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Preventive Maintenance Is Key to Keeping Your Car in Top Shape

For most first-time drivers, nothing compares to the excitement of hitting the open road and experiencing freedom as they’ve never had before. Checking the condition of their tires or making sure that their oil is sufficient to keep their engine working well is usually the last thing on their minds.

If you’re a new driver, you need to understand that over time, wear and tear will ultimately cause serious damage to your car’s basic components. If you want to keep your car running reliably and safely for many years to come, you need to understand the importance of regular preventive car maintenance.

What Are the Most Important Preventive Maintenance Services?

Unless you’re willing to spend a fortune on unexpected repairs and needless trips to the car repair shop, it would be wise to forestall a vehicle breakdown by investing in some basic car maintenance. To help new drivers steer clear of the headaches and hassles associated with the lack of preventive car maintenance, Goodwill Car Donations has pulled together the most important car preventive maintenance services.

1. Wheel alignment

The best way to make your tires last longer is to have them rotated and maintained at least once a year. If you often hit curbs or potholes when driving, your wheels have to be aligned more often. You also need to have this done each time you replace your tires. With regular wheel alignments, you can be sure that your car’s suspension system will operate properly.

2. Transmission fluid and filter service

Changing your car’s transmission fluid and filter will cost you a lot less than if you have to replace your entire transmission system. For this reason, it’s best to have your fluid level and condition checked at least once a month. Read the vehicle owner’s manual to know the recommended service interval for changing your car’s transmission fluid and filter. However, you may have to change both the fluid and the filter more often if you constantly drive in extreme weather and road conditions or if you do a lot of towing.

3. Power steering service

Power steering service is one of the most overlooked preventive maintenance services. Unless you’re willing to run the risk of getting your power steering fluid dirty and less able to protect your power steering components, you’ll need to have its level and condition checked at least once a month.

4. Timing belt replacement

One of the biggest mistakes that new drivers make is to wait for their car’s timing belt to break before replacing it. A broken timing belt can wreak havoc on your engine. Replacing it will cost you a pretty penny because your mechanic will have to do a lot of work to access the broken belt. To know when your timing belt needs to be replaced, check the owner’s manual.

5. Cooling system service

Your engine’s cooling system is a critical component that needs to be properly maintained. Flush and replace the antifreeze/coolant regularly if you don’t want rust to develop in your engine system and cause it to wear out faster. Without regular cooling system service, you’ll increase the likelihood of sustaining major engine damage due to overheating.

For this reason, it’s extremely important to check your car’s coolant level and condition at least once a month to make sure that it’s up to par. While you’re at it, check to see if the belts and hoses have cracks and need to be replaced.

Don’t Know What to Do with Your Clunker? We’re Here to Help!

When you have an old car, one major source of headaches is the heavy cost of its maintenance. Instead of plunking your hard-earned money down the drain trying to keep your clunker roadworthy, why not just donate it to a charity that supports a worthy cause and will give you the best benefits as a donor?

When you donate your clapped-out car over to us at Goodwill Car Donations, you’ll be helping support the disadvantaged individuals in your community. These are the men and women living among you who are suffering from disabilities, lack of education, job experience, or essential skills, and other personal circumstances (such as having prison records) that make it most difficult for them to find decent and stable sources of income.

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 use the funding to sustain their delivery of critical services to their beneficiaries. These services include job and skills training, career opportunities, vocational and educational assistance, internship programs, financial support, and disability benefits.

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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Ready to part ways with your clunker so you can help transform the lives of your disadvantaged neighbors? Call Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or fill out our online donation form now!

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Car Thefts on the Rise in Certain Cities

You would think that with the pandemic still going on across the United States, we’d see a general decline in all crime categories as people focus on keeping themselves safe. Although numbers have dropped in violent crime, property crime, and drug-related crime cases, auto thefts have dramatically risen in certain cities. Some of these cases could be attributed to the high unemployment rates, forcing some of those who are impoverished and jobless to resort to thievery to support their needs and those of their families.

What Are the Top 10 Cities for Auto Thefts?

The last thing you want is to step outside your house or any office or store you just visited, only to find out that your car has been stolen. If you live in any of these top 10 cities for auto thefts, Goodwill Car Donations suggests that you do all you can to not make it easy for professional car thieves to steal your wheels.

1. Oakland, California

If you live in or near Oakland, California, it would be wise to make sure that your car insurance is up-to-date. According to Madison.com, Oakland has a motor vehicle theft rate of 1,199 per 100,000 people. Moreover, the city’s average annual motor vehicle theft cases number 5,202 while its overall property theft rate is at 5,874 for every 100,000 people.

2. Albuquerque, New Mexico

The Albuquerque metropolitan area has the second-highest per-capita rate of car theft in the country. Its motor vehicle theft rate is at 1,170 for every 100,000 people while its annual average number of motor vehicle thefts is 6,575. The city’s overall property theft rate is at 4,507 per 100,000 people.

3. Detroit, Michigan

To address the city’s motor vehicle theft rate of 1,080 per 100,000 people and 7,165 average annual motor vehicle thefts, the police authorities in Detroit have decided to assume most towing duties after banning a company from the towing rotation.

4. Portland, Oregon

For a city with a violent crime rate that’s as high as 522 per 100,000 people, it won’t be surprising to find out that Portland comes up fourth in the list of cities that have high rates of auto theft. With a motor vehicle theft rate of 1,040 for every 100,000 people, Portland has an average number of annual motor vehicle thefts of about 6,886.

5. San Bernardino, California

San Bernardino has a motor vehicle theft rate of 1,007 for every 100,000 people. With an average number of motor vehicle thefts at 2,183 per year, this county seat of San Bernardino County in California takes the 5^th place for cities in the U.S. with the highest auto theft rates.

6. Louis, Missouri

Being the second-largest city in the state of Missouri, St. Louis also comes up 6^th in the list of car theft capitals in the United States. Its motor vehicle theft rate is at 938 per 100,000 individuals while its average number of motor vehicle thefts is 2,820 per year.

7. Anchorage, Alaska

Anchorage happens to be a unified municipal consolidated city-borough in the state of Alaska. With a population of only 291,538, its motor vehicle theft rate is a whopping 864 per 100,000 people and its average number of annual motor vehicle thefts is 2,486.

8. Tacoma, Washington

Tacoma is a mid-sized urban port city that also serves as the county seat of Washington’s Pierce County. Aside from being the epicenter of business activity for the region, Tacoma takes 8^th place in the list of cities for auto thefts with a motor vehicle theft rate of about 852 per 100,000 people. Its average number of motor vehicle thefts per year is 1,863.

9. Kansas City, Missouri

Kansas City is the largest city in the state of Missouri with a total population of 495,278, according to the United States Census Bureau. The city has a motor vehicle theft rate of 836 for every 100,000 people and its average number of motor vehicle thefts annually is 4,147.

10. Tulsa, Oklahoma

When it comes to crime rates, Tulsa generally has one of the highest ones in the country. For this reason, it wouldn’t be surprising to know that the city’s annual motor vehicle theft rate is at 809 for every 100,000 individuals.

Donate Your Vehicle to Help the Needy in Your Community

If you have an old car that you no longer want to use for whatever reason, you can still give it a most worthy purpose by donating it to us here at Goodwill Car Donations. We’ll use it to impact the lives of the disadvantaged individuals in your community. They are those men and women who are burdened with disabilities, lack of education, skills, or job experience, and other personal issues that make it difficult for them to land decent jobs and attain a poverty-free life.

We’ll sell your car at an auction and use the proceeds to fund the vital life-enhancement programs of the Goodwill organizations serving your area. Thanks to your contribution, needy people in your community will be able to receive job training and employment opportunities, scholarships, livelihood assistance, disability benefits, and other critical community-building support services.

Before you know it, these folks will reach their full potential and turn into the productive and financially independent individuals that they’ve always strived to be.

Expect a 100% tax-deductible sales receipt in your mailbox a few weeks after your vehicle’s auction. You’ll need it to claim your top tax deduction in the next tax-filing season.

You’ll also benefit from the professional towing service that we’ll provide you, and this will cost you nothing.

Best of all, your gift will allow you to savor the satisfaction of having served your community by helping empower your less fortunate neighbors.

You can donate almost any type of vehicle. In most cases, we accept even vehicles that are no longer in good running condition. You can make your donation wherever you’re residing in the country since our vehicle donation program covers all 50 states.

For more information on our vehicle donation program, particularly our quick and easy donation process and tax deductions, head over to our FAQs page. If you have any inquiries, call us at our toll-free hotline at 866-233-8586. You may also drop us a message here and we’ll respond to you promptly.

Give Your Clunker a Great Purpose Today!

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Even if your car is already old, it’s still a big loss if you let thieves steal it. Donate it to Goodwill Car Donations instead. We’ll use it to enhance the lives of your struggling neighbors while allowing you to enjoy a most satisfactory donating experience. Start your donation process by calling 866-233-8586 or filling out our online donation form now!

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5 Easy Steps to Keeping Your Car Running Smoothly

Did you know that it doesn’t take much to keep your car healthy and running smoothly? Checking its oil level is a one-minute investment that can help prevent overheating while keeping your engine well-lubricated and free from dirt buildup. If you do this regularly, you can be sure that you’ll get the most miles out of your engine.

Most vehicle models should have an oil change every 3,000 miles or three months. In between these scheduled changes, you have to check your oil levels to make sure that the oil isn’t dirty or that it hasn’t become too low. Don’t worry — the process of checking your car’s engine oil is far from being complicated. Any driver can do it.

How to Check Your Engine Oil

In case you’re not aware, the lifeblood of your vehicle’s engine is its motor oil. Aside from keeping the engine’s internal moving parts properly lubricated, it also keeps each of these parts from wearing quickly. If you don’t know the first thing about checking your engine oil, Goodwill Car Donations has got you covered. Just follow these five easy steps:

1. Read the vehicle owner’s manual.

It’s best to browse through your car owner’s manual to make sure that you’re following the manufacturer’s recommendations. If you’re clueless about what’s under the hood of your car, you’ll be glad to know that the manual provides a detailed description of where you can locate your dipstick.

2. Warm up your car before checking the oil.

Check your oil after warming up your car. Go for a quick drive around your neighborhood before you pop up the hood. Just make sure that you turn the engine off before you check the oil. It’s extremely important to securely prop the hood once it’s opened.

3. Find the dipstick and pull it out.

You’ll want to check the oil after you’ve turned off the engine for at least 10 minutes. Your oil’s dipstick location will depend on whether your car has an in-line engine or a transverse engine. In most cases, the dipstick has an orange or yellow circular handle.

Once you’ve spotted the dipstick, pull out its handle. You should see a long piece of metal sliding out of the engine. Use a lint-free rag to wipe off the oil from its end.

4. Slide the clean dipstick back in.

Reinsert the dipstick back into its tube. Be sure to push it all the way back in.

5. Pull the dipstick out again and inspect.

Next, you need to pull it out again. Take note of how high the film of oil reaches the length of the dipstick. Don’t forget to check the oil’s condition before adding or changing oil as needed. You should see a line marked “full” or “max” or a textured area that shows the capacity of your oil pan.

Everything’s fine if the color of your engine oil is brown or black. If the oil has a milky appearance, this means that your car’s coolant is leaking into the engine. Be sure to have it towed immediately. On the other hand, if the oil is gritty or has metal particles in it, be sure to get your car to the mechanic. This could mean that the internal parts of your engine are damaged.

Here’s Your Best Option When Disposing Of a Clunker

Is your car spending more time in the repair shop than on the road? Is it starting to burn a hole in your pocket because of its costly repairs? If that’s the case, it’s probably time to say goodbye to your old ride. Your best option here is to donate that vehicle to us at Goodwill Car Donations.

This way, you’ll free yourself from the stress of dealing with a clapped-out vehicle. Not only that, but you’ll also get to help the impoverished and disadvantaged people in your community. These are the men and women living among you who are burdened with disabilities, lack of education, job experience, or essential skills, and other disadvantages that serve as roadblocks in their pursuit of a productive and meaningful life.

We will put your vehicle up for auction and turn over the proceeds to the Goodwill organizations serving your local area. These IRS-approved 501(c)(3) nonprofits use the funding 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 Goodwill donor, you’ll enjoy meaningful returns for your generosity. These include the free towing of your unwanted vehicle and your entitlement to the highest possible tax deduction due to you in the next tax season.

Moreover, nothing compares to the joy and satisfaction you’d feel, knowing that your charitable contribution will greatly benefit your community in terms of the jobs that it will create for the empowerment of your less fortunate fellow residents.

We accept nearly all types of vehicles whether they’re still in good condition or no longer. We can pick up and tow your vehicle wherever you had it parked or stored anywhere in the country.

To get to know our quick and easy vehicle donation process and other details, just visit our FAQs page. Should you have any questions or concerns, you may call our toll-free hotline at 866-233-8586. You may also write to us here.

Photo by Erik Mclean under Unsplash License

Uplift Lives with Your Beater Today!

Use your old and unwanted car to uplift the lives of the disadvantaged individuals in your community. Don’t let it rot away. It can still do so much good to a lot of people. Call Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or fill out our online donation form now!

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You Don’t Have to Spend a Single Dime to Check and Replace Your Wiper Blades!

Why pay a mechanic to check and replace your wiper blades when you can easily do this yourself? If you think that this task is something that only auto experts can do, think again. The process doesn’t require the expertise of a professional and the use of special tools.

A lot of car owners are guilty of overlooking their windshield wipers, which are an important part of their cars’ safety system. If these aren’t working as they should, you won’t be able to see the road and other hazards when it’s raining or snowing. Aside from being ineffective, faulty wiper blades can also potentially create visibility issues when they smear your windshield.

What Are the Basic Parts of Your Windshield Wiper System?

Before you begin, it’s best to familiarize yourself with the three basic parts of your car’s windshield wiper system: the base, the arm, and the blade.

At the base of your wiper, you’ll find an arm that’s attached to the motor, which is located under the hood. The arm works to pivot from side to side each time your turn on the wipers. You’ll notice a removable and flexible blade that’s clipped to the arm. You’ll find a slot in the blade that’s responsible for holding the rubber wiper that touches the windshield.

While the rubber wiper can be replaced, it will be much easier for you to replace the entire blade. Again, be reminded that this won’t require you to use any kind of special tool.

Your Guide to Checking and Replacing Your Wiper Blades

Keep in mind that your windshield wiper system can save your life when you’re driving in bad weather. To help you make sure that these devices are in good working condition at all times, Goodwill Car Donations has compiled this guide to checking and replacing your wiper blades.

• Checking Your Wiper Blades

The wiper blades take out almost every particle on your windshield to improve road visibility. Their average lifespan is only about six months to a year because they easily crack and lose their flexibility when they’re constantly exposed to long periods of hot and cold temperatures. For these reasons, it’s necessary to check them every week to assess if they have any chips or cracks that might pose a danger to the windshield.

To do this, carefully pull the blades away from the windscreen. Then, run your thumb along the edge to feel if there are any cracks or cuts. Make sure that the wiper blades are in smooth and good condition. Otherwise, you might need to replace them.

• Replacing Your Wiper Blades

If you don’t have a garage and you just park your car in the open, your wiper blades need to be replaced more often. Before you replace them, you must first determine the size of the blades you need to purchase. Once purchased, pull the old wiper blades away from the screen.

Next, search for the stopper where the blade and the wiper arm meet before you firmly press on the stopper and unhook the blade. Replace it with a new one by sliding it up the metal arm hook where you pulled the old one out. Afterward, softly but firmly rotate it until you hear a click, signifying that you’ve successfully put it in place.

Here’s Another Wise Decision You Can Make

Learning how to check and replace your wiper blades is always a wise decision. You can make another wise decision when the vehicle you’re using has become prone to breakdowns and their subsequent costly repairs. What’s that decision? Simply donate that clunker to us here at Goodwill Car Donations. We’ll use your donation to improve the lives of the destitute and disadvantaged people in your community.

We’ll put your vehicle up for auction and then hand over the proceeds to the Goodwill organizations serving your area. These IRS-approved 501(c)(3) nonprofits are dedicated to uplifting the lives of your fellow Americans who are suffering from disabilities and burdened with lack of education, job experience, or essential skills, and other personal impediments, such as having prison records. These serve as stumbling blocks in their quest for a financially independent life.

Goodwill organizations use the funding that comes from the sale of donated vehicles to provide their beneficiaries with job training and employment opportunities, scholarships, livelihood assistance, disability benefits, and other critical community-building support services.

We’re willing to accept nearly all types of vehicles, regardless of their year, make, model, and working condition.

As a Goodwill donor, you’ll enjoy meaningful returns for your generosity. These include the free towing of your unwanted vehicle and your entitlement to the highest possible tax deduction, which you can claim in the next tax season.

Moreover, nothing compares to the joy and satisfaction you’d feel, knowing that your charitable contribution will greatly benefit your community in terms of the jobs that it will create for the empowerment of your less fortunate fellow residents.

We accept nearly all types of vehicles, whether they’re still in good running condition or no longer. We can pick up and tow your vehicle wherever you had it parked or stored anywhere in the country.

To get to know our quick and easy vehicle donation process and other details, check out our FAQs page. Should you have any questions or concerns, you may call us through our toll-free hotline at 866-233-8586. You may also write to us here.

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Want to Become an Instant Hero in Your Community?

You can become an instant hero in your community when you donate a vehicle to Goodwill Car Donations. You can be certain that your donation will be used to uplift the lives of the disadvantaged people in your community. Call us at 866-233-8586 or fill out our online donation form now!

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3 Tire Warning Signs You Need to Be Mindful Of

Do you tend to overlook the condition of your vehicle’s tires? This shouldn’t be the case because tires are one of the most important components of a vehicle. They allow you to roll down the road and stop when you need to. They absorb all the shocks you get from the humps and bumps on the road. They also support your vehicle’s load.

Your tires are the ones responsible for maintaining your vehicle’s contact with the ground at all times. They take quite a beating especially when you go for a long drive. Your tires will wear out sooner or later depending on what kind of driver you are, the traffic condition in your area, and the routes you usually take.

Tread depth is essential for great tire performance. However, tire treads degrade over time amid constant usage. Not enough tread depth means less control over your vehicle, which could lead to road accidents.

These Signs Mean You Need New Tires

Having worn-out tires isn’t an indication of bad driving. It’s just how it is. Tires are just like your shoes that degrade over time due to frequent use.

Delaying the replacement of your worn-out tires is a no-no. It’s bad for everyone on the road. You can lose control of your car and end up crashing into somebody else’s vehicle or perhaps get stranded in the middle of nowhere.

Goodwill Car Donations presents these three warning signs that you need to replace your old tires:

1. Your tires are going bald.

The treads on your tires should never fall below 1.6 millimeters in depth (or about 1/16 of an inch). The thinner the treads, the more dangerous it is for you to drive on slick and wet surfaces. If your tires are starting to look bald, you should start looking for replacements.

2. Sidewall cracks

This is one of the easily visible signs of tire damage. If you see cuts or grooves on the tire’s sidewall, they are signs that your tire is developing a leak or, worse, about to blow out.

3. Vibration

Feeling vibration while driving is normal. However, if you drive your car often enough, you’d be able to know if your vehicle is vibrating just a little too much. Your tires are probably causing the shakes. You’d be better off getting them checked at the tire shop to be on the safe side.

You Can Turn Your Junker into a Life-Changer

Replacing your old and damaged tires may cost a few hundred dollars. However, if your car has other defective parts, the cost of having them repaired or replaced may be much, much more. If you think that spending big bucks for your car’s repairs is no longer worth it and that you’d be better off buying a new car instead, then consider donating your old clunker to us here at Goodwill Car Donations.

We’ll turn your auto into a powerful tool that can free the disadvantaged people in your community from the grip of poverty.

We will sell your vehicle through an auction and use the proceeds to support the community-based programs and services of the Goodwill organizations serving your local area. These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits serve the interests of disadvantaged men and women — those who are burdened with disabilities, lack of education, job experience, or essential skills, and other personal circumstances that bar them from finding decent sources of income and living a good, productive life.

Goodwill provides them with job training and employment opportunities, scholarships, livelihood assistance, disability benefits, and other critical community-building support services. Thanks to your donation, these services will enable the needy residents of your community to attain financial stability.

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.

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 wherever you are located in the country. It’s because our vehicle donation program covers the entire United States.

For more information about our vehicle donation program, feel free to check out our FAQs page. If you have questions or concerns, call us at 866-233-8586 or leave us a message here.

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Help Free Them from Poverty Today!

A car that no longer serves you well can serve the disadvantaged residents of your community instead. It can provide them a ticket to a poverty-free life. Call Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or fill out our online donation form now!

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You Can Do It Without Having to Ask for Help

When driving, you should always be ready for unexpected events on the road. One of these is finding yourself stuck on a roadside with a flat tire. Although the process of changing a tire isn’t rocket science, not everyone knows how to do it without having to ask for any help. The good news is, you can be one of those folks who don’t panic when a flat tire shows up unexpectedly.

A Simple and Straightforward Guide to Changing a Car Tire

Whether you’re driving a car, van, truck, or SUV, you’ll be glad to know that the basic steps of changing a tire are pretty much the same. Goodwill Car Donations has pulled together the eight simple steps involved in the process.

1. Find a flat, stable, and safe place to pull over.

Don’t just pull over anywhere. Try to find a safe place where the ground is solid and level so that your car won’t roll. It’s never a good idea to stop near a bend on the road because this will reduce visibility for other drivers and yourself. Moreover, it’s best to drive carefully to a well-lit spot if you’re in a dark and unsafe area.

2. Turn on your hazard lights and apply your parking brake.

Be sure to use your hazard lights and apply the parking brake. Put your car in first or reverse if you have a standard transmission. Finally, place a rock, a spare wheel, or any heavy object in front of the front and back tires to make sure your car won’t roll.

3. Check your equipment.

Aside from a jack, wrench, and spare tire, you’ll also need other items such as gloves, a flashlight, mat for kneeling, tire gauge, rain poncho, and your car owner’s manual.

4. Bust out your jack and spare tire.

Take out the jack and place it under the car frame near the flat tire. Read your owner’s manual to avoid placing the jack on the wrong spot and cracking the molded plastic along the bottom part of your car when you start lifting.

If you drive a modern uni-body vehicle, look for the mark or notch behind the car’s front wheel wells or in front of its rear wheel wells and carefully place the jack there. On the other hand, if you’re driving an older car or a truck that has a frame, place the jack on one of its frame’s beams behind the vehicle’s front tire or right in front of the rear tire.

Pump or crank the jack to make it easy for you to lift the flat tire off the ground and replace it with the spare.

5. Pry off the hubcap and loosen the lug nuts by turning them counterclockwise.

If you’re driving a vehicle that has a hubcap or a wheel cover, remove it carefully before securing the wrench that came with the vehicle or a standard cross wrench into each lug nut and turning it counterclockwise to loosen it.

6. Remove the lug nuts and the flat tire.

Once the lug nuts are loosened, remove them completely and place them in a safe area. Grip the flat tire and pull it toward your body. Place the flat tire under your car to protect yourself from getting injured in case of jack failure.

7. Replace the flat tire with the spare tire.

Be sure to line up the holes in the spare tire with the nut posts before placing the spare on the car’s wheelbase and pushing it as far as possible onto the wheelbase. Put on the lug nuts to keep the spare tire in place. Tighten the lug nuts until they’re snug while making sure that the tire is kept even.

8. Lower the vehicle.

Without applying full weight on the spare tire, lower the vehicle to the ground. Place the old tire in the trunk and take it to a trusted mechanic.

Has Your Car Become a Money Pit? Here’s What You Can Do

If a flat tire is not the only part of your car that needs replacing, if your car has become a money pit with its many costly repairs, then perhaps it’s time to get your hands off it. Contact us at Goodwill Car Donations and we’ll give your clunker a new and worthy purpose when you turn it over to us as your charitable contribution.

We will sell your vehicle through an auction, with the proceeds going to the Goodwill organizations serving your local area to help finance their community-based programs and services. These IRS-certified 501(c)3 nonprofits are dedicated to improving the lives of your fellow Americans who are burdened with disabilities, lack of education, skills, and job experience, and other barriers to financial independence and productive and fulfilling life.

Goodwill organizations use the funding that comes from the sale of donated vehicles to provide their beneficiaries with job training, employment opportunities, scholarships, livelihood assistance, disability benefits, and other critical community-building support services.

While helping deserving individuals find decent jobs or livelihoods, 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 towing service. What’s more, your donation will make you eligible to enjoy the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season.

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

For more information about our vehicle donation program, visit our FAQs page. If you have questions or concerns, call us at 866-233-8586 or contact us here.

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Turn Your Jalopy into a Life-Changer Today!

Allow us to turn your clunker into a powerful tool that can harness the full potential of the disadvantaged men and women in your community. Your car could be their key to a poverty-free life. Call Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or fill out our secure online donation form now!

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Looking for the Most Suitable Off-Roader for You?

Many people feel a different kind of joy when going off the road. That’s why off-roading has been growing in popularity ever since the first off-road vehicle was made.

For some, the thrill comes from the experience of exploring and enjoying nature. For others, it’s the challenge of driving on unpaved ground and difficult terrain and getting past obstacles.

Off-road trips are a great way to spend quality time with your loved ones while enjoying a great adventure. However, to fully enjoy the experience, you need to make sure you’re using the right kind of vehicle.

If you’re in the market to find the perfect off-road vehicle, Goodwill Car Donations has got you covered. Here are five of the best off-road vehicles:

1. Jeep Wrangler Rubicon – Starting price at $30,500

The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon boasts 33-inch all-terrain tires that can get you from point A to point B regardless of whatever’s in your way. It’s arguably the most capable Wrangler out there, featuring all the off-road essentials you need.

2. Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro – Starting price at $50,500

Not your typical crossover and still sporting style as if it was from the 1980s, the 4Runner is a classic off-road vehicle. While some may argue that it’s a bit ancient compared to other choices out there, it’s still a reliable option that can pack quite a punch when used.

3. Ford Ranger – Starting price at $25,000

The Ford Ranger features a 2.3L four-cylinder engine that makes around 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Its fuel economy is top-notch as well as its steering and handling when going off the pavement. While it may lack in performance when compared to the cream of the crop off-roaders, its affordable price makes it a solid choice for your first off-road vehicle.

4. Mercedes Benz G-Class – Starting price at $132,000

A six-figure off-road icon, the Mercedes Benz G-Class is the vehicle to get if you’ve got the extra dough. It’s more sophisticated than other off-road vehicles. This model is an extremely capable vehicle no matter what terrain you drive on.

5. Toyota Land Cruiser – Starting price at $86,000

Since the 1950s, the Toyota Land Cruiser has always been one of the top choices for off-road journeys. Despite its more luxurious look nowadays — with all its trims and features — it’s still capable of going rough and rugged if you choose.

Your Clunker Can Help Uplift the Lives of Disadvantaged Folks

If you’re in the market for a new off-road vehicle, then you’ve got to start thinking about what to do with your old one. Don’t let it sit in your garage for eternity until it’s covered in rust. Donate it to us here at Goodwill Car Donations instead! It’s the easiest and most convenient way of disposing of your unwanted ride. At the same time, you’ll be supporting your impoverished disadvantaged neighbors. They’re the men and women in your community who are suffering from disabilities, lack of education, job experience, or essential skills, and other personal issues, including having prison records, that make it difficult for them to find decent and stable sources of income.

Your vehicle donation can help them break free from the grip of poverty.

We will auction off your vehicle and turn over the proceeds to the Goodwill organizations serving your area. These Goodwill organizations are IRS-approved 501(c)(3) nonprofits that cater to disadvantaged Americans. They use the funding to sustain their delivery of critical services to their beneficiaries. These services include job and skills training, career opportunities, vocational and educational services, internship programs, financial support, disability benefits, and other critical community-building 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 quick and easy vehicle donation process, and other relevant information, visit our FAQs page. Questions? Call us at 866-233-8586 or leave us a message here.

Make a Lasting Impact on Your Community Today!

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When you donate a vehicle to us, you’ll be helping transform the lives of the disadvantaged folks in your community. Call Goodwill Car Donations through our toll-free line at 866-233-8586 or fill out our online donation form now!

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Essentials You Need You for Your Tailgate Party

Tailgate parties don’t end when you graduate college. In fact, you can make more epic ones when you’re already done with school.

Whether it’s before a football game or you’re just parked somewhere with your friends, a tailgate party is a great way to enjoy each other’s company while sharing delicious foods. However, while you can just rough it up with just the bare basics, bringing some items can help make the experience even better for everyone that’s attending the party.

You’ve got to make sure you have the essentials on hand. Goodwill Car Donations has compiled these top 5 items that you need for the ultimate tailgating kit checklist:

1. Cooler

You need storage for your drinks to keep them cold. After all, who likes drinking soda or beer at room temperature? You can also bring more than one cooler, with the other one specifically for raw meat if you’re planning on doing some grilling.

2. Foldable chairs and tables

While everyone may be comfortable with just sitting on the floor or spreading a blanket on the ground, it’s great to bring some portable chairs and tables. They can help make things more comfortable, especially if it rained. No one wants to sit on the ground if it’s wet or muddy.

3. Portable grill

Get the charcoal ready and fire up the grill! A small gas or charcoal grill will do fine for tailgate parties. Make sure to bring a fire extinguisher, too, just in case!

4. Cleaning materials

Bring cleaning materials, extra towels, wet wipes, rags, and trash bags to make things easier for you when your tailgate is over. Don’t leave your tailgate site in a total mess!

5. Utensils

Bring kitchenware if you’re doing some grilling or slicing. Don’t forget to bring basic utensils for everyone to make eating easier. You can also bring plastic gloves if you’re planning on eating foods that are a bit messy, like hamburgers or hotdogs.

Want to Show You Care for the Needy? Donate a Vehicle!

You can invite the struggling disadvantaged people in your community to a tailgate party if you want them to have some fun. However, if you truly care for them, you can do something more — like donating your old and unwanted vehicle to us here at Goodwill Car Donations for their benefit.

We will use your donation to improve the lives of the men and women in your community who are burdened with disabilities, lack of education, essential skills, or job experience, and other disadvantages, such as having prison records. These personal issues pose as barriers in their effort to find decent and stable sources of income that can free them from the grip of poverty.

We will put your vehicle up for auction and turn over the proceeds to the Goodwill organizations serving your local area. These IRS-approved 501(c)(3) nonprofits cater to disadvantaged men and women, providing them with job training, employment opportunities, scholarships, livelihood assistance, disability benefits, and other critical community-building support services.

As a Goodwill donor, you’ll enjoy meaningful returns for your generosity. These include the free towing of your unwanted vehicle and your entitlement to the highest possible tax deduction in the next tax season.

Moreover, nothing compares to the joy and satisfaction you’ll feel, knowing that your charitable contribution will greatly benefit your community in terms of the jobs that it will create for the empowerment of your less fortunate fellow residents.

We accept nearly all types of vehicles, whether they’re still in good running condition or no longer. We can pick up and tow your vehicle wherever you had it parked or stored anywhere in the country.

To get to know our quick and easy vehicle donation process and other details, just visit our FAQs page. Should you have any questions or concerns, you may call us through our toll-free hotline at 866-233-8586. You may also write to us here.

Choose to Become a Hero Today!

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When you decide to support your disadvantaged neighbors, you’ll become an instant hero in your community. Your car donation can help turn their lives around. Call Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or fill out our online donation form now!

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Here’s Your Fall Car Maintenance Checklist

While the temperatures in fall may not be as extreme as winter or summer, you can make use of the season to ensure your car is in optimal driving condition. Fall also has worries of its own, too, especially with the rain, fallen leaves, and broken twigs and branches on the road. These hazards can increase your chances of having an accident, especially if something goes wrong with the handling of your vehicle.

Kids Car Donations has compiled these five top maintenance tasks to prepare your vehicle for the fall season:

1. Check your tires.

Your tires are the only contact points that you have with the road. Make sure they’re in good shape as poor tire condition can be a big safety issue. Tires tend to lose air over time, causing their air pressure to drop, which in turn affects the handling of your car. Check your tires every week or so, and make sure they’re filled with the recommended air pressure level as indicated in your vehicle’s manual. Also, make sure that your tires have a good amount of tread left on them. Don’t risk driving on tires with little to no tread left as they can be a recipe for disaster if paired with terrible road conditions.

2. Inspect your brakes.

Have your brakes checked routinely to make sure they’re in tip-top shape. Faulty brakes can affect your car’s stopping power and put you at risk on the road. Top off your brake fluid if needed.

3. Check your windshield wipers and washer fluid.

See if your wipers have cracks in their rubber. If it’s already affecting how they wipe debris off on your windshield, replace them immediately. Do a check on your washer fluid, too. Always make sure that you still have some left when you need a quick spray.

4. Double-check your lights.

Since days are getting shorter, you’d want to make sure that your lights are working properly. If you find any weak bulbs or non-working lights, head to the shop and get them replaced immediately.

5. Check your coolant levels.

A coolant check should be done routinely several times a year. Every time you take your car to the shop for maintenance, have the mechanic do a quick check on your radiator or coolant levels. This is a great way to catch leaks or potential problems before they happen.

You Can Make a Difference Using Your Clunker

While regular car maintenance can help preserve the lifespan of your vehicle, some parts will still wear down over time. Replacing them doesn’t come cheap and can turn older vehicles into money pits that can burn your hard-earned savings.

You can break free from the stress and headaches of owning a clapped-out car by donating it to support a worthy cause. When you hand over your beater to us at Goodwill Car Donations, we’ll use it to improve the lives of the disadvantaged people in your community. These are the men and women around you who are saddled with disabilities, lack of education, essential skills, or job experience, and other personal hindrances (such as having prison records) that pose as obstacles in their quest for a poverty-free life.

We’ll have your vehicle auctioned off, with the proceeds used to support the life-enhancement programs and services being delivered by the Goodwill organizations serving your area. These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits cater to disadvantaged individuals, providing them with job training, employment opportunities, scholarships, livelihood assistance, disability benefits, and other critical community-building support services.

Donating to us is easy and convenient. You’ll be doing it in the comfort of your home. Making a Goodwill car donation means a hassle-free experience that’s free of paperwork, complicated steps, and unnecessary requirements.

Moreover, your charitable contribution will entitle you to receive surprisingly useful perks, such as getting our free towing service and the maximum tax deduction that you can claim in the next tax season.

Best of all, you’ll find unsurpassed satisfaction in having done something that will benefit your entire community when once idle members attain financial stability and live productive and fulfilling lives, thanks to your donation.

We accept a wide range of vehicle types. Feel free to hand over your car to us regardless of its age, mileage, or condition. We even take vehicles that don’t run or start. You can make your donation anywhere in the country since we have vehicle donation centers in all 50 states.

If you’re interested to know more about our vehicle donation program, head over to our FAQs page. You can also give us a ring at 866-233-8586 or leave us a message here for any concerns or questions that you may have.

Help Build a Brighter Future for Your Community Today!

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When you turn over your unwanted vehicle to Goodwill Car Donations, you’ll help uplift the lives of your disadvantaged neighbors and build a brighter future for your community. Call us at 866-233-8586 or fill out our online donation form now!

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio under Pexels License

Routine Car Maintenance Is a Must!

Although car owners know how important it is to ensure routine vehicle maintenance, many of them fall short when it comes to checking their cars’ tire pressures and inflating them as needed. For this reason, newer car models feature tire pressure monitoring systems or tire pressure warning lights to let their owners know when their tires are under- or over-inflated.

If you’re driving an older vehicle that doesn’t have these warning systems, you must learn how to check the PSI  (pound per square inch) of your tire before it ruptures.

Although safety is the primary reason why you should regularly check your tires’ PSI, doing so will also allow you to experience improved handling and control of the vehicle, enjoy longer-lasting tires, reduce your risks of blowouts and accidents, lower your carbon footprint, and enhance your fuel economy.

Steps on How to Check the Pressure of Your Vehicle’s Tires

Did you know that improperly inflated tires are the leading cause of vehicle tire failure? Keeping your tires inflated to the manufacturer’s suggested pressure is a crucial component of tire maintenance. Tires with the proper amount of air pressure contribute to vehicle safety.

To ensure that your car stays in top shape, you should inspect its tire pressure regularly. Goodwill Car Donations has listed down the steps in examining the pressure of your vehicle’s tires.

1. Check the suggested PSI.

Take the time to learn the suggested PSI for your rear and front tires. If these wheels require a different level of pressure, it helps to note down the right PSI for each to avoid confusion as you check.

2. Check the tire pressure using your gauge.

Put the gauge in the valve system. You need to press more to obtain the precise reading. A standard-gauge can provide measurements that are etched into the bar. In addition, the more advanced the digital gauge is, the faster the reading will be.

3. Refill to the suggested PSI.

If there’s low pressure, refill tires utilizing a quality air compressor. Ensure that pressure is properly adjusted and set to the ideal PSI pressure. In case you start with cold tires, the recommended PSI is 4.

Upon filling the tires, use your gauge to check the pressure again. Avoid driving tires that are overinflated because this can result in low-impact absorption and premature wear.

4. Check your tire pressure every month.

Repeat and incorporate the procedures mentioned above every month. You need to regularly check your vehicle’s tire pressure to ensure that it doesn’t dip below the ideal PSI. Since vehicle tires tend to lose one PSI each month, you need to check each tire’s pressure every month.

Want to Retire Your Old Car Meaningfully?

If you want to retire your old car in such a way that it will serve a worthy purpose, all you have to do is donate it to us at Goodwill Car Donations. We will use it to improve the living conditions of the disadvantaged and impoverished people in your community. They include your neighbors who are burdened with disabilities, lack of education, job experience, or essential skills, and other personal issues (such as having prison records) that prevent them from finding decent jobs and other sources of income.

We will sell your donated vehicle and use the proceeds to support the vital community-based programs and services of the Goodwill organizations serving your local area. These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits provide deserving disadvantaged individuals with job training and employment opportunities, scholarships, livelihood assistance, disability benefits, and other critical community-building support services.

It will take you just a few minutes to make a Goodwill donation. All you have to do is contact us. We’ll handle everything else from that point on, including picking up and towing your vehicle at absolutely no cost to you and anywhere in the United States.

Your charitable contribution will also make you eligible to receive the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season.

Better yet, you will also savor the satisfaction of having done something wonderful for your community by supporting the creation of new jobs. This will surely contribute to the growth and progress of your community.

You can donate almost any type of vehicle even if it’s no longer working properly.

For information about our quick and easy vehicle donation process and other important details, feel free to check out our FAQs page. If you have questions or concerns, call us at 866-233-8586 or leave us a message here.

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Transform Your Clunker into a Life-changer Today!

By teaming up with us at Goodwill Car Donations, you can transform your unwanted car into a critical source of assistance for your community’s underprivileged members. Donate it to us today! Get in touch with us at 866-233-8586 or fill out our online donation form now!