The Most Valuable Junk Car Parts and Where to Sell Them

Posted on June 29, 2020 by junkcars17

Just because you have a totaled car doesn’t mean that everything inside it is broken. The great thing about car parts is that they can be repurposed and reused in other vehicles; that is, if they are still in good condition and/or refurbishable. If you have a junk car that you are thinking about selling, you would be wise to learn which automotive parts are the most valuable so that you can gauge what your offer might look like.

Continue reading to learn which car parts have the most value as a scrap yard, and where you can sell them for cash on the spot.

Indianapolis Junk Car Buyers 317-608-2188

Valuable Car Parts in the Auto Salvage Industry

Keep in mind that the parts below are not listed in any particular order other than alphabetical. The actual worth of each type of car part depends on several economic and mechanical factors, the most impactful variables being whether or not they can be reused, and the current scrap metal prices on the market. See our blog, “What Does a Junk Car Appraiser Look For?” to learn some other factors that can influence your junk car offer.

Air Conditioning Systems

AC units are valuable car parts, especially if they still work well, and therefore, be reinstalled into another vehicle. AC systems for vehicles have compressors and condensers that contain good quality metal, making them profitable for scrappers.

Alternators and Starters

Alternators and starters are another highly-valuable and sought-after automotive part, buy both private consumers and scrap yards. Not only do they have steel casings, they also contain copper wiring, both of which can be recycled.

Batteries

Automotive batteries, as well as, batteries for any type of motorized vehicle (i.e. boats, tractors, etc.), are high in value at a junk yard. You might even be successful at refurnishing your used car battery using the old Epsom salt and distilled water method!

Catalytic Converters

Arguably one of the most valuable car parts is the catalytic converter. They are typically manufactured with an inner protective lining made from two high-priced metals: platinum and palladium. If the catalytic converter still works, it is worth even more.

Engines and Motors

Like catalytic converters, the other car part that tops the list as most valuable is the engine (or motor, depending on the type of vehicle). Engines, especially if refurbishable or still operable, are worth the most money in a junk car.

Radiators

Radiators contain a decent quantity of aluminum, which is a highly-useful and recyclable metal. For this reason, junk car buyers want vehicles that have them still intact. If you have a functioning car radiator, you can expect your junk car to be more valuable.

How to Sell a Junk Car in Indianapolis, Indiana

When you really just don’t know who to trust when it comes to selling a junk car in Indianapolis, Indiana, simply go with the best. Contact GC’s Junk Cars at 317-608-2188 to request a free, over-the-phone quote, or more information regarding the junk car selling process. Whether your vehicle runs or not, we are ready to make you an excellent offer and take it off your hands for free. We have an in-house tow truck that will come directly to your location to pick up your junk car.

Is My Car Totaled if Motor Oil Gets Inside the Engine Coolant?

Posted on June 17, 2020 by junkcars17

Motor oil and engine coolant are two of the seven essential vehicular fluids. Motor oil lubricates the engines internal workings, while coolant manages the internal engine temperatures. Although both fluids are vital for all vehicles, they can also be harmful under certain circumstances. You see, if motor oil leaks into the coolant, it can be highly damaging to an engine. In fact, it is among the most damaging circumstances a vehicle could face internally.

Continue reading to learn why motor oil can leak into engine coolant, how to identify signs that suggest this type of damage, and whether or not it means the end for your car.

Motor Oil Engine Coolant Damage

When oil and coolant mix, it forms a viscid milk-like substance that closely resembles a melted chocolate milkshake. This combination is problematic because coolant contains glycol, which will not boil away and disintegrate. It stays in the oil and forms organic acids that turns the oil into a thick, viscous substance. This, subsequently, reduces the oils ability to disperse itself through the engine. Not only does this cause internal engine corrosion and damage, it effects other areas of a vehicle as well.

Causes

The most common cause of finding oil in engine coolant is a blown head gasket. A blown engine gasket can create an internal leak that is unnoticeable to a driver until it’s too late and damage has already been done. A less likely cause could be a cracked cylinder head or engine block. A crack in the cylinder head can occur between the oil galleys and coolant passages, thus allowing oil to leak inside the coolant.

An internal crack in the engine block is an even less likely cause of motor oil leaking into radiator coolant. There could be several other reasons as well, including poorly sealed or stripped head bolts, oil cooler leaks, water pump defects, and more.

The Forecast for a Car With Severe Engine Damage

When a vehicle has a blown head gasket or cracked engine block, the repairs are typically very high. On average, a person can expect to pay around $2,000 for a blown head gasket. For cracked engine blocks, repairs are not usually possible. Instead, engine replacement would be necessary, which can be even more expensive than a blown head gasket repair.

For these reasons, often times, a vehicle is deemed totaled by the insurance company since the cost to repair is worth more than the current market value of the vehicle. If this happens to you, sell your totaled car to a local Indianapolis junk car buyer for instant cash profit.

Sell a Junk Car For Cash in Indianapolis Today!

Call GC’s Junk Cars at 317-608-2188 to sell a junk car in Indianapolis, today! We have been buying junk cars throughout the Central Indiana area for several years and make the car selling process easy. You will get the best price for your car because you are selling directly to the scrap yard! There is never a middle man, which means you walk away with more cash in your pocket. We buy all types of vehicles in all types of shape, running or not, and offer free towing and pick-up.

Types of Precious Metal That Might Be in Your Junk Car

Posted on May 29, 2020 by junkcars17

Do you have a junk car to sell? If so, you might be surprised to learn that it could contain certain metals that are higher in economic value. These are known as precious metals, and if your junk car has them, you can earn a better profit at a local scrap yard! Continue reading to learn which types of precious metals might be in a junk car, and what you can expect to earn for yours at a local cash for cars company.

Indianapolis Junk Car Buyers 317-608-2188

What is a Precious Metal?

A precious metal is any metallic chemical element that has a high economic value, specifically due to its rare occurrence in nature, useful properties, and aesthetic qualities. In some cases, precious metal is used as currency, or has been throughout history. These metals are highly corrosion-resistant, making them great elements for jewelry, currency, and investment. The rarer a metal, the more precious and valuable it will be on the market. Common examples of precious metals include gold, platinum, silver, rhodium, and palladium.

Copper

At times, copper can be considered a precious metal when considering its uses in jewelry and currency, however, it is highly common and attainable making it “not-so-precious” of a commodity. Although not worth much, copper is a fantastic metal to sell or recycle because it can be reused over and over again for our own benefit. With the fluctuating economy in progress, valuable metals such as these retain their worth and are considered a valuable and lucrative investment.

Precious Metals in Cars

Cars, trucks, SUV’s, vans, motorcycles, scooters, and all other motorized equipment, contains one or more forms of precious metal. Virtually all motorized commodities contain copper. As for precious metals, it really depends on the vehicle’s age and condition. Modern cars are manufactured with several more computer systems than cars in the previous years, which are where the highest quantities of precious metal can be found. Computer systems like stereos, disc changers, CD players, media players, GPS systems, and backup cameras, all utilize a computer board, fitted with specialty metals like copper and gold-plated fingers.

Another auto part that contain precious metal is the catalytic converter. Catalytic converters are primarily manufactured with platinum, and high-valued precious metal. Platinum is very rare and valuable, and it currently has a great price point on the scrap metal market. And right now, its demand is sky-rocketing because it has so many advanced technological applications. Other small deposits of precious metals within catalytic converters are rhodium or palladium.

How to Get Top Dollar for Your Junk Car in Indianapolis

Call GC’s Junk Cars at 317-608-2188 to sell junk cars 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! We will schedule a time to pick up your vehicle and pay you cash. Call 317-608-2188 to request a free estimate, today.

What Does a Junk Car Appraiser Look For?

Posted on May 13, 2020 by junkcars17

When you have a junk car to sell, your top priority is probably to make the most money you can. However, you can’t achieve your goal of retaining a decent profit unless you first choose the right junk car buyer. There are literally hundreds of so-called “junk car buyers” in your area, but not all are true, industry professionals. Many are con artists, scammers, and what you would call a “fly-by-the-night” business. Instead, look for a trusted Cash for Cars company that can offer the best payout for your junk vehicle. A reputable junk car buyer uses a systematic, concentrated approach to appraise scrap vehicles and estimate a fair offer.

Continue below to learn what a junk car appraiser looks for when building their estimates.

Junk car buying companies accept all scrap vehicles and motorized equipment, regardless of age, make, model, or condition. However, these same factors will influence the overall value of a scrap vehicle. When you schedule your junk car appraisal, the appraiser will arrive and look for several factors to determine the overall scrap value of your vehicle, but the top 4 include:

❶ Vehicle Location – The location of your junk car has a small, yet nominal impact on the overall appraised value. This impact is not the same across the board, and instead, varies from company to company. To reduce this impact, choose a junk car buyer that offers free towing and haul-away, so that you will not have to pay out-of-pocket to have your junk car removed.

❷ Vehicle Condition – The condition of a scrap vehicle is important to the overall scrap value since more operational parts and cars are worth more than non-operational ones. Cars that still run are worth more than cars that do not, and so on. If the car does not run, it will likely be sold for its parts, all of which can affect the overall appraisal.

❸ Current Scrap Metal Prices – The current prices for scrap metal in the United States and global economy have the most impact on how much your junk car will be appraised for. The average car is made of approximately 55% steel, 300 lbs. of aluminum, and weighs around 2.5 tons. You simply need to look at the market and do the math.

❹ Make and Model – The make and age of a junk vehicle also have a major impact on its appraisal value. Some cars are more in demand in the scrap industry than others. For instance, older or rarer cars whose parts are not manufactured anymore are higher in demand than current make and model vehicles.

Where to Sell a Junk Car for the Highest Price in Indiana

Call GC’s Junk Cars at 317-608-2188 to sell a junk car in Indianapolis. Our Indiana junk car buyers offer free towing with our in-house tow truck, so all you have to do is call and accept our offer! We will schedule a time to pick up your vehicle and pay you cash. No title? No problem! Give us a call anyway! Call 317-608-2188 to request a free estimate, today.

5 Possible Causes for an Overheating Car Engine

Posted on April 24, 2020 by junkcars17

When your check engine light illuminates, it is often the first sign of car trouble. There are various reasons why your car’s check engine light could come on, from a loose gas cap or faulty chip, to a blown head gasket or something much worse. But when it comes to your engine overheating, there are 5 probable causes behind the problem; and the signs are not hard to see.

Continue reading to learn how to identify an overheating car engine, and the top 5 reasons why it happens.

Is Your Car Engine Overheating?

One of the first signs of an overheating car engine is usually seeing the temperature gauge nearing or exceeding the maximum internal engine temperature level illustrated on the dial. Yet, most people just see smoke coming from the hood! You might also smell burning oil or fuel, which is another sign of your car engine overheating.

5 Causes for Overheated Engines:

⚙ Radiator Issues

There are two common radiator defects that can lead to a car engine overheating. First, you could have a bad radiator fan. This fan blows air over the radiator fins in order to help control the temperature of the coolant. If it comes loose, has broken shrouds, or spins freely when the engine is off, it cannot perform its intended duties, causing the coolant temperature to raise and overheat the engine. But if the fan is not the problem, it could just be a faulty radiator. Leaks, clogs, and broken lines can cause a radiator to malfunction, and subsequently cause a car engine to overheat.

⚙ Cooling System Issues

A vehicle’s cooling system lines can get blocked or clogged with rust, dirt, or sediment. This inhibits the cooling system from being able to do its job, thus causing the engine overheat. This is why regular fluid flushed and replacements are imperative. Another common cause of an overheating car engine in terms of a vehicle’s cooling system are leaks. Leaks in the cooling system are a frequent cause for overheating car engines. Also, if you use the wrong concentration of coolant, it can have the same affect. Be sure to get an even water-to-coolant ratio.

⚙ Thermostat Issues

A bad thermostat is another common reason for overheated car engines. It is a heat-sensitive valve that opens and shuts in accordance to engine temperature. If something goes wrong and the thermostat gets stuck in the closed position, the car engine’s temperature will skyrocket.

⚙ Water Pump Issues

The water pump is colloquially known as the “heart” of the vehicle since it pumps coolant much like a heart pumps blood. But a vehicle’s water pump pressurizes and propels coolant through the cooling system, so it plays a major role in a car’s temperature control. If something goes wrong, the coolant can’t make it to the engine, and the engine gets too hot.

⚙ Belt and Hose Issues

Broken and loose belts, as well as, worn or burst hoses, are common causes for overheating car engines. Belts turn the water pump, which is essential for the cooling system and more. If they stop working, so does the cooling system. A faulty hose means leaks, which means a lack of coolant. This also causes a car to overheat.

Is Your Car Now a Total Loss? Sell Your Junk Car for Cash TODAY!

Your Trusted Indianapolis Junk Car Buyers

The Good News After Totaling an Old Car

Posted on March 26, 2020 by junkcars17

Have you just totaled your car, and since it was so old, the insurance check is nowhere near enough to cover the cost of a new one? If so, you are probably panicking right now, nervously wondering how you are going to get to work tomorrow, and afford a new car after that. Well, don’t. There is actually some good news for you! You can still make a decent return on your junk car by selling it to a local junk car buyer, rather than cashing in your paltry insurance offer.

Continue reading to learn how to get started and who will pay you the most cash on the spot for your totaled vehicle.

Junk Car Buyers Accept All Vehicles

You can sell your totaled car to any local junk car buying company. In fact, a Cash for Cars Company will accept any type of motorized commodity, regardless of the age, make, model, or condition. They buy cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, motorcycles, boats, jet skis, construction equipment, tractors, and anything else that was designed to run on fuel.

How to Get Started

Your first step to selling a totaled car to a Cash for Cars Company is to inform your insurance carrier. From there, all you have to do to get started is find a reputable junk car buyer who can actually afford to pay you the full and fair amount for your vehicle. Because there are literally hundreds of options right in your very own city, finding a truly professional and honest company can be challenging.

Look for a junk car buying company that provides free estimates, free towing and pickup, and cash on the spot. Furthermore, be sure they have been in business for several years, are polite, and have good customer reviews. You will know you have found a good Cash for Cars Company to do business with if they have all of these attributes, plus show you courtesy and respect.

Once you choose a junk car buyer, all you have to do is make the call, get a quote, and accept their offer. From there, the Cash for Cars Company should pick up your vehicle, have you sign over the title, and then pay you cash on the spot! Just be sure you remember to remove all your personal belongings and license plate before they arrive!

Who to Trust for the Best Junk Car Deal in Indiana

Call GC’s Junk Cars at 317-608-2188 to sell a totaled car in Indianapolis, today! We accept all make and model vehicles, regardless of age or condition! There is never a middleman, which means you walk away with more cash in your pocket. Furthermore, we will dispose of your vehicle according to all Indiana EPA regulations. You can rest assured that your car will not have a negative impact on our environment. We also offer free towing haul away!

What Can I Do to Increase the Value of My Junk Car?

Posted on March 12, 2020 by junkcars17

The question of increasing the monetary value of a junk car is sort of an enigma. After all, the reason why a junk car is a junk car is because it lacks conventional automotive value. However, there are some key points that might help you figure out how to make more money when selling a junk car.

Continue reading to learn what you can do to ensure your junk car renders the profit you deserve.

Repairing a Junk Car

The guaranteed option for increasing the value of a junk car is to repair it in as many places as possible, both cosmetically and mechanically. The increase in value will depend on how much work the vehicle needs, and how much you are willing to pay to have it repaired. The conundrum with this option is also the subject: value. You must ask yourself whether or not the money paid to repair the vehicle is worth the ultimate profit you obtain in the end. The only way this option works out well for the seller is if the junk car is repaired to the point of drivability, and can be granted a new car title that is not salvaged.

Dismantling a Junk Car

Another option to render a higher profit from a junk car is to dismantle it and sell off each part individually. This can increase the amount of money you make in total. The downfall to this option is that you will need to pay a mechanic, out of pocket, for the dismantling. Even if you are familiar with automotive mechanic work, it is important to have it done professional in order to guarantee product integrity and resale value. Furthermore, you must also put in the time and effort it takes to list your parts for sale and deal with all the incoming calls and customer inquiries.

Choose a Reputable Buyer for Your Junk Car

The best option for increasing the value of your junk car is to simply choose a junk car buyer that is well-established and does not use a middleman that will take more money out of your pocket. This option does not require you to lift a finger nor spend a dime; instead, it only requires you to do proper research and find a cash for cars company that will pay you a full and fair payout. There are hundreds of junk car buyers out there, so be sure you know which ones you can trust. Look for a company that has been in business for a long time and retains innovative technologies to assess the value of a junk car.

Who Pays the Most for Junk Cars in Indianapolis?

Call GC’s Junk Cars at 317-608-2188 to sell a junk car in Indianapolis, today! We accept all make and model vehicles, regardless of age or condition! There is never a middleman, which means you walk away with more cash in your pocket. Furthermore, we will dispose of your vehicle according to all Indiana EPA regulations. You can rest assured that your car will not have a negative impact on our environment. We also offer free towing haul away!