How to Jumpstart a Car With a Dead Battery

Posted on June 10, 2022 by cincinnatijunk

Whether you are just starting out as a first-time driver or car owner, or you are in the middle of a dead car battery conundrum, knowing how to jump start a car will be an important skill set to have in your automotive aptitude arsenal. Continue below for detailed instructions on how to jump start a dead car battery using a conventional set of jumper cables.

Free Junk Car Towing Cincinnati Ohio 513-991-4776

What You Need to Jump-Start a Dead Car Battery

To jump start a dead battery, you will need two essential resources: a set of jumper cables and another working vehicle. You can purchase a set of jumper cables at any local automotive retail store or home improvement store. You can also purchase them online through relevant retailers. Jumper cables come in all different variations, ranging in quality, application, and price.

For the purpose of jump-starting in that car battery, you really only need a very basic set of jumper cables. Don’t spend more than $40 unless you are equipping a heavier duty vehicle for emergency roadside purposes. Larger trucks and vans might require a more expensive set of jumper cables because they use higher power batteries.

In order to jump start a dead car battery, you will also need another operational vehicle, called the booster car. The jumper cables will work as a conduit, transferring power from the good car battery to your dead car battery. This jolt of power is what we call the “jumpstart”, which should adequately power your battery and start your vehicle. If a jump-start fails the first time, it’s recommended to give it another try. However, if jump starting a dead car battery continues to fail, you likely need car battery replacement.

Guide to Jump Starting a Car

Park the booster vehicle side-by-side with your car. You may also park the booster vehicle in front of your car, hood to hood. Whatever positioning you choose, just be sure that both car battery receptacles are close enough so that the jumper cables can reach each one at the same time.

Before getting started, be sure that both vehicles are completely off.

Next, open the hood and secure it in place with the attached latch. Do this with the other vehicle too.

Locate the car battery, then identify the negative (-) and positive (+) battery terminals. They may also be labeled as POS (positive) and NEG (negative). Do this with the other vehicle too.

If the battery looks dirty, use a rag to gently clear away any debris. If you notice green, blue, or white-colored corrosion around the battery terminals, do not attempt a jump-start. This is a sign that you need a new car battery.

Next, unwind your jumper cables, but do not allow the clamps to touch. In fact, from this point on, do not allow the clamps to touch any metal surface at all, otherwise it will create a spark and pose a fire or burn hazard.

Starting with the dead car, attach the red-colored positive (+) clamp of the jumper cable to the positive battery terminal. Move to the booster car and do the same thing.

Go back to the dead car and attach the black-colored negative (-) clamp to the negative battery terminal. Move to the booster car and do the same thing.

Now start the booster car. Wait several minutes, then start the car. You may need to hold the ignition key over for a few seconds to get it to start. Let your car run for 10 to 20 minutes to get a good charge. If it will not hold the charge, you could need alternator repair or a new battery.

Finish by disconnecting the jumper cables in reverse order: Remove the black clamp on your car, then remove the black clamp on the booster car. Remove the red clamp on the booster car, then remove the red clamp on your car.

Do you have a junk car you want to sell but you can get it to start? Well, we will remove it for FREE! Contact GC’s Junk Cars at 513-991-4776 to sell a totaled car to a trusted junk car buyer in Cincinnati, Ohio. Not only do we offer free junk car removal, but we will also pay you cash on the spot!

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.

Junk Car Buyers Cincinnati Ohio 513-991-4776

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!

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.

Cash for Junk Cars Cincinnati Ohio 513-991-4776

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.

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!

Cincinnati OH Cash for Cars 513-991-4776 — Call 513-991-4776 for a Free Junk Car Quote!

Important Documents That Should Be Kept in Your Vehicle

Posted on February 17, 2022 by cincinnatijunk

When you purchase a vehicle, or at least drive one around legally, you will be in possession of certain documents. Some of these documents should be kept inside the vehicle always, while others are better left in a safe spot at home.

Continue reading to learn which automotive documents stay in the car and which do not, plus where you can get free junk car removal in Ohio if your vehicle was just totaled.

Which Papers Go in the Glove Box?

You wouldn’t keep your wedding ring in your gym locker, nor would you store your gym shorts in your briefcase. The same principles apply when it comes to your car paperwork. Some documents should be kept in the glove compartment, console, or binder in the vehicle at all times, while some others are safer in the security of your own home, or safety deposit box.

So, which is which? After all, you have your car title, state registration, insurance, maybe AAA, and possibly even your Bill of Sale. Here is a quick reference guide to use when organizing your vehicle’s documents:

Keep These Documents in the Car:

▶ Car Registration

The law requires all vehicles to be registered with the state in order to be legally driven on the road. For this reason, your car’s registration is an important document that should stay with the car at all times. The registration proves that your vehicle is legal and authorized in accordance with the license plate. If you are pulled over for a traffic stop, the officer will ask you to see this document.

▶ Proof of Insurance

The law also requires that all drivers maintain the state minimum for liability car insurance coverage. In the case of an accident, whether your fault or not, you will be asked to show your proof of insurance. A police officer will also need to see this document in the case that you are stopped for a traffic violation. Some people also get an insurance card along with their document, allowing them to have a second source in the wallet or at home.

Keep These Documents at Home:

▶ Car Title

The car title is proof of ownership for the car. This is one of the most important car papers to keep track of, which is why it should be kept safe at home, in a safe, or in a locked security deposit box. If you are pulled over for a traffic stop, the police officer will not ask to see the car title, even if they suspect that the car is stolen. They can use your registration to prove that you are authorized driver of the vehicle.

▶ Bill of Sale

The Bill of Sale is not something you want or need to keep in your car. Sometimes, car owners do not receive a Bill of Sale, such may be the case if they purchase their car from a dealership. If you do have some version of a Bill of Sale for your vehicle, just keep it at home with your car title.

Did you just totaled your car and now you need to scrap it? 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!

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.

Totaled Car Auto Salvage Ohio 513-991-4776

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!

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.

Totaled Car Buyers Cincinnati Ohio 513-991-4776

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!

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.

Cincinnati Cash for Junk Cars Company 513-991-4776

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.

Local Auto Salvage Cincinnati OH 513-991-4776

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.

Cash for Cars Buyer Cincinnati Ohio 513-991-4776

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!