Buying or selling your vehicle: Tips to help relieve your stress

Buying or selling: Tips to help relieve your stress

-Tis the season for poor fuel mileage..

Have you ever noticed that you have to make more stops at the pump during the winter? If so, you are not imagining things. Vehicles commonly consume 2-3 more mpg in the winter. A engine does not like the cold any more than you do. While your engine is forcing itself to run at it's designated operating temperature, the engine produces more horsepower. The end result is more trips to the pump. So, on those cold winter days, it is ideal to let your car run at idle for 3-5 minutes before driving on the road. It also puts less wear and tear on your engine.

A clean car is a well running car.

Let's face it guys. A clean car with a brilliant shine is a great way to impress the ladies and of course your mother. In addition, having a clean car will reduce drag on your car which will increase your fuel mileage. As a former racer myself, many top race teams will wax their car prior to their qualifying run to have a leg up on its competition. On that note, it is a good idea to clean out your engine bay as well every 2-3 months. Engines love clean air. Remember folks, the more dirt under your hood, the hotter your engine runs. The end result is unnecessary wear and tear on your engine.

Options to sell or get rid of your car online.

The old fashioned way of putting a for sale sign on your car or truck is a thing of the past. Have you considered selling your car online? There are several sites online that make the whole process much easier. Such as Ebay and Craigslist. Ebay is an online auction where sellers can place their ad to sell their car online. Interested buyers will place bids to buy your car. Your money is transferred secured into a Paypal account. Paypal is a fancy system of an online bank account. The buyer transfer money into your Paypal account and then your money is deposited directly into your checking account. Craigslist is not quite as much fun. But it is very easy to use. You can place an ad for your old car online in a matter of minutes. Of course you could sell your car to a dealer and regret that decision for the rest of your life.

A new form of getting rid of your car is called car donations. Much like Goodwill or the Salvation Army, an individual can donate their car to a reputable charity. The main benefit of donating your car online is how easy it is. You simply enter your address, car information and vin number and the organization will do the rest. Most car donation programs offer free towing pickup. You then are eligible for a nice tax deduction for your next year’s tax return. Many popular charities that accept car donations are: Disabled Vietnam Veterans, Purple Heart Veterans and Cancer Research.

What is that nasty smell when you turn on you’re A/C in your car?

That smell might be from a unruly friend with a flatulence problem or it could be from your cabin air filter system. Many of the newer vehicles built this decade are equipped with a cabin air filter system. The filters are designed to stop air containments such as leaves, debris, pollen and allergens from entering your car. After time, these containments start to produce horrible smells. So if your car smells like a dead squirrel after you turn your air on, it might be your cabin air filter causing that smell. Usually the cabin air filters are found behind your glove box. Installation is fairly easy in most cars as well. Replace your cabin air filter once every two years. Cabin air filters are priced from $9.99 to $20.00. I would suggest installing it yourself. Some dealers may charge up to $60 for this service.

Donating for a Good Cause

The Truth about Car Donation Programs

Do you have an old car or truck sitting in your driveway and are unsure of what to do with it? Perhaps, you are an experienced mechanic and want to repair it yourself so it runs like it did in the showroom. Time passes and you realize that you will never have the time to fix it. Then you try to sell it on the market and realize that it isn't worth your time. Many people would instinctively give the car to a junkyard and take home a measly $100.00. However, there is another sensible option. Have you considered donating your car?

There are many reputable charities accepting vehicle donations. There are the Purple Heart Veterans, Vietnam Veterans and even cancer research. The sad truth about war veterans is that they make up a large percentage of the poor and homeless across the country. The Purple Heart organization is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those who have been wounded or killed while serving on or after April 5, 1917 with the U.S. military. Many Vietnam veterans are disabled and are never able to find a stable job. However, many generous donors have helped improve the veterans quality of life. All the donations have been used to treat and feed the homeless vets. Without the donations, many of the veterans would die. So every car donation helps improve the quality of life for a disabled war veteran.

Just as legendary non-profit organizations such as Goodwill and Salvation Army accept clothing donations, there are many reputable charitable organizations accepting vehicle donations. In addition, you are eligible for a tax deduction and many organizations offer free towing and pickup. There are cases when your tax deduction is more than your car is worth. Sounds pretty easy, right?

Well, make sure that the organization you choose to donate your car to is an IRS 501-C3 certified. If the organization can not verify this, do not donate to that charity. If a organization is 501-C3, that guarantees that the company gives the proceeds to the specific charity. Just make sure that your car donation counts.

Donating your car helps the environment as well. Instead of sitting in a junkyard rusting to the ground, the car is than sold to someone in need. This brings up my next point.

Even though your car may not be of value to you, there is someone out there that would love to have a car that could take them to work and back. There are many less fortunate people who can not rely solely on public transportation to get to work. So donating a car to a reputable organization will help the charity and help the needy find a car.

Summary: Do your homework on the charitable organization. Donating your car may help save a life.

Car Donation Pickup In 50 States

Owning a car can be quite expensive. First, you have to put down money on your car. Then you have monthly payments. Let's not forget car insurance. In addition, you have regular maintenance such as oil changes, brakes and the replacement of tires. Does it ever end?
After 15 years of service, your car may start to show its age. Sometimes the cars net worth is not worth your time to sell. So what can you do with your car? It may be an eyesore as it sits in your driveway. Why not donate it to a local charity.
For most cars, you will receive a tax deduction. You will help the less fortunate who have no method of transportation to work. Check out a local car donation charity near you and learn how easy it can be. Lastly, many states have free towing pickup for your car donation.

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What you need to know about Car Donations for Charities:

Car donations are 100% tax deductible. After filling out a car donation form, you will receive a receipt for your tax deduction. There are some cases where your tax deduction is greater then the value of your car!

Proceeds go to the Vietnam Veterans of America Charity. Many of the veterans that fought for our freedom are struggling with their health. With the rising healthcare costs, the end is not in sight. Car, truck and van donations will help veterans get back on their feet.

Cars for the needy: Your car donation will allow the less fortunate to get cars at a budget they can afford. Without methods of transportation, it can be a daily struggle to find a way to get to work.

Better for the Environment: instead of giving away your car to a junk or salvage yard, donate your vehicle to a reputable charity. There is always someone that will need a vehicle for transportation.

Auto Restorations and Collectors:
Often donated cars will catch the eye of auto mechanics and professional restorers as well. There are many car restorers that would love to get their hands on a sports car, no matter if it is running or not.

Unsure of what to do with your car:

Many wonder of what to do with their old car and may not want to pay for someone to toll it away. Many Veteran charities will tow your car away for free. So all you have to do is fill out a car donation form online and wait for your tax deduction.


Lastly, verify that the charity is approved by the IRS to receive car donations. If they are not approved by the IRS, your generous donation may end in the wrong hands.

How To Donate Your Car or Truck

Finally the sun is beginning to shine and it is starting to feel like spring. The first thing I think of is spring cleaning. There is nothing more satisfying than cleaning out the basement and garage. Along with that is getting rid of an old car, truck or van that is on not running. What do you do with a car like that? Try donating your car to a charity.

There are many organizations that accept car, truck, van and boat donations and claim that the proceeds go to specific charities. Such as cars for veterans, cars for purple heart veterans and cars for kids. Every car donation will allow you to receive a tax deduction. However, it is wise to make sure that the organization is an official charity approved by the IRS. If the charity is not approved by the IRS, the dedicated veterans may never see a penny from each donation.

Most car donation charities accept running and non running cars. Car donation forms are usually available online and ask for information about the car.
Example of car donation form

Once the vehicle is approved you will receive a receipt for tax deduction purposes.

Some companies offer free towing if your car is not running so you do not have to leave your living room. When deciding of what to do with your car, always research the company that is going to take your donation. After all, veterans dedicated their lives to give us freedom. Let's make sure our money is getting in the right hands!

Vietnam Veterans-A True Hero

Who is your hero? Is it a famous athlete, former athlete or family member? We have hero's among us today. Veterans gave their life for us. They fought for us and gave us the freedom we have today. Why not give to back to the veterans and donate your old car, truck or van. The best thing is that your car donation can count as a tax deduction. One such organization is car donations for veterans. All donation proceeds go the the Vietnam Veterans of America Charity. If you are unsure of what to do with your car or truck, let us do the rest. We can arrange to pickup your vehicle for free. Visit car donations for vets

Car Donations For Purple Heart Veterans

You may be asking yourself of what to do about that old car or truck sitting in your driveway. Maybe you do not have time to fix the car. Why not donate your car? After all, you will receive a tax deduction. Sometimes the tax deduction is more than what the car was worth. In addition, your donation will help Purple Heart War Veterans. Help those who served you and donate your car today. Donate your car or truck to a highly acclaimed charity today.

purple heart donations

IRS Official Charity