car’s total cost, including registration, insurance, maintenance, and fuel.

You can stretch your purchasing power by staying informed about what’s going on in the market. Manufacturers typically offer new, lease, and used car deals each month. Consider finding a new vehicle with a cash-back or low-interest financing offer to save big money.

   

Do You Have an Unwanted Vehicle in Your Garage?

Are you looking to replace your old beater with a shiny new car? Consider donating it to us at Goodwill Car Donations. We guarantee that you’ll find more satisfaction in doing that than selling that vehicle or driving it to the nearest car graveyard. We’ll give your old car a new and worthy purpose by using it to transform the lives of the disadvantaged folks in your community.

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

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

While helping the underprivileged members of your community with your car donation, you’ll also get outstanding rewards yourself. These include getting our fast and professional towing service at no cost to you and also at a date and place of your choice anywhere in the country.

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

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

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

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

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Start Changing Lives Today!

Your unwanted vehicle can help the impoverished and disadvantaged residents of your community live healthy and productive lives. We’ll use your car donation to transform their lives. Call Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or fill out our secure online donation form to make your donation now!

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Don’t Ignore These Signs If You Don’t Want to Face Bigger Car Woes!

An engine misfire usually occurs when an engine component is excessively worn or damaged. When this happens, you’ll find your engine momentarily stumbling, causing it to lose speed.

Fortunately, most misfires tend to dissipate, with the engine regaining its normal speed after a couple of seconds. However, this doesn’t mean you won’t face the same issue in the future.

Once you notice your engine misfiring, it’s important to figure out what’s causing it as soon as possible. The longer you ignore it, the more fuel you’ll waste. The more fuel you waste, the more likely the damage will spread to core engine components and the more toxic emissions will be released into the environment.

Do You Think Your Engine Is Misfiring? These Signs Will Confirm Your Suspicion!

So, how can you tell if your engine is misfiring or sputtering? Goodwill Car Donations shares the warning signs of this engine malfunction:

1. Rough idling

An engine that idles in a rough or clunky manner may indicate a misfire. When the air-to-fuel mixture in the cylinder gets compromised, your engine may jump up and down, causing your vehicle to start and stop all of a sudden. As a result, your ride will be a bumpy one.

2. Black exhaust

A cloud of thick, black smoke coming out of your exhaust pipes is another sign that your engine isn’t passing fuel and air properly. If you see that your car is emitting this type of exhaust smoke, you can safely assume that you’re experiencing an engine misfire.

3. Sluggish acceleration

If your engine is sputtering, your car will find it hard to reach adequate speeds. It will respond to engaging acceleration slowly and sluggishly. You may also feel a jerking motion when you step on the gas.

4. Illuminated “check engine” light

Many cars today come with built-in sensors that monitor engine performance. For instance, an illuminated “check engine” light is your engine telling you to get it inspected by a certified mechanic as it is struggling with certain issues, including a misfire.

5. Engine sound changes

Sudden changes in your engine’s sound are possible signs that the internal combustion reaction has been interrupted due to a misfire. If you hear an unusual sound coming from your engine bay, such as coughing or clanking, it’s best to have your car checked by your trusted technician.

Got an Old Car That’s Giving You Headaches?

If your old car is showing multiple issues, including a misfiring or sputtering engine, and your mechanic can’t say for sure that repairing them will restore your auto to its former condition, perhaps you’d be better off buying a new car instead.

You need not worry though since you can still make good use of that beater. By handing it over to us at Goodwill Car Donations, you’ll be able to extend valuable assistance to the disadvantaged people in your local community. They are the men and women who are struggling with disabilities, lack of education, skills, or job experience, and other barriers to living a productive and financially secure life.

Our team will have your car auctioned off after fixing it, with the proceeds used to help fund the life improvement and community development programs of the Goodwill organizations serving your area.

These IRS-approved 501(c)(3) nonprofits are dedicated to uplifting the lives of disadvantaged people, using the funding we give them to provide their beneficiaries with job and skills training, employment opportunities, scholarships, livelihood assistance, disability benefits, family support, educational services, financial assistance, and other essential support services.

Being a donor will benefit you in more ways than one. We’ll provide you with our professional pickup and towing service at zero cost to you and at a time and date most convenient to you. We can collect your vehicle wherever you had it parked or stored anywhere in the country.

Your charitable contribution will also entitle you to claim the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season.

Best of all, 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 whatever their ages or conditions. We take even vehicles with defective and/or missing parts.

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 anytime through our toll-free hotline at 866-233-85866. You may also drop us a message here and we’ll respond to you ASAP.

Give Your Old Car a New and Worthy Purpose Today!

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We can turn your unwanted commuter car into a powerful tool that can free the needy folks in your community from the clutches of poverty. You’ll be in awe when you see how huge of an impact your gift can bring to their lives. Call Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or fill out our secure online donation form now!

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Don’t Get Short-Changed!

Did you know that you won’t go home empty-handed once you decide to donate an unwanted vehicle to an IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization? That’s because such a vehicle donation will qualify you for a top tax deduction in the next tax season.

That’s just one of the rewards in store for you when you make a charitable vehicle donation. This option will allow you to dispose of your unwanted car quickly and at no cost to you. It’s so much better than trying to sell an old car that needs a lot of work. If you try to sell such an auto, you’d have to endure the hassles and the rigors of doing so without any assurance that you’ll get a good enough price for it.

In contrast, if you decide to simply donate an unneeded vehicle to charity, you won’t have to spend your hard-earned money on fixing and refurbishing it to make it sellable.

What You Need to Know Before Donating a Vehicle to a Charity

The perks of making a charitable car donation indeed look enticing. However, you need to do this the right way. Otherwise, you might feel short-changed. Goodwill Car Donations is here to guide you on what you need to do.

1. Find a nonprofit organization.

The first thing you need to do is to look for a reputable nonprofit organization that supports a cause you believe in. Once you find one, ask its staff whether they accept vehicle donations.

2. Check if the organization is a 501(c)(3) charity.

If you’re donating a vehicle with the hope of getting a tax deduction from it, you’ll need to find a 501(c)(3) charity or a tax-exempt religious organization. If you’re not sure whether or not a charity is an IRS-certified 501(c)(3) organization, you can call the IRS hotline or simply visit its website.

3. Put the charity’s name on the car title.

One of the biggest mistakes that many donors make is leaving the car’s title ownership blank upon making a vehicle donation. Some organizations instruct car donors to do this so they won’t have to retitle the vehicle. If the charity you approached does this, find another one.

In the absence of a formal transfer of ownership, you might be liable for anything that happens to your vehicle. For instance, you’d still be liable for paying parking tickets. An unscrupulous person in an organization might also use your car to commit a criminal act. If the charity fails to register the vehicle under its name, you’ll remain its owner.

4. Determine whether you can use your vehicle’s Fair Market Value or standard deduction for your tax write-off.

When claiming a tax deduction for your vehicle donation, you can either use your vehicle’s Fair Market Value (FMV) or the standard deduction. In general, you can use your vehicle’s FMV if the charity did any of the following actions:

• It used your vehicle for its operations.
• It made improvements to the vehicle before auctioning it.
• It sold your car for less than $500.
• It sold your vehicle at a low price to a person with a low income.

However, if the charity did none of these actions, you can opt for the standard deduction. Many charities allow their vehicle donors to get tax deductions equivalent to their vehicles’ selling prices.

5. Be sure to keep the documents after donating your vehicle.

You should get a written receipt from the charity once you hand over your vehicle to it. Be sure to keep the receipts and other documents since the IRS will look for them when you claim your tax deduction for your vehicle donation.

Have a Satisfying Car Donation Experience with Us!

If you’re looking for the most satisfying car donation experience, you’ll find it at Goodwill Car Donations. When you donate your unwanted car to us, you’re assured of a hassle-free donating experience. We will also ensure that you get to receive the highest possible tax deduction and all other rewards that you’re entitled to get for your car donation.

We’ll auction off your donated vehicle to generate funds for the Goodwill organizations serving your local area. These IRS-approved 501(c)(3) nonprofits cater to disadvantaged U.S. citizens — those who are burdened with disabilities, lack of education, job experience, or essential skills, and other disadvantages that serve as roadblocks in their pursuit of a productive and meaningful life.

Your local Goodwill nonprofits will provide the underprivileged residents of your community with job and skills training, employment opportunities, scholarships, livelihood assistance, disability benefits, family support, educational services, financial assistance, and other essential support services.

You’ll not be the only one doing the giving when you donate to us. To thank you for your kindness and generosity, we’ll make sure you’ll receive substantial rewards. They include getting our free professional towing service anywhere in the country and also the highest possible tax deduction you can claim 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 and livelihood opportunities that it will help generate for the empowerment of your less fortunate fellow residents.

Nearly all vehicle types are accepted in our donation program. They include vehicles that are no longer in good condition.

For information about our quick and simple vehicle donation process, visit our FAQs page. You can also call us anytime through our toll-free hotline at 866-233-8586 or write to us here for your inquiries or concerns.

Donate a Car Today to Get a Tax Deduction!

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If you’re looking to get rid of an old car while making an impact in your community and getting a tax deduction to boot, you can put check marks on all that when you donate that vehicle to Goodwill Car Donations. Call us at 866-233-8586 or fill out our secure online donation form now!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Public Charities

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

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

• Private Organizations

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

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

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

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

1. Check the IRS database.

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

2. Call the IRS.

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

3. Ask to see a determination letter.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Start Making a Difference Today!

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

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How to Tell If Your Engine Is Burning Too Much Oil

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

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

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

1. Blue or grey smoke appearing

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

2. Topping up more frequently than usual

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

3. Unusual noise from your engine

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

4. Failing coolant

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

5. Engine running hotter than normal

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Give Your Old Beater a New Purpose Today!

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

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Staying in control of your vehicle is what keeps you safe on the road. If you notice your steering wheel is shaking or vibrating when driving, this means that certain maintenance must be done soon. There are several reasons your steering wheel may be shaking or loose, such as problems with your tire balance, brake rotor condition, and suspension. No matter what the issue is, you’ll want to have your car inspected by your trusted mechanic, who can diagnose the problem and get you back behind the wheel in no time. Read on to learn more about the main reasons your steering wheel can become wobbly over time.

A shaking steering wheel is never a good sign. It’s your car telling you something is wrong. But what exactly could it be?

Figuring out the cause is important so you know what to do next. Sometimes it’s a small fix you can handle yourself. Other times, you’ll need to call in a professional mechanic.

To help you understand what might be happening, Goodwill Car Donations has listed three of the most common reasons steering wheels shake, plus what you can do about each one:

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

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

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

• Reason #2: Your brake rotors are warped.

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

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

• Reason #3: Your suspension components are loose.

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

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

As you can see, there are several reasons that your steering wheel can become wobbly, some more severe than others. If you have unbalanced or uneven tires, this is a quick fix. You can have your tires adjusted during your routine tire rotation, which should be done between every 5,000 to around 8,000 miles. The more serious signs are when your brake rotors are warped or if you have suspension components loose. Schedule a time to bring in your vehicle to your trusted local mechanic so they can take a look and make the right repairs. This will ensure they catch any other issues before they get worse, so you can get back behind the wheel and enjoy a smooth ride.

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

Is a shaky steering wheel just one of the many problems making your car unsafe to drive? If you’ve lost confidence that it will ever be properly fixed, it might be time to let that clunker go.

The easiest and most rewarding way to get rid of a problematic vehicle is to donate it to Goodwill Car Donations. You will free yourself from the burden and costs of keeping an unwanted car, all while helping people in your community who are struggling.

We auction off every donated vehicle to raise money for local Goodwill organizations. These are IRS-certified nonprofits that help disadvantaged Americans. They serve people facing challenges like disabilities, a lack of education or job skills, a prison record, or welfare dependency. These barriers can make it very hard for someone to find a stable job and escape poverty.

Your local Goodwill nonprofits use the funding from your donation to provide critical services. These include job training, employment opportunities, scholarships, and disability benefits for the people they serve.

Your donation directly supports these services. This gives underprivileged people in your community the chance to use their own potential, gain skills, and work toward financial independence.

Our donation process is completely hassle-free for you. You do not have to leave your home or pay anything. We will arrange for a licensed towing company to pick up your vehicle, free of charge, anywhere in the country.

Shortly after your vehicle is sold, we will mail the 100% tax-deductible sales receipt right to your door. You can use this receipt to claim the maximum possible tax deduction during the next tax season.

You will also get the great satisfaction of knowing your donation helps create jobs and new opportunities, strengthening your entire community.

We accept nearly all types of vehicles, whether they are running or not. However, we do have some limitations. Please contact us to confirm if your specific vehicle is accepted.

If you have any questions, you can call us anytime at 866-233-8586.

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

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

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

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

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

How Does Road Salt Damage Your Car?

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

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

Does Car Insurance Cover Salt Damage?

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

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

 

How to Prevent Salt Damage

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

1. Avoid driving before or after a snowstorm.

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

2. Wash your car regularly.

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

3. Wax your vehicle’s exterior.

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

4. Avoid puddles.

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

5. Prep your vehicle for winter.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

You Can Be a Local Hero Today!

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

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They’re Telling You to Check Your Car ASAP!

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

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

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

1. Squealing

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

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

2. Grinding

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

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

3. Sputtering

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

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

4. Tapping or clicking

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

5. Rumbling

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

Donate Your Unwanted Vehicle to Support a Meaningful Cause

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bring Hope to the Less Fortunate Today!

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

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Don’t Let Car Trouble Ruin Your Next Adventure!

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

How to Get Your Car Ready for Your Upcoming Road Trip

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

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

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

2. Inspect your battery.

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

3. Assess your brakes.

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

4. Top off all fluids.

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

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

5. Examine your tires.

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

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

You Can Use Your Unwanted Car to Uplift Lives

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Make a Difference in Your Community Today!

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

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How to Determine If They Are the Right Fit

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

Top 3 Questions to Ask When Looking for a Qualified Mechanic

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reach Out to the Disadvantaged Folks in Your Community

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Use Your Unwanted Vehicle to Impact Lives Today!

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