Keep an Eye Out for These 3 Common Auto Repair Shop Scams

Posted on May 13, 2022 by cincinnatijunk

Unfortunately, not all automotive repair mechanics can be trusted. Now that’s not to say that every mechanic is crooked in some way or another, but in the industry, auto repair shop scams do happen to innocent car owners like yourself. If your vehicle is in need of repair, or is at an age that comes with a lot of breakdowns and mechanical issues, you need to learn how to watch out for these kinds of unethical auto shop cons.

Continue reading to learn 3 common auto repair shop scams and how to avoid them.

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How a Shady Mechanic Might Try to Take Advantage of You

It is easy to trust whatever a mechanic is telling you, after all, you don’t know anything about automotive repair. But with the proper knowledge, you can equip yourself with an eye for any unethical customer service. Most auto repair shop scams involve gouging money from customers, while others blatantly waste their time and make life inconvenient. So, how does a Shady mechanic try to take advantage of car owners?

Check Engine Light

An unethical mechanic might take advantage of an illuminated check engine light. Because a check engine light can be a warning for all sorts of different mechanical and electrical issues within a vehicle, a mechanic could decide to be dishonest with the customer by telling them the underlying issue is more serious than it is, and therefore more expensive.

Hourly Labor Rates

Mechanics typically charge by the hour for labor. If a mechanic wanted to be unethical, they could milk the clock so to say, taking much longer to repair your vehicle in order to charge you more. For instance, what could have been done in 30 minutes is billed for 3 hours. This scam can have a monumental impact on a person’s budget since the average auto shop hourly rates are usually between $75 and $150. If you have your car repaired at the dealership, the hourly labor rates are even higher.

Liberty Repairs

This auto repair shop scam is one that mechanics tend to get away with more often because customers are too afraid to speak up or do not know enough about automotive repair and mechanics to argue the need for whatever work was performed on the vehicle. Liberty repairs is a loose term used to describe when a mechanic performs additional repairs or replacements on a vehicle without the customer’s permission. This way, they can charge for more labor and parts, even if the vehicle didn’t necessarily require it right away or at all.

Don’t let yourself go down to auto repair rabbit hole. Junk your car and put your profit towards a newer, more reliable vehicle! Contact GC’s Junk Cars at 513-991-4776 for professional cash for cars service in Cincinnati Ohio. Our junk car buyers only pay in cash, and we even provide free junk car removal service!

Did You Total a Car With an Unpaid Loan?

Posted on April 26, 2022 by cincinnatijunk

Totaling a car is panic-worthy enough, but when you still owe on the auto loan, your level of anxiety can reach alarming levels. Fortunately, there are options available to help you make it right once again. Continue below to learn what to do if you still owe on a totaled vehicle, plus how to earn fast cash for your junk car in Cincinnati.

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Brief Explanation of a Total Loss Vehicle

Although it can vary from state to state, a car is deemed totaled if it meets one or more of the following circumstances: 1) the cost to repair it exceeds the actual cash value (ACV), 2) repairing it would be dangerous, or 3) it meets the state’s total loss guidelines. So, you know your car is totaled, but you still owe on the car loan. What do you do? Well, you have at least 3 viable options. The course you choose will depend on your current economic condition, state regulation, and the discretion of the insurance company.

How to Deal With a Totaled Car You Still Owe Money On

► Pay Off the Remaining Auto Loan Balance

An auto loan or financing agreement does not disappear when a car is totaled. Unfortunately, you are still legally obligated to pay. Sure, paying off the remaining auto loan balance is easier said than done, but nonetheless, a viable option worth mentioning. By satisfying the remainder of the loan or financing plan, you can avoid any future financing problems or approvals. You can either pay the balance in full or continue making your regular scheduled payments.

► Negotiate a Deal With the Insurance Company

If you cannot afford to pay off the auto loan or have barely made any payments as of yet due to it being a brand new car, you might be able to strike a deal with the insurance company. Do your research to see how much your car’s actual cash value is using trusted, certified sources like KBB or Autotrader, then use this data to prove that your vehicle is worth more than what the insurance company is willing to pay.

What NOT To Do

The above two options are what you can do after totaling a vehicle you still owe on, but there is one thing you should not do. It is strongly discouraged to roll the remaining auto loan balance into a new loan. This will only increase your interest payments, making it harder to pay it off in a reasonable time frame. Keep your auto loan and other loans separate.

If you are not happy with the insurance company offer for your totaled vehicle, sell it for cash on the spot to a trusted Ohio auto salvage yard! Contact GC’s Junk Cars at 513-991-4776 for professional cash for totaled cars in Cincinnati Ohio. We provide free junk car removal and instant offers! Request a free offer today!

What to Do if You Cannot Pay $5000 to Replace a Blown Car Engine

Posted on April 15, 2022 by cincinnatijunk

A blown car engine is a serious fiscal undertaking. On average, a replacement or rebuilt car engine will cost you at least $3000 or $4000 just for a 4-Cylinder engine, or an upwards of $7000 or $8000 for a V6 or V8. It really just depends on the make and model of your vehicle. To make matters worse, car engine replacement is so expensive that oftentimes it exceeds the current market value of the vehicle itself. This means that the insurance company will deem the vehicle totaled. If you have just blown your car engine but you cannot afford to replace it, you still have some viable options to choose from.

Continue reading to learn what to do if you cannot pay $5000 to replace the blown car engine in central Ohio.

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Sell Your Car to an Auto Salvage Yard in Indianapolis

Blowing a car engine while covered under automotive insurance is one thing but blown a car engine without having and active car insurance policy can really leave you in the dust. Fortunately, in either case, insurance or not, you can always sell your junk car to an auto salvage yard in Indianapolis.

So long as you choose a reputable and experienced Cincinnati cash for cars company, you can expect to get paid cash on the spot for your junk vehicle. Regardless of its condition, age, make, or model, an Ohio auto salvage professional will buy your junk vehicle and pay you its market worth in scrap. You can then take this easy profit and put it towards a new car purchase.

Covered By Auto insurance?

In the case that you blow a car engine, but you do have an active insurance policy, and auto salvage yard in. Cincinnati can still benefit you. Although your insurance deductible will go towards repairing your car engine by replacing it altogether, you can inquire about keeping your blown car engine. If the insurance company allows you to keep your blown car engine, you can sell your junk motor to a Cincinnati junk car buyer for cash on the spot. In fact, this year, engines are one of the most sought-after automotive parts by auto salvage yards in Ohio.

How Much is a Scrap Engine Block Worth?

Current market values for junk cars and motors are constantly changing. Generally, motors are valued between $0.37 and $1 per pound. The most sought-after scrap metals in junked engine blocks include aluminum, copper, and steel. All of these materials can be recycled and repurposed.

Is your vehicle totaled because the car engine blew? Contact GC’s Junk Cars at 513-991-4776 for professional cash for cars service in Cincinnati Ohio. Our junk car buyers only pay in cash and provide free junk car removal service. We also pay cash for used and junked auto parts!

How to Tell If You Need to Replace the Shocks and Struts in Your Car

Posted on March 31, 2022 by cincinnatijunk

There are certain types of automotive repairs that are vital to the overall safety and performance of your vehicle. If you neglect to keep up on regular scheduled car maintenance and fail to tackle minor auto repairs as they come, you can expect your car to have a shorter lifespan. When it comes to shocks and struts, this car care principle especially applies.

Continue reading to learn more about the role of the shocks and struts in your vehicle, plus the common signs that suggest you need to repair or replace them. Is your car already on its last leg and you are not sure if you can afford automotive repair? We have information about that down below, too.

What are Shocks and Struts?

Have you always wondered what shocks and struts actually do in your car? Have you ever hit a big bump in the road while driving? Well, had you not been equipped with good condition shocks and struts, that bump would have caused your car to aggressively bob up and down, and possibly even bottom out and scrape against the pavement.

Shocks are components of the car suspension system that aids the coils in impact absorption. Struts bring together the shock absorbers and the coils, positioning the suspension system as one structural unit, which in turn, also provides added structural support.

Most modern vehicles have struts on the front axle and shocks on the back, while many other cars will only have struts on both axles. There are very few vehicles that have only shocks and no struts. Check your owners’ manual to learn what your ride is equipped with.

The Importance of High-Performing Shocks and Struts

Shocks and struts are very important because they are a vital partner to your car’s overall suspension system. They allow car tires to maintain proper traction with the road by balancing the weight of the vehicle evenly. In turn, this reduces unwanted vehicular movement like bouncing, bobbling, and swaying. Basically, good condition shocks and struts provide a smooth, stable, and safe ride.

This is especially important for drivers who frequently commute with small children, babies, and pets. It is also very beneficial for anyone who suffers from trigger induced migraines or body aches and pains. When you are feeling this way, you don’t want your car bumping all over the road. Even the smallest discrepancy in pavement can cause a vehicle to aggressively bobble and dip when the shocks and struts are not in good condition.

Common Signs of Bad Shocks and Struts

If you are wondering if you need to replace the shocks and struts in your vehicle, look for these telltale signs:

▷ Uneven Tire Tread Wear
▷ Rough and Bumpy Idling
▷ Unstable Braking/Turning
▷ Hydraulic Fluid Leaks

Can’t afford to repair your bad struts and shocks? Not worth the cost to repair your vehicle because it is already so run down? Just contact GC’s Junk Cars at 513-991-4776 and get paid cash on the spot by our Cincinnati OH junk car buyers! We accept all make and model vehicles, regardless of condition. We also provide free junk car removal!

8 Tips for Long Term Car Storage

Posted on March 15, 2022 by cincinnatijunk

Putting a car in storage for an extended or indefinite period of time requires some serious preparation. Otherwise, you can forget maintaining its economic value. Whether you have just cleared a loved one’s estate, wrecked a vehicle you cannot currently afford to repair, or have an extra vehicle with no room in the driveway, use these tips to ensure safe long term car storage.

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How to Store a Car For More Than 30 Days

Storing a car for a couple of weeks requires a different preparation process than storing a car for longer than thirty days. Vehicles that sit for longer than a month will experience different effects from non-usage. Essentially, cars that are to be stored for longer than thirty days will require more protection, and therefore, more preparation.

Here are the top 8 tips to focus on when storing a car for more than 30 days:

Keep the Insurance Policy

One of the first things car owners tend to do when preparing to store a car for a long period of time is cancel the insurance policy. But this is a serious mistake. Vehicles can experience all sorts of unanticipated damage while in storage, so it is important to maintain insurance coverage in the case that it happens to your car. Do not make the mistake of canceling the insurance policy just because you are placing your car in storage for the foreseeable future.

Clean the Interior and Exterior

Before placing a car in storage for a long period of time, it is important to clean the inside and the outside of the vehicle. Anything that is causing dirt, dust, or any level of decay in or on your vehicle will only worsen over time. Dirt on the outside of the vehicle can even cause rust and paint deterioration. Take your car to the car wash or do it yourself; it does not matter. Just be sure to clean your car before storing it for a long time.

Get an Oil Change

If you are storing your car for longer than a month, it is important that you switch out the motor oil. Take it into a local automotive mechanic shop for a quick oil change service. It would be wise to allow the mechanic to top off the rest of your automotive fluids as well, including the coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and more.

Fill Up the Gas Tank

If a car is going to be sitting for long period of time without being driven, it is wise to top off the gas tank. Although this might seem counterproductive, especially with the rising fuel prices today, it is an important step to long term car storage because it prevents moisture from building up inside of the fuel tank and prevents the seals from drying out. Moisture buildup inside of the gas tank can cause interior engine damage.

Periodically Charge the Car Battery

It is important to keep the car battery charged when storing a car for longer than thirty days. Otherwise, you can kiss your battery goodbye. If you do not periodically charge the car battery while the car is in storage, you will need to replace the battery entirely once you decide to pull the car out storage.

Do Not Put the Parking Brake On

Many people wrongly assume that the parking brake will make sure a car stays in place when stored long-term. But this is a common mistake. Do not use the parking brake when storing your car long-term. If you are worried about the vehicle rolling forwards or backwards, position center blocks or bricks behind the tires instead.

Prevent Wildlife Tampering

There are several species of nuisance wildlife in Ohio that are notorious for using abandoned or stationary vehicles as shelter. Animals like squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons, opossums, skunks, and even badgers are commonly found nesting within the undercarriages of cars. Not only can this cause extensive internal engine damages, but it can cause the animal to die and leave behind a lingering odor of decay that is very hard to get rid of. If you plan to store a car long-term, be sure to incorporate wildlife abatement strategies to prevent this from happening. In fact, the next strategy will do well for this purpose.

Cover Your Vehicle With a Tarp

A simple but highly effective strategy for protecting your car while in long-term storage is to cover it up with a tarp. You will be shocked to see just how much dust and dirt accumulation eventually builds up on top of that tarp once you decide to pull the car out of storage. You will be thankful that you covered it up when that happens!

Are you looking for an easier way to take a car off your hands without any sort of financial responsibility or obligation to it? Contact GC’s Junk Cars at 513-991-4776 to sell an unwanted car to a professional junk car buyer in Cincinnati, Ohio. We offer free towing and pay cash on the spot!

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Will My Insurance Cover Towing Fees for a Totaled Car?

Posted on January 27, 2022 by cincinnatijunk

Whether you totaled your car today or in the recent past, you can safely assume you will not be able to drive it where it needs to go. Most people have their totaled vehicles towed to their homes, while others choose to have their cars and trucks towed directly to an auto body shop. In either case, you might be wondering who is responsible for the towing expenses. Will you pay for towing out of pocket and get reimbursed by your insurance carrier later on? Will your insurance company even pay you back? These are good questions to ask yourself considering you could possibly get stuck with the immediate, non-negotiable expense.

Continue below to learn a little bit about auto insurance basics, namely when they might cover towing fees for a totaled car, but also what you can do if your carrier will not pay for a tow.

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State Minimum Liability for Car Insurance Coverage

All drivers in all states are required to have minimum liability car insurance coverage. If you choose to, you can upgrade from this basic, state-required level of auto insurance, which may come in handy in the case that you wreck or total your car. Here is a break down of common insurance coverages, plus whether or not they pay for totaled car towing:

▷ Minimum Liability Insurance – This type of car insurance coverage only covers bodily injury and properly damages for other drivers and their passengers. It does not cover your own injuries, nor does it cover property damages, including the damage to your car. This policy would not pay for towing service.

▷ Comprehensive Insurance – This insurance coverage will cover damages to your car when it is damaged by an incident other than an auto collision. For instance, if a tree falls on your car or a flash flood comes through, your insurance will cover the repairs to your vehicle. This insurance does not reimburse for towing expenses.

▷ Collision – Collision auto insurance can be added to your existing policy and will cover auto body repairs or vehicle replacement if you are in a car wreck. However, it may or may not cover towing costs. You must check with your carrier to confirm towing coverage.

▷ Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage – If you are hit by another driver who is not insured or doesn’t have enough car insurance coverage, this auto insurance will cover you. This may or may not cover towing expenses. However, in most cases, it does.

▷ Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) – Also known as gap insurance, this type of auto insurance coverage will pay for remaining loan obligations in the case that you total your car. This does not cover towing in the case that you totaled your car.

▷ Roadside Assistance Coverage – When you want free or inclusive towing privileges in the case that you total your car, you will need to add roadside assistance coverage to your existing policy. Such coverage comes in different levels, such as basic or premium, and will cover most roadside emergency situations, such as flat tires, overheating engines, fuel fill-ups, locked keys in the car, fluid refills, and more.

Are you looking for a simple and speedy way to get free towing for your totaled car in Cincinnati? Contact GC’s Junk Cars at 513-991-4776 to sell a junk car to an experienced and friendly junk car buyer in Cincinnati, Ohio. We provided free junk car removal service!

Will it Be Expensive to Replace a Catalytic Converter?

Posted on January 12, 2022 by cincinnatijunk

Let’s get right to the point; shall we? Catalytic converters are expensive auto parts, regardless of your vehicle’s make or model. In fact, many vehicles are left as a total loss after the catalytic converter breaks down because the cost to replace one often exceeds their current market value.

Continue reading to learn why catalytic converters are higher in price, when a car is deemed totaled after one breaks down, and perhaps most importantly, how you can save some cash on a new catalytic converter in Cincinnati, Ohio!

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Catalytic Converter Composition

Catalytic converters play a vital role in the operation of your vehicle. Whether you drive a car, truck, SUV, or van, you have a catalytic converter. Why are catalytic converters so important? Well, they are in charge of converting harmful tailpipe emissions produced by your vehicle’s engine. Because they have to deal with extreme temperatures, catalytic converters are made from precious metals, like platinum, tungsten, and rhodium.

A precious metal is naturally occurring, rare element that is high in economic value. Examples of precious metals include gold, silver, and platinum, the latter of which is a primary material used to make catalytic converters!

So, because catalytic converters are made from metals and materials that do not come cheap or plentiful, they are more expensive to make. As a result, they have a higher price tag on the market.

Average Cost of Catalytic Converter Replacement

The cost of a new catalytic converter will depend on your vehicle’s make and model. Your total price, however, will depend on additional factors, like the labor costs at the auto shop. On average, you can expect a new catalytic converter to cost anywhere from $950 and $2500. Now, that just an average. It is possible to get a cheaper price, perhaps for popular cars or smaller cars.

2 Ways to Get a Discount on a New Catalytic Converter

To avoid paying full price for a new catalytic converter, consider these two options:

❶ Buy a Used Catalytic Converter: You may be able to locate a used, refurbished catalytic converter for your make and model vehicle. Used parts are significantly cheaper than new ones. Just be sure you are buying from a trusted retailer.

❷ Sell Your Old One: Many Cincinnati auto salvage lots accept junked car parts. Some even pay you for them! The good news here is that catalytic converters have among the highest value. Find a company that pays out for junked car parts and apply that cash toward your new catalytic converter.

Want to know which junk car lot pays cash on the spot for automotive junk and broken car parts? Just contact GC’s Junk Cars at 513-991-4776 to sell scrap auto parts in Cincinnati, Ohio and its surrounding counties. We pay cash on the spot and offer the highest payouts around! Apologies, but we do not accept catalytic converters or tires. We do accept metal wheels and rims.

8 Ways to Save Money on Car Insurance

Posted on December 30, 2021 by cincinnatijunk

We all want to save money, but when it comes to the real expenses in life, that’s where savings really matters. Car insurance coverage is one of those fixed-costs in life that tends to place pressure on the budget. But the good news is, there are plenty of ways to save on a new car insurance policy! All you have to do is take advantage of them!

Continue reading to learn 8 super easy and effective ways to save money on car insurance, plus what you can do if your totaled car is not covered under an active policy at the moment.

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Top Auto Insurance Discounts You May Be Eligible For

You might think that car insurance discounts are a thing of folklore or fable, but they really do exist. Of course, you might not be eligible for every possible auto insurance discount out there, but you will certainly be qualified to take advantage of at least one! For instance, simply being a safe driver will earn you auto insurance savings!

Whether you are new to the car insurance world or just between policies at the moment, these 8 car insurance discounts can help you save a notable amount of cash on annual coverage rates:

Anti-Theft Features

If you install carrier-approved anti-theft features on your vehicle, you could qualify for an auto insurance discount. Such features to consider include alarm systems or stolen vehicle recovery transceivers.

Automotive Safety Features

In addition to anti-theft and vandalism installations, you may also be able to earn a discount for certain car safety features. Such features may include anti-lock brakes (ABS) and airbag systems.

Good Student

The Insurance Information Institute (III) suggests that if you are a good student who can consistently keep your grades up, you may be able to earn a student discount on auto insurance. Many carriers are on board with this initiative to keep students in school.

Early Renewal

Some car insurance companies will give clients a discount or incentives for renewing their policy early before it can expire. Signing up for a new policy before your old one expires is best practice in all cases, but some carriers will reward you for it.

Low Mileage

Some auto insurance carriers will offer a discounted rate for those who do not drive very much. Since there is less chance that the driver will need to file a claim, they are willing to reduce their monthly or annual rate. In some cases, a carrier will offer policies based on how many miles a driver averages per year.

Multiple Policy

By choosing to combine multiple insurance coverage within one carrier, you could set yourself up for an auto insurance discount. These are referred to as “multi-policy” discounts, and many insurance companies offer them for those who qualify. For instance, use the same carrier for your home, auto, motorcycle, and boat insurance to get a better rate. The Insurance Information Institute (III) suggests insurance companies do this to reward for client loyalty.

Safe Driver

If you think you won’t qualify for any auto insurance discounts, you will be pleased to learn that safe driving counts! According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), many insurance companies are willing to offer reduced rates or discounts for drivers with great driving records, free of collisions, accidents, and traffic violations.

Telematics

There are insurance companies out there that will grant a reduced rate or discount for car insurance if the driver agrees to enroll in a telematics program. A telematics device is installed in the vehicle, which basically monitors and records driving data that insurers collect for research and marketing purposes.

*Some insurers offer these discounts, while others do not. Check with all potential carriers to be sure which discounts are available.

Are you worried about paying a massive car insurance deductible after totaling your vehicle in Ohio? Well, you don’t have to worry at all! Just contact GC’s Junk Cars at 513-991-4776 to sell a totaled car to a professional junk car buyer in Cincinnati, Ohio. We offer free towing and pay cash on the spot!

How to Get Rid of Old Gas in a Junk Car

Posted on November 29, 2021 by cincinnatijunk

Gasoline ages, and when it does, not only does it lose performance value, but it also becomes a hazardous material. If you are preparing to sell a junk car, it is important to remove the gasoline before trading it over for cash. But more importantly, you need to dispose of the old gas safely and within local and state regulations.

Continue reading to learn how to siphon gasoline from a junk car and how to get rid of both, safely.

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Gasoline Siphoning Tips

Why remove old fuel from a junk car if you are going to sell it anyways? Well, many auto salvage yards will charge an additional fee for gasoline removal, which comes out of your original offer. If you want to make the most money from selling your junk car, it is wise to do all that you can to avoid incurring additional fees. If your junk car has fresh gasoline in it, you can reuse it in another fuel-powered commodity or vehicle.

How to Siphon Gas:

DO NOT attempt to siphon gasoline from a car by sucking it through a tube or hose!

1) Purchase a fuel transfer siphon pump ($10-$15) and a government-approved gas can ($3-$12).

2) Push the correct end of the tubing deep into the fuel well. Push the other end of the tubing into the gas can.

3) Follow manufacturers’ instructions for pumping the gasoline out. Siphon pumps work differently depending on the model you buy. Some have mechanical pumps, while others have inflatable bulbs or automatic switches.

4) Just before the fuel empties, raise the tubing out of the gas can to stop the flow, or turn the pump off if yours is mechanical or automatic.

5) Remove the tubing from the fuel well.

How to Dispose of Old Gasoline

Getting rid of old gasoline is not as easy as tossing it into the trash. In fact, that would be illegal. It is extremely important to dispose of old gasoline safely, and in accordance with all local, state, and EPA regulations. Once your fuel is in a government-certified container, contact a local hazardous waste disposal center for instructions on how to drop it off. Some centers will provide pickup schedules, so you don’t have to drop it off yourself.

How to Get Rid of a Junk Car

Once your junk car is emptied of all gasoline, continue the preparation process by removing all personal belongings, plates (front and back), and trash from the vehicle. Now you are ready to find a reputable and established Ohio auto salvage company that will pay you top-dollar for your junk car! Not sure where to begin your search for the best junk car buyers in Cincinnati? Why don’t you just skip the hassle and go straight to the most trusted source for instant Cash for Cars in Ohio?

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What You Need to Know About Storing a Car Long Term

Posted on October 26, 2021 by cincinnatijunk

Do you have an extra vehicle that is taking up valuable space on your property, making you consider the option of placing it in storage long term? If so, it is important that you do it the right way. Storing a car for the long run can pose several challenges ahead if you are not adequately prepared.

Continue reading learn what you need to know about storing your car long-term, including the best option for getting rid of a junk car that no longer serves a valuable purpose.

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Long-Term Car Storage Tips

Store Your Car in a Closed and Protected Space

Ideally, when you are storing a car long-term, you want to keep it covered in or beneath an actual edifice, like a garage, parking canopy, or shed. As you can imagine, storing your car in an enclosed and secure space protects your vehicle from inclement weather, corrosion from external elements, wildlife tampering, vandalism, and all other general wear and tear hazards.

But the reality is, not everybody has access to these amenities. If you do not have a garage to park your vehicle in for long-term storage, you can rent a covered or enclosed space from a local storage facility in town, or you can rely on the other tips in this blog for long-term car storage. Keep in mind that storage facility fees are very high and always changing, plus you must sign a legally binding contract to rent storage unit space.

If renting a storage space for your vehicle is not in the budget, you can purchase an automobile tarp that can be draped over the entire vehicle wherever it’s parked. Just be sure to use center blocks or buckets of cured cement to secure the tarp down to the ground. You may need to check with your homeowners’ association before parking a covered vehicle in the driveway or on the street, long-term.

Take Care of the Automotive Fluids

Before placing your car into storage for a long period of time, it is important to take care of all the automotive fluids, namely the motor oil and gasoline. First, have the oil changed in the vehicle. Motor oil can expire and go bad, so it is important to have a fresh reserve in your vehicle to avoid corrosion and other internal engine problems.

You also want to top off the gas. Having a full gas tank is important when it comes to storing a car long-term because it prevents moisture from the accumulating inside of the fuel tank. Such moisture can cause all sorts of internal damages, including drying out the seals. You can take this a step further by also using a fuel stabilizer to prevent ethanol buildup inside the fuel tank.

Additional fluids to consider topping off include windshield proper fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, battery fluid, and radiator fluid (coolant).

Charge The Battery Periodically

When you are placing a car in long-term storage, it is not a set it and forget it kind of situation. It is important to have somebody periodically charge the car battery by starting the engine, or better yet, driving it around for 10 to 15 minutes. If these measures are not taken, the battery will lose its charge and die. While doing this, it is wise to run air conditioning as well, which will prevent poor air quality the next time you drive your vehicle.

If you’re not up for periodically charging the car better, you can disconnect the negative battery cable. This will prevent the juice from being used up inside the battery. Another option is to install a battery tender, also called a trickle charger. You’ll need a wall outlet to use this.

Are you turned off by the idea of preparing your car for long-term storage, and would rather just get rid of it altogether? Contact GC’s Junk Cars at 513-991-4776 to sell a surplus car to a reputable junk car buyer in Cincinnati, Ohio. We provide free junk car removal and instant offers!