How Does the Total Loss Process Work for a Wrecked Car?

When your vehicle is damaged beyond repair after a collision or traffic accident, the insurance company will label it a total loss. Additionally, your vehicle can be deemed totaled by your insurance carrier if the cost to repair it exceeds its current market value. If you have recently wrecked your vehicle, continue reading for a brief explanation on how the total loss process works for a wrecked car, plus how you can earn cash for a totaled car if it was not insured at the time of the wreck.

Cash for Cars Lot Indianapolis Indiana 317-608-2188
Cash for Cars Lot Indianapolis Indiana 317-608-2188

What is a Total Loss Vehicle?

A total loss vehicle is any car, SUV, truck, van, or motorized automobile that is so far damaged that the cost to repair it is higher than what the vehicle is valued at by the current market. So, let’s say that your wrecked car has a current scrap value of $2,400. If the cost to repair your wrecked car back to its original condition prior to the accident or collision is higher than $2,400, your insurance company will categorize it as a total loss. At this point, a few things will happen.

The Process of Filing a Total Loss Claim

The process of filing a total loss claim for wrecked car will vary depending on whether you own the vehicle or if you’re leasing or financing it. If you own your car, you can expect the total loss claim process to commence as follows:

File the Claim

First, you will report the claim to your insurance company the same day as your accident, or early the next morning. Simply give them a call (you can find the number on the back of your insurance car, within your insurance documents, or on an online directory) and tell the representative what you are trying to accomplish. They will place on the path in the direction you need to go.

Complete an Insurance Adjuster Inspection

This can depend on your particular insurance carrier, but in most cases of car accidents, the next step in the total loss claim process is to schedule an insurance adjuster inspection. This generally takes place within one or two days of the accident. Your insurance company does this to ensure that the automotive repair shop that does the damage estimate provides an accurate assessment and for the claim-related damages. This step prevents insurance fraud and deductible errors.

Rent a Car

Your insurance company may offer free rental car benefits under your policy if you file a claim for a totaled vehicle. Check with them to see if you are eligible for such benefits or if similar amenities are available to you.

Finalize the Claim Settlement

A few days after the insurance adjuster evaluates the damage to your vehicle and investigates the claim, you will be offered a settlement. In this step, you will review and finalize your total loss car insurance settlement by accepting the offer.

Locate the Car Title

After you accept and finalize the car insurance claim settlement, you will likely need to locate the car title so that you can give it to the insurance company.

Prepare Your Car for Pickup

Before you can get paid, you will need to release your wrecked car to the insurance company. Just be sure to take out all of your personal belongings and remove the license plate. When the tow truck arrives to collect your vehicle, you will need to sign some paperwork and sign over the car title.

Take Your Payment

One or two days after you release your wrecked vehicle to the insurance company, you should receive some final paperwork along with your insurance payment. This step might be done electronically, in person, or through mail. Now you can go buy another car!

Did you wreck and total a vehicle that was not covered by car insurance? 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!

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

Top 3 Things You Need to Know About Your Catalytic Converter

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
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!

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

Funny Vehicle Hacks for Lazy Car Owners

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!

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

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!

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

What You Need to Know About Liability Car Insurance Coverage

If you have just bought or received a new car you plan on driving, you will need car insurance. How much car insurance coverage you need depends mostly on what the state requires, but also your personal preferences, namely budget. Most states, including here in Indiana, require that all drivers maintain automotive liability insurance coverage at all times. This is known as the state-minimum for car insurance coverage.

Continue reading to learn some important facts about car insurance liability coverage that can help you better understand your options.

Totaled Car Buyers Indiana 317-608-2188
Totaled Car Buyers Indiana 317-608-2188

Liability Car Insurance Coverage Facts

Automotive liability insurance coverage is a type of car insurance coverage that only covers another person’s bodily injuries and property damages. The owner of the liability insurance policy is not covered. Let’s dive into this little further.

There are two types of liability car insurance coverage: bodily injury liability coverage and property damage liability coverage. Drivers are required to have both kinds of coverage at all times to operate a motor vehicle, legally.

▶ BODILY INJURY LIABILITY COVERAGE (BI) = Bodily injury liability car insurance covers another driver’s injuries, including their medical expenses and hospital bills.

▶ PROPERTY DAMAGE LIABILITY COVERAGE (PD) = Property damage insurance coverage pays for another driver’s automotive repairs, or for a new vehicle if the car is totaled.

Coverage Limits for Liability Car Insurance Policies

Although automotive liability car insurance covers another driver’s bodily injuries and property damages, you could still be responsible for paying out-of-pocket if the total cost exceeds your policy’s coverage limit. The state does set a minimum limit, but when you are purchasing car insurance, you can choose your own limit.

Let’s say you cause an accident, and the total cost of the of the driver’s medical expenses and property damages totals out to $25,000. Your insurance carrier will cover this cost so long as your coverage limit is at least that amount. If your coverage limit was only $20,000, you would be responsible for paying the remaining $5,000 out-of-pocket.

Your Bodily Injuries and Vehicle Damages

Under an automotive liability insurance policy, your own bodily injuries and property damages are not covered. The only parties covered are other drivers harmed in the accident. For this reason, it is strongly recommended to add collision insurance coverage to your liability insurance policy. Collision coverage would cover your bodily injuries and property damages in the case of an accident, but it would also come with a coverage limit. You can choose your coverage limit based on your budget and how comfortable you feel paying out-of-pocket in the case of an accident.

Comprehensive Insurance Coverage

Collision automotive insurance coverage does not cover other types of vehicle damages outside of motor vehicle accidents, such as a tree falling on your car or hail damage. If you want these types of damages covered, you will need comprehensive automotive insurance coverage.

Have you totaled your vehicle but only have liability insurance coverage, leaving you with no means to pay for repairs? 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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GC’s Junk Cars
GC’s Junk Cars 317-608-2188

Facts About Junk Cars and Actual Cash Value

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
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!

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GC’s Junk Cars
GC’s Junk Cars 317-608-2188

Vital Car Fluids and What You Need to Know About Them

Your vehicle is an important asset that requires routine maintenance and responsible driving to perform safely, efficiently, and for many years. Among the various car maintenance requirements for all vehicles, regardless of make or model, automotive fluid management is arguably the most important task. Your vehicle requires 7 of them, all at once, without exception. Do you know what they are?

Continue reading to learn the seven essential automotive fluids every vehicle needs to drive safely and stay in good condition for years to come.

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

Your Vehicle Needs These 7 Car Fluids

Motor Oil

Engine oil is of course one of the most well-known and significant fluids for cars and trucks. It lubricates all the inner workings and moving parts of a car engine’s crank case to reduce heat-causing friction. Without proper lubrication at all times, parts like pistons, valves, and more, are subject to damage. This renders a motor useless.

Depending on the make and model of your particular vehicle, the schedule for oil changes will vary slightly. Check your owners’ manual or consult a trusted local mechanic for information about your vehicle’s factory scheduled maintenance. Generally, motor oil should be changed every 5,000 or 6 months, whichever comes first.

Radiator Fluid

Your vehicle’s coolant is a must, since without it, your car is sure to overheat. Radiator fluid, also called coolant or antifreeze, is a 50/50 combination of solution and water, and can come in a variety of colors depending on the brand and type you buy. It keeps the engine from overheating by circulating through the engine and collecting heat, returning it to the radiator, and then dispersing this heat outside. This should be changed as needed, depending on how often you drive and your driving habits. Generally, coolant should be changed every 3 to 5 months, or 3,000 to 5,000 miles.

Windshield Wiper Fluid

Most often forgotten or overlooked, windshield wiper fluid is an essential part of driver and passenger safety. This is a fluid anyone can re-fill themselves, as needed. Simply by this well-known blue solution at a gas station or auto parts store. Refill as needed.

Transmission Fluid

Transmission fluid is red in color and very similar to motor oil in terms of its function. This is because it cools and lubricates the inner workings of a vehicle’s transmission. This keeps the vehicle’s gears in good condition, allowing for easy gear changes and functionality. Generally, this fluid should be changed one time per year. Again, check your owner’ manual, or download one online, for specific maintenance schedule information.

Brake Fluid

In terms of passenger safety, you might say brake fluid is the most important for a vehicle. Brake fluid allows for proper hydraulic functioning of the car brakes. When you push down on the brake pedal, the brake fluid compresses, sending hydraulic force to the brake pads and shoes, which provides the friction needed to stop a vehicle. Generally, brake fluid should be replaced every 2 years, or 30,000 miles. Check your owners’ manual for details.

Power Steering Fluid

Power steering fluid is pressurized by a small hydraulic pump that is powered by the vehicle’s engine. It allows the vehicle to turn easier. This fluid enhances the steering mechanism of a car or truck. Without it, it would feel as if the steering wheel weighs 100 pounds. Power steering fluid needs replaced generally every 4 years or 60,000 miles.

Battery Fluid

If your vehicle has a “maintenance-free” battery, then you will not be required to check its fluid levels. But for older model cars and trucks, batteries have individual cells that need to be refilled with battery fluid. This fluid, of course, maintains the car battery’s power, allowing for turning the ignition and starting the engine. Battery fluid should be changed generally every 6 to 8 months or 7,500 miles.

If your car bites the dust, don’t think for a second that you are out of luck! 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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GC’s Junk Cars
GC’s Junk Cars 317-608-2188

How to Diagnose Water Damage in Your Car

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
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!

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GC’s Junk Cars
GC’s Junk Cars 317-608-2188

Top 4 Precious Metals in Junk Cars

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
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!

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GC’s Junk Cars
GC’s Junk Cars 317-608-2188

The Most Effective Solutions for Smelly Car Problems

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
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
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!

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GC’s Junk Cars
GC’s Junk Cars 317-608-2188

How to Listen for a Transmission Problem in Your Car

Your car’s transmission will let you know that it is experiencing some level of failure. All you have to do is listen! Continue reading to learn what common transmission problems sound like, and what to do if you simply cannot afford to repair your transmission in Indianapolis.

Sell Junk Car Parts in Indianapolis 317-608-2188
Sell Junk Car Parts in Indianapolis 317-608-2188

Transmission Noises That Should Be Examined

Your car makes a lot of different noises. Most are harmless, a few might be temporary, but some are indicative of an automotive problem. From clunking and humming to high-pitched whining, some sounds are telling you there is a problem specifically with the transmission.

Here are some of the most common transmission sounds that should be examined further by a licensed mechanic, as they could be a sign that your car needs some automotive service or repair:

Gurgling

If you hear water-like noises, such as gurgling, sloshing, or trickling, it could be an indication that your transmission fluid is low. The cause of the gurgling noises is due to air pockets that form within the transmission lines as a result of a lack of fluid.

Clunking

Clunking is a common automotive noise that is indicative of a transmission problem. The most likely culprit behind clunking sounds is a problem with the torque converter mounts. You can test this by keeping your foot on the brake and placing your car in neutral, then revving the engine slightly as you put the gear back and drive. If you hear clunking noise, you can be sure the torque converter mounts are the issue.

Humming

As you accelerate in your vehicle, if you hear a humming noise as you reach higher speeds, it could be indicative of a transmission problem. Generally, the culprit lies within the transmission pump.

Grinding or Metal Scraping

Automotive noises that sound like grinding, metal scraping, or metal-on-metal contact are generally a telltale sign of a transmission problem stemming from the planetary gear system. The planetary gear system is responsible for ensuring that your transmission shifts smoothly. This issue is only evident in automatic transmission vehicles.

High-Pitched Whining

Hearing a constant whining or high-pitched whining noise when shifting gears is generally a sign of a clogged transmission filter. You can be sure this is the culprit if the whining noise gets worse when you shift into reverse. If coupled with grinding noises, it could be an issue within the planetary gear system.

Growling or Rumbling

If you hear sounds that are more like growling, rumbling, or low pitched whining, it could be an issue within the planning you can rest assure that there is an issue within the transmission. Typically, these noises are indicative of a problem within the planetary gear system. Again, the system ensures that your transmission shifts gears smoothly and easily.

All of these noises are considered emergency auto repairs that should be diagnosed and resolved by licensed mechanic as soon as possible. If you hear these noises in your car, your vehicle is not safe to drive unless you are driving it straight to the auto shop.

Is your transmission in trouble but you cannot afford auto repair? Perhaps the cost of transmission 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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