What You Need to Know About Paying for Auto Body Work

Posted on July 29, 2021 by Benjamin

Auto body work is not cheap. There is really no getting around paying a large sum of money to have any type of collision repair done after a car wreck or accident, especially for newer model vehicles or vehicles with parts that are no longer manufactured. So, to protect yourself from making a potentially risky financial decision, be sure you know a thing or two about paying for automotive collision repair. Continue below to get started with some auto body work advice.

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Understand Your Car Insurance Policy Deductible in Full

One of the best things you can do to prepare for paying for auto body work is to understand your car insurance policy front to back. Make sure you know what your deductible is, which is usually around $500 or so. It is very common to increase your deductible for car insurance to $1000 in order to get better rates, so remind yourself of this before speaking with your insurance carrier after a car accident. Furthermore, if the car accident was your fault, be prepared to pay the entire deductible. If the car accident was someone else’s fault, be prepared to pay out-of-pocket for any repairs that you need in the meantime, because it can be a long time before you are compensated by the at-fault driver’s insurance company.

Choose Your Auto Body Shop if Your Insurance Carrier Lets You

In many cases, insurance companies will provide a list of approved auto repair shops in your area, but not require you to choose from one. Some insurance companies make it a requirement for you to choose from their list of auto repair shops, but if yours doesn’t, that is a good thing. You see, it is common for auto repair shops to cut corners on insurance claim work because the negotiated rates they have with the insurance company are not good. So, it is better for you to look around and select your own preference of auto body repair shop.

Look Around at More Than a Few Auto Body Repair Shops in Your Area

Although it may seem excessive to request several estimates from multiple auto body repair shops in your city, when it comes to auto body work, it is quite necessary. Auto body work is not cheap, and even with insurance you will be paying a hefty fee. In order to get the best price possible from the highest quality body shop, you must go around town and request several estimates. Be sure to take notes as you go along so that you can remember what each auto body shop quoted you and the amenities they offer.

Sell Your Wrecked Car to a Local Indianapolis Junk Car Buyer if it is Totaled

A totaled vehicle doesn’t do you any good, especially if you don’t have any insurance coverage. If this happens to you, sell your totaled car to a local junk car buyer in Indianapolis, Indiana for cash on the spot. You can put this easily earned cash toward a new down payment for a new vehicle and be back on the road in no time. Just be sure to choose the most qualified and reputable Indianapolis Indiana Cash For Cars Company around.

Would you like to make fast cash for junk cars in Indianapolis Indiana right now? Contact Benjamin’s Junk Cars at 317-218-7133 to learn how to make instant cash for junk cars in Indianapolis, Indiana! We will pick up your junk car and haul it away for free!

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Is it Expensive to Replace a Catalytic Converter?

Posted on July 23, 2021 by Benjamin

A catalytic converter is necessary for any fuel-powered vehicle. If the catalytic converter goes bad, you must get it replaced. But because this vital automotive part is so expensive, it is common for the cost of replacing a catalytic converter to exceed the current market value of the vehicle in whole. In such a case, a car would be deemed a total loss by the presiding insurance carrier. If this happens to you, it would be more beneficial for you to sell your car or file an insurance claim for a totaled vehicle rather than paying to replace the catalytic converter.

Continue reading the learn more about catalytic converters, including their average cost and what to do if your car is a total loss after yours breaks down.

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The Importance of Catalytic Converters

Your car’s catalytic converter is so important because it filters the dangerous emissions produced by burning fuel. More than just a tailpipe, the catalytic converter is designed with an internal, honeycomb-like structure that inventively eliminates harmful emissions, thus protecting our surrounding environment from pollution. It also prevents your car’s muffler from billowing large clouds of smoke on the road, which can be very dangerous to other drivers.

Cost to Replace a Catalytic Converter

To get straight to the point, catalytic converters are not cheap. Because they are such an essential automotive component designed to perform a critical to perform such critical tasks, they must be manufactured from high quality, precious metals like platinum and titanium. For this reason, they can only be so cheap.

On average, you can expect a catalytic converter to cost anywhere between $800 and $2,200 if purchased brand-new. This however does not include the cost of labor and any necessary parts required to perform the catalytic converter replacement job. When all said and done, the total cost to replace the catalytic converter can be as high as $3000. If you are purchasing a used catalytic converter, you can expect to save anywhere from 10 to 20%. However, you will still need to pay an auto repair shop to perform the work for you.

When Catalytic Converter Cost Exceeds Car Value

Sometimes, catalytic converters are so expensive they exceed the current market value for the actual vehicle. For this reason, it doesn’t make sense to replace the catalytic converter. Instead, it is recommended to turn your car over to your insurance carrier, or seller to a local Indianapolis cash for cars company. When you sell your totaled car to a local junkyard buyer, you get paid instant cash on the spot, which can be put toward a new vehicle purchase!

Are you ready to sell your totaled vehicle for cash on the spot? Contact Benjamin’s Junk Cars at 317-218-7133 to sell your junk car in Indianapolis for cash on the spot! We serve all of Central Indiana.

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3 Ingredients to Clean Up Gasoline Spills in the Car

Posted on May 19, 2021 by Benjamin

So, you spilled gasoline inside your car? Now what? Live with the noxious fumes until they finally dissipate after several weeks, or even months? No way. Instead, use a simple, homemade cleaning solution that only requires three handy ingredients, and then clean away the gasoline mess yourself.

Continue reading to learn how to make your own cleaner for gasoline spills, and how to use it on your car’s upholstered surfaces.

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What You Need to Remove Gasoline Smell in Your Car

So, what’s the secret ingredients that will remove gasoline smell inside your car? The trio includes hot water, distilled white vinegar, and baking soda. How much do you use of each? Equal parts, such as 1 cup water mixed with one cup vinegar and one cup baking soda. For larger surface areas that need to be treated, double or even triple the measurements. This is often the case with major gasoline spills and large SUVs or trucks.

To clean away a gas spill, gather up:

☑ Distilled White Vinegar
☑ Baking Soda
☑ Hot Water
☑ Bucket or Large Bowl
☑ Clean Towel or Rag
☑ Floor Fan (Optional)

How to Get Started:

Mix each ingredient in equal parts in a large bowl or bucket. Be sure your water is HOT.

Soak a rag in your cleaning solution, and then gently scrub the affected area.

Combined with the friction created by the rag, plus the odor-eliminating properties of both vinegar and baking soda, your car should smell gas-free after a few cleanings. Yes, you may have to repeat the process a few times depending on how much petrol was spilled in your car.

Did You Spill Gas on the Garage Floor?

If you spilled gasoline all over the garage floor, and now it has a pungent, nauseating stench, simply go for the kitty litter. Apply a liberal layer of cat litter over the spill, allow it to sit for a couple hours, and then sweep it up with a broom and dustpan. Do not use a vacuum because it may ruin it. Before disposing of your gasoline-soaked cat litter, check your local and state laws for proper fuel disposal. You may not be permitted to simply toss it in with your weekly garbage.

Is your car just too junked to clean or repair? Contact Benjamin’s Junk Cars at 317-218-7133 to sell a junk car in Indianapolis, Indiana for cash on the spot. We provide free junk car haul away, so all you need to do is call!

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What You Want to Know About Diesel Car Engines

Posted on April 21, 2021 by Benjamin

The idea is starting to cross seas, and make its way into the United States. We are talking about diesel cars, that is! In Europe, almost half of the cars manufactured are made with diesel engines. This trend is leaking its way into the states, where less than 5% of new manufactured cars are made with diesel engines. That’s a big difference! So why are American manufacturers warming up to the idea of diesel-powered vehicles? Why are people choosing diesel more and more each year?

Continue below to learn some of the pros and cons of owning a diesel-powered vehicle, and what to do if you cannot afford to replace your car engine in Indianapolis.

The Advantages of Diesel Cars

Many people imagine a loud, noisy, black smoke-producing vehicle when they think about diesel car engines. However, with the growing available resources and improved technology, these drawbacks are a thing of the past for diesel engines. Rather than the standard diesel we have always thought to know, newer versions of diesel engines are designed to operate on an innovative low-sulfur version of diesel fuel, which is partly responsible for reducing noise levels and excessive exhaust smoke. It is commonly referred to as “clean diesel” because it significantly reduces air pollution and malodorous exhaust fumes.

The increasing gas prices of unleaded fuel are probably why many Americans are interested in making the switch once it comes time to purchase a new vehicle. With the new technological advancements in diesel fuel, as well as its additional advantage points, there is very little reason to not consider diesel cars as an option. Diesel car engines have caught the attention of consumers and car owners; but automakers also support the shift in order to meet new standards for fuel-efficiency.

The Downside to Diesel Engines

Diesel engines are more expensive than gasoline-powered vehicles. For some, the extended fuel efficiency and heightened fuel economy are not lucrative enough for them to spend an extra $2,000 or more on the same car with a diesel engine. Also, diesel fuel is prices higher than standard unleaded gasoline. On top of higher vehicle and fuel costs, not all gas stations provide diesel fuel options. This means it may take some planning-ahead if you want to make a switch to a diesel car.

One of the most talked-about disadvantages of owning a diesel-engine car is the limited selection of vehicles that come with a diesel engine option. Once diesel has proven to be high in demand, more and more American manufacturers will be inclined to produce more make and model cars with diesel engines.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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!

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