The Rising Costs of Owning a Vehicle

If you’re a driver, then you know that the costs of auto repair can be pretty high. But what you may not realize is that the total cost of owning and operating a vehicle can be even higher. In fact, according to a new study from AAA, the average cost of owning and operating a vehicle in the United States is now $8,849 per year.

That’s right – the average cost of owning and operating a vehicle in the United States is now over $8,000 per year. And that number is only going to go up as the years go by. So, what’s driving up the cost of owning a car? Well, there are a few factors. Let’s scroll down to continue exploring this intriguing topic.

Call Our Indianapolis Auto Salvage Yard at 317-608-2188 Today!
Call Our Indianapolis Auto Salvage Yard at 317-608-2188 Today!

Cost Breakdown For Car Ownership

Gas Prices are Insane

For one, the cost of gasoline has been on the rise in recent years. In fact, according to AAA, the average price of gasoline in the United States is now $2.64 per gallon. That’s up from $2.51 per gallon just a year ago. And as gas prices continue to rise, and so too will the cost of owning and operating a vehicle.

Car Insurance Isn’t Getting Cheaper

Another factor driving up the cost of car ownership is the cost of auto insurance. According to AAA, the average cost of auto insurance in the United States is now $1,555 per year. That’s up from $1,503 just a year ago. And as the costs of auto insurance continue to rise, so too will the cost of owning a car.

Auto Maintenance is Pricey

Finally, the cost of vehicle maintenance and repairs is also on the rise. According to AAA, the average cost of maintaining and repairing a vehicle in the United States is now $1,049 per year. That’s up from $1,021 just a year ago. And as the costs of vehicle maintenance and repairs continue to rise, so will the cost of owning a vehicle too.

Reconsider Buying a Car That is Brand New

So, what does all this mean for you? Well, if you’re thinking about buying a new car, you might want to think twice. The cost of owning and operating a vehicle is only going to go up in the years to come. And that means that your monthly car payment is only going to get higher and higher.

How to Save Money on Car Ownership Expenses

But don’t worry, there are still ways to save money on your vehicle ownership costs. For one, you can always buy a used car instead of a new one. Used cars are often much cheaper to own and operate than new cars. And they can still get you from point A to point B just as easily as a new car can.

You can also save money on your car ownership costs by shopping around for the best deals on auto insurance. There are a number of different auto insurance companies out there, and each one offers its own set of rates and discounts.

Do you have a car that is not worth investing any more money into? Would you like to make fast cash by selling your junk car? Contact GC’s Junk Cars at 317-608-2188 to get started on the car selling process, today! Our Indianapolis IN junk car buyers pay cash on the spot for all vehicles, no matter the condition! Plus, we offer free junk car removal! No hidden fees, ever!

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How Long Do Vehicles Last?

How long do cars last? It’s a question we hear a lot, and unfortunately, there’s no easy answer. Cars are complex machines with many different parts, and each part has its own lifespan. So, when it comes to figuring out how long a car will last, it really depends on a number of factors.

Continue below to learn which factors impact the total lifespan of a car or truck, from the date it is manufactured to the time it has driven its very last mile. Stick around to the end for a bonus tip on how to make the most out of a junk car that is no longer worth repairing!

Your Trusted Indianapolis Scrap Yard! Call 317-608-2188 Today!
Your Trusted Indianapolis Scrap Yard! Call 317-608-2188 Today!

Factors That Impact the Lifespan of a Car or Truck

What influences the number of years a car or truck will last after it is built and sold to its first owner? Well, there are a number of variables to consider when estimating this automotive timeline. The first factor is the quality of the car. A high-quality car that’s well-made and uses high-quality parts is likely to last longer than a lower-quality car. The second factor is how the car is used. A car that’s driven gently and regularly serviced is likely to last longer than a car that’s driven hard and not serviced as often.

The third factor is the environment. A car that’s driven in a hot climate is likely to have a shorter lifespan than a car that’s driven in a cooler climate. And finally, the fourth factor is luck. Some cars just seem to last forever, while others have problems early on and don’t make it to their full potential.

So, when you’re wondering how long a car will last, keep these factors in mind. There’s no easy answer, but with a little bit of knowledge, you can get a better idea of what to expect from your vehicle. With that being said, at some point in time your vehicle will be totaled, meaning its current market value is below the cost to maintain it as an operational vehicle. In the automotive insurance industry, this is referred to as a total loss vehicle.

Total Loss Vehicles and Insurance Standards

A total loss vehicle is one that is so damaged, it’s not economical or safe to repair. When a car is totaled, the insurance company pays you the market value of your car minus the deductible on your policy. If you still owe money on the car, the lender will get paid first from the insurance payout. You may be able to buy back your totaled car from the insurance company, but it’s usually not worth it. Total loss claims are one of the most common claims made on auto insurance policies.

If your vehicle is not insured, you can choose to scrap it at a local Indianapolis auto salvage yard and get paid for its actual cash value. You can then put your earnings toward a new vehicle purchase. Not only junk car sales profitable for you as the junk car owner, but it is also a magnificent effort toward one of the most critical global efforts to preserve our natural resources, create jobs, boost the economy, and much more. Just be sure to choose a qualified and reputable Cash for Cars Company in Indianapolis to get the best payout, the most convenient amenities, and assurance that your junk car will be recycled responsibly.

Are you ready to learn how much your junk car will get you? Contact GC’s Junk Cars at 317-608-2188 to sell your junk car in Indianapolis, Indiana for cash on the spot! We provide free junk car removal, so we come to you!

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Do I Need to Get an Oil Change?

The car’s oil is one of the most important fluids, and it needs to be changed regularly in order to keep the car running properly. If you’re unsure whether or not your car needs an oil change, it’s always best to consult with a professional mechanic. They can help you determine if it’s time for a change, and they can also perform the task for you.

In the meantime, continue below to learn the common signs that suggest you need an oil change, why oil changes are important, and what might happen if you skip your regularly-scheduled oil change service.

Junk Car Buyers Indianapolis Indiana 317-608-2188
Junk Car Buyers Indianapolis Indiana 317-608-2188

When to Change Your Oil

There are a few different signs that suggest you need an oil change, so it’s important to be aware of them. One common sign that your car needs an oil change is if the oil level is low. You can check this by looking at the dipstick; if the oil level is below the minimum line, then it’s time for a change. Another sign is if the oil looks dark and dirty. This means that it’s not doing its job of lubricating and cooling the engine as effectively, so it needs to be replaced.

If your car’s engine is making strange noises, this can also be a sign that the oil needs to be changed. If you notice any knocking or ticking sounds, it’s best to get it checked out by a mechanic. Finally, if your car is due for an oil change according to the manufacturer’s schedule, then it’s definitely time to get it done. Don’t put it off, as old, dirty oil can cause serious damage to your engine.

Refer to the Owners’ Manual for Your Oil Change Schedule

Oil changes are an important part of maintaining your vehicle. Not only do they keep your engine running smoothly, but they also help to prolong the life of your car. Depending on your driving habits, you should change your oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. However, it’s always best to consult your owner’s manual to see what the specific recommendation is for your car. You can also ask your handy automotive mechanic for their advice.

What to Expect From Oil Change Service

When you bring your car in for an oil change, a team of certified technicians will drain the old oil and replace it with fresh, new oil. They will also check your other fluids and make sure that your tires are properly inflated. All of this helps to keep your car running at peak performance. So, don’t put off your oil change any longer. Schedule an appointment as recommended by your owners’ manual or mechanic so that you can keep your car on the road for miles to come.

Consequences of Driving With Low or No Oil

If you drive with low oil, it can cause your engine to seize up. This means that the engine will no longer be able to turn over, and you will not be able to start your car. If this happens, it can cause serious damage to your engine. In some cases, it may even require a new engine. This can sometimes cost more than what your car is actually worth. In this case, consider selling a totaled car to an Indianapolis junk car buyer for cash on the spot.

Is your car totaled because of a broken down engine? Contact GC’s Junk Cars at 317-608-2188 to sell a junk car in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer free junk car removal, so all you have to do is call and accept our offer! Request a free estimate, today.

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Why is My Check Engine Light Flashing?

Uh oh. Your Check Engine Light icon just lit up. And instead of being the usual solid symbol or phrase, it is flashing. Is this nothing to worry about? Does this mean something serious? Continue below to learn some of the most common reasons why Check Engine Lights come on, including the meanings behind solid and flashing symbols.

Indianapolis Junk Car Buyers 317-608-2188
Indianapolis Junk Car Buyers 317-608-2188

Check Engine Light Diagnosis

Before diving into the difference between a flashing Check Engine Light and a solid one, let’s cover some of the most common reasons why Check Engine Lights illuminate in the first place. Answer some questions, like “Did you just add fuel to your tank with gas?” or “Did your car jolt or vibrate the last time you drove it?” The answers to these questions can help you narrow down the cause behind the symbol. If you forgot to tighten your gas cap all the way, for instance, your car’s onboard computer system will trigger the Check Engine Light to turn on. If you felt a jolting, jerking, or vibrating movement from your car the last time you drove it, the culprit could be a quick fix like a worn spark plug.

Flashing Check Engine Light Versus Solid

For most vehicles, the Check Engine Light will illuminate in all its glory as a solid symbol or phrase to warn against minor to moderate problems. Some vehicles have a Check Engine Light that comes up solid or flashing. In vehicles that only have a solid Check Engine Light symbol, the color of the icon might change from sun colors to red to indicate a more serious issue.

If the symbol or phrase are flashing, it generally indicates a more serious problem. A flashing Check Engine Light suggests that you have an automotive emergency and should have your vehicle towed, that’s right, towed to the nearest mechanic shop for diagnosis. Driving with the Check Engine Light on is dangerous because it poses several safety risks, but also does a lot of damage to a vehicle.

Common reasons for a flashing Check Engine Light are engine misfiring and overheating. Both of these mechanical defects can do significant damage to the internal parts of the engine block, including cylinders, pistons, spark plugs, and more.

Red Check Engine Light

As mentioned, in addition to solid and flashing, Check Engine Lights can also be different colors, which might signify different types of mechanical needs. In most vehicles, a yellow or orange Check Engine Light denotes a minor to moderate mechanical, safety, or performance issue in a vehicle. If the light turns red, it is indicating an automotive repair emergency. In this case, a car should never be driven.

Did your car’s diagnosis come back totaled? Not to worry! You can still make a generous profit by selling it to a trusted Cash for Cars Company near you! Contact GC’s Junk Cars at 317-608-2188 to speak with a certified Indianapolis junk car buyer for details on how to get started! We offer free junk car removal and accept all old or broken auto parts!

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Why Did the Car Dealership Give Me a Low Trade-In Value?

When you take your car into the dealership to trade it in for a new one, nothing is more disappointing than hearing that your trade-in value is not enough to cover the car you had in mind, or any for that matter. How do car dealerships determine trade-in value? Why did they offer you so little for your trade-in? Is their offer fair? Is it possible to increase your car’s trade-in price? These are all important questions to explore to better avoid falling victim to a low-ball offer from the dealer.

Continue reading to learn more about car dealership trade-in factors, including the scale used to generate offers.

Auto Salvage Yard Indianapolis Indiana 317-608-2188
Auto Salvage Yard Indianapolis Indiana 317-608-2188

Dealership Trade-In Values Will Always Be Less Than a Private Sale

It is important to understand that you will always make less from a dealership trade-in than you would by selling your vehicle to a private buyer. Those who prefer dealer trade-ins over private car sales are typically well-off, economically, and do not mind the loss they take for the sake of convenience. Others might prefer this route if they have limited time to make the sale or if they are temporarily located for work.

How Car Dealers Calculate Trade-In Pricing

There are many factors that dealerships rely on to generate a trade-in price for a vehicle. Of all the various factors, the top three factors that will have the most impact are: 1) the current demand for the particular make and model car; 2) the current condition of the car, including the mileage; and 3) the extent of needed repairs or replacements.

With these factors in mind, you can understand what you can do to increase your car’s trade-in value. Something as simple as washing and detailing your vehicle can get you a better offer. You can also make any small repairs or replacements, even if it’s just new windshield wipers and floor mats or removing bumper stickers.

Lastly, be sure to look up your make and model’s current market value using a trusted resource like Kelly Blue Book (KBB) or VehicleHistory.com. Use these portals to compare your findings to the dealer’s offer. This knowledge will protect you from being taken advantage of by a large, commercial dealership.

Alternative to Dealer Trade-Ins

You can choose to sell your car to a trusted and experienced Indianapolis auto salvage lot that would pay you for the scrap value of your vehicle. Not only do they retain the proper resources and equipment to generate an accurate offer, but they pay cash on the spot and provide free car pick-up.

Would you like an easy and profitable way to sell a car in Indy? Contact GC’s Junk Cars at 317-608-2188 to get started on the car selling process, today! Our Indianapolis IN junk car buyers pay cash on the spot for all vehicles, no matter the condition! Plus, we offer free junk car removal! No hidden fees, ever!

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How to Recycle Old Car Wheels and Get Paid Doing It

Aftermarket parts will never go out of trend in the automotive enthusiast world, especially when it comes to tires, wheels, and rims. If you have switched up the wheels on your ride, you probably have some old sets laying around, just taking up valuable storage space on your property. But did you know that old wheels can be cashed in at a local auto salvage yard for an instant profit?

Continue below to learn how to recycle used or old car wheels and get paid cash on the spot at the same time!

Auto Parts Recycling Indianapolis Indiana 317-608-2188
Auto Parts Recycling Indianapolis Indiana 317-608-2188

Wheel Maintenance and Replacement

A vehicle’s wheel system is made up of many parts, but the primary parts of the actual wheel include the tire, rim, and hub. These parts are all recyclable. Your car tires should be cared for on a routine basis, with services that include tire rotation and balancing, as well as regular tire pressure inspections and refills, and when the time comes, full tire replacement.

You can tell your tires are ready to be replaced by performing the penny tread test. Take a penny, turn it upside down with Lincoln’s head facing you, then stick the penny inside a tire groove. If you can see Lincoln’s head, that means the tire tread is low, below 2/23 inch, and you should replace your car tires.

Tires and Rims

These days, automotive design and innovation has taken car rims to a whole new level. Most are manufactured from or plated with metal, like steel, iron, titanium, platinum, silver, and even gold. Rims can be reused over and over again because of their metal composition, making them a valuable recyclable commodity.

As for tires, rubber can also be recycled and repurposed. Some of the most common applications for recycled rubber include asphalt, road construction materials, floor mats, car bumpers, caster wheels, window gaskets, pencils, and even rubber boots!

Tire and wheel hardware can be recycled as well, including lug nuts, bolts, hubs, hubcaps, spokes, torque wrenches, jacks, and more.

Car Wheel Recycling in Indianapolis

To recycle old tires and car wheels, all you have to do it find a trusted Indianapolis auto salvage yard. Choose a business with a good, long-standing reputation within the local Indy communities, and that has been in business long enough to call themselves professionals.

They will be the businesses that can pay you on the spot, in cash, and in the amount you deserve. Most importantly, a trusted auto salvage yard can be trusted to recycle car wheels responsibly, and in accordance with all EPA regulations and state laws governing such operations.

GC’s Junk Cars in Indianapolis pays cash on the spot for all junk cars, junked motorized assets, and junked car parts! Contact us at 317-608-2188 to sell used car parts in Indiana, today! We offer free towing with our in-house tow truck, so all you have to do is call and accept our offer!

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How to Wash a Junk Car With Rain

When you are ready to sell a junk car that has been occupying your precious square footage for far too long, preparation is the key to earning the most cash. Not only should you remove all of your personal belongings and aftermarket automotive accessories you wish to keep, but you should also clean the car up. Aside from clearing out the trash and leafy debris, washing the outside of a junk car can help you get a better offer from junk car buying companies. But don’t waste your time, effort, or worse, hard-earned money, getting your junk car polished up at the local car wash.

Here’s a great, Eco-friendly solution instead: naturally wash your junk car using the rain! That’s right; you can give your junk car a good cleansing by simply prepping it before a big rainstorm. Continue below to learn how!

Indianapolis Auto Salvage Lot 317-608-2188
Indianapolis Auto Salvage Lot 317-608-2188

Rain is Naturally Soft

Rainwater is naturally soft, which means it is entirely free of hard minerals. Once rain hits the ground, it permeates the underlying layers of soil, clay, sand, and aggregate, collecting hard minerals along the way. Depending on the level of water hardness in your region, your hose water could have these same hard minerals. This means that washing your car with rain can actually render better results because rain does not leave behind the remnants that hard mineral ions do. Such hard minerals can cause corrosion, spotting, and discoloration on vehicle paint and tires.

Tips for Washing Your Car in the Rain

First and foremost, you will need a lot of rain in the forecast. Keep your eye out on the weather and choose a day that predicts at least a 75% chance of rain. You want enough rainfall to adequately cleanse and rinse your junk car. A 30 minute rain shower may do the trick, but a heavier, more persistent rainstorm would be better.

Once you know which day will bring on the most precipitation, you can gather your supplies. You will need a non-toxic, biodegradable car wash soap, which you can purchase online or at any department store, auto parts store, or home improvement store. You will also need something to smear the soap in with, such as a sponge, rag, or towel.

How to Get Started

Be sure your junk car is in a position that will expose it to as much rainfall as possible. If it sits below an awning or carport, you will need to move it, otherwise you cannot wash it in the rain.

Begin smothering your junk car with the biodegradable car wash solution using your sponge or rag. It’s important to use a non-toxic, biodegradable car wash solution because you don’t want the water run off to negatively affect the surrounding environment.

Once you feel confident that your junk car is generously covered in a layer of car wash soap, you are all done! Now just sit back, kick your feet up, and wait for the rain to do all the work for you!

Now that your junk car is clean and sparkly, put it to good use by selling it to a local Indy auto salvage yard for cash on the spot! Contact GC’s Junk Cars at 317-608-2188 to sell your junk car in Indianapolis, Indiana for cash on the spot! We provide free junk car removal, so we come to you!

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What To Do if You Think There is a Dead Animal in Your Car

Animals like mice, rats, squirrels, chipmunks, birds, raccoons, opossums, and even cats are notorious for destroying vehicles by using them as shelters. An accessible vehicle provides them with all the warmth and privacy they need for the winter season. Now that spring is here, warmer weather should draw these critters out; that is, if the critter survived. Having an animal die somewhere inside your car is a bad scenario. The smell can be intolerable and perpetuating, plus the challenge of removing them tends to be tedious and costly.

If you think you have a dead animal inside your car, there are a few things you need to know. Scroll down to learn important tips about locating the dead animal, removing the dead animal smell, repairing the damages caused by their infestation, and selling your car if it is deemed totaled.

Sell Your Junk Car in Indianapolis! 317-608-2188
Sell Your Junk Car in Indianapolis! 317-608-2188

How Animals Get Inside Vehicles

Abandoned or stationary cars are prime targets for animals seeking winter shelter accommodations. Critters tend to gain access to the interior parts of the vehicle by entering underneath. Openings in the vehicle’s undercarriage allow small critters to work their way inside trunks, under hoods, in mufflers, within door jams, and inside the ventilation system. If you have a vehicle that is not driven for long periods of time, it is wise to routinely inspect it for signs of animal infestation. Look underneath the car, under the hood, and in the trunk. Common signs of animals in cars include animal droppings, chewed up materials, nesting debris, and paw prints.

Getting a Dead Animal Out of Your Car

If you find a dead animal in your car and you can reach it, wear gloves to remove it. Then soak the dead animal in a disinfectant solution for 5 minutes before double-bagging it in a sealable plastic bag. When you are done, toss it in the garbage for trash collection.

If you see the signs and know there’s an animal in your car but you can’t reach it, you might have to take it into a mechanic to get it out. Cars have a lot of nooks and crannies that cannot be accessed without a little dismantling.

Because it is difficult to spot the signs of a car animal infestation, in most cases the animal winds up dead before the owner even knows it was there. Dead animal odor coming from the vehicle is usually the first indication noticed by car owners.

How Animal Infestations Damage Cars

Having an animal infest your vehicle will not do your vehicle any good. In fact, it will cause a lot of damage. Not only will their droppings and urine damage inner components, including electrical wiring and upholstery, but their chewing and tampering can damage the electrical wiring and other electrical systems in the vehicle. Nesting materials and food scraps can obstruct hoses and weigh down belts, plus clog up other important mechanical systems.

These damages are extensive, making them quite expensive to repair. For this reason, most cars that fall victim to animal infestation, especially ones in which the animal dies inside, are deemed a total loss. This means that the cost to repair them back to a safe and operational condition exceeds the current value of the vehicle.

Removing Dead Animal Smell

Eliminating dead animal smell in a car is a challenging project that typically requires a combination of methods. If the dead animal burrowed into the ventilation system, the entire vehicle would need to be professionally sanitized to ensure there are no hazardous particles present in the passenger cabin. Otherwise, you will need to implement a series of cleaning, deodorizing, and sanitizing steps to get rid of dead animal smell in a car. This includes using fumigation technologies and deodorizer bombs.

Is your car totaled because of a long-term animal infestation? Contact GC’s Junk Cars at 317-608-2188 to sell a junk car in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer free junk car removal, so all you have to do is call and accept our offer! Request a free estimate, today.

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How to Tell if Your Car Has Bad Spark Plugs

You don’t have to be a mechanic to know when something’s going wrong within your vehicle. Many automotive systems and parts will present signs that indicate they need repaired or replaced, including the spark plugs. Not sure what spark plugs do? Don’t know how to look for signs of bad Spark plugs? No problem.

Continue reading to learn how to tell if your car has bad spark plugs, plus what you can do if your car is no longer a good candidate for repair.

Junk Car Buyers Indianapolis Indiana 317-608-2188
Junk Car Buyers Indianapolis Indiana 317-608-2188

Spark Plug Basics

Your vehicle contains all sorts of electrical systems and devices. That is exactly what your spark plugs are. They are small, internal electrical devices designed to trigger combustion within the engine by igniting the air-fuel mixture within the combustion chambers of the engine’s cylinders. This in turn provides power to the engine and allows you to drive your vehicle. So, if your spark plugs are bad, you’re not going to have any luck turning over the ignition, nor maintaining smooth driving operation.

Spark Plug Replacement

The good news is that spark plugs tend to last a long time. In fact, you probably won’t have to change at your spark plugs until you take your car in a few times for routine service. Your mechanic will likely tell you when you need your spark plugs replaced. More good news is that spark plug replacement is typically inexpensive because they are on the cheaper side of automotive parts. Keep in mind, you will need to pay for labor to have them installed in addition to the price of the spark plugs.

Generally, spark plugs can last up to 100,000 miles or more. It is suggested that copper spark plugs do not last as long as industry conventional spark plugs made of platinum or iridium. Refer to your owner’s manual for specific recommendations on spark plug replacement for your make and model vehicle.

Common Signs of Failing Spark Plugs

Ready to learn how to spot the signs of bad spark plugs in your vehicle? Your spark plugs might be going bad if any of these statements are true about you and your vehicle:

▶ You are experiencing poor gas mileage.
▶ The engine continues to misfire.
▶ You have trouble starting your engine.
▶ Your vehicle accelerates slowly, or slower than before.
▶ Your vehicle has rough idling.

It is important to have your spark plugs replaced in a timely manner so that you can get the best use out of your vehicle. If you fail to provide your car with the proper maintenance and repairs along the way, it will eventually total out. Once your car is a total loss, it is no longer a good candidate for repair. In such a case, you can sell it to a local junk car buyer in Indianapolis for cash on the spot.

Are you ready to get started with the junk car selling process in Indianapolis? Contact GC’s Junk Cars at 317-608-2188 to learn the honest scrap value for your junk car from a licensed Indiana auto salvage associate. We provide free junk car removal too!

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Do You Need Car Brake Repair or Replacement?

Do you suspect that your car brakes are acting funny, but not sure which signs to look out for to confirm your suspicions? Continue reading to learn how to tell if your car needs brake repair or brake replacement, plus what you can do if the cost to repair your vehicle is simply too high.

Indiana Junk Car Buying Company 317-608-2188
Indiana Junk Car Buying Company 317-608-2188

How to Know if You Need Car Brake Repair or Replacement

It would be a perfect world if our cars and trucks never required routine maintenance and upkeep, but unfortunately that is not reality. Our vehicles require a specific level of care to preserve and sustain appearance, performance, and most importantly, safety. Routine maintenance such as windshield wiper blade replacement, radiator flushes, tire rotations, oil changes, tune-ups, and more, are critical to overall vehicle preservation.

One of the most important components to keep in a safe and functional condition is the braking system. This system requires special attention in order to keep you safe on the road and protect your investment. If you neglect your car brakes, not only can it cause extra damage to your vehicle, but it can also lead to your car being a total loss.

That is because, in many cases, when an entire braking system needs to be replaced, the cost can exceed the total value of the vehicle. In this situation, a person’s best bet is to sell their totaled car to a junk car buyer, purchase another vehicle, and then stay dedicated to a routine brake maintenance agenda to avoid vehicular damage.

Brake Pad and Brake Rotor Deterioration

To understand how to identify or look out for brake problems in your vehicle, first it is helpful to understand the basic components of a car brake system.  There are four general parts: the hydraulic clamp, brake fluid line, brake pads, and brake rotors. Some may argue that brake pads and rotors are actually part of the wheel, but in this case, we will still include them because they can influence the need for brake repair.

In most cases, the brake lines and hydraulic clamp will not experience much wear and tear; they are built to last a long time. On the other hand, brake pads and rotors are susceptible to wear and tear at all times and will need replacing every few thousand miles or so. They are exposed to deterioration every time you drive because the pad presses against the smooth metal rotor every time the brake is applied.  Over time, this pad is worn down and will make a recognizable noise to warn you that they are low.

Brake pads whine or hiss when they get low.  The noise is actually the result of the bare pad scraping against the metal rotor (the metal disk that spins on the wheel) and causing friction between them.  It can start out as a faint squeak and turn into a high-pitched squeal if neglected.

If you hear grinding, then the pad is most likely worn completely thin and is grinding against the rotor.  This can really damage the brake rotors. The thickness of the brake padding, the amount of driving you do, and the way you drive all influence the number of times you will need to replace them.

When the Cost of Car Brake Repair is Too High

If you discover that your car brakes are shot and need to be replaced, but the cost exceeds the total value if your vehicle, you can still make it profitable by selling it to an Indianapolis junk car buyer. Choose a company that has premium electronic scales that can accurately assess the value of your junk car. Then use the cash toward another vehicle!

Is your vehicle in mechanical trouble but you can’t afford auto repair? Perhaps the cost of car brake repair is higher than the total value of your vehicle? If so, contact GC’s Junk Cars at 317-608-2188 to sell your total loss vehicle for cash on the spot to our trusted Indianapolis cash for cars company!

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GC's Junk Cars Indianapolis Indiana
GC’s Junk Cars Indianapolis Indiana