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!

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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!

You Might Also Like:

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