How to Get Rid of Gasoline Smell

Posted on March 11, 2021 by gcsjunk

In our last blog, we discussed ways to properly store and dispose of used gasoline. This month, we will discuss how to clean up gasoline spills and manage lingering odors in everything from garage floors and vehicle upholstery, to skin, clothes, driveways, and more! Continue reading to learn how right now!

Cleaning Up After Gasoline

It can happen to anyone. That accidental gasoline spill that seems to stay with you or whatever it touches no matter how many times you rinse and repeat. And those gasoline headaches and nausea spells are not so much fun either. Fortunately, there are some quick and easy fixes for lingering gasoline odor, all of which are safe and effective on skin, clothes, interior upholstery, and more.

What You Will Need

⇢ Cat Litter
⇢ Broom
⇢ Dustpan
⇢ Plastic To-Go Container
⇢ Baking Soda
⇢ Distilled White Vinegar
⇢ Large Bowl
⇢ Wash Cloth
⇢ Clothesline
⇢ Liquid Dish Soap
⇢ Hand-Held Vacuum

How to Clean Gasoline Spills on Driveways and Garage Floors

If you spill gasoline on your garage floors or driveway, or any other exterior floor, immediately pour cat litter on top of the affected area. The granules of kitty litter soak up the gasoline and actually absorb the residual odors. This way, you are not covering up the smell, you are getting rid of it entirely.

Allow the litter to sit for a few hours, and then use your broom and dustpan to clean it up. Transfer the contaminated litter into a sealable plastic container or bag, and then look up the proper disposal methods in your community. For best results, you must act fast and pour the litter as soon as the spill occurs.

How to Remove Gasoline Odor on Car Upholstery and Carpeting

To eliminate gas odors in the interior of your car, start by mixing equal parts baking soda, distilled white vinegar, and water together in a large bowl. Apply the solution to the affected fabrics with a clean washcloth. Scrub vigorously for a few minutes, and then rinse the area clean with fresh water.

How to Remove Gasoline on Clothes

If you soak clothing in gasoline, you need to throw it away for fire safety reasons. But if you just splash some gasoline on clothing, you can wash it out. Start by soaking the affected area with distilled white vinegar, and then letting the garment air-dry outside on the clothesline for a full day. Once dry, vacuum the affected area with a hand-held vacuum, and then scrub it with mild dish soap. Next, place your garment in the washer all by itself, and run it on the normal cycle. Dry in the dryer as usual.

Got an old car or truck that perpetually smells bad? Contact GC’s Junk Cars at 502-804-5605 to sell your junk car in Louisville, Kentucky for cash on the spot! We buy all make and model vehicles no matter the condition or location.

You Might Want to Read:

The Rule of Proper Gasoline Disposal
5 Things You Need To Do Before Selling a Junk Car
How to Clean Up Rust Marks After You Sell a Junk Car

The Rule of Proper Gasoline Disposal

Posted on February 23, 2021 by gcsjunk

When you are preparing to get rid of a junk car or motorized equipment, you have the opportunity to remove the gasoline from the tank and reuse it for other fuel applications. However, beware that gasoline does not last forever. At some point, unused fuel goes bad and must be disposed of. If the gasoline you are planning to siphon has been sitting in the tank for longer than 4 or 5 months, you can safely assume that it has begun the degradation process, and is no longer viable, or in the least an optimal fuel source. Dirty or old fuel can cause internal combustion problems in motors, so it is not recommended for reuse.

But unlike most other things we toss into the garbage for trash collection day, gasoline requires a specific disposal approach, as it is a hazardous and highly flammable chemical. Continue reading to learn the general rule of thumb for proper gasoline disposal.

Storing and Transferring Gasoline

In order to safely toss out old gasoline, you must first place it in government-certified containers. Opt for the standard, red “jerry cans” you can buy at any local gas station or automotive store. Otherwise, use any other type of plastic gas jug with a pouring spout. Most municipal fire codes mandate that gasoline containers must be less than 5 gallons of fuel. Also, when filling up your jugs, be sure to leave 5% of room at the top for fumes.

How to Throw Out Old Gasoline

There are a few ways you can safely dispose of gasoline in your community. You can start by looking for a local hazardous waste removal or collection center that will accept your contaminated or old gasoline jugs. If you do not have any luck with a hazardous waste disposal center, try your town’s fire department. Even if they do not accept contaminated gasoline for disposal, they can point you in the right direction. Another option is to contact your municipal waste management plant. Often times, they have resources for hazardous waste removal and disposal, or can at least refer you to the right place.

Louisville Junk Car Removal Services That Pays YOU Cash on the Spot

Call GC’s Junk Cars at 502-804-5605 if you want free junk car removal in Louisville and its surrounding areas. Not only do we accept all vehicles, regardless of age, make, model, and condition, we also payout the highest returns for junk vehicles in Kentucky. Just accept our offer, then we will come pick up your junk car and pay you CASH ON THE SPOT! Contact us today to request a free estimate.

Car Wreck Insurance Myths to Beware Of

Posted on December 29, 2020 by gcsjunk

Now that winter is approaching, and snow is just around the corner, safe driving cannot be talked about and understood enough. But in addition to safe driving is the importance of accurate insurance awareness. Knowing what to expect from your car insurance policy is crucial, which is why it is strongly suggested to review your benefits before the start of each winter season. More importantly than knowing your automotive insurance benefits, is understanding them so to not fall victim to the common insurance myths out there.

Continue reading to learn about the most common motor vehicle insurance myths, and the truths behind them.

Car Insurance Basics to Understand

Motor vehicle accidents are among the most common causes of death in this country. Practicing safe driving techniques is critical, but understanding your insurance policy can protect you and your family on the road as well. More than accidents, drivers fall victim to false insurance myths, rumor mills, and word-of-mouth.

**Most Common and Untrue Car Insurance Myths:**

☒ Credit Score Has Nothing to Do With Insurance Rates. Credit scores plays a major role in the amount of the total cost of your premium. That is because most car insurance companies use credit-based insurance scores to help determine risk. Not only does credit score influence insurance rates, it also can affect loan eligibility.

☒ Red Cars Cost More to Insure. The color of your car has nothing to do with the cost of your insurance premium. The primary factors that insurance carriers tend to base rates on include the make and model of the vehicle, the vehicle’s age, the vehicle’s body type, the vehicle’s engine size, the driver’s driving record, the driver’s credit history, and the driver’s age. So go ahead and get that candy apple red two door you’ve been eyeing; it will not affect your total insurance payment.

☒ New Cars Cost More to Insure. It is understandable that this myth has fooled consumers, since sometimes it is true; especially if your down payment is small. A new or expensive car may require more coverage, but the rates do not always increase simply because it is a new vehicle.

☒ Rates Automatically Increase After a Filed Claim. Again, this myth is understandably confusing. Although sometimes car insurance rates will increase after a claim, it is not always the case. The primary factors looked at include the severity of the accident, the driver’s claim history, and the total cost of the claim.

☒ Lapses in Coverage Do Not Affect Rates. Even if you are not driving, a lapse in insurance coverage will affect your car insurance rates when it comes time to start driving again. In fact, it can have a large financial impact on your total car insurance premium. So do not fall victim to this myth!

☒ You Can Keep a Totaled Car and Claim Insurance Too. Car insurance companies do not allow claimants to keep their totaled car if they also accept the insurance payout. They must choose one or the other. In some cases, claimants are not allowed to keep their car at all, even if they forgo a payout.

How to Get Cash for Your Wrecked Car in Kentucky

Call GC’s Junk Cars at 502-804-5605 to sell a junk car in Louisville and its surrounding counties, 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, our Louisville junk car buyers offer free towing haul away! Request a free estimate for your junk car, today.

Signs That Suggest You Need to Replace Your Catalytic Converter

Posted on December 15, 2020 by gcsjunk

Your vehicle is an important asset. After all, if it weren’t, you probably wouldn’t have one. For this reason, it is important to keep your eyes peeled for any signs that suggest it needs some mechanical attention. Most parts and systems can be easily protected and replaced with little cost. But when it comes to the more complex and important systems in your vehicle, like the catalytic converter and engine, it is better to catch their needs early on, before the cost to repair them gets out of control.

Engines will show obvious signs, including indicator lamp warnings on the dashboard. But when it comes to catalytic converters, the signs are more subtle. Fortunately, with a little knowledge, you will know exactly what to look out for, and what to do when it happens.

Continue reading to learn the top signs that you need to replace your catalytic converter, and how to sell your old one for cash on the spot.

What Does a Catalytic Converter Do?

Before you can learn to spot the signs of catalytic converter mechanical failure, it helps to learn how this vital auto part works in the first place. By understanding the basic operation of a catalytic converter, you will be naturally more in tune with any signs that might pop up.

A catalytic converter is an advanced exhaust emission control device used to reduce carbon monoxide (CO), volatile organic compounds (VOC’s), nitrogen oxides, and similar pollutants produced by automotive engines and fuel. Simply put, they are the automotive component responsible for transforming the harmful emissions into less harmful ones, before exiting the vehicle’s exhaust system.

Fun fact: Catalytic converters operate by using metal catalysts, generally consisting of one or more valuable metals, like platinum, rhodium, palladium, and even gold. This precious metal content is what makes catalytic converters so expensive, and so valuable.

Signs of a Failing Catalytic Converter:

⚙ Your Engine is Sluggish or Problematic – If your engine seems like it is not working like it used to, it could be due to a mechanical failure within the catalytic converter. In fact, decreased engine performance is often the very first sign to show up when a catalytic converter is having problems. Usually, the Check Engine Light illuminates on the dash. A blockage or crack within the exhaust system can cause the engine to have poor fuel efficiency, slow acceleration, or power issues.

⚙ Your Check Engine Light is On. As mentioned, one of the very first signs you will likely notice when your catalytic converter is malfunctioning is seeing the Check Engine Light, also known as a Malfunctioning Indicator Lamp (MIL). This light is programmed to come on when anything within your vehicle’s systems is affecting the engine’s performance. A common catalytic converter malfunction that causes the Check Engine Light to come on is when it is not catalyzing the exhaust gases correctly.

⚙ Your Car is Rattling When it Runs. Hearing rattling noises while the engine is running, whether moving or at an idle, is a common indication that something is going wrong with the exhaust system. More times than not, it is due to the catalytic converter corroding or coming apart.

What to Do With an Old Catalytic Converter in Louisville, Kentucky

Call GC’s Junk Cars at 502-804-5605 if you have a junk car or broken auto part to sell in Louisville and its surrounding areas. Not only do we accept all vehicles, regardless of age, make, model, and condition, our Louisville Kentucky cash for cars company also payout the highest returns for junk vehicles in Kentucky. Just accept our offer and we will come pick up your junk car! Contact us today to request a free estimate! Sorry, we do not accept catalytic converters or tires.

What to Do After Totaling an Uninsured Car in Kentucky

Posted on October 23, 2020 by gcsjunk

If you were to get into a car accident that totals your vehicle, but the accident was not your fault, the at-fault driver’s insurance company would pay to have your vehicle repaired back to the condition it was in before the accident. But what if the scenario was the other way around? What if you are to blame for totaling your car? What would happen then?

Continue reading to learn what to do after you total your uninsured, or under-insured, vehicle in Kentucky.

Louisville Totaled Car Buyers 502-804-5605

Inadequate Auto Insurance Coverage Can Come Back to Haunt You

Here in Indiana, all licensed drivers are required by law to operate a vehicle that is adequately covered by automotive insurance. If your car is not insured, or lacks sufficient insurance to meet the Indiana standards for coverage, you could be in for some trouble if you total it in an accident that was your fault. Whether the car accident involves another driver or not, you might face financial losses, as well as potential civil citations.

Not only must you pay out-of-pocket to repair all vehicle damages, including other vehicles impacted by the collision, here are the consequences of causing a wreck in your car if you do not have auto insurance:

⚠ You can be fined by the city up to $1,000.
⚠ Your drivers’ license can be revoked.
⚠ Your vehicle’s registration can be revoked.
⚠ You can be ordered to serve up to 90 days in jail.
⚠ You can be civilly sued by other parties in the accident.
⚠ You can have difficulty obtaining auto insurance in the future.

Dealing With a Totaled Vehicle

If you do not have car insurance, you will not be receiving any sort of payment from an insurance company to buy a new car. So, to make the most of your totaled vehicle, your best bet is to sell it to a Kentucky Junk Car Company that will pay you cash for it, regardless of its condition. An insurance company won’t trade you a payment for your totaled vehicle, but GC’s Junk Cars of Louisville, Kentucky will!

So Sell Us Your Totaled Junk Car Today!

Call GC’s Junk Cars at 502-804-5605 to sell a totaled car in Louisville and its surrounding areas. Not only do we accept all vehicles, regardless of age, make, model, and condition, we also payout the highest returns for junk vehicles in Kentucky. Just accept our offer and we will come pick up your junk car! Contact us today to request a free estimate!

A DIY Guide for Car Radiator Flushing

Posted on September 25, 2020 by gcsjunk

Once you turn the key, start your vehicle’s ignition, and then begin to drive, your internal combustion engine starts producing a substantial amount of heat. In order to remove this heat and prevent your engine from overheating, a functional radiator is needed. A car radiator uses thermal heat exchange to eliminate high temperatures and heat to keep a vehicle’s engine in working condition. This means that larger vehicles require larger radiators to facilitate the same effect.

For radiators to be effective and stay cool, they must be cleaned regularly by means of flushing. Solid deposits, residues, and other sediment buildup can cause a cooling system to clog or fail entirely. Flushing a car radiator is one of the most important routine maintenance jobs and must be done to keep vehicles operational over time. Fortunately, it can be done on your own. It’s also quick and inexpensive to do.

Continue reading to learn some tips that can help you when it comes time to flush your car radiator.

Start By Acquiring the Correct Supplies

The first thing to do when it comes to flushing a car radiator is gather up all the necessary supplies and materials. It is never a fun situation to get halfway through your project, only to discover you are missing a key element. Going back to the store could pose a problem; especially if the radiator has already been drained. Ideal provisions for radiator flushing jobs include a funnel, cloth rag, coolant, radiator flush solution, Phillips screwdriver or wrench, separate container for old coolant, and extra rags for accidents and spills. When you have determined that all your supplies are in place, you can begin the process of flushing the radiator.

How to Flush Your Car’s Radiator:

Before you remove the radiator cap, be sure the car engine is COMPLETELY cool; otherwise you run the risk of spilling hot coolant on yourself. And this really burns!

Next, flush the used coolant out of the radiator. Do this by locating the radiator drain plug. It is typically located at the bottom of the radiator. If you have trouble finding it, refer to your owners’ manual or look online for pictures and instructional videos. You can also contact a professional mechanic for over-the-phone assistance.

Once you find the drain plug, place the container for old coolant under the drain and open it up. Let the old coolant flow out for a few minutes; if it seems to be moving slow, check to see if the plug is all the way open.

When the radiator is empty, replace the drain plug and open the radiator cap.

Next, pour the flush cleaning solution inside. Fill the remaining space inside the radiator with room temperature water.

Now you are ready to replace the radiator cap; just be sure it is screwed on tight. It is possible for caps to fall off, which allows coolant to escape from the radiator.

Let the car engine run until it reaches its normal driving temperature. Then turn it off and let it cool completely.

Once the car engine is cool again, you are ready to flush the solution from the radiator and add fresh clean coolant. Use the same emptying process as before.

Use a 50/50 solution of coolant and water to get optimal and safe results. You can find pre-mixed coolants at your local auto store. This is sometimes more convenient.

Is Your Radiator Past the Point of Maintenance of Repair? Did you total your car after attempting to make repairs on your own? If so, just sell it to a local Louisville junk car buyer for instant cash paid on the spot!

The Kentucky Scrap Metal Buyer to Choose

Call GC’s Junk Cars at 502-804-5605 to sell a junk car in Louisville, Kentucky. We are your easiest solution to getting rid of junk and bulking up your wallet, all at the same time! Our experienced and knowledgeable junk car buyers purchase all motor vehicles, regardless of age, make, model, or condition. They don’t even have to run or have all their parts! Not only do we accept all vehicles, regardless of age, make, model, and condition, we also payout the highest returns for junk vehicles in Kentucky. Call 502-804-5605 to get your junk car cash, today.