Why Catalytic Converters Get You More Money for a Junk Car

Posted on March 24, 2021 by Benjamin

Catalytic converters are vital automotive components. They are in charge of eliminating excessive exhaust emissions that are harmful to the environment. But even when your vehicle is totaled or junked, the catalytic converter continues to have value. This means that a junk car with a solid catalytic converter intact, whether working or not, is worth more money at your average auto salvage lot.

Continue reading to find out why, and where you can get the most cash for your junk car or car parts in Indianapolis.

Indianapolis Indiana Cash for Junk Cars 317-218-7133

Facts About Catalytic Converters

Catalytic converters are special because they serve such a critical purpose. It is thanks to their special design and structure, which allows them to work with extremely high temperatures. This means they are made from some pretty serious metals; platinum, rhodium, and palladium to be specific. These are known as precious metals, which are metals that are naturally-occurring and have high economic value. The different and unique properties of platinum, rhodium, and palladium make catalytic converters more efficient at what they are designed to do.

► Platinum – A precious metal that is dense, malleable, and ductile, making it perfect for high heat transfer applications like converting harmful exhaust emissions.

► Rhodium – A very rare precious metal mostly used as one of the catalysts in a 3-way catalytic converter. This is because it is extremely hard and resistant to corrosion.

► Palladium – A rare precious metal that is used in the manufacturing of catalytic converters because it retains natural properties like high density and very low melting points.

Catalytic Converter Repair and Replacement

Because catalytic converters are such important auto parts made from high-value materials, they are well-known for being expensive to repair or replace. For this reason, many older or problematic cars that experience breakdowns with their catalytic converters are often deemed totaled because it costs more to repair it than what the car is actually worth. The average cost to repair a catalytic converter is between $900 to $2500, more or less. Signs of a failing catalytic converter include a rotten egg smell, engine stalling, rattling noises in the undercarriage, or an illuminated Check Engine Light.

Junk Catalytic Converter Value

Because all metal can be recycled and repurposed 100%, infinitely, all junk auto parts have value; even when they are no longer mechanically functional. Accordingly, precious metals are even more valuable because of their amazing properties and economic price tags. For these reason, a junk car with an intact catalytic converter will be worth more cash than a junk car without one. Scrap values for junked catalytic converters vary depending on several factors, namely current market values for scrap metal.

Are you ready to sell your junk car because the catalytic converter is bad? Contact Benjamin’s Junk Cars at 317-218-7133 to learn how to make instant cash for junk cars in Indianapolis, Indiana! We serve all of Indianapolis and Central Indiana. Request a free quote, anytime.

You Might Also Enjoy:

How to Sell Your Car After Wrecking It
Can I Sell a Junk Car if it Has No Parts Left?
Junk Car Parts With the Highest Scrap Value

Central Indiana Junk Car Buyers 317-218-7133

The AAA SURE Method for Escaping a Sinking Vehicle

Posted on March 12, 2021 by Benjamin

The American Automobile Association (AAA) has been a superior resource for drivers and more all across the world. So, when it comes to pondering how you should attempt to free yourself from a submerging, sinking vehicle, it is only natural to trust their professional recommendations. In fact, AAA has a very helpful guide on how you should react and escape a sinking car called the S-U-R-E Method.

Continue below to learn what the AAA “S-U-R-E Method” recommends doing in the unfortunate but probable case that you mind find yourself going under water in your ride.

Indianapolis IN Junk Car Buyers 317-218-7133

How to Free Yourself From a Car Sinking Under Water

There are several devices and tools you can buy and keep inside your vehicle at all times in the case of an underwater auto accident. Such devices are designed to break the glass of the window or windshield, even when under the pressure of water. Some comprehensive roadside assistance kits will contain a similar tool, which often resembles a rod or wrench; however, there are many different brands and designs to choose from.

As for the glass you would potentially have to break, most modern day vehicles are manufactured with laminated glass rather than tempered glass, which cannot be broken or shattered by such tools. However, most cars have at least one window or windshield made of tempered glass for easy breakage in the case of an emergency. Look for a sticker at the bottom of each window to determine the type of glass on your vehicles.

The S-U-R-E METHOD

There are many cases of auto accidents in which a vehicle winds up in a body of water, such as a lake, river, or even swimming pools. Because such scenarios have happened many times before, you should always be prepared in the case that it ever happens to you or your teenage drivers. Rely on AAA’s “S-U-R-E METHOD” to teach you how to react if ever trapped in a vehicle that is sinking underwater. Then, teach this method to your loved ones.

S – STAY CALM!

U – Undo (or cut) Your Seat Belt

R – Roll Down or Break a Window

E – Exit the car as fast as possible, children first!

*If your vehicle only has laminated glass windows, they will not break with car escape tools. So, if you are ever in a situation in which your vehicle is sinking under water with you in it, immediately roll down a window before you no longer can.

*Always exit a sinking car BEFORE calling for help. Your first priority is to escape.

Do you have a car that was submerged underwater and is now totaled? Contact Benjamin’s Junk Cars at 317-218-7133 to sell a water damaged car to our Indianapolis Indiana junk car buyers for cash on the spot! We serve all of Central Indiana and provide free haul-away.

You Might Also Like:

How to Sell Your Junk Car in 3 Easy Steps
How Much is a Junk Car Worth?
Will Insurance Pay Me if I Keep My Totaled Car?

Step By Step Guide for an Overheating Car Engine

Posted on February 26, 2021 by Benjamin

Motors produce powerful amounts of heat. Every time you drive your car, the radiator transfers heat from the engine using thermal heat exchange, which prevents the vehicle from overheating. But in order for a car radiator to function properly, it must have sufficient amounts of liquid coolant running through its core. When it doesn’t have sufficient levels of radiator fluid (also called coolant or anti-freeze), or it is defective in some way, your car engine will overheat. In the case that your car radiator ever fails you, be sure you know exactly what to do.

Continue below for a simple, step-by-step guide on how to handle your overheating engine on the road.

Indianapolis Indiana Junk Car Buyers 317-218-7133

What to Do When Your Car Starts to Overheat

➀ PULL OVER

When a car has just overheated, attempting to drive it further can risk harming the engine. You should never drive an overheating car because the engine and other important inner components can sustain irreversible damage. It can also be dangerous to you and anyone in or around the vehicle. For instance, head gaskets can blow, engine parts can melt, and smoke can accumulate in large masses. So, the first thing to do when you notice that your car is over-heating, is pull over to a safe part of the road. It is recommended to try and pull into a neighborhood or parking lot if there is one there at the moment; otherwise, simply find a flat surface on the side of the road.

➁ ALLOW THE ENGINE TO COOL

Once you have pulled over and turned the engine off, be sure to turn on your hazards to alert people of your position. This is especially important at night. Keep all car lights on in the evening if you are ever pulled over on the edge of a street. Many people make the mistake of opening their hoods right away and touching the radiator cap; this is a huge mistake! The car engine and radiator will be very hot and can cause second and third degree burns. Always allow your vehicle to cool off for at least fifteen minutes, depending on the amount of time spent driven prior to the break down. This way you can protect yourself from accidents and injury.

➂ CHECK FOR FLUID LEAKS

When the vehicle has completely cooled, check around and underneath it for any signs of leaking. This could indicate a wide variety of issues, from a cracked radiator to a faulty radiator hose. If there is no sign of leakage, take a look at the oil. Remove the dipstick and concentrate on the color. If it is dark brown and sludgy-looking, this means the liquid coolant might be seeping into the engine. This can result from a blown head gasket or cracked engine block. Even if the oil looks normal, these damages may still be the underlying problem.

➃ CONTACT A MECHANIC

The best thing to do in a situation like this is call a mechanic shop once you have the car pulled over. They are the professionals that can accurately diagnose the issue behind your overheating vehicle. When antifreeze and coolant aren’t the answer, trust a licensed auto repair technician to figure it out for you. Use a directory to contact a towing service that can transport your vehicle directly to the auto repair shop, and give you a ride there too, all in the same trip.

Did your car engine overheat and breakdown for good? Contact Benjamin’s Junk Cars at 317-218-7133 to get a quote and earn fast cash for your now junk car in Indianapolis, Indiana!

Check These Out Too:

Which Parts of a Junk Car are Most Valuable?
Junk Car Parts With the Highest Scrap Value
How to Sell Your Car After Wrecking It