3 Common Car Mechanical Problems

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Vehicle Ownership Is a Responsibility

When driving, there are things you can and can’t control. A lot can go wrong on the road and sometimes there’s just nothing you can do about it. Even the safest drivers can get into accidents, no matter how defensive their driving style is. Distracted drivers, bad weather, nasty road conditions — these are just some examples of factors that you can’t do anything about.

Sometimes, mechanical failures can be the reason for you to get into an accident. It’s estimated that 13% of all vehicular accidents are caused by such failures, which is why regular maintenance to keep your vehicle in tip-top shape is one of the most important responsibilities you have as a car owner and as a driver.

The 3 Mechanical Problems That Can Happen to Your Car

Whether due to normal wear and tear, improper maintenance, or the manufacturer’s defects, mechanical problems are sometimes unavoidable. Count yourself lucky if you’ve owned a vehicle for a few years and you’ve never experienced a mechanical problem.

Take a look at 3 of the more common mechanical problems that car owners experience.

  1. Dead starter

You put your key in the ignition, turn it, but nothing happens. All you hear is a click or several clicking sounds. A dead start is usually caused by one of two things: Your starter has failed or you’ve got a dead battery. A dead battery is quickly resolved by having it replaced. If the problem is with your starter, you have to get your car towed to the car shop and have a mechanic diagnose what the exact problem is.

  1. Bad alternator

Your alternator is responsible for keeping your battery in check. When you have a faulty alternator, either you won’t be able to start your car or your vehicle will break down while you’re driving. If you have constant issues with your battery, hear a weird rattling noise from your engine, and experience electrical failure, the likely suspect is your alternator.

  1. Spark plugs

A vehicle’s spark plugs aren’t going to last forever. They have a shelf life and will fail eventually, sometimes at the worst possible moments. Having bad spark plugs means your vehicle will run at lower speeds and eat up more fuel. Sometimes, it can also lead to issues on starting up your vehicle.

Let That Old Clunker Go!

If you’re experiencing car mechanical problems far too often and you’ve already spent a fortune on car repairs, perhaps it’s your car telling you to let it go. You’d be better off disposing of that clunker and getting a new ride.

If you’re looking for the best way of retiring your auto, talk to us at Goodwill Car Donations and we’ll show you the awesome benefits you’ll get if you simply turn over that vehicle to us.

We’ll put your vehicle up for auction with the proceeds going to the Goodwill organizations serving your local area. These organizations are IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits that cater to disadvantaged Americans or those who are saddled with disabilities, lack of education or essential skills, and other personal issues (such as having prison records) that hamper their search for decent and stable sources of income.

These Goodwill nonprofits make use of the funding that comes from our 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.

You’ll also benefit from your charitable contribution since this will qualify you to receive the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season. Moreover, we’ll provide you with our free towing service at your convenience.

Best of all, you’ll find great satisfaction in doing something that will benefit your entire community, with once idle members getting great opportunities to attain financial stability.

We accept nearly all vehicle types, even those that are no longer working. We can collect your vehicle donation anywhere in the country since we operate in all 50 states.

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

Say ‘Hello’ to Great Opportunities for the Needy Today!

Say goodbye to your clunker and your main source of headaches. Turn it into a great source of opportunities for advancement in life that will benefit the disadvantaged residents of your community. Do that by turning it over to us at Goodwill Car Donations. Call us at 866-233-8586  or fill out our online donation form now!

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The 3 Most Common Car Engine Problems

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How to Avoid and Detect Engine Problems

Not everyone who buys a car has the interest to understand its various parts and how they function. Many vehicle owners see their ride as simply a machine that they use to comfortably go to work and avoid taking a ride inside a crowded subway train or bus. It’s a thing that they simply fill with gas to take them to wherever they want.

The car that we often take for granted, however, is a remarkable machine showcasing human ingenuity and topnotch engineering. Behind the hood of your vehicle lies years of innovation and research, all bundled together to create today’s efficient and high-tech automobile. At its heart lies the powerful internal combustion engine, the main reason why your vehicle can start and move.

Whether you’re driving a Corolla or the latest Porsche model, the engine inside it works the same way. It converts energy from the heat of burning gasoline into torque, which is then applied to the wheels and allows your car to move.

The engine is composed of multiple parts that include the gaskets, air filters, the timing belt, and the manifolds. All of these parts smoothly work together to make your car run. If a single component gets damaged and performs poorly, your engine’s performance will be affected. Worse, a damaged component can cause damages to the other parts of your engine, causing you to suffer a car breakdown.

Don’t Let These Car Engine Problems Happen to You

Car owners agree that experiencing an engine problem is one of the worse things that can happen to them. You wouldn’t want to be caught in the middle of nowhere with a busted engine! Engine problems are also notoriously hard to diagnose and often expensive to repair.

You can mitigate the chances of engine issues by following the manufacturer’s recommended schedule for car maintenance. However, not everyone follows recommendations to the letter. Some vehicles can even go unchecked or serviced by their owners for years.

Early detection of possible engine problems is the key. Take a look at the top 3 common car engine problems experienced by car owners.

  1. Worn-out or faulty spark plugs

Spark plugs may be small in size but they play a big role in the performance of your car’s engine. Spark plugs are responsible for igniting the fuel-air mixture in the engine cylinders to produce energy that moves your car. Worn-out spark plugs are easily solved by simply replacing them. However, a damaged spark plug can cause the engine to misfire, affecting its performance, and damaging other car parts.

To avoid engine problems, spark plugs need to be replaced every 30,000 miles. This is part of regular servicing carried out in most auto repair centers.

  1. Faulty oxygen sensor

Your car’s oxygen sensor monitors how much unburned oxygen is present in the exhaust as the exhaust exits the engine. By monitoring oxygen levels, the sensor provides a means of measuring fuel mixture.

A faulty oxygen sensor can impact your engine’s timing, combustion intervals, and other essential functions. You’ll also experience stalling or slow acceleration

You’ll know that your oxygen sensor is failing and needs replacement when you have reduced gas mileage, a bad smell like rotten eggs comes from the exhaust, the check engine light comes on, your engine idles roughly, and your car is suddenly hard to start.

  1. Clogged radiator

The radiator cools the engine and prevents it from overheating. To absorb the heat, the car’s engine uses coolant to absorb the heat. It then transfers the fluid to the radiator where it cools down. Once it cools, the coolant is sent back into the engine and the process starts over again.

When your radiator is clogged, not enough cooling takes place inside the engine. This can result in your car overheating. If this problem persists, your engine may suffer permanent damage.

Signs of a clogged radiator include high temperature gauge readings, coolant leaks, fluid discoloration, exterior radiator fins blocked, and bent or damaged fins on the radiator.

Is Your Old Car Giving You Lots of Headaches?

If you’ve been experiencing car engine problems despite several trips to the repair shop, perhaps your old car is telling you that it’s time for you to retire it. Give it up before something bad happens to you on the road.

If you’re thinking of how to properly retire your old ride, your best option is to turn it over to a charity that will provide you the best benefits while using your donation to support a cause close to your heart. When you hand over such a vehicle to us at Goodwill Car Donations, you can put check marks on those two points.

We will auction off your donated vehicle to raise funds for the community-based programs and services of the Goodwill organizations serving your area. These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits seek to empower individuals saddled with disabilities, lack of education or essential skills, and other disadvantages such as having a prison record.

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 Goodwill donor, you’ll enjoy awesome perks. Aside from the joy of knowing that you’ll be helping less fortunate folks in your community achieve financial stability and a much better quality of life, you’ll also find satisfaction when we haul off your vehicle for free and enable you to receive the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season.

We accept nearly all vehicle types, even those that are no longer working properly.

If you need more information about our quick and easy donation process, head over to our FAQs page. For your questions or concerns, call us at 866-233-8586 or write to us here.

Donate Your Clunker to Support a Worthy Cause Today!

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Free yourself from the troubles of owning a problematic auto by using it to help the disadvantaged residents in your area. Your gift can make a difference in their lives. Call Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or fill out our online donation form now!


6 Ways to Get Ready for Tax Day on May 17th

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Tips to Help You Experience a Stress-Free Tax Day

Haven’t started preparing your tax papers yet? Are you waiting until the last minute to file your taxes? Well, be sure to do it before Tax Day, which has been extended from April 15th to May 17th this year. The IRS extended the tax-filing due date as its way of easing the burdens posed on taxpayers by the continuing coronavirus pandemic. Nevertheless, even with the new deadline for 2021, the IRS encourages taxpayers to file their tax returns as soon as possible.

Despite your hectic schedule, you’ll need to make time to get all your paperwork in order. Sure, it might look overwhelming at first, but once you know the ins and outs of tax-filing, it will be a breeze.

Here are some important tips to help you keep things running as smoothly as possible when you file your income tax return:

  1. Gather your documents.

By the end of January, you should have already received all the tax documents you need from your employer as well as from brokerage firms, banks, and others with whom you have a business. Be sure that you check each form to see if the information matches your own records. Below are the most common docs:

  • Form W-2 (if you’re employed)
  • 1099 forms (if you’re self-employed or a freelancer)
  • 1098 forms (tax deductions from mortgage interest)
  • Profit and loss statements (if you’re a business owner)
  • Form W-2G (if you had gambling winnings)
  • Previous-year tax returns
  1. Check for typos or errors.

Before submitting your tax papers, see to it that you’ve double-checked every single piece of them for typos. This will spare you from frustration and a lot of wasted time. You wouldn’t want to get back in a queue and wait for another hour just because of a single grammatical or spelling mistake.

  1. Bring additional documents.

The IRS might ask for your Social Security number, so it’s a good idea to have a photocopy of your Social Security card. You might also want to prepare your tax credit forms to help you reduce your taxable income.

  1. Consider getting help from a tax professional.

If you often have difficulty filing your taxes or you just don’t have the time for it, you might as well work with a qualified professional. Apart from preparing your income tax returns, they can help you take advantage of any credits or deductions you’re entitled to. They’ll also take care of gathering the right tax and financial data from your investment accounts. Additionally, your tax consultant can provide you with income tax projections, including quarterly estimated payments.

  1. Maximize the use of free tax services.

If you have annual earnings of $66,000 or less, you can utilize the “Free File” software developed by the IRS to help you file your taxes. For seniors, people with disabilities, and those who make less than $55,000 a year, tax-filing doesn’t have to be a hassle if they sign up for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.

  1. Don’t hesitate to request an extension.

Are you apprehensive that you might miss the tax payment deadline? Don’t worry, you can always ask for a six-month extension. However, you’ll still need to estimate the amount of tax you owe and pay that amount by the regular May 17th deadline to avoid any penalties.

Get a Top Tax Deduction and Transform Lives at the Same Time

How’s that possible, you ask? Well, simply donate an unwanted vehicle to us here at Goodwill Car Donations. Trust us, it’s that easy!

We’ll sell your clunker at an auction and use the proceeds to support the programs of the local Goodwill organization serving your area. Goodwill organizations spread throughout the country are IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits that have been working tirelessly for decades to support Americans burdened by disabilities, lack of education or essential skills, and other disabilities that prevent them from freeing themselves from poverty.

Through the funding they receive from us, they’re able to provide their beneficiaries with job training, job opportunities, livelihood assistance, internships, scholarships, disability benefits, and other essential community-building support services.

Thanks to your charitable contribution, the less fortunate individuals in your locality can now find opportunities to attain financial stability and live productive lives.

In exchange for your donation, we’ll send you the 100% tax-deductible sales receipt of your vehicle days after it gets sold. The receipt will entitle you to claim the maximum tax deduction when you file your itemized federal income tax return in the next tax season.

Other than that, you’ll also benefit from the free pickup and towing service that we will provide you wherever you’re located in the United States.

What’s more, you can count on us to provide you with a highly satisfying donation experience, knowing that your act of charity will help generate new jobs in your community.

We accept pretty much all sorts of vehicles, including those that come with a few defective parts. For a comprehensive list of our qualified vehicles, head over to this page.

If you’re interested to learn more about our donation program, including our quick and easy donation process, visit our FAQs page. For inquiries, feel free to get in touch with us at 866-233-8586. You may also send us a message here and we’ll respond within one business day.

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Be a Hero on Tax Day

Are you ready to turn your ancient automobile into a life-changing instrument? Call Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or fill out our online donation form now!


5 Great Benefits for Employers Who Hire Persons with Disabilities

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It’s Good for Everyone

In our society, people with disabilities are often underestimated and seen as less capable than those without handicaps. They’re often seen as having limited capabilities and even a liability to the workforce.

In 2020, only 17.9% of persons with disabilities were employed in the United States, down from 19.3% in the previous year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The figures show that a lot of employers are still grossly underestimating the potential of those with disabilities, opting to pass over their job applications in favor of those who aren’t handicapped.

The employment bias remains despite the signing of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) by President George H.W. Bush in 1990. The legislation was meant to open the door for the employment of millions of Americans with disabilities.

People with disabilities have proven time and again that they are capable of so much more than how society sees them. They can bring value to a business more than just being employees of a company.

In 2018, a study was made regarding businesses that actively sought to employ people with disabilities. It showed that the revenues of the businesses that hired persons with disabilities rose by 28%. Their net income also doubled compared to businesses that had no handicapped workers. Plus, their profit margins rose by 30%.

Moreover, the study found that the surveyed workforce with disabled members was happier than those from businesses with no handicapped workers, with employee retention averaging at around 90%. In short, the study showed that hiring persons with disabilities benefits not just those individuals but also the businesses that employ them.

The 5 Benefits That Employers Get for Hiring Persons With Disabilities

Employers derive numerous benefits and great value for including persons with disabilities in their workforce. Some of these workers can even outperform and bring better results than individuals without handicaps.

Take a look at the 5 benefits that employers get for hiring people who are living with a disability.

  1. They’re fiercely loyal.

Handicapped workers are usually diligent, talented, and can be a great addition to any business workforce. When someone gives them the opportunity to work and be part of a company, they are usually thankful and return the favor with their unswerving loyalty to their employer.

  1. They increase diversity in the company.

Diversity is good for any company or business. People with disabilities look at the world from a different point of view, meaning they can use their own perspectives and experiences to come up with innovative solutions to problems. They can also provide additional insights into a company’s customer base comprised of persons with disabilities, enabling the business to tailor their services or products better.

  1. They expand a company’s talent pool.

Employers gain additional talents by recruiting individuals with disabilities. Employers are pleasantly surprised when these workers with special needs start leading their teams.

  1. They boost job morale and corporate culture.

Hiring persons with disabilities shows that the employer is promoting a culture of inclusivity that looks beyond a person’s handicap. Handicapped workers can also serve as sources of motivation and inspiration for their able-bodied co-workers.

  1. They are higher-performing individuals.

Many employers who recruit people with disabilities report higher work quality and greater work ethic. According to a study, 3 out of 4 employers found out that their handicapped workers are well-engaged, dependable, and highly motivated.

Help Change Lives for the Better By Donating Your Beater

Do you know that you can make a difference for people living with a disability? You can help uplift their lives by simply donating an old vehicle that you don’t want anymore to us at Goodwill Car Donations.

When you do this, you will be helping not just the handicapped folks in your community but also those who are burdened with a lack of education or essential skills and other disadvantages that make it hard for them to lift themselves from poverty.

We will auction off your donated vehicle and turn over the proceeds to the Goodwill organizations serving your area. These IRS-approved 501(c)(3) nonprofits cater to disadvantaged individuals and use the funding coming from charitable contributions to help finance the services they provide 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.

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 deduction 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 by empowering your needy fellow residents through work and learning.

Worried that we might not accept the vehicle you’re offering to donate? Throw your worries out the window! It’s because we accept a wide range of vehicle types such as sedans, motorcycles, pickup trucks, boats, and many others. Their condition won’t matter to us either. We’ll happily take your car donation even if it’s no longer in good condition or no longer running.

To get to know 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. We will promptly respond to you. You may also give us a call at our toll-free hotline 866-233-8586. We’d be happy to hear from you!

Transform Lives with Your Old Clunker Today!

Red coupe park near a tree | Goodwill Car Donations Photo by Meritt Thomas under Unsplash License

Your old can surely transform the lives of the disadvantaged residents in your community. It will provide them a brighter future as they’ll get the opportunities to turn their lives around. Call Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or fill out our online donation form now!


Give Your Wheels All the Pampering It Deserves This April — It’s National Car Care Month!

Man in Black Jacket Wiping the White Car | Goodwill Car Donations Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko under Pexels License

Give Your Car Some Extra TLC

If you’re wondering why April is National Car Care Month, it’s because it marks the end of winter, which means that it’s time to take your vehicle out for joyrides and long road trips once again. Before heading out to your first spring trip, however, you’ll need to get it back into tip-top shape since you pretty much left it sitting idly in your garage during winter. You’ll need to make sure that it’s all revved up and ready to take you to that getaway your heart has been longing for.

Maintaining your car is more than just ensuring its reliability and good performance. It also means minimizing roadside emergencies, saving you expensive repair costs, lowering your risk of accidents, and prolonging your automobile’s life. Now you know why it’s important to follow a regular maintenance schedule.

You can do many things to keep your car in tiptop shape, and we’d love nothing more than to share them with you.

  1. Always drive with care.

Driving with care not only helps prevent accidents but also allows you to use your car for a longer period without having it undergo costly repairs. Avoid driving at high speeds and accelerating quickly, observe posted speed limits, don’t run over curbs, and keep your eyes peeled for potholes and objects on the road. Also, be sure to shift to neutral at red lights so that you’ll place less strain on your engine and automatic transmission.

  1. Clean your car properly.

Sometimes, all your car needs is a good cleanup for it to run smoothly. Although you can always leave it to the professionals to do the dirty work, there’s nothing more fulfilling than washing and cleaning your vehicle yourself. Not to mention, you can save a lot of cash.

Here are several cleanup tips you might want to try:

  • Vacuum, vacuum, vacuum.

Vacuum all seats, the floor, and maybe even the trunk. Vacuum every area of your car where you can get the nozzle in, including the side door panels and under the pedals.

  • Apply foam rug cleaner to stubborn stains or your mat or carpet.

Do this after you vacuum them. Work the foam into a few square feet at a time, and use a brush or wet sponge.

  • Wipe away grime.

With your car vacuumed up, grab a soft cloth or cleaning wipes to wipe out all that dirt, dust, and sticky stuff. If you want, spray a small amount of car cleaner over the steering wheel, console, and the area between the seats to give your automobile a fresh new look.

  • Blast your mats using a water hose.

Drag out the carpet or rubber floor mats and blast them with water using a hose. This will dislodge dirt particles that can grind holes in your mats.  Allow the mats to dry completely in the sun before you proceed to reinstall them.

  • Clean in and around all the nooks and crannies.

Clean around the trim lines and radio buttons using a cloth, and a paintbrush or foam brush for the air vents.

  • Wipe windows.

Spray your windows with a window cleaner solution and wipe thoroughly using a microfiber cloth or paper towel. If you prefer a natural agent, you can make your own by mixing one cup of water, one cup of rubbing alcohol, and two tablespoons of vinegar.

  • Keep leather from drying out and cracking.

While leather seats are durable and don’t require a lot of maintenance, they can still become soiled and may crack over the years. Remove dirt and stains with a leather cleaner, after which you should apply a leather protectant formulated for pigmented or top-coated grain leather. Use a leather conditioner to replenish the natural oils in the leather and prevent cracking and fading.

  1. Take out any unnecessary items from your trunk.

Remove stuff that you no longer need from your trunk. Doing so not only lets you regain extra storage space but also helps you save on gas mileage.

  1. Protect car paint from the sun.

Besides making your car look pleasing to the eyes, paint is also the first line of defense against rusted body panels. The best way to protect it from the sun’s UV rays is by parking it in your garage. When outside, you can park it in the shade or use a car cover instead.

  1. Fix paint chips as soon as you can.

Since touch-up paint doesn’t adhere well to rust, it’s helpful to keep one on hand in case you discover any minor nicks. Be sure to retouch immediately before rust starts to form.

  1. Don’t carry too much load.

Exceeding your car’s weight limit or roof load specifications can easily lead to wear and tear. If you need to bring heavy furniture or equipment, consider having it delivered instead. Check your vehicle owner’s manual for these specs.

  1. Secure your loads.

An improperly stowed load brings nothing but dents and scratches to your car. Consider investing in racks for cargo, luggage, and bicycles. If you drive a pickup truck, a good tip in keeping tall objects from sliding around in its bed is by using a shower curtain rod as a brace.

Convert Your Spare Clunker into a Life-Changer

If you happen to own an extra automobile or another type of vehicle that you no longer use, you might want to think about disposing of it for a worthy cause. By handing it over to us at Goodwill Car Donations, you’ll help improve the lives of the residents in your community who are burdened with disabilities, lack of education or essential skills, and other disadvantages that prevent them from living productively. You’ll help free them from a life of misery.

We’ll auction off your vehicle and distribute the generated funds to the Goodwill organizations serving your area. These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits will then use the money to provide their beneficiaries with job training, employment opportunities, livelihood assistance, scholarships, disability benefits, and other community-building support services. Such services will enable the disadvantaged members of your community to reach their full potential and find decent jobs.

In exchange for your contribution, we’ll send you the 100% tax-deductible sales receipt of your vehicle days after it gets sold. We will also be the ones to tow your car away at a time, date, and place of your choice. We offer free towing in all parts of the country.

Best of all, you’ll find great satisfaction in doing something that will benefit your entire community as once idle residents become self-reliant and financially stable.

We take pretty much all sorts of vehicles, regardless of their age or condition. You may head over to this page to learn what they are.

If you have any concerns, give us a call at our toll-free hotline 866-233-8586 or leave us a message here. Visit our FAQs page for more information on our donation process.

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Do Something Extraordinary This National Car Care Month

Are you ready to part ways with your unwanted car and give it a new purpose? Get in touch with Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or fill out our online donation form now!


Best Vehicles for Snowy Places: 2021 Edition

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Don’t Be Left Stranded in Wintry Weather!

People can give you plenty of reasons why winter is wonderful. Aside from seeing the charming panorama of a world blanketed in fluffy snow, outdoor and adventure lovers get to hit the slopes, bookworms get to indulge in blanket activities, and foodies get to eat all the comfort food they want.

However, wintry weather can easily become a nightmare to anyone who’s driving a car that doesn’t fare well in the ice and snow. If you live in a region that gets hit hard by snow, you’d want to look for the right car that’s better suited for the snowy weather.

What Are the Best Vehicles for Snowy Places in 2021?

Do you find yourself regularly driving through blizzards? As winter driving looms, you’ll need to find the ideal vehicle for this type of travel. One of the ways to narrow down your search is to check out these 3 top-rated vehicles for winter driving.

  1. Subaru Crosstrek

This is the best car for the winter-weary. Thanks to its all-wheel drive, the Crosstrek hatchback makes it easy for you to drive from point A to point B as safely as possible, regardless of the weather. You’ll love its SUV-like ground clearance as well as its plastic body cladding.

Although its acceleration isn’t exactly fast, it’s quite adequate. For the 2021 model, Subaru added a much bigger engine that allows the vehicle to put extra power under your right foot. With its sophisticated styling, modern infotainment system, and spacious interior, this car has proven itself to be a well-made package for winter driving.

  1. Volvo V90 Cross Country

If you’re looking to purchase the best luxury car for winter driving, you can’t go wrong with this masterpiece of Swedish design. The Volvo V90 Cross Country is the best choice for you if you prefer a ruggedly handsome station wagon that’s more appealing than a Subaru Outback. You can expect this true winter warrior’s all-wheel drive to give you excellent traction while you’re on a frozen lake.

The Volvo V90 Cross Country mimics the SUV styling with its extra ground clearance and its plastic body cladding that offers an extra dose of ruggedness. Moreover, you’ll like its turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, its user-friendly tech features, and high-quality ergonomic interior

  1. Jeep Grand Cherokee

Looking for the right SUV for the Rubicon Trail? Handling snowy roads isn’t an issue for this capable winter vehicle. If you’re a serious adventurer, you’ll want to pick the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Its off-road prowess and ability to withstand the elements won’t fail to impress you.

Furthermore, the Jeep Grand Cherokee also offers more than enough room for five adult passengers and gear. It also comes with a touchscreen-based infotainment system that’s easy to navigate while you’re enjoying your winter excursion.

Ready to Part Ways with Your Old Clunker?

Goodwill Car Donations makes it easy for you to get rid of an unwanted vehicle while you make a difference in the lives of disadvantaged individuals residing in your area.

All it takes is for you to contact us either online or by phone to free yourself from the burden of having to maintain a car that’s giving you lots of headaches. Once we get hold of your clunker, we will sell it and use the proceeds to support the vital community development programs and services of the Goodwill organization serving your locality.

Goodwill organizations are IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits that cater to disadvantaged Americans throughout the country. They include those people in your community who are suffering from disabilities, lack of education or essential skills, and other disadvantages that make living a daily struggle.

These Goodwill nonprofits 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.

It will take you just a few minutes of your time to donate to us. All you have to do is contact Goodwill Car Donations. We’ll handle everything else from that point on, including picking up and towing your vehicle at absolutely no cost to you.

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 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.

Get Into a Win-Win Situation Today!

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You can never go wrong when you donate your old beater to Goodwill Car Donations. It’s your textbook description of a classic win-win situation. Your community will benefit from it while you reap fantastic donation rewards as well. There’s no time to waste! Call us at 866-233-8586 or fill out our online donation form now!


6 Simple Winter Car Care Tips You Should Know

Snow Covered Road near Bare Trees | Goodwill Car Donations Photo by Da Khatri under Pexels License

How to Keep Your Car in Tip-Top Shape This Season

Whether you like it or not, winter’s here. During this time, car ownership can be a little challenging. It doesn’t matter if you’re driving a plug-in hybrid, an EV, hybrid, or gas/diesel — the freezing temperatures can and will affect your vehicle and the way you drive. For this reason, you need to prioritize car caring and make the necessary preparations to face the punishing cold.

Car Caring Tips for the Winter Season

If you want to make sure that your car runs smoothly and retains its life during the winter season, you need to follow these winter car care tips that Goodwill Car Donations has pulled together for you.

  1. Test your defroster and heater.

Be sure to check your climate control system as well as your window defroster. You’ll want them functioning fully so that you can be safe and comfortable during these cold months. If yours is an electric vehicle, keep in mind that your use of a heater will have an impact on how far your car can travel.

  1. Use winter tires instead of regular tires.

Do you live in a region where temperatures usually drop below 45°? It doesn’t matter if it’s snowing or not — you have to replace your regular tires with winter tires so you can have better traction while you’re stopping or turning on icy roads.

  1. Check your tire pressure every week.

The last thing you’d want is to drive on underinflated tires while driving on slippery or icy surfaces. Be mindful that with every 10-degree decrease in temperature, your tires lose a pound of pressure. If you don’t want them to wear down prematurely and lose traction, be sure to check their pressure every week.

  1. Get your lights checked.

Since winter months have shorter days, you won’t get as much daylight as you normally do. For this reason, you’ll have to make sure that your headlights and tail lights are in good condition, giving you the best road illumination while you’re driving.

  1. Flush and fill antifreeze.

To prevent your car from freezing in the punishing cold, make sure to check if you have enough antifreeze in your vehicle and if there are any leaks in your engine. Your car’s radiator should have a 1:1 ratio of antifreeze and water to reduce your engine’s freezing point.

  1. Add a protective layer.

A coat of polymer wax on your car’s body can effectively create a barrier against road salt, snow, grime, and sleet. It’s also extremely important to use high-pressure car washes to rinse away the buildup in your car’s underbody, wheels, and wheel wells after winter storms.

Reach Out to Disadvantaged Folks This Winter

While making sure that your car is fit to drive this winter, spare a thought for the needy people in your local area who are freezing in their homes and struggling to make ends meet. They include the men and women in your community who are suffering from disabilities, lack of education or essential skills, and other disadvantages that make it tough for them to find decent sources of income.

You can easily lend them a helping hand with the simple act of donating an unwanted vehicle to us at Goodwill Car Donations. We will use your donation to improve the lives of your less fortunate neighbors.

We will auction off your donated vehicle and turn over the proceeds to the Goodwill organizations serving your area. These IRS-approved 501(c)(3) nonprofits cater to disadvantaged individuals, using the funding that we give them to provide their beneficiaries with job training, employment opportunities, scholarships, livelihood assistance, disability benefits, and other critical community-building support services.

These are all meant to equip these needy individuals with the tools that will help them attain economic independence and a better quality of life.

We’ll pick up and tow your vehicle for free wherever you had it parked or stored anywhere in the country. Your donation will also entitle you to receive the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season.

What’s more, you can count on us to provide you with a highly satisfying donation experience, knowing that your act of charity will help generate new jobs in your community.

We accept almost all types of vehicles, whether still in good condition or no longer.

To find out the details of our vehicle donation process, and other relevant information, visit our FAQs page. For your questions and concerns, call us at 866-233-8586 or write to us here.

A Car Parked in the Ski Resort Parking Area | Goodwill Car Donations Photo by JacobS JS under Pexels License

Warm the Hearts of the Needy with Your Gift

This winter, warm the hearts of your less fortunate neighbors by giving them the gift of hope of a better life. Your car donation will help give them this hope. Call Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or fill out our online donation form now!


3 Important Things to Keep in Your Car During Winter

A Snow Covered Jeep | Goodwill Car Donations Photo by Ysmael Pascual under Pexels License

Be Ready for Road Emergencies at This Time of the Year

If you think that your keys and a full tank of gas are the only things you need to drive your car during winter, think again. Unless you’re willing to suffer the consequences of being stuck in the snow, you should always be fully prepared when driving your car when the weather is freezing.

Aside from watching the weather news on TV, you should take extra measures to prepare for winter driving. Road accidents are more likely to happen during this time. For this reason, storing basic winter equipment in your car is a must. You wouldn’t want to end up inside a car blanketed in snow in the middle of nowhere while waiting for roadside assistance to come and help you.

What Are the 3 Important Things You Need to Keep in Your Car During Winter?

With the freezing temperatures, snow, and ice, winter driving is definitely more demanding than normal driving. Regardless of your vehicle’s year, make, or model, you should have these 3 important things on hand.

  1. Shovel

A shovel is something that every motorist has to have in their trunk. This comes in different shapes and sizes, that’s why you can easily store one in your vehicle regardless of its storage space. You’d thank yourself for having this tool if your car gets stuck on a snow-covered road or if you need to dig it out after a snowstorm.

  1. Snow brush

Keeping a snow brush handy during winter is a wise move. You’ll need it to clear off your lights and windows before you hit the road. Most snow brushes come with ice scrapers attached to them. These won’t take up too much trunk space.

  1. Fleece blanket

Being stranded during winter is more than an inconvenience. If your car breaks down or your heater isn’t working, you’d want a thick blanket to keep you warm if you have to tough it out inside your car for a few hours. Make sure to keep a fleece blanket in your trunk especially during long travels.

Your Community’s Disadvantaged Folks Badly Need Help This Winter

With foresight and mindfulness, you can always get ready for driving during snowy days. Consider yourself lucky; the less fortunate folks in your community don’t have the luxury of preparing themselves for the bleak days of winter. They’re the disadvantaged individuals who are saddled with disabilities, lack of education or essential skills, and other personal issues that keep them glued to poverty.

You can extend them a helping hand by simply donating any type of vehicle to us at Goodwill Car Donations. We will use your donation to provide your needy neighbors with opportunities to harness their full potential so they can achieve financial stability and start living productive and fulfilling lives.

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 to provide deserving individuals in your community 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 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 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 at our toll-free hotline 866-233-8586. You may also write to us here.

Reach Out to Those Shivering Folks Out There!

This winter, reach out to the disadvantaged folks in your community who are helplessly shivering in their homes. Help them find the means to turn their lives around. Your car donation can do that. Call Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or fill out our online donation form now!

A Woman in a Snow Cap Leaning on a Tree Trunk | Goodwill Car Donations Photo by Victoria Akvarel under Pexels License


Top 3 Tips for Cold Weather RVing

White rv trailer in a snowy field | Goodwill Car Donations Photo by Kirill Sh under Unsplash License

There’s No Trip Like a Winter RV Trip

If you love taking trips in your RV, then you’d surely enjoy one in winter. Imagine setting up in a peaceful woodland amid a scenic campground, waking up to see white snow covering the ground like a thick blanket.

Cold weather or winter RVing can be an affordable way to have a vacation without having to go to a ski destination or tourist spot. Don’t let the cold weather discourage you from taking an RV trip and having fun outdoors.

You do need to remember though that a winter trip is different from one taken in warmer seasons. You need to make sure your camper is 100% ready to face the cold, snow, and ice. The last thing you want to experience is your RV’s engine or other parts suffering from damage during a trip. To have an enjoyable winter experience that’s comfortable and safe, preparation is a key factor.

Take a look at the top 3 tips you need to keep in mind when planning for a cold-weather RV trip:

  1. Protect your plumbing.

Aside from keeping you warm and safe, your RV should also be a place where you can “do your business.” When you’re out in the woods camping, your RV will likely be the only secure place you can go to the bathroom, unless there’s a diner or a similar facility nearby. Avoid having your plumbing busted because of freeze-ups during cold-weather. Use heat tapes or strips on your pipes. Utilize internal water tanks instead of connecting to external ones. Also, don’t forget to add a small amount of anti-freeze to your holding tanks.

  1. Take extra care of your engine.

Before going out on your trip, have your RV checked to make sure it’s in tip-top shape. Inspect batteries and your engine’s components for any sign of damage or wear. Top up your engine’s antifreeze if needed as it’s going to be very important in freezing temperatures.

  1. Your RV furnace is your best friend.

You do not want to have your furnace break down in the middle of a winter trip. Have your RV furnace checked by a certified RV technician. Have it cleaned and replace any worn-out parts. You’ll want your furnace to be 100% working efficiently in keeping you warm and dry throughout your outdoor adventure.

Your Unwanted Vehicle Can Help Support Your Struggling Neighbors

Heading outdoors with your trusty RV in winter can be quite a challenge. Still, at least you’ve got your RV to keep you safe and warm.

Unfortunately, some residents in your local area don’t enjoy the same luxury. These are the impoverished men and women who are burdened with disabilities, lack of education and essential skills, and other personal hindrances that prevent them from securing decent and stable sources of income.

If you’ve got a clapped-out vehicle that’s just sitting in your driveway, you can use this to help your less fortunate neighbors. All you got to do is to donate that vehicle to us at Goodwill Car Donations.

We’ll fix and shine your vehicle for free and get it ready for auction. Once the vehicle is sold off, we will transfer the proceeds to the Goodwill organizations serving your area. These IRS-approved 501(c)(3) nonprofits cater to disadvantaged individuals and use the funding coming from charitable contributions to help finance the services they provide 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.

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 a top tax deduction 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 by empowering your needy fellow residents through work and learning.

We accept almost all types of vehicles, including those that have dents and scratches and a few missing or defective parts.

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. We will respond to you promptly. You may also give us a call at our toll-free hotline 866-233-8586. We’d be happy to hear from you!

 

Be a Hero to Your Disadvantaged Neighbors

People giving high five | Goodwill Car Donations Photo by fauxels under Pexels License

This winter, extend the warmth of your compassion to the needy people in your community. Become a hero to them with your vehicle donation. Call Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or fill out our online donation form now!


Why the Holiday Season Is a Great Time to Donate Your Car

Handing in Keys to a New Car at the Car Salon | Goodwill Car Donations Photo by AI25.Studio Studio under Pexels License

December Is the Best Time to Donate to a Charity

The holiday season is the best time to perform acts of charity such as making a charitable car donation. As the season reminds us of the many blessings we’ve received that we should be thankful for, it is also an opportune time to share those blessings with the less fortunate.

We Americans, in particular, are known to be very charitable people. Based on statistics released by Giving USA, Americans gave $427.71 billion to charity in 2018. This figure included $292.09 billion donated by private individuals while the rest came from large corporations.

December is that time of the year when charitable organizations expect to receive the bulk of donations from private citizens and corporations to tide them over the lean months that follow. When they don’t get to meet their holiday collection goal, this would adversely affect their operations in the months ahead. Some might even be forced to suspend their charitable work. When you make your donation during the holiday season, you’ll help a charitable organization sustain its operation for the benefit of the needy.

Another reason why it’s good to make a tax-deductible charitable donation during the holiday season or before December 31st is that it will allow you to claim your tax deduction on or before the tax-filing deadline of the following year. This means you can claim your tax deduction just a few weeks or months after making your donation.

The Other Benefits of Donating to a Charity

Moreover, the act of donating to a charity provides many benefits not just to the recipient but to the giver as well. Here are the other benefits that charitable giving provides:

  1. Giving will allow you to touch lives.

Sharing your blessings allows you to touch the lives of people in need. No matter how big or small, your act of charity would mean a lot to the charities and their beneficiaries you would be supporting.

  1. Giving will make you happier.

study conducted by the American Psychological Association found evidence that the act of giving makes a person happier than the act of receiving. This is attributed to the sense of connection that one feels when helping others. From a scientific or medical perspective, the act of giving releases endorphins that activate the pleasure center of the brain.

  1. Giving promotes better health.

Another study shows that donating time and resources to others promotes physical and mental health. Study participants who gave donations showed lower blood pressure, body mass index, and “bad” LDL cholesterol level compared to those who didn’t donate.

Why Donate an Old Car This Holiday Season?

You can donate your old and unwanted vehicle to charity at any time of the year, but the holiday season is the best time to do so for the reasons we earlier mentioned.

When you turn over that clunker to us at Goodwill Car Donations, we’ll provide awesome benefits to both the beneficiaries of your donation and yourself, too.

We will auction off your donated vehicle and turn over the proceeds to the Goodwill organizations serving your place. These IRS-approved 501(c)3 nonprofits cater to individuals burdened with disabilities, lack of education or essential skills, and other personal hindrances that keep them stuck in poverty. They empower these men and women through work and learning, providing them with job training, employment opportunities, scholarships, livelihood assistance, disability benefits, and other critical community-building support services.

These are all meant to equip needy individuals with the tools that will help them attain economic independence and a better quality of life.

We’ll pick up and tow your vehicle for free wherever you had it parked or stored anywhere in the country. Your donation will also entitle you to receive a healthy tax write-off in the next tax season.

What’s more, you can count on us to provide you with a highly satisfying donation experience, knowing that your act of charity will help generate new jobs in your community.

We accept almost all types of vehicles, whether still in good condition or no longer.

To find out the details of our vehicle donation process, and other relevant information, visit our FAQs page. For your questions and concerns, call us at 866-233-8586 or leave us a message online.

A Jeep Wrangler Parked Near the Field | Goodwill Car Donations Photo by Gabe under Pexels License

Make a Difference in Your Community This Holiday Season

This holiday season, you can make your community a better place for everyone by taking part in our vehicle donation program. Call Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or fill out our online donation form now!