Top 2 Ways to Remove Rust on Cars

Posted on December 9, 2021 by gcsjunk

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.

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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.

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Facts About Engine Sludge

Posted on November 11, 2021 by gcsjunk

Each year you have your vehicle, it incurs more and more wear and tear. Many types of wear and tear are imminent and cannot be controlled or avoided, but many others can. With regular scheduled car maintenance, you can protect your vehicle from excessive or premature automotive damages. If you neglect to take a car in for routine service, your vehicle can eventually experience serious mechanical malfunctions and breakdowns. One such result of poor car maintenance is engine sludge.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about engine sludge, including where it comes from, why it’s harmful to a vehicle, and how to get rid of it responsibly.

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Automotive Engine Sludge is a Serious Problem

Engine sludge is a destructive substance, and therefore a serious problem, as it can lead to several mechanical breakdowns and defects within the engine and other automotive systems within the vehicle. Even just a little sludge can eventually damage the engine and its inner components, overtime. For this reason, it is imperative to have engine sludge problems treated as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more damage will result. If engine sludge is never dealt with, it can render a vehicle a total loss.

What You Need to Understand About Engine Sludge:

► Engine Sludge is Formally Motor Oil

if you’re wondering where the engine sludge is coming from in your car engine, the answer is motor oil. Engine sludge comes from oil It is generated when oil is oxidized or contaminated. If you fail to get an oil change, engine sludge can begin to develop.

Oxidation, or as you know it, resting, naturally occurs to oil overtime. Although it is imminent, excessive oxidation can be abated with routine car maintenance and oil changes. It is important to keep your car oil clean to avoid engine sludge production.

Motor oil can become contaminated by the gasoline you put in your car. Overtime, contamination can lead to the development of engine sludge. Not only should you stay current on routine oil changes, but you should also use at top-quality motor oil to prevent engine sludge formation.

► Engine Sludge Will Damage Your Motor

Engine sludge is a serious problem because it can cause major damage to your motor. When engine sludge is present in your engine, the lines are obstructed with gunk, therefore reducing the flow of motor oil through the engine. This can lead to excessive heat and friction, which can damage all components within the car engine. Engine sludge can cause ignition problems and overheating engines too.

►Engine Sludge Can Only Be Repaired Professionally

If your car has shown signs of engine sludge development, it is important to take into a licensed mechanic and have it repaired. Only an automotive shop will have the proper resources and technologies to properly eliminate the engine sludge buildup within your motor, safely and without damaging any other components. They can also put you on a routine car maintenance schedule that will prevent engine sludge formation in the future.

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3 Facts About Catalytic Converters You Did Not Know

Posted on October 14, 2021 by gcsjunk

Catalytic converters are one of the most important parts of a gas-powered automobile because they eliminate harmful exhaust emissions. They are designed to use catalyst particles to super-heat toxic hydrocarbons generated by the engine. So, without a properly functioning catalytic converter, your car will emit dangerous and toxic tailpipe emissions into the surrounding environment. For this reason alone, it is important to ensure your catalytic converter is in tip-top shape.

Never knew just how important a catalytic converter was? Well, continue reading to learn 3 more catalytic converter facts you did not know, including one that can make you richer!

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Catalytic Converter Facts

Catalytic Converters are Made of a Highly Valuable Precious Metal

Catalytic converters must be able to tolerate extremely high levels of heat. For this reason, they are embedded with precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium, all of which retain physical and structural properties compatible with high heat transport and conduction. This metal composition makes catalytic converters extremely high in value. Precious metals are naturally occurring and rare, so they are quite expensive.

Catalytic Converters are Expensive to Replace

If your catalytic converter breaks down, it will likely not be qualified for repair. In most cases, catalytic converters must be replaced entirely. And this is very expensive. Many car owners are shocked to learn just how much it will cost them to replace a broken catalytic converter. As you recall, catalytic converters are made with precious metals like platinum and palladium, making them extremely expensive to make, let alone sell. So, you can see why they come with a high price tag.

You can expect to pay anywhere between $900 and $1,700 for new catalytic converter. This average cost breakdown can vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle and can be even higher for luxury and exotic cars.

Another shock many drivers run into when they have a broken catalytic converter is being left with a totaled car. Because catalytic converters are so expensive, it is common for a car to be a total loss because the repair costs more than what the entire car is worth.

Catalytic Converters Can Be Sold for Cash at a Metal Recycling Center

If you have a broken catalytic converter that needs to be replaced, you won’t have to flinch at the price and labor of a new one. You can sell an old, used, or broken catalytic converter for cash on the spot to most local metal recycling center or cash for cars company in Louisville. Because catalytic converters are made with highly valuable metals that can be 100% recycled and repurposed, they never lose scrap value.

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Top 4 Signs of a Broken Car Radiator

Posted on August 4, 2021 by gcsjunk

The radiator is one of the most important auto parts in a vehicle because it makes sure the engine doesn’t overheat. Without a properly functioning car radiator, you can expect your engine to overheat quickly, which can result in serious internal engine damages and hefty auto shop repair bills. Not sure if your car radiator is doing okay or not?

Continue reading to learn the top four signs of a broken or failing car radiator, and what to do if the cost to replace your car radiator exceeds the total market value of your vehicle.

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How a Car Radiator Works

A car radiator is one of the primary components of the vehicles cooling system. You’ve heard of coolant before; right? Also known as radiator fluid or anti-freeze, coolant is a vital automotive fluid that is designed to absorb the heat that is generated by the vehicle’s running motor. After coolant absorbs enough engine heat, it travels through the car radiator where it is cooled and then circulated back into the engine to start the process over again.

How to Spot the Signs of a Failing Radiator

There are many signs and symptoms that can suggest a problem with a car’s radiator, but for top the list the majority of the time. These include coolant leaks, engine overheating, radiator sludge, and local levels. If you have noticed any of these 4 signs, you can safely assume the radiator is failing or going bad.

➀ LOW COOLANT LEVELS

If you notice that your coolant levels are inconsistent, or you are refilling your coolant more often than normal, it could be a sign that your radiator is having problems. Typically, your dashboard will have a low coolant line that will eliminate when equivalent levels are too low. More often, this is a sign of a coolant leak.

➁ COOLANT LEAKS

If you’ve noticed coolant accumulating on the floor below your vehicle, you can safely assume you’ve got a radiator leak coolant on your hands. This is a common radiator breakdown problem that requires immediate automotive repair attention. Typically, this is a result of a crack in the radiator.

➂ RADIATOR SLUDGE

The presence of radiator sludge is another tell-tale sign of a bad radiator. Radiator sludge can be detected when checking your coolant levels. Radiator fluid is typically red or green in color, but if there is an excessive level of radiator sludge present, your coolant will take on a rusty or brown color and appear sicker than normal.

➃ OVERHEATING ENGINE

If your car engine is constantly overheating, the radiator might be the first place you want to look. After all, your radiator is a vital component within the automotive cooling system; so, if your engine is getting too hot, it is very likely that your radiator is not doing its job well enough.

Older Broken Radiators and Total Loss Vehicles

If the cost to repair your car’s radiator exceeds the total market value of your car, your car is totaled. In this case, sell your junk car to a local Kentucky cash for ca r s company for instant cash on the spot! If you simply need to replace your radiator, sell your old one to the same Louisville junk car buyer for an instant cash profit!

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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

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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.

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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 catalytic converter 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!