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

Posted on May 10, 2022 by junkcars17

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

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 India n apolis, Indiana. We offer free junk car removal, so all you have to do is call and accept our offer! Request a free estimate, today.

The Only Papers You Need to Keep in Your Car

Posted on April 15, 2022 by junkcars17

There are many important documents that need to be saved and kept in a safe place. Things like your passport, house deed, birth certificate, Social Security card, mortgage agreements, and similar paperwork are best-kept at home, preferably in a safe or locked file cabinet, or in the safety security box. However, there are some documents that should be kept in your car and not in your house or office.

Continue reading to learn which documents should and should not be kept in your car.

Cash for Cars Indianapolis Indiana 317-608-2188

Important Car Documents to Keep Inside the Vehicle

Proof of Insurance

Whether you are stopped for routine traffic violation or involved in a minor car accident, the very first thing that will be asked of you is proof of automotive insurance. It is the state law to have minimum liability insurance coverage for vehicles that are actively driven. Whether your automotive insurance company provides you with an insurance card or a packet of documents, it is important to keep that information inside of your vehicle at all times. If you are stopped by law enforcement while driving and you do not have proof of car insurance on you, you will be penalized.

Car Registration

The other important document that should always be kept inside of your vehicle is the car registration. The law requires all driven vehicles to be registered with the state. It is typically a long rectangular document made with the thicker paper. Store it inside of your glove compartment or in a durable, preferably zip-up, folder under your seat. Driving without your car registration on you can put you at risk of being ticketed by police in the case that you are ever pulled over or involved in a car accident.

Roadside Assistance Card

Although optional, it is a good idea to keep your roadside assistance card in your vehicle for emergencies. If you are not a paying member of a roadside assistance program, keep any local or statewide roadside assistance company contact information in your car.

Leave These Car Documents at Home:

Title

There are some car documents that should never be kept inside the vehicle, and your title is one of them. Always keep your car title a home in a safe location. If you lose the car title, you can subject yourself to the risk of identity theft or loss of certain rights to your vehicle. If you have lost your car title, or it has been stolen or damaged, you can apply for a duplicate title at your local BMV.

Car Payment Paperwork

Any paperwork that pertains to your car lease or car financing plan should never be kept inside the vehicle. If you are making payments on your vehicle, don’t keep this information in your car. Again, it can be used for identity theft purposes or even pose the risk of mistakenly missing payments.

Is your car past the point of being driven and now you just want to get it off your hands in the easiest way possible? Well, make a profit while doing it! Contact GC’s Junk Cars at 317-608-2188 to receive a free cash for cars offer! We accept all make and model vehicles, regardless of condition. We also provide free junk car removal!

How to Tell if Your Car Has Bad Spark Plugs

Posted on March 30, 2022 by junkcars17

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

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!

Do You Need Car Brake Repair or Replacement?

Posted on March 9, 2022 by junkcars17

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

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!

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

Top 3 Things You Need to Know About Your Catalytic Converter

Posted on February 16, 2022 by junkcars17

A vehicle’s catalytic converter is arguably one of the more vital automotive components. Without it, vehicular performance could be jeopardized, laws may be violated, and the environment will be harmed. It goes without saying that you should understand the performance value and operation of a catalytic converter if you plan to own yours for a very long time.

As a start, continue reading to learn the top three things you need to know about your catalytic converter, plus what you can do if you need to replace yours with a new one.

Sell Catalytic Converter Indianapolis Indiana 317-608-2188

Leading Catalytic Converter Facts

Catalytic Converters Protect the Environment

A catalytic converter is an automotive part that is specifically designed to eliminate and abate harmful emissions generated by burning fuel the motor. Excessive tailpipe emissions pollute the air and surrounding environment, which puts our planet and entire human race in great jeopardy. Designed with and innovative internal structure containing catalyst particles, catalytic converters work by super heating dangerous hydrocarbons before they leave the muffler.

In many states, registered vehicles must pass an emissions test before they can be legally driven on the road. If the vehicle is missing a catalytic converter or is experiencing tailpipe mechanical issues, it will not pass the state-mandated emissions test. Indiana does not have this requirement as of yet.

Catalytic Converters Contain Precious Metals

Catalytic converters contain precious metals like platinum and titanium. All metal is 100% recyclable and can be re-purposed over and over again. Because catalytic converters contain precious, rare-occurring metals, it is important that they be recycled at every opportunity. Metal recycling helps us reduce our mining efforts, which in turn reduces air pollution and similar contamination to the environment caused by factory operations. Metal recycling also allows us to preserve our natural resources, as it eliminates our need to mine for new ores.

Because of the special metal composition of catalytic converters, they are typically one of the most expensive automotive parts. You can expect the cost of a new catalytic converter to be anywhere between $900 and $2,500, depending on the make and model of the vehicle.

Catalytic Converters are a Target for Theft

Because of the market high scrap metal prices this year, catalytic converters are currently a prime target for thieves. Criminals are pursuing abandoned vehicles, sitting vehicles, car dealerships, retail parking lots, and more, with the intention of stealing catalytic converters. It is important that you protect your vehicle from such theft by installing a quality alarm system and outdoor video surveillance. If you have a junk car sitting in your lot, don’t let a thief come by and steal the catalytic converter. Be sure to act fast and sell a junk car to an Indianapolis junk car buyer.

Are you looking for a trusted and dependable Indiana Cash for Cars Company that will pay the highest amount of money for your junk car? Contact GC’s Junk Cars at 317-608-2188 to sell a junk car for cash in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer free towing with our in-house tow truck, so all you have to do is call and accept our offer!

Funny Vehicle Hacks for Lazy Car Owners

Posted on January 24, 2022 by junkcars17

Life is full of all sorts of obligations and to-do lists. So, who really has time to take perfect care of their vehicles? Not many! If you are a self-diagnosed lazy car owner, you are not alone. There are thousands, if not millions of other drivers out there looking for an easier way to maintain their vehicles. Accordingly, you will be thrilled to learn some funny and effective hacks that help you stay current on your car care responsibilities.

Continue below to get started!

Car Maintenance Hacks You Need to Know

Of course, you cannot rely on just a few simple car hacks when it comes to taking good care of your vehicles. Routine maintenance implemented by a licensed mechanic is vital to overall vehicular performance, and most importantly, safety. However, there are some silly, yet effective, automotive hacks that can truly make life a lot easier for you! Here are some top-recommended ones to try out right away:

Use a Penny to Check Tire Tread

Are you always wondering about the condition of your tires, but you are too lazy to take your car into a tire shop for service? Well, just use a penny to check your tire tread. When treads are 4/32 of an inch or lower, tires should be replaced; anything below 2/32 of an inch is illegal! To measure your tire tread, just place a penny headfirst inside the tire groove. If you can see if Lincoln’s head, your tread is low.

Headlight Restoration With Toothpaste

Yes, toothpaste. You can use toothpaste to clean your teeth, treat acne, and even clean your headlights and taillights! Headlights can oxidize overtime, which causes them to cloud up. You can eliminate this cloudiness with a simple toothpaste polish. Any paste will do; just squirt some on and polish it off with a clean wet rag!

De-Clutter With Cereal Containers and Shower Caddies

Are you one of those car owners whose vehicle is always clutter with an endless pile of trash, accessories, makeup, and more? Well, buy yourself a plastic cereal storage container to use as a portable car trashcan! Then buy a shower caddy to place in your car and use as an organization station for sunglasses, blush, lip balm, notepads, tablets, chargers, and all other things that typically get lost in the clutter.

Keep Takeout Warm With Seat Heaters

Does your car have seat warmers? If so, be sure to turn them on when you have Chinese takeout or pizza carryout on your passenger seat! It really works! This is especially helpful for those long, after-work commutes home or unanticipated traffic delays.

Freshen Up the Interior With Dryer Sheets

When you don’t have time to take your car into the detail shop or stop by the store for some new car air fresheners, just take a little trip to your laundry room instead. Stuffing fresh dryer seats in the creases of seat cushions and underneath the driver and passenger seats can create a fragranced and refreshed interior cabin environment. Plus, it saves you a lot of money!

Apply Nail Polish to Window Cracks for a Temporary Fix

Do you have a crack in your window, but you don’t have time to take your car in to the shop right now? Just apply a little nail polish to mitigate the growth of the crack. As a temporary solution, you can use a clear nail polish on a window crack in your car to prevent the crack from worsening. This will give you little more time before having to take your car in for repair.

Were you a little too neglectful with car maintenance over the years, and now it’s completely totaled or junked? Contact GC’s Junk Cars at 317-608-2188 to sell your junk car for cash on the spot to one of our Indianapolis Indiana junk car buyers! We even offer free junk removal!

Facts About Junk Cars and Actual Cash Value

Posted on December 17, 2021 by junkcars17

Do you have a junk car or junked motorized vehicle of sorts that you want to sell at the highest price possible? If so, then you will need a basic understanding of auto salvage sales and actual cash value (ACV).

Continue reading to learn some fundamental facts about junk cars and actual cash value, plus where you can sell a junk car in Indiana without being subjected to any hidden fees or surprise charges! That means more money in your pocket!

Indianapolis IN Auto Salvage Lot 317-608-2188

Auto Salvage Sales in Indiana

As you begin your search for auto salvage yards in Indiana, you will notice that there are hundreds to choose from. But be careful; not all junk car lots are alike. It is important to choose an experienced and fully-qualified auto salvage yard in Indiana that has the proper permits, zoning, and equipment to responsibly recycle cars according to all local regulations and EPA guidelines.

Most importantly, you want to choose a junk car buyer who can pay you the most money possible for your vehicle. This includes choosing an auto salvage lot that offers certain client amenities, such as free junk car removal in Indianapolis and free estimates.

Some junk car buying companies will provide these services, but then surprise you in the end with a charge for them. If you want to make the most profit from your junk car, be sure to choose a company who does not surprise you with hidden fees or charges.

Furthermore, it is important to choose a junk car buyer who pays cash on the spot. Some cash for cars companies will promise to send payment in the mail, but that payment never arrives, order arrives very late or in the wrong amount.

Here are the top things to look for in a junk car buying company:

☑ Experience
☑ Community Establishment
☑ Licensing
☑ Customer Amenities
☑ Cash Payouts
☑ Flexible Scheduling
☑ Wide Service Area
☑ Good Customer Testimonials
☑ Easy Communication
☑ Responsible Auto Recycling

Determining the Value of Your Junk Car

In order to understand what a fair offer would be from a junk car buyer in Indianapolis, you must understand how junk car value is calculated. Actual cash value (ACV) refers to the true and current market value of the vehicle. This value includes depreciation and damages. You can find actual cash values for various make and model vehicles on book value portals like Kelly Blue Book or NADA.

Auto salvage yards will use the actual cash value and the current scrap metal market values to determine how much to pay for a junk car. Auto salvage yards will also take into consideration other factors to generate a final offer, such as the vehicle’s make, model, condition, and location.

Are you looking for the best Cash for Cars Company in Indiana to sell your junk car to? Contact GC’s Junk Cars at 317-608-2188 to get started on the car selling process, today! We pay cash on the spot for all junk vehicles, no matter the condition! Plus, we offer free junk car removal! No hidden fees, ever!

How to Diagnose Water Damage in Your Car

Posted on November 11, 2021 by junkcars17

Flood damage in a vehicle can be devastating to its overall value. In many cases, serious water damages will total out a car. With the ongoing rainfall and impending wintry conditions, water and flood damage are an even higher risk for cars and trucks. It is a good time to inspect your vehicle for signs of water damage before any existing leaks or flooding can worsen. Furthermore, standing water can quickly evolve into a mold outbreak, which is toxic to your health. The sooner you resolve water damages in a vehicle, the better.

Continue reading to learn how to diagnose flood and water damage in a car, plus how you can make back cash if yours is totaled because of such damage.

Indianapolis IN Auto Salvage Yard 317-608-2188

Signs of Flood Damage in a Vehicle

There are many signs you can look for that will tell you how serious the water damages are in your car, if they even exist at all. But the top three signs that are strongly suggestive of flooding include musty smells, visible mold growth on upholstery or carpeting, wetness and moisture, and rust.

Musty Smell

Standing or sitting water will generate a musty smell in the air in enclosed areas. Your car’s interior cabin provides the perfect conditions for damp air to thrive. If you have moderate to serious water damage in your car, your interior is bound to smell like your grandmother’s basement.

Mold Growth

Moisture and lack of sunlight are the perfect conditions for damp air to thrive, but also for mold to grow. If you spot black-ish or dark-colored mold spreading on your seats, inside your trunk, or on your carpeting, you have water damage in your vehicle.

Wetness

If your carpets or upholstery inside your vehicle are wet to the touch after 24 hours, it is safe to assume that your car has moderate to severe water damage. If your carpets are wet after a rainy or snowy day, they should dry within 24 hours.

Corrosion

If the metal components and aesthetics inside your car are showing signs of rusting or corrosion, water could be the source of the problem. Inspect your doors, door jams, dashboard, pedals, and handles for rust or metal corrosion. Beads of water or moisture inside your tail and headlights are another sign of water damage.

Take Advantage of Auto Salvage if Your Car is Water Damaged

Noticing any of these signs is indicative of a need for immediate auto service or repair. If your car is now totaled because of serious flood and water damage, you can still make good use of it, that is, if you choose a reputable Indianapolis junk car buyer. Auto salvage yards are prime resources for anyone who has a junked or totaled vehicle. The best ones pay cash on the spot and provide free junk car removal.

Not sure which junk car buyer to trust for the highest cash for cars payout? Contact GC’s Junk Cars at 317-608-2188 to speak with a licensed and qualified Indiana cash for cars professional and receive an instant quote over the phone! We also provide free junk car removal!

Top 4 Precious Metals in Junk Cars

Posted on October 29, 2021 by junkcars17

For most vehicles, rubber, fiberglass, and steel are the primary materials used in the manufacturing process. However, many people do not realize that cars and trucks also contain precious metals, which are rarely occurring metals with high economic value. Continue reading to learn the top 4 precious metals found in junk cars and where to get the best price when you are ready to sell yours in Central Indiana.

Indianapolis Cash for Junk Cars 317-608-2188

What is a Precious Metal?

Precious metals are those found in nature, that occur naturally but very rarely, and therefore have a high economic value. Aside from rarity, precious metals have a high economic value due to their advantageous properties, such as electrical conductivity, corrosion resistance, and more. When it comes to junk vehicles, the top four precious metals you can count on include palladium, platinum, gold, and silver.

Palladium

If you are a fan of the Marvel movies, you’ve likely heard of palladium thanks to Iron Man. But palladium is a real naturally occurring precious metal that is used in various industries and applications all across the world. As for the automotive industry, palladium is commonly found within the catalytic converter. Using a palladium alloy to line catalysts within the catalytic converter because it reduces manufacturing costs. Other precious metals, such as rhodium, may also be used in this manufacturing process for cars.

Platinum

Platinum is another rarely occurring precious metal that is commonly used in the jewelry making industry. However, platinum is also a primary constituent in catalytic converters. So, catalytic converters commonly contain platinum, palladium, and rhodium all in one. For this reason, catalytic converters are one of the most expensive auto parts.

Gold

Although it is not common knowledge, gold is a valuable precious metal found in almost every modern-day vehicle. Basically, if your car has a computer system, your car contains gold. Computer circuit boards are generally designed with gold-plated fingers, which can be removed from junk cars and refurbished in a precious metal recycling process. Goal can also be found in some airbag systems, audio stereo systems, and even in decorative elements for luxury vehicles.

Silver

This last precious metal is not as common. Silver is typically found in cars that use silver oxide batteries. However, most personal vehicles do not contain silver oxide batteries these days due to the high cost of using silver in the automotive manufacturing process.

Do you have a junk car that you wish to get rid of for cash on the spot? Contact GC’s Junk Cars at 317-608-2188 to sell a junk car for cash in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer free towing with our in-house tow truck, so all you have to do is call and accept our offer!

The Most Effective Solutions for Smelly Car Problems

Posted on October 14, 2021 by junkcars17

Does your car smell? If the odors that are inhabiting or coming from your vehicle have become so pungent that you are no longer nose blind to them, it may be time to diagnose the issue and implement a plan of attack. Continue reading to learn the most effective solutions used to treat a variety of smelly car problems, as well as what to do if you have no luck after exhausting all efforts.

Cash for Cars Company Indianapolis 317-608-2188

What Does Your Car Smell Like?

In order to diagnose the culprit behind your smelly car problems, you must try to identify the type of odor you are detecting.

Does your car smell sour or rancid? If your car smells rancid or sour, you may have an empty milk carton or juice box collecting mold underneath a seat somewhere. Sour smells could also be indicative of rotten fruit.

Does it smell like gasoline? If you are smelling gasoline odors, you could have a faulty gas cap or a leak in your fuel tank, which would require immediate auto repair. Or, you may have just spilled some gasoline in your car.

Does it smell like something is burning? The smell of burning rubber is often indicative of slipping drive belts in the engine or loose hoses that are rubbing against the rotating accessory drive pulleys. The smell of burnt carpet indicates a problem with a vehicle’s braking system, which is a serious hazard that requires immediate repair.

Does it smell like rotting meat or rotting eggs? If you smell something like rotting meat or decay, you could have a dead animal somewhere in your car. It could also just be last season’s fast food burger you forgot to clean out. The smell of rotten eggs, or sulfur, is a sign that your car’s catalytic converter is defective.

Is it musty or wet? Smelling moist or musty odors can be a sign that your auto AC system is moldy or malfunctioning. It could also mean that your interior upholstery is very dirty and old.

Junk Car Buyers Indianapolis IN 317-608-2188

How to Treat Car Smells

If your car odor problems are caused by an automotive repair issue, the best way to treat the odors is to have your vehicle repaired or serviced. If the issue is simply due to your upholstery being old or a recent spill that left residual odors, an interior steam and carpet cleaning package at your local car wash is your best bet. Follow up with store-bought air fresheners and deodorizers specially designed for automobiles.

Getting Rid of Dead Animal Smell in Your Car

If your smell comes from a dead animal, you will need to perform a few tasks to rid the vehicle of odors. First, you have to find the animal and have it removed. This has to be done by a mechanic if the animal is inside the vehicle’s undercarriage parts. Squirrels, chipmunks, and birds are the most common critters found nesting inside vehicles.

Once you remove the dead animal, you can treat the odor. This should also be done by a professional. They will first use a saturated, ultra-hot dry steam to clear out the filtration system of the vehicle and kill all odorous bacteria. Then they will use deodorizing agents followed by an antimicrobial treatment.

How to Remove Gasoline Odors in Your Car

If you spilled gasoline on your car’s carpeting or upholstery, like your car seats or trunk bed, go for the classic baking soda and white vinegar combination attack. Combine equal parts water, vinegar, and baking soda, and then dip a cloth into the solution and delicately rub it into the spill.

Are you having trouble getting rid of those smells in your car? Sell it to GC’s Junk Cars for cash on the spot! Our Indianapolis cash for cars company pays cash on the spot and can usually provide same-day service! We serve all of Central Indiana with free junk car removal!