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!

Are you looking for a trusted Louisville junk car buyer? 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!

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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!

Tips for Making the Most Money From Selling a Junk Car

Posted on July 29, 2020 by gcsjunk

Just because you have a junk car that is no good to you anymore, shouldn’t continue letting it go to waste. That’s because a junk car, even a totaled or antique car, is worth money. Actual cash money. That is, if you find the right type of junk car buyer. There are two primary options for selling a junk vehicle. The option you choose will depend on your personal preference and available resources, and render a different profit level.

Continue reading to learn your options for making the most money from your junk commodity.

Sell it Part For Part

If you want to make the highest level of profit possible for your junk car, you can choose to sell it part for part. However, you will need a true car mechanic that has the tools and knowledge to disassemble your vehicle, piece by piece, without jeopardizing their value or performance level. They will need to start by inspecting the vehicle to determine which parts are still functional and which are junked. Then they must take it apart while preserving each piece.

The downside is that you likely have to pay a mechanic to do this, which takes away from your total profit. Furthermore, you would have to take the time to post each part for sale, as well as, manage each individual transaction yourself. This is time-consuming and somewhat inconvenient. For others, this is a fun and exciting project that is totally possible to accomplish. It all depends on your personal preference, resources, and availability.

Sell it as One

The most common way to make a profit from a junk vehicle is to sell it as a whole. Although you make less than selling it part for part, it is the preferred method for a reason. Not only is this much easier and more convenient, it saves a lot of time while still rendering a decent profit. It is important to find the right buyer if you want to make as much as you can from selling your entire junk car.

Find a junk car buyer who has the technologies capable of assessing the true value of your vehicle. Electronic platform scales are something you want to look for in a junk car buyer. These buyers usually pay cash on the spot, and will even pick up your car for free. Just be sure to ask which amenities they offer, how much they are willing to pay you for your vehicle, and how soon they can do business.

How to Sell a Junk Car in Louisville, 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, we will dispose of your vehicle according to all Kentucky 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!

How to Prevent Major Engine Repair or Replacement

Posted on July 17, 2020 by gcsjunk

A car’s engine is the heart of your vehicle. Just like ours, it requires regular care and maintenance to sustain and protect its well-being. If you are a car or truck owner, be sure to learn about car engine maintenance and care to increase your engine’s lifespan and performance value Taking care of a car engine has endless benefits, and can reduce the likeliness of breakdowns and needed repairs. If you are unsure about your car engine’s status of health, you may need to step up your auto care game. If you end up at the repair shop with a hefty engine replacement bill, your car might be deemed a total loss by your insurance company if it is old or already in poor condition.

Continue reading to learn what you need to do to protect your car engine from experiencing major damages and malfunctions, as well as, what you can do with your broken car engine to make up for the cost of engine replacement.

Routine Car Engine Maintenance

There are more than 40 parts in a car engine that require maintenance and care in order to survive. This is why it is important to have your vehicle inspected every year by a professional, because they are trained to routinely inspect these areas and spot vulnerabilities. That way, you don’t have to worry about missing something when it comes to caring for your vehicle’s engine. On the other hand, there are other things you can do as a car owner to maintenance and service your engine.

Changing the car engine oil is one of the biggest factors in engine care. The engine’s oil should be checked every few weeks, especially before long road trips. You can do this on your own, or have a professional check it during routine auto inspections. Keeping a proper supply and level of engine oil in your car is crucial to the vehicle’s performance, as well as, your safety Think of your car engine oil as the vehicle’s vitamins and nutrients; because it needs fresh and clean oil to survive.

Auto Tune Ups

In between the 80,000 and 100,000 mile marker, it is recommended to have your car engine tuned. Auto tune ups involve a series of services that will refresh and restore a vehicle’s engine. These services involve inspecting parts, such as spark plugs, filters, fuel injectors, and more. An auto tune-up is a great way to restore your car engine’s health, and reduce costly car engine repairs and replacements. If your check engine light is on, it is time for an auto tune up. In other cases, certain signs will let you know you need a car tune up. If it seems like the car’s acceleration power is decreasing, or you hear a knocking sound when you drive, it could be time for a tune-up.

Forced to Replace Your Broken Car Engine?

If your car engine takes a turn for the worst, and you have to replace it with a new one, the cost can be quite alarming. In many cases, the cost of a brand new motor is higher than the actual worth of the vehicle. When this happens, a car is considered a total loss. You can either take your insurance payout, or you can sell it to a local Louisville junk car buyer. In fact, if you simply need engine replacement, you can sell them your old car engine, regardless of its condition, and still make instant cash from it.

How to Sell a Junk Car or Car Part in Louisville, Kentucky

Call GC’s Junk Cars at 502-804-5605 if you have a junk car or broken car engine 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!

Lucrative Options and Uses for Junk Cars

Posted on May 26, 2020 by gcsjunk

One of the most obvious reasons people want to get rid of a junk car is for convenience; however, a more common reason is for sheer profitability. A person can sell a junk vehicle for cash, or disassemble the parts and sell them piece by piece for a higher profit. There are so many salvageable parts on a scrap car, that a person can sell these parts for cash and make more money than selling the car as a whole.

There are several options when it comes to selling a junk car for cash. Depending on the status and conditional state of the vehicle, the cash value with always vary. The better condition the car is in, the more money it is worth. Also, if a car still retains the valuable components, such as a catalytic converter and engine, then it is worth even more.

Continue reading to learn all the best and most lucrative options for those who own junk cars, including where to sell and how to get started.

Sell a Junk Car to a Professional Scrap Yard

The best place to start if you wish to sell a junk car for cash is a scrap metal yard. Scrap metal companies buy junk vehicles and break them down into more valuable parts. They retain the appropriate equipment, machinery, and tools to quickly disassemble a car and recycle the metal that is inside. You can make more money at these scrap yards if you take apart the junk vehicle yourself, then sell each individual component for cash. The reason you will get less money for a whole junk car is that the company has to use time and effort to strip down a vehicle themselves.

Scrap metal yards will certainly give you a higher cash return for your junk vehicle than a regular person who’s found your ad in the paper. Scrap metal companies know and understand the worth of certain metals with automobiles and retain the finances to purchase large inventories of scrap vehicles for recycling purposes. They also make the process easier for the client because they generally offer pickup and towing services for free. This way you do not even have to leave your house to sell a junk car to a scrap metal recycling company. Before selling your old vehicle to one of these businesses, it is recommended to become familiar with the types of valuable metals found within your car so that you are more aware of the potential cash return you are entitled to receive.

Spare Parts and More

One great option is to simply keep your old car in case you need to replace a worn-out part in your current vehicle. Using old car parts as spare or backup parts is a great way to save money and be resourceful at the same time! Buying new car parts can be costly and time consuming. Using a spare part saves cash so long as you can find a person to install it for a fair price. This is a great way to put your old car to use while saving money too.

Another option for old junk vehicles is to use them for art or other fun commodities. Many artistic people like to take regular items and turn them into fun and useful things. For instance, old car parts can be constructed to form beautiful modern and creative art, or even refurbished into household items like towel racks and mantles.

Where to Sell a Junk Car in Louisville, Kentucky for the Most Cash

Call GC’s Junk Cars at 502-804-5605 to sell junk cars 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!