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Make Sure Your Car Is Well-Equipped for Winter Driving Emergencies

For drivers, no other season is more dangerous than winter. Hazards such as icy roads, freezing temperatures, and snowstorms are part of the package that winter weather brings. This is especially true in areas that typically experience brutal winters.

While battery misfires or sudden tire skids can give you a quick scare, there’s nothing more terrifying than being stranded in your car during a snowstorm and getting stuck in the middle of nowhere with no help in sight. If you aren’t prepared, the situation can turn potentially deadly, especially if weather conditions worsen.

To make sure you’re ready in case you become stranded in your vehicle in winter, Goodwill Car Donations has compiled six useful survival tips:

1. Prepare an emergency survival kit.

Keep a bag filled with winter survival essentials in your car. Some examples of items your bag should contain include thermal blankets, extra clothes, water, food, matches, and a flashlight.

2. Gas up.

You don’t know when you’ll get caught in an emergency. It’s best to always have at least a half tank of gas in your car during winter.

3. Be visible.

If you’re stuck somewhere, turn your hazard lights on to make yourself visible to other drivers. This can also let them know that you need help.

4. Use your car heater.

You can use your car heater to stay warm. Don’t overuse it though. Try to conserve gas just in case you’re going to be stranded for a long time.

5. Call for help.

Call the authorities for help and inform them of your situation. You should also call your family and friends to let them know what’s going on.

6. Stay put.

If you’re in a safe spot, don’t risk going outside your car unless there’s someone to help you or there’s a building nearby. Staying inside your car is your best option when you’re stranded since it provides you with a cover from the elements.

Got a Problematic Car? Here’s a Rewarding Way to Dispose of It

If you’ve been driving an old car that has some mechanical issues, your chances of getting stranded in winter are multiplied. Don’t risk your life using that clunker. If repairing it will cost you a fortune, get rid of it. You won’t regret it if you simply donate it to us at Goodwill Car Donations. We’ll use your donation to improve the lives of the disadvantaged residents of your community while giving you a highly rewarding donating experience.

We will auction off your vehicle and turn over the proceeds to the Goodwill organizations serving your area. These IRS-approved 501(c)(3) nonprofits cater to disadvantaged Americans. They include the folks in your community who are saddled with disabilities, lack of education, job experience, or essential skills, and other limiting personal issues, such as being a former inmate.

These disadvantages serve as barriers to opportunities to build a better future for themselves and their families. Your car donation can help dismantle those barriers.

Your local Goodwill organizations use the funding they get from us to provide their beneficiaries with job and skills training, vocational services, scholarships, financial aid, mentoring and internship assistance, disability benefits, family support, and other types of support services.

Expect to be sufficiently rewarded for your charitable contribution. We’ll pick up and tow your vehicle for free wherever you are located in the United States. Your donation will also entitle you to receive the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season.

Moreover, your act of charity will bring you an immense sense of satisfaction, knowing that you’ll be contributing to the growth and development of your community by empowering your needy fellow residents through work and learning.

We accept almost all types of vehicles, including those that are no longer in good condition

To find out the details of our vehicle donation process, and other relevant information, visit our FAQs page. Questions? Call us at 866-233-8586 or leave us a message here.

Transform Lives with Your Car Donation Today!

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Your unwanted car can transform the lives of the less fortunate people in your community. Donate it to Goodwill Car Donations by calling 866-233-8586 or filling out our secure online donation form now!

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Why You Shouldn’t Let It Drain

The engine oil of your car is one of the most important things you need to maintain. It’s needed by your vehicle’s engine to be able to function properly and safely, which is why it’s recommended to be changed every 3,000 to 6,000 miles or so (depending on your vehicle’s make and model). That should be good for about four to six months’ worth of driving but could be earlier depending on how often you commute in your vehicle.

If you don’t want your car parts to wear out earlier than they’re supposed to and you want your vehicle to work efficiently, it’s highly recommended that you stick to the maintenance schedule indicated in your owner’s manual regarding oil changes.

 

What Happens If Your Oil Runs Out?

When you’re low on oil or it runs out, your car’s parts become vulnerable to wearing out early. The metal components in your engine will rub against each other without proper lubrication, which means increased heat from the resulting friction.

The worst-case scenario is that your engine will suffer substantial damage, giving you a bigger headache and leaving a bigger hole in your wallet as you take your car to the auto shop for major repairs.

The oil light on your dashboard will flash when your oil level becomes low. That’s a warning you should not dismiss.

When your oil gets drained because of a leak or a hole in your oil pan, the best thing you can do is to stop driving immediately and call for a tow truck.

Donate Your Unwanted Car to Help Build a Better Community

Making sure your engine oil is in good condition is just one of several maintenance routines you need to do to keep your car in tip-top shape. However, the older your vehicle becomes, the harder and more expensive it is to keep it in good working condition.

If you have an outdated car that no longer serves you well, consider giving it a fitting retirement. The best way to do that is by handing it over to us at Goodwill Car Donations. We’ll use it to improve the lives of the disadvantaged people in your community.

We’ll have your vehicle auctioned off, with the proceeds used to support the job and livelihood programs of the Goodwill organizations serving your area. These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits cater to disadvantaged Americans — those who are saddled by disabilities, lack of education, job experience, or essential skills, and other limiting personal issues, such as being a former inmate.

Goodwill nonprofits use the funding sourced from the sale of donated vehicles to provide their beneficiaries with job and skills training, vocational services, scholarships, financial aid, mentoring and internship assistance, disability benefits, family support, and other types of support services.

It’s easy to donate to us. At Goodwill Car Donations, we make sure our donors get to experience a stress-free donation process. You don’t even have to leave the comfort of your home. All you have to do is contact us online or by phone.

Also, your donation will entitle you to receive valuable rewards, including getting our free professional vehicle towing service and a top tax deduction. You can claim this tax write-off in the next tax season when you file your itemized federal income tax return.

Best of all, you’ll find great satisfaction in doing something that will benefit your entire community as once idle members get to enjoy stable and decent sources of income, thus attaining financial stability, which will enable them to live productive and fulfilling lives.

We accept nearly all vehicle types. Our team will take anything you hand over to us with open arms, including a vehicle that’s no longer in good condition or one that won’t start or run anymore.

You can also make your donation anywhere in the United States since our vehicle donation program covers the entire country.

Know more about Goodwill Car Donations, our mission, and our quick and easy donation process by visiting our FAQs page. You can also call us at 866-233-8586 or leave us a message through our contact form.

 

Be a Hero with Your Car Donation!

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Help the disadvantaged men and women in your community harness their full potential so they can live productive and fulfilling lives. You can be a hero to them with your auto donation. Call Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or fill out our secure online donation form now!

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5 Ways to Safely Ride Out the Season in Safety and Comfort

Out of all the seasons, winter probably hits your vehicle the hardest. Missing out on winter-proofing your car could cost you a lot of money when some of your car components break down due to harsh weather conditions.

It’s also dangerous to drive a car that’s isn’t ready for the hazards that winter weather brings. You might end up getting stranded or losing control of your vehicle while on the road.

To help you prepare your vehicle for winter, Goodwill Car Donations offers these five tips so you can ride out the season in safety and comfort.

1. Switch to synthetic oil.

If you aren’t using synthetic oil yet, make sure to switch to it this winter. Synthetic oil is a lot better for your engine during cold weather because it doesn’t thicken up like conventional oil when the temperatures drop.

2. Check your battery.

You don’t need to do this if your battery is relatively new. If you have an old battery, however, you should have it checked to make sure it’s still in good condition. The last thing you’d want is to get stuck on the road because of a battery that suddenly conked out.

3. Consider getting winter tires.

Winter tires provide better grip and handling on cold, wet, and frosty roads. Consider investing in winter tires if you live in an area that typically experiences extreme winters.

4. Have your brakes serviced.

Your brakes will be under more strain during winter than in any other season. Take your car to a shop and have your brakes inspected and serviced.

5. Get winter wiper blades.

The rubber on winter wiper blades is designed for clearing ice, sleet, and snow. You’ll be able to see the road more clearly with winter wipers protecting your windshield compared to regular wiper blades.

Use Your Old Car to Help the Poor This Winter

The cold months of winter make life much more difficult for the disadvantaged people in your community. These are the men and women who are already burdened with disabilities, lack of education, job experience, or essential skills, and other limiting personal issues, such as being a former inmate. These disadvantages prevent them from finding decent sources of income that can enable them to escape from the grip of poverty.

You can help these folks quite easily. All you have to do is donate any vehicle that you no longer use or need to us at Goodwill Car Donations. We’ll use your donation to uplift the lives of the less fortunate people in your community while giving you all the rewards you richly deserve for making such a charitable contribution to us.

We’ll auction off your vehicle to generate funds for the Goodwill organizations serving your area. These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits cater to disadvantaged Americans, providing them with job training, employment opportunities, scholarships, livelihood assistance, disability benefits, and other support services.

As a reward for your generous donation, you’ll get high-value rewards. They include receiving our free vehicle towing service and getting entitled to claim the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season.

Best of all, you’ll find great satisfaction in doing something that will benefit your entire community when once idle members get the chance to find decent employment or livelihood and attain financial stability.

We accept almost all vehicle types. You can donate even a damaged or non-working vehicle. You can also make your donation anywhere in the country since our vehicle donation program covers all 50 states plus the District of Columbia.

You can find more information about Goodwill Car Donations, including our quick and convenient donation process, on our FAQs page. For your inquiries or concerns, feel free to call us at 866-233-8586 or leave us a message here.

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Give Your Community a Boost Today!

Be a hero to your disadvantaged neighbors and their families. Help fund life-changing projects and services for your community when you donate an unneeded car to Goodwill Car Donations. Get started by calling us at 866-233-8586 or by filling out our online donation form now!

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Top 5 Signs that You Need to Replace Your Spark Plugs

Though small in size, spark plugs play an incredibly important part in your car’s function. They’re responsible for igniting the air-fuel mixture in your vehicle’s engine, which allows you to start your vehicle and get on with your ride.

Unfortunately, they’re not built to last for a long time and will wear down eventually. Most spark plugs can last 100,000 miles (or more, depending on the manufacturer and vehicle) before needing to be replaced.

There are tell-tale signs that your spark plugs are going bad. Goodwill Car Donations lists five of them:

1. Misfiring engine

When an engine misfires, it’s accompanied by your check engine light flashing on the dashboard and by a distinct knocking sound as your car is starting up. It’s one of the most common symptoms of worn or bad spark plugs. If you keep ignoring it and have a few misfires down the road, you’ll eventually damage more of your vehicle’s components.

2. Rough idle

When your car is idle and you hear rattles, knocks, or other weird noises coming from your engine, it’s time to get your spark plugs checked.

3. Poor acceleration

Have you noticed that your car isn’t as powerful as it used to be? Struggling to accelerate properly is one of the results of at least one of your spark plugs failing.

4. Poor fuel economy

Worn spark plugs aren’t just bad for your engine; they’re bad for your wallet, too. Deteriorated spark plugs mean extra work for your engine to compensate, which also means a reduction in its efficiency. More work for your engine equals more fuel being used up.

5. Hard start

Your spark plugs are responsible for sparking the ignition that starts your engine. When they start to go bad, you’ll have a hard time starting your vehicle.

Your Old Ride Can Bring New Hope to Your Disadvantaged Neighbors

Vehicle maintenance is part of the package when you purchased your car. As your automobile ages, however, maintenance gets more challenging as well as expensive.

If you’re tired of trying to keep your old ride in tip-top shape, consider donating it to us at Goodwill Car Donations. We’ll use your donation to uplift the lives of the disadvantaged residents of your community. These are the folks who are burdened with disabilities, lack of education, job experience, or essential skills, and other limiting personal issues, such as being a former inmate.

We will sell your vehicle through an auction, with the proceeds going to the Goodwill organizations serving your area to help finance their community-based job and livelihood generation programs.

These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits are dedicated to helping disadvantaged Americans, providing them with job and skills training, vocational services, scholarships, financial aid, mentoring and internship assistance, disability benefits, family support, and other types of support services.

While helping disadvantaged individuals attain financial independence, you’ll also rid yourself of an unwanted vehicle with no hassle and at no cost to you since we will provide you with our free professional pickup and towing service. What’s more, your donation will make you eligible to enjoy the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season.

Your act of charity will also bring you an immense sense of satisfaction, knowing that you’ll be contributing to the growth and development of your community by empowering your needy fellow residents through work and learning.

We accept almost all vehicle types, whether still in good running condition or no longer.

For more information about our vehicle donation program, including our quick and easy donation process, head over to our FAQs page. If you have questions, call us at 866-233-8586 or contact us here.

 

Make a Difference with Your Auto Donation Today!

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It’s a win-win situation when you team up with us at Goodwill Car Donations. Help underprivileged individuals and impoverished families in your neighborhood while getting rid of an unwanted vehicle quickly and for free. Call us at 866-233-8586 or fill out our secure online donation form now!

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Your Wallet Will Heave a Sigh of Relief, Thanks to These Tips

If you’re a vehicle owner, you would know that one of the biggest regular expenses in owning a car is paying for its fuel. That’s why saving fuel is the top priority of discerning drivers with an eye out on their budget.

You can do simple things to save on gas without putting your car through expensive modifications. Goodwill Car Donations shares these five simple yet effective ways to save gas:

1. Drive slower.

Typically, drivers would want to reach their destination faster, making them step on the gas more. However, if you drive at a slower pace when you’re not in any rush to get where you’re going, you’d notice more savings at the pumps. If you make a habit out of it, you’d be saving a lot of money on gas more consistently.

2. Check your tires.

Making sure your tires are inflated with the right amount of air will help you save on fuel because vehicles with tires that have the maximum allowable air in them are generally more fuel-efficient.

3. Turn on your vehicle’s eco mode.

Some vehicles have the eco-driving mode, which increases fuel economy and decreases emissions by running on less fuel. This typically saves you 10% of gas compared to the normal driving mode. If you are driving a hybrid, using the electric-only mode can help you save more fuel.

4. Avoid traffic.

Avoid driving in heavy traffic by scheduling your errands during off-peak hours or leaving home earlier for work before the morning rush. Driving in traffic is bad for fuel savings because you have to rev up your engine every so often, which takes up a lot of gas.

5. Religiously maintain your car.

Fuel economy is just one of the benefits of making sure that all of your car’s parts are functioning well. Take special care of your engine because a well-maintained engine will generate power without wasting fuel. Refer to your owner’s manual to monitor when your auto is due for its next maintenance check.

Give Your Old Ride a New and Worthy Purpose

If your old gas guzzler is continuously burning a hole in your wallet because of its costly fuel consumption as well as its maintenance and repairs, perhaps it’s time to let it go. The most sensible way of retiring an old auto is by donating it to a charity that supports a worthy cause and one that will give you a most satisfying and rewarding giving experience.

You will precisely get that when you turn over your outdated car to us at Goodwill Car Donations. When you do so, you’ll help uplift the lives of the disadvantaged people in your community — those who are saddled with disabilities, lack of education, job experience, or essential skills, and other personal issues, such as being a former inmate. Their disadvantages prevent these folks from finding decent jobs and other sources of income that can free them from a life of poverty.

Your donation can help them achieve financial independence through work and learning.

We’ll auction off your donated vehicle and use the proceeds to finance the community-based life improvement programs of the Goodwill organizations serving your area. These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits are dedicated to helping underprivileged Americans, providing them with job and skills training, vocational services, scholarships, financial aid, mentoring and internship assistance, disability benefits, family support, and other critical support services.

Thanks to your generosity, your community will be seeing more productive individuals and contented families. You’ll be amazed to discover how your seemingly worthless car can transform so many lives.

To give you another reason to be thankful for, we’ll reward you with a hefty tax deduction. Expect the 100% tax-deductible sales receipt of your car in your mailbox within 30 days after its sale. Plus, we’ll be towing your vehicle for free, and it’s up to you to decide on the date, time, and place for this.

We accept nearly all vehicle types regardless of their conditions. We can also collect your donation wherever you’re located in the country since we operate in all 50 states plus the District of Columbia.

Got a question for us? Call us anytime through our toll-free hotline at 866-233-8586 or message us here. You may also want to check out our FAQs page to learn more about our vehicle donation program, including our quick and easy donation process.

Help Build Your Community Today!

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Help empower your disadvantaged neighbors and build your community with your car donation. Call Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or fill out our secure online donation form now!

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Time to Let Go of Outdated Practices and Save on Gas for Real

As a car owner, you may be looking to save on your vehicle’s regular expenses like gas as a means to save money. As such, you may have heard of countless “tips” from various sources about how to go about it.

If you didn’t know yet, many of these tips have been debunked over the years and exposed as the myths that they are. If you’ve been following them, here are some practices that you should stop doing.

1. Warming up the car before setting off.

If you have a new car, there’s no need to do this since modern engines have fuel-controlled injectors that heat the car to the right temperature and it needs no warm-up time to do so.

2. It’s not about premium fuel.

Many drivers have long believed that premium fuel will boost the performance of their car, seeing it as an investment. However, this high-octane fuel is designed for high-performance engines. If you have a normal engine, you can opt for less expensive normal fuel, which can save you more money.

3. Leaving the air conditioning off to save on fuel.

Turning off your car’s AC has no proven impact on fuel savings. If you’re driving at higher speeds, turning on your air conditioning unit is a more efficient way to cool the car.

4. Smaller cars are more fuel-efficient.

It’s not the size of the car that matters, but rather, the technology that it’s using. Larger model cars with modern engines can get as much mileage as a smaller auto using the same amount of fuel.

5. Older cars are less fuel-efficient.

While it’s generally true that cars lose fuel efficiency as they get older, the age effect varies depending on the condition of the automobile. Well-maintained vehicles only become slightly less fuel-efficient over time.

6. Leaving the car idling is more fuel-efficient.

Many motorists claim that leaving the car idling rather than turning it on or off is more fuel-efficient, especially when one is stuck in traffic. The truth is that you’ll save more gas if you switch your car off when traffic is at a standstill and turn it on again when traffic flow resumes. Leaving the car idling even for a few minutes can burn more fuel.

 

Retiring Your Auto? Give It a Worthy Purpose This Way

If you think that your old car can no longer be fuel-efficient no matter what trick you try, perhaps it’s time to consider getting a new replacement. You wouldn’t want to be caught stranded on the road once again when your auto conks out for the nth time, would you?

You can give your old ride a well-deserved retirement by giving it a new and worthy purpose. You can do that by handing over that vehicle to us at Goodwill Car Donations for the benefit of the disadvantaged people in your community. These are the men and women living among you who are saddled with disabilities, lack of education, job experience, or essential skills, and other personal impediments, such as having prison records.

Your auto donation can help these folks harness their full potential so they can live productive and fulfilling lives through work and learning.

We will auction off your donation and turn over the proceeds to the Goodwill organizations serving your area. These IRS-approved 501(c)(3) nonprofits cater to disadvantaged Americans. They use the funding we give them to provide their beneficiaries with job and skills training, career opportunities, vocational and educational services, internship programs, financial support, disability benefits, and other critical support services.

We’ll pick up and tow your vehicle for free wherever you are located in the country. Your donation will also entitle you to receive the maximum tax write-off in the next tax season.

More importantly, your act of charity will bring you an immense sense of satisfaction, knowing that you’ll be contributing to the growth and development of your community with the creation of more jobs and livelihood opportunities.

We accept almost all types of vehicles, including those that have dents and scratches and a few missing or defective parts. Apart from cars, we also take RVs, motorcycles, trailers, trucks, vans, golf carts, snowmobiles, fleet vehicles, and boats.

To learn more about our donation program, including our quick and easy donation process, head over to our FAQs page. If you have questions or concerns, tell us about them here. You may also give us a call through our toll-free 24/7 hotline at 866-233-8586.

Touch Lives of Your Disadvantaged Neighbors Today!

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Reach out to the disadvantaged members of your community with your car donation and make a difference in their lives. Call Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or fill out our online donation form now!

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Make the Right Choice with These 6 Tips

Snow tires, also known as winter tires, are made specifically for winter weather driving. While you can still use regular or all-season tires during winter, they don’t provide the same grip and handling as snow tires. From the rubber of the treads to the tire edges, snow tires are designed to provide you with the best traction when traveling on roads covered in ice and snow. This is especially useful for vehicle owners who live in areas that regularly experience extreme temperatures or snowfall.

When deciding on the snow tires to buy, you need to figure out the right ones for your vehicle. Don’t just go for the nearest tires on the shelf or choose them at random. You need to consider factors such as your driving habits, vehicle type, and the usual routes you take when making your choice.

To help you make the right choice in buying your snow tires, Goodwill Car Donations presents these six top tips:

1. Take time to compare.

Take time to compare the prices of different tire brands as well as their pros and cons. The expensive price tag of a certain tire brand doesn’t automatically mean that it’s the best.

2. Know your tire size.

You’ll need to buy snow tires that are the right size for your vehicle. If you don’t know what your tire size is, it’s in the code in the markings on your tire’s sidewall.

3. The type of roads you drive on matters.

Consider the roads in your usual routes when choosing the quality and brand of your tires.

4. Visually compare the tires.

Compare the quality of the different tires displayed at the tire shop. Check their flexibility, grooves, and stiffness.

5. Don’t be shy in asking questions.

If you have questions about tires, don’t hesitate to ask them to the salesperson. They can help you decide on the best snow tires to buy for your vehicle.

6. Don’t mix and match.

Make sure the tires you’re using are from the same brand.

Got a Defective Car? Here’s What You Can Do

Snow tires are unlikely to let you down when driving on ice- or snow-covered roads. However, if you’re driving a vehicle that’s in bad condition, not even the best snow tires can assure your safety.

If you have a defective automobile, don’t risk your life driving it. Don’t have second thoughts about disposing of it. Hand it over to us at Goodwill Car Donations and we’ll quickly get it off your hands at no cost to you while allowing you to enjoy a highly rewarding donating experience.

Once we get hold of your donated auto, we’ll have it fixed before selling it through an auction. We’ll then turn over the proceeds to the Goodwill organizations serving your area. These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits cater to disadvantaged Americans — those men and women who are burdened with disabilities, lack of education, job experience, or essential skills, and other limiting personal issues, such as having prison records. These disadvantages pose as barriers in their quest to find decent sources of income that can free them from a life of poverty.

Your local Goodwill organizations use the funding sourced from the sale of donated vehicles to provide their beneficiaries with job and skills training, vocational services, scholarships, financial aid, mentoring and internship assistance, disability benefits, family support, and other support services. Thus, thanks to your donation, these services will enable the underprivileged residents of your community to eventually attain financial stability and live productive and fulfilling lives.

You’ll also benefit from your charitable contribution since this will entitle you to receive the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season. Moreover, we’ll provide you with our free towing service at a date and place most convenient to you.

Your gift will also allow you to savor the satisfaction of serving your community by helping empower your less fortunate neighbors.

We accept nearly all vehicle types, even those that are no longer working. We can collect your donation anywhere in the country since our vehicle donation program covers the entire United States.

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

Photo by Erik Mclean under Unsplash License

Help Your Needy Neighbors Today!

You can be a hero to the disadvantaged residents of your community. Help your neighbors in need by donating your unwanted car to us at Goodwill Car Donations. Call us at 866-233-8586 or fill out our secure online donation form now!

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7 Easy Steps to Get Your Bike Ready for Winter

You’re in for a surprise if your idea of winterizing your motorcycle is just throwing a cover on top of it. The last thing you’d want is to find out your bike won’t start when it’s riding season once again. Getting your motorcycle ready for winter should be on top of your “to-do” list — especially if you want to avoid costly repairs.

To save your precious ride from things like rust, corrosion, or a dead battery, you need to do some prep work when the snow starts falling. Goodwill Car Donations presents these seven easy steps to properly winterizing your motorcycle:

1. Wash your bike.

Give your bike a thorough cleaning before you store it away. Add a coat of wax to the paint finish for an extra layer of protection and spray any metal surfaces with WD-40.

2. Change your oil.

It’s better to have fresh oil sitting in your bike’s system rather than old oil. You may also consider using an oil product that’s specifically designed for winter.

3. Lubricate your bike’s moving parts.

Moisture buildup on your bike’s moving parts can cause them to rust or become brittle. Prevent this from happening by lubricating them before storage.

4. Fill your fuel tank.

Avoid rust in your gas tank by filling it up. You should also add a fuel stabilizer to keep your gas fresh during the months when your bike is in storage.

5. Use a battery warmer.

A battery warmer is like a blanket for your battery. Wrap your bike’s battery with a warmer to keep it charged and prevent it from dying.

6. Keep your tires off the ground.

Tires left sitting in the same position for too long can develop flat spots. Keep your tires off the ground by using a stand when you put your bike in storage.

7. Add anti-freeze to your coolant.

Before you store your bike away, have your coolant system prepped by adding a sufficient amount of anti-freeze. This will help prevent your coolant from freezing when temperatures drop steeply.

Do You Have a Car That’s Giving You Fits? Allow Us to Help You

Winterizing your motorcycle isn’t that difficult. What’s difficult is having an old vehicle that has become prone to breakdowns and costly repairs. If you have a car in this condition, consider getting it off your hands before it ruins your finances or, worse, puts you in harm’s way.

Your best option here is to simply donate that auto to us at Goodwill Car Donations. We’ll use your donation to uplift the lives of the less fortunate people in your community while giving you all the rewards you richly deserve for making such a charitable contribution to us.

We’ll auction off your vehicle to generate funds for the Goodwill organizations serving your area. These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits cater to disadvantaged Americans — those who are burdened with disabilities, lack of education, job experience, or essential skills, and other limiting personal issues, such as being a former inmate.

These Goodwill nonprofits use the money sourced from vehicle donations to provide their beneficiaries with job training, employment opportunities, scholarships, livelihood assistance, disability benefits, and other critical community-building support services.

As a reward for your generous donation, you’ll get high-value rewards. They include receiving our free vehicle towing service and getting entitled to claim the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season.

Best of all, you’ll find great satisfaction in doing something that will benefit your entire community when once idle members get the chance to harness their full potential and attain financial stability.

We accept almost all vehicle types. You can donate even a damaged or non-working vehicle. You can also make your donation anywhere in the country since our vehicle donation program covers all 50 states plus the District of Columbia.

You can find more information about Goodwill Car Donations, including our quick and straightforward donation process, on our FAQs page. For your inquiries or concerns, feel free to call us at 866-233-8586 or leave us a message here.

 

Be a Blessing to Others Today!

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Help empower disadvantaged members of your community by partnering with us at Goodwill Car Donations. All you have to do is donate your unwanted car to us. Call us at 866-233-8586 or fill out our secure online donation form now!

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5 Things You Can Do to Save Your Battery’s Life

During cold weather, the chemical reaction in your battery that’s responsible for generating power considerably slows down. The drop in temperatures can drain your battery’s power by as much as 60%, making it the main reason why a lot of drivers have a hard time starting their vehicles at this time of the year. In some cases, such as with batteries nearing the end of their shelf life, the freezing weather can be enough to leave you with a dead battery.

These Tips Can Protect Your Car Battery

Unlike phones, car batteries don’t have any indicator of how much juice they have left. The cold weather might be the final straw for your battery, especially if it’s already close to being depleted. While you probably have more leeway if your battery is relatively new, the winter weather can still take its toll and leave your vehicle with some start-up issues.

Thankfully, you can do certain things to address your winter battery woes. Goodwill Car Donations lists five tips on how to keep your car battery from dying in cold weather:

1. Park your car indoors if possible.

The less exposed your car is to the elements, the better it is for your battery. This is especially true for old and weak batteries that are vulnerable to freezing temperatures.

2. Use a battery warmer.

A battery warmer, also called a thermal blanket, can keep your car battery insulated and warm. However, you’ll likely need to park indoors as thermal blankets need to be plugged in.

3. Invest in a battery tender.

Battery tenders are designed to maintain a battery’s charge without overcharging it. If you’re not going to use your car for a few days or so, it’s well worth it to invest in one.

4. Turn your car on every 6-12 hours.

Turn your car on and let it idle for at least 15-20 minutes. This will let your car battery warm up and allow it to regain its charge.

5. Make sure your battery is corrosion-free.

Corrosion can cause additional strain on your battery when starting up. Take a look at your battery terminals to make sure they’re free of corrosion.

Here’s How You Can Give Your Old Vehicle a New and Meaningful Purpose

Your vehicle’s components aren’t designed to last forever. Just like your car’s battery, you’ll have to replace them when they’re already worn down. This is especially true for older vehicles, where maintenance is a necessity to keep them reliable on the road.

If your old car is starting to become a money pit because of constant repair expenses, perhaps it’s time to consider letting it go. The best way to do so would be by donating it to us at Goodwill Car Donations. We offer an easy way for you to part ways with your unwanted vehicle while allowing you to support your community at the same time.

We will put your vehicle up for auction and turn over the proceeds to the Goodwill organizations serving your area. These IRS-approved 501(c)(3) nonprofits are dedicated to empowering disadvantaged Americans — those who are burdened with disabilities, lack of education, job experience, or essential skills, and other limiting personal issues, such as having prison records.

Goodwill organizations use the funding to provide their beneficiaries with job training, employment opportunities, scholarships, livelihood assistance, disability benefits, and other critical community-building support services. Thanks to your donation, all these benefits will help the underprivileged folks around you turn their lives around.

You’ll enjoy meaningful returns for your generosity. Your gift will entitle you to receive the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season as well as a free professional towing service to pick up your vehicle anywhere in the United States.

Best of all, you’ll find great satisfaction in doing something that will benefit your entire community when once idle members get to enjoy stable and decent sources of income, thus attaining financial stability.

We accept nearly all vehicles, including those that are no longer in good condition. You can even donate a car that doesn’t run anymore.

For more information about our hassle-free donation process, visit our FAQs page. You can also call us at 866-233-8586 or leave us a message here for your inquiries or concerns.

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Are You Ready to Make a Difference?

You can transform the lives of the destitute men and women around you by donating your old ride to us. By partnering with us at Goodwill Car Donations, you’ll help generate opportunities for growth and development in your community. Call us at 866-233-8586 or fill out our online donation form to donate your vehicle now!

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Get to Wherever You’re Going in One Piece This Winter with These 5 Safety Tips

Even for experienced drivers, ice or snow-covered roads are challenging to drive on. You won’t be able to get as much traction with your tires on frozen roads, making it harder for you to steer and stop. With reduced handling, your risk of losing control over your vehicle increases and you’re more likely to get into an accident.

Unfortunately, most of us have no escape from icy or snowy roads during winter. It’s because 70% of roads in the United States are located in snowy areas. This makes winter driving an essential skill to learn if you want to be able to confidently drive in winter.

To help you drive more confidently and safely when the snow starts falling,  Goodwill Car Donations presents these five helpful tips:

1. Look ahead.

Make it a habit to look farther down the road to anticipate what to do next. This will give you extra time to react if something unexpected happens.

2. Drive smoothly.

Avoid jerky movements with the steering wheel. Turn gradually, avoid slamming on the brakes, and drive smoothly.

3. Check your tires.

Make sure your tires are in good condition and not worn down. If you have the budget, it’s well worth it to invest in winter tires.

4. Drive defensively.

Reduce the likelihood of getting into an accident by practicing defensive driving. Keep your eyes focused on the road, slow down for turns, and be extra alert when there are pedestrians.

5. Know what to do when you skid.

No matter how careful you drive, you’ll experience skidding eventually. Don’t panic, slam on the brakes, or do sudden turns.

For front-wheel skids, ease off the gas and remain calm. Your front tires should regain their traction after a few seconds.

For rear-wheel skids, turn the steering wheel in the same direction where your rear tires are skidding while easing off the accelerator. Traction should return to your rear wheels and you can safely steer back to your original direction.

Got an Unwanted Car Sitting Idly in Your Garage? Turn It into a Vehicle of Hope!

Winter is a difficult season for the disadvantaged residents of your community. Many of them don’t have the privilege of enjoying a warm home, the security of a stable job, or a scholastic degree to help them land a decent source of employment. Some of them have to deal with these problems while struggling with life-limiting disabilities.

It’s heartbreaking to see these folks living miserable lives. You can extend them a helping hand by simply donating any vehicle you no longer need to us at Goodwill Car Donations. We’ll use it to create opportunities and provide much-needed support for the underprivileged men and women in your area.

We’ll sell your donated vehicle at an auction and use the proceeds to support the job and livelihood programs of the Goodwill organizations serving your area. These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits use the funding we give to provide disadvantaged individuals with job training, employment opportunities, scholarships, livelihood assistance, disability benefits, and other critical support services.

You’ll get awesome rewards as a vehicle donor. We’ll haul off your vehicle for free and entitle you to receive the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season. You can avail yourself of our free towing service regardless of where you’re located in the country because Goodwill Car Donations operates in all 50 states plus the District of Columbia.

Best of all, your act of charity will bring you an immense sense of personal satisfaction, knowing that you’ll be empowering the less fortunate folks in your area, helping them free themselves from the grip of poverty.

We accept a wide range of vehicle types. We take in even damaged or non-working vehicle donations.

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

Build a Brighter Tomorrow for Your Disadvantaged Neighbors Today!

Using your old car, you can reach out to the suffering families in your area this winter. Your car donation will show them that they’re not alone in their struggles. Call Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or fill out our secure online donation form now!

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