Is My Car Totaled if the Speedometer is Broken?

Posted on December 14, 2021 by cincinnatijunk

Speedometers are important automotive devices because they monitor and display your vehicle speed in real time. So, if your speedometer is broken, or beginning to fail, you may be concerned that it’s the end of the line for your ride. In some cases, it may be. In other cases, speedometers can be repaired. It all depends.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about speedometer repair and replacement, and what to do if your car is totaled as a result of a broken speedometer in Cincinnati, Ohio.

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Identifying Speedometer Malfunction

You will likely notice it right away if your speedometer begins to malfunction. After many years of driving and operating a vehicle, you mostly interpret your speed, especially on the roads you are most familiar with. So, when you’re going much faster or much slower than what the speedometer is reading, it is time to have your vehicle inspected by a licensed mechanic.

Whether your speedometer can be repaired or not depends on various factors, including the current condition of your vehicle, your vehicles make and model, and the underlying cause of the speedometer malfunction. If you drive a classic car or rare car, you may have limited options on replacement parts, making speedometer replacement impossible.

Speedometer Repair and Replacement

Speedometers generally begin to malfunction as a result of an electrical issue, such as bad fuses or wiring. Automotive electrical pair is something that is reasonably-priced, and a service offered by most mechanics. If your speedometer is failing due to a defective speed sensor, a quick re-calibration may do the trick. This is also an inexpensive repair. Another common cause for speedometer malfunction is Engine Control Unit (ECU) failure.

Total Automotive Breakdown

When the cause of a broken or malfunctioning speedometer is serious, such as internal engine failures or irreplaceable auto electrical systems, your car could be deemed a total loss. But not to worry. You can only sell a total car to a local Cincinnati junk car buyer for cash on the spot. Just be sure to choose a reliable Cash For Cars Company in Ohio if you want the maximum payout for your totaled vehicle.

Are you looking for a trusted cash for cars company is in Ohio that’ll be the most money for your junk or totaled car? Contact GC’s Junk Cars at 513-991-4776 to sell a totaled car to a trusted junk car buyer in Cincinnati, Ohio. We offer free junk car removal and pay cash on the spot!

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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?

Contact GC’s Junk Cars at 513-991-4776 for prompt and professional cash for cars service in Cincinnati Ohio. We provide free junk car removal and instant offers! Request a free offer today!

5 Things You Should Never Do if You Want to Be a Good Car Owner

Posted on November 9, 2021 by cincinnatijunk

Good car ownership goals are not hard to achieve. All you need to do is stay current on all factory scheduled maintenance. In addition to routine car maintenance and care, you’ll also want to drop any bad habits you’ve developed as a driver over the years.

Continue reading to learn the top 5 things you should never do if you aim to be a good car owner and you want your vehicle to last as long as possible.

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Car Maintenance and Driving Errors to Avoid

In some cases, there’s nothing you can do to prevent certain mechanical breakdowns and automotive failures in your vehicle. But for the most part, foreseeable issues can be avoided with quality car care and regular scheduled car maintenance. Talk to your automotive mechanic to learn the best car maintenance schedule for your vehicle.

In the meantime, here are the top 5 things you need to always avoid as a car owner:

❶ Driving With Bad Breaks

Your brakes are one of the most important automotive components in your vehicle. As soon as they start to go bad or show signs of deterioration, it is vital that you take it into an automotive repair shop to have the brake pads and rotors replaced or serviced. One of the worst things you can do as a car owner is drive around with bad breaks or failing brake system. Even if your brakes are squeaking or squealing, it is in your best interest to pull your car over and have it towed to the nearest automotive shop for repairs.

❷ Driving With an Overheating Engine

Just like driving around with bad breaks, driving with an overheating engine is one of the worst things you can do to your vehicle. Your engine is overheating because it is lacking lubrication and generating too much heat and friction. You are basically rubbing metal on metal when you drive around with an engine that is overheating. Furthermore, the fumes produced by the overheating engine can be dangerous to you and other drivers’ because it can obstruct vision on the road. Never drive around with an overheating engine.

❸ Driving On Worn Tires

Your car tires are the single point of impact between your car in the road. For ultimate driving safety and performance, including fuel efficiency, it is important to keep your tires properly inflated. More importantly, bald tires should always be replaced with adequately treaded tires. Never drive around on bald or worn tires, as this is incredibly dangerous and can put more strain on other mechanical systems within your vehicle.

❹ Failing To Refill Vital Automotive Fluids

Your vehicle requires all sorts of automotive fluids to perform safely and efficiently, however 7 are essential to all cars and trucks. They include motor oil, transmission fluid, radiator fluid (also known as coolant), brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield wiper fluid, and if applicable, battery fluid. It is important to ensure that all automotive fluids are drained and refilled as recommended by the automotive manufacturer. You can find this information in your car’s owner’s manual, or you can ask a local mechanic.

❺ Ignoring Warning Lights

Your vehicle is designed with innovative indicator and warning light systems for reason. The car’s computer can detect all sorts of electrical glitches, mechanical failures, and defects within your vehicle. Once an issue is detected, the corresponding warning light will illuminate on your dashboard. One of the worst mistakes you can make as a car owner is ignoring any type of warning light. Sometimes the underlying issue is something as simple as tightening the gas cap, so don’t be afraid to have your car diagnosed when this happens to you.

Have you just learned that your car is totaled because the repairs cost more than what your car is actually worth as of today? If so, contact GC’s Junk Cars at 513-991-4776 to sell a totaled car to one of our experienced and friendly junk car buyers in Cincinnati, Ohio. We provide free junk car removal and instant offers!

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!

The Average Cost to Replace a Broken Catalytic Converter

Posted on September 28, 2021 by cincinnatijunk

As one of the leading Cincinnati Cash for Cars Companies in Ohio, we see a lot of vehicles with broken or faulty catalytic converters. That is because a broken catalytic converter can mean the end for several types of cars and trucks. But how can a broken catalytic converter in the life of the vehicle?

Catalytic converters are high in value, and they are a vital automotive component for all vehicles here in the United States. So, if one breaks down, it must be replaced in order for the vehicle to be operational once again. The problem that many drivers run into when faced with this need is cost. Catalytic converters are expensive, whether you buy them new or used.

Continue reading to learn more about the value of catalytic converters, including the average cost to replace a catalytic converter and what to do if you cannot afford to replace your catalytic converter.

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Catalytic Converter Prices

Catalytic converters are one of the most important auto parts within the vehicle because they are designed to eliminate excessive tailpipe emissions that are harmful to people and the surrounding environment. In fact, many states like California and Arizona require vehicles to pass strict muffler emissions tests and smog tests before they can be registered legally.

The important function of a catalytic converter directly relates to its high cost. You see, catalytic converters must be able to heat hydrocarbons at very high temperatures. For this reason, they are manufactured with precious metals like platinum and titanium. Because metals like platinum and titanium maintain relatively high market values throughout the year, they generally remain high in price and therefore, high in value.

Catalytic Converter Replacement

Well, here’s what you’ve been waiting for; the average cost of catalytic converter replacement. How much you spend on a catalytic converter will depend on whether you purchase one new or used. The use catalytic converter will cost less than a new one, but not always by very much. For this reason, it is strongly encouraged to always buy a brand-new catalytic converter when you need catalytic converter replacement.

You can expect to pay anywhere between $900 and $1,700 for new catalytic converter. This average cost breakdown can vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle and can be even higher for luxury and exotic cars.

Catalytic Converter Value

Because of their rare metal composition, catalytic converters are one of the most sought after automotive parts at any local junk car buying company or scrapyard. Platinum, titanium, and all other metals are 100% recyclable and can be repurposed for the manufacturing of other commodities like auto parts.

If your catalytic converter breaks down and you cannot afford to replace it, your car will be deemed a total loss by the insurance company. If this happens to you, you can always choose to sell your totaled vehicle to a local cash for cars company in Cincinnati.

Do you want to make the most cash for your totaled car? 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!

You Should Also Read:

4 Reasons Why You Should Sell Your Junk Car
Why Choose GC’s Junk Cars in Cincinnati OH
Your Options After Totaling a Vehicle

How to Wash Your Car Using the Rain

Posted on August 30, 2021 by cincinnatijunk

Is your car looking a bit shabby but you’re low on cash? Or perhaps you are preparing to have your junk car evaluated and you want to spruce it up without investing too much money in it? If so, the rain might be of help. Did you know that rainwater is naturally soft, meaning that is has a neutral pH and is entirely free of hard minerals and contaminants? It’s true; rainwater is pure, soft water that is ideal for car washing!

Continue below to learn how to use the rain to wash your car, as well as where to get the most cash for your junked or totaled vehicle in Cincinnati, OH!

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What You Will Need to Wash Your Car in the Rain

The great thing about washing your car by rain is that it is practically free. In fact, all the supplies you need to get the job done are likely already in your possession. And if you don’t have all the necessary materials required to wash your car in the rain, you can purchase them for as low as $1 a piece at your local Dollar Tree or Dollar General store.

Here is what you need to wash your car using the rain:

☑ Microfiber Cloth
☑ Large Wet Sponge (Or even a broom!)
☑ Bottle of Liquid Dish Soap – Any brand will do. We recommend Dawn®.
☑ Squeegee (optional)

How to Get Started:

When it comes to washing your car using the rain, your first step is to place your vehicle in a position where all sides will be exposed to rainfall, except the undercarriage course.

Once your car is in the perfect position, take your bottle of liquid dish soap and douse your car generously on all doors, the hood, the trunk, and the top.

Next, take your large sponge and what it down. Then, using all the elbow grease you have, begin to scrub your vehicle all over, ensuring that you get every exposed surface area including your windshields, windows, and wheels.

Now you are ready to wait for the rain! If rain is not already in the forecast at a high percent chance, you may have to do a little rain dance! Do not begin the first phase of this process unless you know it really is going to rain; otherwise, you’ll be stuck rinsing your car off with a garden hose and buckets of water.

After It Rains:

Once the rainfall has come and gone, try to go out to your car as soon as possible before it dries. Start your vehicle up and turn the windshield wipers on to clear your front windshield.

Then, using your microfiber cloth, begin wiping down your car, ensuring that you absorb every single raindrop.

If you do not have a back windshield wiper, use a squeegee to remove raindrops from the surface. And you are all done!

Do you have a junk car that you would like to sell for cash on the spot? 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!

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Why Choose GC’s Junk Cars in Cincinnati OH
4 Reasons Why You Should Sell Your Junk Car
Why You Should Never Skip a Routine Oil Change

GC’s Junk Cars – Cash for Cars

Category Archives: Car Care