Can an Electric Car Be Recycled for its Copper?

Auto recycling is one of the most important planet-preserving enterprises of today, and that applies worldwide. So much so, in fact, that modern automakers are designing their models with a more Eco-conscious agenda. Electric vehicles are the perfect example!

Can electric cars be recycled for their copper and other valuable metals once they are junked or totaled? Well, the answer is a resounding YES! Continue below to learn which valuable metals are found inside electric cars, making them the perfect non-motorized asset to recycle!

Electric Car Buyers Louisville Kentucky 502-804-5605
Electric Car Buyers Louisville Kentucky 502-804-5605

Is There a Lot of Copper in Electric Vehicles?

There are three common types of electric vehicles humming about on the roads today: battery electric vehicles (BEV), plug-in electric hybrid vehicles (PHEV), and standard hybrid electric vehicles (HEV). Regardless of type, all electric vehicles are made with all sorts of metal and metal components, including aluminum, bauxite, lithium, cobalt, and even traces of precious metals like gold and silver. But being as though they are powered by electricity, they tend to have a good quantity of metal with good conductivity and ductileness, like copper.

How much copper? Well, a lot.

Battery electric vehicles (BEV) are powered by a battery-powered electric motor. They contain an average of 183 pounds of copper. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) primarily use an electric motor but have fuel engines and gasoline reserves for backup after the battery runs out of charge. They must be plugged in to recharge, and contain an average of 132 pounds of copper. Standard hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) combine the power of fuel with an electric motor, and they contain the lowest average copper composition, coming in at 85 pounds.

How do these copper values compare to the average American-made vehicle? Well, the average American car contains around 55 pounds of copper wiring and copper components and electric cars have at least three times as much! Although most of the copper content found in electric cars comes from the rotors, systems like circuit boards, batteries, and electric motors can also contain copper.

How to Recycle an Electric Car

Although electric cars are just getting started in the auto manufacturing industry, accidents and breakdowns happen. If you have an electric vehicle that wrecked or totaled, consider selling it to a local Louisville auto salvage yard. Reputable junkyards will even pay you the scrap value in cash! By recycling a junked or totaled electric car, you can support its greener initiative and help the environment in whole!

Do you need to scrap an electric vehicle? What about a standard, gas or diesel powered vehicle? Contact GC’s Junk Cars at 502-804-5605 to sell your wrecked electric car in Louisville, Kentucky for cash on the spot! We also provide free junk car removal!

Related Posts:

Car Wreck Insurance Myths to Beware Of
Tips on How to Store a Car Long Term
The Environmental Benefits of Junking Your Car

What it Means When the Check Engine Light Comes On

Uh oh. The one light on your dashboard you don’t want to see come on just did. What does it mean when your Check Engine Light lights up? Well, the answer isn’t always so clear. Continue below to learn some top reasons why Check Engine Lights come on, plus what you should do now that yours is illuminated.

Sell Junk Car Near Me Louisville KY 502-804-5605
Sell a Junk Car in Louisville 502-804-5605

Check Engine Light Basics

Also known as a Malfunctioning Indicator Lamp (MIL), the Check Engine Light is designed to do just that: indicate when there is a malfunction occurring within one of the systems in your vehicle. Is your Check Engine Light solid or flashing? In most cases, this light will illuminate in a solid orange, yellow, or amber color. If the Check Engine Light is flashing, it is typically indicative of a more serious automotive malfunction or breakdown.

Common Causes of an Illuminated Check Engine Light

In most cases, a Check Engine Light will come on because the gas cap is loose or needs replaced. So, always check this first before moving forward with diagnosing and illuminated Check Engine Light. In moderate cases, the Check Engine Light will illuminate if one of the vehicle’s internal systems is experiencing a malfunction or decline in performance. In serious cases, a Check Engine Light can come on as a result of misfiring, an overheating catalytic converter, or an internal fire hazard. In these occurrences, the MIL will generally present itself in flashing form. In rare cases, the MIL will illuminate for no reason at all.

One of top reasons why Check Engine Lights come on is because a part needs to be replaced, such as:

↔ Mass Airflow Sensor
↔ O2 Sensors
↔ Catalytic Converter
↔ Ignition Coils
↔ Spark Plugs
↔ Fuel Injectors
↔ Thermostat
↔ Evaporative Emissions (EVAP) Purge Control Valve
↔ Evaporative Emissions (EVAP) Purge Solenoid

How to Diagnose a Check Engine Light

There are two ways you can go about diagnosing the reason why your vehicle’s Check Engine Light came on. You can take your car into a local auto shop and have a mechanic diagnose the issue using an industry specific code reader. You can also choose to purchase your own code reader and perform diagnostics yourself. You can expect a mechanic to charge you anywhere from $75 dollars to $120 for Check Engine Light diagnostic service.

Over-the-counter code readers drastically range in price, anywhere between $25 and $800, so you have quite the selection to choose from. The pricier the device, the more accurate the readings are likely to be. Also, the more expensive code readers typically offer additional features separate from Check Engine Light diagnostics. This is why they cost more. The cheaper code readers may not provide the most accurate diagnostics, which may require you to take it in for professional service in the end. So, he was when making your purchase selection. If you are going to perform your own Check Engine Light diagnostics.

Did your Check Engine Light code results reveal that your car is totally junked? If so, trade it in for cash on the spot, then place that profit towards a new car! Contact GC’s Junk Cars at 502-804-5605 to sell a junk car in Louisville, Kentucky for an instant cash payout. We provide FREE junk car removal!

Related Posts:

5 Reasons Why Your Car is Shaking and Vibrating
Why Did My Car Battery Corrode?
How to Tell if Your Car is Leaking Transmission Fluid

Why Did My Car Battery Corrode?

As someone who’s been driving for many years, you’ve come to learn quite well the importance of your car battery. Car batteries work ongoing maintenance and routine replacement. Without proper care, car batteries will decline in both efficiency and performance. If you’ve been having problems starting or maintaining charge in your car battery, you might want to pop open the hood and take a look at its current condition. If you notice a white, scum like film accumulating around and within the battery terminals, it is an indication of battery corrosion.

Continue reading to learn more about battery corrosion, including what causes it to happen and what you can do about it.

Auto Parts Recycling Louisville Kentucky 502-804-5605
Auto Parts Recycling Louisville Kentucky 502-804-5605

Identifying Car Battery Corrosion

Car battery corrosion is common, especially in old car batteries. It is easy to diagnose a corroded car battery because the bright crust that forms on and around the battery terminals is hard to miss. It looks similar to dried-up toothpaste, ranging in colors from white to greenish or light blue hues. It starts white, but once, but upon exposure to moisture, it will turn to a greenish or blue color. Furthermore, corrosion crust accumulates in large masses, so once it is discovered, there is usually a large deposit to deal with.

What Causes a Car Battery to Corrode?

When a car battery is corroded, the crust impedes the electrical connection because it is a bad conductor of electricity. It causes a transient current flow, which means the electricity circles right back to the battery just keep the battery charged. Your car might turn on, but the engine will not be able to start.

The most common causes for car battery corrosion development include overcharging, gas escape, and old age. If your car battery is overcharged, the fluid within the battery terminals will expand. This will cause an overflow of liquid inside of the car battery, which can basically flood the terminals with acid. Acid causes corrosion, which in turn generates corrosion development.

Gas escape is another common reason why car batteries develop corrosion. This usually depends on the type of car battery and how it’s placed within the vehicle. Car batteries have tiny vents that allow hydrogen gas to flow through them. Sometimes these hydrogen gases can come in contact with the battery terminals or car cables, thus triggering corrosion. As already mentioned, old car batteries are more prone to car battery corrosion.

What To Do About Battery Corrosion

If your car battery is corroded, you must take a closer look to determine your compatible options. You see, just because a car battery is corroded does not mean that it is junked. It is possible to clean the corrosion off of a car battery, so long as you have the right materials and use the right methods. If your battery is new, you should try cleaning the corrosion before replacing the battery altogether. If your battery is old, or approaching the 4 to 5 year mark, battery replacement is the best option for you. Sell your used car battery to a Louisville scrapyard for cash on the spot!

To clean the corrosion off of a car battery, you will need baking soda, petroleum jelly, anti-corrosion pads, a stiff bristle brush or wire brush, safety goggles, work gloves, clean water, and rags. Always disconnect your battery cables starting with the negative (-) cable first before you begin cleaning your car battery. Combine the baking soda, usually around a teaspoon, with the petroleum jelly to create a paste. Apply the paste all over the corrosion and scrub away with your anti-corrosion pads or stiff bristle brush. Thoroughly rinse the car battery when you are finished, then allow it to dry completely.

Do you have some junk auto parts that you’d like to sell for cash on the spot? Contact GC’s Junk Cars at 502-804-5605 to sell used car parts in Louisville, Kentucky. We pay cash for all scrap metal and automotive parts.

Related Posts:

How to Prevent Major Engine Repair or Replacement
The Most Expensive Auto Repairs That Can Total Your Car
Is My Car Totaled if the Airbag Deploys?

5 Reasons Why Your Car is Shaking and Vibrating

A car that is shaking, vibrating, or jerking is not performing the way it was manufactured to. If this describes your current driving experience, you can safely assume there is a malfunction or two happening within your vehicle. Continue reading to learn the top five reasons why your car might be shaking and vibrating, plus what to do if the underlying cause renders your vehicle a total loss.

Junk Car Buyer Louisville KY 502-804-5605
Junk Car Buyer Louisville KY 502-804-5605

Diagnosing Car Shaking and Vibrating

Identifying unusual movement in your car is an important part of car care. It is right to acknowledge car shaking, pulsing, and/or vibrating as unusual vehicular performance. An effective way to determine what is causing the underlying problem behind vehicle shaking and vibrating is to identify when the unusual movements take place. For this reason, it is important to begin your initial examination by asking yourself a few questions.

Does your vehicle shake and vibrate when you are idling? Driving? Speeding? Pressing the brakes?

Do you feel the movement coming from your steering wheel? The seat? The brakes? All around?

Is the movement accompanied with other warning signs, like strange noises or smells?

Has your vehicle sustained any recent impacts, like hitting a pothole or driving over a curb?

The answers to these questions can help you faster identify the problem behind your vehicle shaking and vibrating.

Common Causes of Vehicle Shaking

When it comes to diagnosing car shaking, a mechanic will initially take a look at these five automotive systems and parts:

Tires

If your car tires have uneven wear and tear, poor tread, or the tread has separated, it can cause the vehicle to shake or stagger while driving. To fix this issue, you will need to take your car into a local shop for tire balance and rotation service. If your tires are too worn, you may need to replace some altogether.

Wheels

Do you feel the shaking when you are driving? More so at higher speeds? Do you feel it below your feet, coming from underneath the car? Like tires, poor wheel condition can also cause cars to shake, jerk, or pulsate. In most cases, a quick trip to the tire shop for a wheel rotation and tire balance will fix this problem. However, the car shaking could be caused by loose lug nuts or broken bearings.

Steering and Suspension

Your vehicle’s steering and suspension system can fall subject to certain malfunctions that can cause vehicular jerking and shaking. This underlying culprit usually presents itself when accelerating. If you feel the shaking in your car increase as you speed up or take off from a stopped position, it could be due to problems within the steering and suspension system. Such problems include a broken drive shaft, worn CV joint, or even a bent axle.

Brakes

Faulty or defective brakes are a common cause for car shaking. If you are feeling this happening when you are pressing on the brake pedal or coming to a stop, your car could be experiencing physical defects with the brake pads, brake rotors, or disc brakes. If you feel the vibrations and jerking mostly in the steering wheel, or smell a burning odor when it happens, it is likely due to a stuck brake caliper.

Engine

If this is happening to your car when you drive or stopped in idle, the engine could be the area of concern. In most cases, it signifies that the car engine is not getting enough spark, air, or fuel. In most cases, bad spark plugs or wires are to blame. Dirty or clogged air filters and loose motor mounts have also been known to cause this problem.

Is your car totaled because the cost to repair it is more than what it is worth? If so, contact GC’s Junk Cars at 502-804-5605 to sell your totaled car in Louisville Kentucky for cash on the spot. We provide free junk removal too!

Related Posts:

The Most Expensive Auto Repairs That Can Total Your Car
How to Prevent Major Engine Repair or Replacement
A DIY Guide for Car Radiator Flushing

Did My Car Battery Die Prematurely?

Did you recently replace your car battery with a new one, and now your new one is dead? If so, you are probably puzzled as much as you are frustrated. After all, car batteries cost money, your hard-earned money; plus, they are required if you want your car to get you to where you need to be, like work or school. So, why did your car battery die so soon?

Continue below to learn how long car batteries are designed to last, plus which factors can drain a car battery faster.

Auto Salvage Louisville Kentucky 502-804-5605
Auto Salvage Louisville Kentucky 502-804-5605

Average Car Battery Lifespan

There are several different types of car and truck batteries on the market. However, the average automotive battery is designed to last between three and five years. If your new car battery recently died after replacing it, this bit of information might frustrate you even more. But there could be good reason why your car battery died prematurely.

Things That Drain a Car Battery Faster:

Driving Patterns

Your driving patterns and habits can have a significant impact on the lifespan of your car battery. For instance, if you frequently take short trips, you could be further draining your car battery. Each time you start your car, you expend more battery power, and short trips on a more frequent basis does not allow your car battery to fully recharge between trips.

If you would leave your car parked for extended periods of time, it can also drain a car battery pretty fast. Car batteries naturally self-discharge after a long period of in-operation, which is why it is recommended to remove car battery before storing a vehicle for an extended period of time.

Weather and Climate

Nature can also play a role in a quickly draining car battery. Extreme temperatures is one of the most common reasons why car batteries drain prematurely. One way to avoid this is covering your car engine with a thermal blanket during the colder seasons. This will keep your car battery and internal components warm, allowing it to work more efficiently.

In extremely hot conditions, car batteries can drain quickly due to heat-induced deterioration. For this reason, it is important to park in the shade or within a structure during the warmer seasons of the year.

Car Maintenance

There is a very good reason why automakers put together a factory scheduled maintenance plan for your make and model vehicle. Proper car maintenance is vital to the safety, longevity, and performance of your vehicle. If you do not take good care of your car battery, it will die prematurely. It is important to have your car battery cleaned on a routine basis to prevent battery corrosion.

If you notice a white or greenish buildup around your battery cells, use an old toothbrush and a baking soda water mixture to gently clean them off. In addition to cleaning your car battery, you want to regularly check that it’s properly mounted and that all cables are fastened. If the car battery gets knocked out of place, even slightly, it can immediately begin overworking, and thus, drain of power faster.

Are you stuck with a bunch of old or broken auto parts that you want to get rid of in Central Indiana? Contact GC’s Junk Cars at 502-804-5605 to sell junk car parts in Louisville, Kentucky for an instant cash payout. Sell us a whole junk car if you have one! Free junk car removal!

Related Posts:

How to Safely Toss Out an Old Car Battery
The Most Expensive Auto Repairs That Can Total Your Car
Current Scrap Prices for Catalytic Converters

Should I Part Out a Junk Car or Sell it Whole?

If you have a junked vehicle in your possession, you might be ready to sell. But which selling strategy will render the highest gain? Selling your junk car as one piece, or parting it out and selling each piece individually? This decision is an important one considering it will have a major impact on your profit margin. Continue reading to learn the pros and cons of parting out a junk car, plus which auto salvage yard to trust for the fairest payouts in Louisville.

Louisville KY Auto Salvage 502-804-5605
Louisville KY Auto Salvage 502-804-5605

Junk Car Value

A junk car that retains all of its parts, whether working or not, will have a decent return value. The scrap metal market is good right now, so you can expect to make anywhere from $100 to $300 for your junk car. Newer model vehicles with all parts retained may render a junk car cash payout of $300 to $600. It all depends on various factors, such as the car’s make, model, condition, and location, as well as the current scrap metal prices, discretionary rates of the junk car buying company, the accuracy of your junk car appraisal, and more.

Parting Out Versus Selling Whole

Parting out a junk car and selling each individual auto part separately can certainly rake in more profits. Currently, the most valuable car parts are engines, catalytic converters, air conditioners, alternators, starters, radiators, tires, and wheels. However, there are good reasons why few people choose this approach. In order to dismantle a vehicle according to industry standards, a specific set of tools and materials are required.

Furthermore, it takes automotive acumen, skill, and training to know how to properly dismantle a car. If you are not a trained mechanic with this knowledge and equipment, you will need to hire one for the job. This costs money, usually between $500 and $1,000. This cost is deducted from the total profit you stand to make from your selling efforts.

Another downfall is the hassle. Listing, negotiating, selling, and distributing your auto parts will take a lot of time and effort. If you are not up for the job, you can hire an assistant or third-party seller to do it for you, but the key word here is hire. This costs money, which takes away from your final profit. Will the cost to hire a mechanic exceed what you will make back from your car parts? Is it cost-effective? Do I have the time to sell everything? These considerations are ones you need to make before moving forward with auto dismantling.

When you sell your junk car whole, you do not have to cover any additional expenses unless the auto salvage yard charges fees for intake or towing. It is important to choose a certified Louisville junk car buyer to avoid having to pay any such fees. A reputable cash for cars company will not charge you fees for towing, haul away, estimates, or service fees.

Are you ready to sell your car whole? Or do you want to sell some old or junked car parts? Contact GC’s Junk Cars at 502-804-5605 to sell your car for cash on the spot to a trusted Louisville junk car buyer! We offer free junk car removal in all surrounding counties.

Related Posts:

Will I Make More Money if I Part Out My Junk Car?
3 Hazardous Auto Parts and How to Dispose of Them Safely
Lucrative Options and Uses for Junk Cars

Louisville Junk Car Buyers 502-804-5605
Louisville Junk Car Buyers 502-804-5605

3 Hazardous Auto Parts and How to Dispose of Them Safely

If you have some car parts or materials laying around and you are ready to get rid of them, be sure you know how to do so safely and according to local and federal regulations. There are certain auto parts and materials that are too hazardous for conventional trash disposal. If you are attempting to dispose of these particularly dangerous or harmful car parts, you must follow proper protocol.

Continue reading to learn the top 3 most hazardous parts of a vehicle and what you can do to ensure their tossed out responsibly.

Louisville KY Junk Car Service 502-804-5605
Louisville KY Junk Car Service 502-804-5605

Dangerous Car Parts and Materials

A car in general is arguably dangerous, so the rest of it can certainly pose a wide range of risks. But when it comes to hazardous materials, there are 3 auto parts in particular that must be disposed of according to local, state, and federal regulations. These car parts are airbags, batteries, and gasoline.

Airbags

The law deems airbags, or Supplemental Restraint Devices (SRS Devices), as an automotive part that contains a reactive hazardous waste. Under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and subsequent regulations, the law does not allow you to simply throw an airbag out in your regular trash pickup container, whether it is new or deployed. If you do, you can be cited for illegal disposal of a reactive hazardous waste. What makes airbags hazardous? Well, they contain a long list of constituents that are combustible and potentially explosive, including propellants, ignitable chemicals, and more.

All airbags must be disposed at a certified airbag handler, approved hazardous waste disposal center, or designated airbag collection facility.

Car Batteries

Car batteries are another hazardous auto part that should be disposed of responsibly and in accordance with all local, state, and EPA regulations. Car batteries contain chemicals and metals that can be toxic to the surrounding environment. After three or four years, your car battery will need to be replaced. Be sure you have the proper instructions on how to get rid of an old or broken car battery in your community.

Car batteries can actually be recycled, so choose a local scrap metal recycling center or auto salvage lot to take yours.

Gasoline

Although not actually an auto part, gasoline is an imperative part of driving your gas-powered car, and it is common to find yourself with an old stash you no longer need. You might have some old gasoline laying around for a lawn mower or scooter you no longer have. Or perhaps you are siphoning old, dirty fuel out of a fuel-powered equipment. Regardless of why you have old cans of gasoline or diesel fuel on your hands, it is your responsibility to dispose of it safely, and you guessed it, while adhering to all local and state laws.

Locate a designated gasoline disposal facility or hazardous waste disposal center in your city. They will instruct you to transfer your gasoline or diesel into a government-approved container, like those traditional red plastic cans you see around.  

Do you have an old or junked car taking up space in your garage? Contact GC’s Junk Cars at 502-804-5605 to sell your junk car in Louisville, Kentucky for cash on the spot! We provide free junk car removal too!

Related Posts:

Is My Car Totaled if the Airbag Deploys?
3 Reasons Why a Car is Never Wasted
Do You Need Junk Car Disposal in Kentucky?

Louisville Junk Car Buyers 502-804-5605
Louisville Junk Car Buyers 502-804-5605

Which Side is My Gas Cap On?

The question of gas cap locations has been floating around for generations. Not sure which side of the car your gas cap is on right now? Is it on your side? Is it on the passenger side? Continue below to learn how to instantly identify which side your gas cap is on without even getting out of your car, plus some industry facts on why gas cap sides are different among vehicles.

Junk Car Disposal Louisville KY 502-804-5605
This Fuel Icon Indicates a Left-Side Gas Cap

The Frustrating Gas Cap Scenario

We’ve all been there before; whether you’ve just purchased a new vehicle, borrowing someone’s car, or driving a rental, at some point in your driving career you have surely pulled up to the gas station only to instantly remember you have no idea which side the gas. Fortunately, there is an instant hack on how to figure out which side the gas cap is located on a vehicle without even getting out of the car.

Gas Cap Locations are Labeled on the Dashboard

Okay, so you pull up to the gas station and you can’t remember which side the gas. There is an easy trick to figure this out without leaving your car seat. Simply take a look at the dashboard. Although the location can differ, the gas cap location is typically indicated in the fuel gauge.

You should see an arrow or dot next to the fuel tank icon on your dashboard. This is the side your gas cap is on.

Why Gas Cap Sides Can Be Different

You may notice that throughout your life, you’ve had cars with gas caps on the left side and on the right side. Why is this? Well, the location of the gas cap really depends on where the car comes from, namely which manufacturer produces the vehicle.

For instance, Japanese cars like Toyota and Mitsubishi typically place their gas caps on the left side of the vehicle. Japan a left-hand traffic country, so having the gas cap on the left side of the vehicle comes naturally to their culture. In countries with right side driving traffic, having the gas cap on the left side can be beneficial as well. Many car owners prefer the gas cap on the driver’s side.

Additionally, automakers will place gas caps on either side of the vehicle depending on how the vehicle is designed internally. Sometimes certain parts are larger or smaller, and the fuel tank fits better on the left side rather than the right side, or vice versa. In another example, domestic automakers like Chevy and Ford like to place their gas caps on the right side of the car.

Lastly, there are local, state, and federal legal requirements denoting the specifications of fuel tank location in a vehicle. Automakers must follow these regulations to ensure that the location of the fuel tank cannot cause foreseeable ignitions. This is why gas caps are never located in the back of the vehicle. In the case of the collision, it could cause the entire car to ignite into flames.

Do you have an old car truck that no longer serves a purpose in your life other than taking up valuable space in your garage? Contact GC’s Junk Cars at 502-804-5605 to sell your junk car in Louisville, Kentucky for cash on the spot! We provide free junk car removal!

Related Posts:

Funny Signs That Tell You It’s Time to Sell Your Junk Car
The Most Expensive Auto Repairs That Can Total Your Car
Car Wreck Insurance Myths to Beware Of

Louisville Junk Car Buyers 502-804-5605
Louisville Junk Car Buyers 502-804-5605

How to Tell if Your Car is Leaking Transmission Fluid

Transmission fluid is just one of the seven vital automotive fluids every vehicle needs in order to operate safely and efficiently. If you suspect that your vehicle is losing transmission fluid through a leak, it is important that you catch the leak early on and resolve it right away.

Continue reading to learn how to identify the common signs of a transmission leak, plus how to make back cash if your transmission breaks down.

Junk Car Lot Louisville KY 502-804-5605
Junk Car Lot Louisville KY 502-804-5605

The Importance of Transmission Fluid

Transmission fluid is vital for both manual and automatic transmission vehicles. For vehicles with manual gearboxes, this commonly burgundy but sometimes green fluid is responsible for lubricating all of the internal bearings, gears, and moving parts of a car engine, which prevents unwanted friction and grinding.

In vehicles with automatic transmissions, or self-shifting transmissions, the transmission fluid works to keep all moving parts and bearings properly lubricated. It also generates and assists with hydraulic pressure and friction, which allow all of the internal parts to perform, and even helps keep the transmission cool.

Identifying a Transmission Fluid Leak

Transmission fluid should be changed every 30,000 miles ((50,000 kilometers). By keeping up on routine maintenance, you can avoid transmission fluid leaks and additional mechanical problems. If your vehicle is leaking a mystery liquid, and you think it might be transmission fluid, here are some of the signs to look for that may prove your suspicions to be true:

Color

If the fluid leaking from your vehicle is brown or red in color, it could very well be transmission fluid. Although some transmission fluid is green, the majority of transmission fluid on the market is read. Over time, it may become darker and appear browner in color. The only other automotive fluids that might be green or red are windshield wiper fluid and coolant, but both solutions are much thinner in comparison to transmission fluid, having a watery-like viscosity.

Smell

You may be able to identify the mystery liquid leaking from your vehicle through touch and smell. Transmission fluid has an oil like consistency and may smell a bit like petroleum. Sometimes prior transmission fluid can smell burnt, which indicates that it’s time for to be changed.

Location

Try to identify where the leak is coming from. Typically, transmission fluid leaks occur near the front or midsection of the vehicle. If the leak coming from your car is located more towards the back, it could be a different kind of leak entirely.

Acceleration Power

When driving your vehicle, if you notice that it’s taking longer to accelerate, or you are having difficulty shifting, it could be that your vehicles losing transmission fluid. Transmission slipping is another common indication that you may be low on transmission fluid.

Has your transmission given up for good, but the cost to replace it exceeds your car’s current market price? No problem! Sell your junk car in Louisville for cash on the spot to GC’s Junk Cars! We pay cash on the spot and provide free junk car removal service with our own in-house tow truck!

Related Posts:

Current Scrap Prices for Catalytic Converters
The Most Expensive Auto Repairs That Can Total Your Car
A DIY Guide for Car Radiator Flushing

Louisville Junk Car Buyers 502-804-5605
Louisville Junk Car Buyers 502-804-5605

Top 2 Ways to Remove Rust on Cars

Since the invention of the combustion engine, rust has remained a number one enemy to all motorized vehicles, or anything metal for that matter. If rust development is taking over your car or truck, it is wise to act now before irreversible damage is done. Not only can rust formation negatively impact the aesthetic value of a vehicle, such as the paint and exterior features, but it can also spread to the internal components of the vehicle, including the gears and motor. For these reasons and more, rust is not something you want amassing on your vehicle.

Continue reading to learn the top two ways to remove rust on cars, as well as what to do if your car is too far rested for repair.

Louisville KY Junk Car Company 502-804-5605
Louisville KY Junk Car Company 502-804-5605

Facts About Rust

You can better protect your vehicle from rust formation if you know a little bit more about rust in general. Rust is the result of exposed steel and iron combining with the oxygen and moisture in the air. Also known as oxidation, rust formation is highly damaging to metal. Over time, it can weaken metal and devalue its properties.

Rust Removal for Cars

Before getting started on your rust removal project, it is important to understand that the process is tedious and may require, depending on which option you choose, previous experience working with power tools and abrasives. The more damage your vehicle is with rust, the more invasive and complicated the project will be to remove it all. Keep these considerations in mind before attempting a rust removal job yourself. There are professionals you can hire to do it for you if you are not up for the job.

Two Ways to Remove Rust on Cars

The top two ways to remove rust on cars include using a rust remover product or a manual metal grinder. If you do not have previous experience working with electric-powered sanding tools, such as metal grinders and orbital belt sanders, it is not recommended to choose the metal grinding option.

1) Rust Remover Solution

You can purchase a variety of rust removal solutions and products at any local convenience store, department store, home improvement store, hardware store, or online retailer of sorts. You can expect to pay anywhere between $15 and $25 for a quality product, but you may be able to find smaller quantities at lower prices if you have just little rust remover on your car.

Using a rust removal solution will require you to have additional supplies, including 80 to 150 grit sandpaper, car-safe rags, and clean water for rinsing. Before applying your rust remover, you will need to sand down the affected areas on your vehicle. This will create a lot of floating debris, so be sure you take this into consideration prior to getting started.

2) Metal Grinding

It cannot be emphasized enough that it is necessary to have previous experience working in a metal grinding machine or tool before attempting it to remove the rust in your vehicle. If you do not already have a metal grinder, you can purchase one any local home improvement hardware store for hundred dollars or so. This option is mostly recommended for large rust removal needs. You will need to work the metal grinder layer by layer to remove small deposits of rust time. Then you finish the job by sanding down the treated areas with sandpaper.

Regardless of which option you choose, you will need to complete the job with body filler, primer, and exterior car paint. Again, it is recommended to have this done by professional if you are not up for the job.

Is your car or truck just too rusted to repair ? That’s okay! Just contact GC’s Junk Cars at 502-804-5605 to sell your junk car in Louisville Kentucky for cash on the spot. We provide free junk removal too!

Related Posts:

How to Clean Up Rust Marks After You Sell a Junk Car
Lucrative Options and Uses for Junk Cars
The Most Expensive Auto Repairs That Can Total Your Car

Louisville Junk Car Buyers 502-804-5605
Louisville Junk Car Buyers 502-804-5605