How to Get Started With Auto Recycling in Indianapolis

Posted on October 7, 2022 by Benjamin

Auto recycling is the process of taking an old or damaged vehicle and using its parts to create a new one. This can be done by either selling the parts to a salvage yard or by breaking down the vehicle and using its individual components to build a new one. Auto recycling is a great way to reduce waste and help the environment, as well as save money on your next vehicle purchase.

There are a few things to keep in mind when considering auto recycling, such as the type of vehicle you have and its condition. You will also need to find a reputable Indianapolis salvage yard or auto recycler that can properly handle your vehicle. With a little research, you can easily find a great option for recycling your old car.

Continue below to learn some tips on how to get started on the right track with auto recycling in Indianapolis, including which auto salvage company will offer you the most cash for your junk car!

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Auto Recycling Process

Most people don’t realize that their junk car can actually be worth a lot of money. In fact, there are many junk car buyers who will pay cash for cars that are no longer running or have been damaged beyond repair. If you have a junk car taking up space in your garage or driveway, then you may want to consider selling it for cash.

Here are some facts about auto recycling that you may not know:

The average junk car contains over $100 worth of recyclable materials, including steel, aluminum, glass, and rubber.

Auto recycling is one of the most efficient ways to reduce pollution and conserve energy. Recycling a single car can save over a ton of steel from being produced.

Junk car buyers usually pay between $200 and $500 for junk cars, depending on the make, model, and condition of the vehicle.

Selling your junk car is a great way to earn some extra cash. If you have an old or damaged car that you no longer need, then consider selling it to a junk car buyer. You may be surprised at how much your junk car is actually worth!

Are you looking for a trusted auto salvage center that will pay you top dollar for your vehicle? Contact Benjamin’s Junk Cars at 317-218-7133 to recycle 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!

How to Find Out if Your Car is Still Under Warranty

Posted on September 29, 2022 by Benjamin

Did your just car break down and now you are wondering what your options are? Well, you are not alone. Most car owners lose track of their warranty coverage over the years, especially since so many warranties vary in terms and conditions. Before you take your car in for repair or claim it as a total loss with your insurance carrier, be sure to check on the warranty status first.

Continue reading to learn how to find out of your car is still under warranty, plus what to do if your car is a total loss and not covered under automotive insurance in Indianapolis.

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Locating Warranty Coverage for Your Car

You probably heard in almost every single car commercial ever made in recent history. At the minimum, most new cars come with a three year/36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. This means that the car is covered under a limited warranty for either three years or up to 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. Alternatively, some new vehicles come with extended warranties or specialized warranties, like rust or seat belt guarantees. It really just depends on the automotive dealership you do business with and the particular make and model vehicle you purchase. Even if you purchased a preowned car, it may still have an active warranty depending on how old it is.

To locate the warranty coverage for your particular vehicle, start with these steps:

Start With the VIN – The first step is to find your Vehicle Identification Number, or for short, VIN. Typically, this number is displayed on the driver-side door jam, but you may also find it on your insurance card or car title.

Find a Relevant Dealer – Your next step is to find a dealership that specializes in your make and model vehicle. It cannot be a dealership that sells your type of vehicle; it must be a dealership that solely deals with your make and model vehicle. So, if you drive a BMW, go to a BMW dealership, not an import car dealership.

Ask For the Service Department – Once you find a relevant dealer, contact them and ask to be transferred to the service department. Simply ask the service department representative for information about your car warranty. They should have the proper software to look up that information for you.

If the dealership for your make and model vehicle does not have the warranty information you need, you may also contact the dealership in which the car was originally purchased. If you don’t know where the car was originally purchased, you might be able to find warranty information on your insurance paperwork.

Is your car no longer covered under warranty and the cost to repair it is more than what the vehicle is actually worth? 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 with FREE junk car removal!

Can I Reset the Check Engine Light in My Car?

Posted on September 14, 2022 by Benjamin

An illuminated Check Engine Light on the dashboard of your vehicle could mean a lot of things. Some things are quite minor, while others might suggest you need a whole new car. If your Check Engine Light problem is something serious, it is critical that you have it repaired by a certified mechanic as soon as possible. Driving with the Check Engine Light on is dangerous, plus it can cause serious internal damage to the engine and more.

If for some reason you wish to clear the Check Engine Light on your vehicle yourself, there is an easy way to get the job done. Continue below to learn how to reset a Check Engine Light.

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What is Your Check Engine Light Doing?

A flashing Check Engine Light indicates a serious engine problem, such as a bad catalytic converter. A solid Check Engine Light icon signifies a less urgent problem, such as a loose gas cap or defective spark plug. If your issue is something that can be done yourself, like tightening up the gas cap, go right ahead. For all other automotive problems, you will need a professional. A mechanic has the proper skills to read the Check Engine Light code, repair the problem, and clear the icon from your dash.

DIY Check Engine Light Clearing

Unless you have your own Check Engine Light code reader, you will not be able to reset the icon yourself. It is not recommended to ignore a serious mechanical problem and simply reset the Check Engine Light. Not only is this unethical if you want to sell the car down the line, but it is dangerous and only does more harm to the vehicle.

How to Reset the Check Engine Light

Was your problem minor, like a loose gas cap, and you fixed it, but the light won’t turn off? Do this:

Try disconnecting the car battery. Let it sit for several minutes, then connect it back up. This is known to work well.

At a steady pace, turn your vehicle on and off, three times in a row, driving a few miles in between. This usually triggers the onboard computer to reset itself.

You can also just drive for a while, without stopping. Often times, the onboard computer system will run self-tests and finally confirm that the issue is resolved, thus switching off the light.

Are you using a code reader?

Simply plug it in, select the Check Engine Light error code, and erase the code. Some code readers do not have this feature, but most will.

Did you clear a Check Engine Light code a long time ago, never repairing the vehicle, and now you want to sell it? Great news! Contact Benjamin’s Junk Cars at 317-218-7133 to get a quote from an experienced Indianapolis junk car buyer who will pay you the highest cash payout for totaled cars in Central Indiana. We provide free junk removal!

Should I Detail My Junk Car Before Scrapping It?

Posted on August 31, 2022 by Benjamin

Consumer sciences might agree that better-looking goods sell for more. However, this supply-and-demand principle does not always apply to all types of sales. Junk cars might be an example. Many people naturally wonder if they can get more money for their junk car before selling it to a scrap yard in Indianapolis. The answer depends on a few factors.

Continue below to learn what those factors are, plus how to ensure you make the most cash for junk cars in Indiana.

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Automotive Detailing Options

Automotive detailing generally involves a comprehensive and methodical series of steps that cleanses, sanitizes, and freshens up the exterior and interior of a vehicle. You can choose to take your vehicle into a professional automotive detailing center and pay between $75 and $600, depending on the size and scope of your vehicle. Or you can detail your car on your own using store-bought products, materials, and equipment. If you choose DIY automotive detailing, you can expect to spend anywhere between 1 and 7 hours getting the job done, plus upwards of $200 for the supplies. It can be a lot of work and still cost you.

The Value in Detailing a Junked Car

Junk cars are just that: junk. But in some cases, a junk car can still drive, be repaired enough to be drivable again, or contain major car parts that can be refurbished and resold on the used auto parts market. Depending on the condition of your junk car, detailing could add value and get you more cash at the scrap yard, or it can end up a complete waste of money.

Ask yourself these questions to determine if automotive detailing is a worthwhile expense for your junk car:

Will my junk car operate again with just a few repairs, even if those repairs are major like engine replacement? Is my junked car very old and corroded? Does my junk car have a bunch of garbage inside?

For junk cars that might one day operate again, detailing could be very worthwhile before scrapping it at a local Indianapolis auto salvage yard. As mentioned earlier, the better looking something is, the more money it will sell for.

For junk cars that are old, corroded, or filled with garbage, automotive detailing could be a huge waste of time and money. Instead, it is wiser to tidy your car up before taking it in for a junk car evaluation. Although it won’t increase the innate scrap value, the auto buyers will reduce any fees from your offer related to cleanup and bio-hazard removal. This puts more money in your pocket!

Before Selling a Junk Car

Although you do not need to detail your junk car before selling it, it is smart to clean it up a bit. Give it a wash, clean out any trash inside the cabin or trunk, and remove any personal belongings. Be sure to also remove the front and back plates, plus cancel the insurance and registration with the state. And that’s all you have to do before selling a junk car for cash in Indiana!

Are you looking for the best junk car buying company that can pay you the full value of your junked motor vehicle? 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.

FAQS About Car Engine Flushes

Posted on August 15, 2022 by Benjamin

Were you just offered a car engine flush at your recent oil change service? You may be wondering what an engine flush does and if you should get one for your car. Your confusion comes as no surprise, considering there are ongoing debates regarding the value of routine engine flushing.

Scroll down to review some frequently asked questions about car engine flushes and then determine if this controversial automotive service is right for your vehicle.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Engine Flushing

What is an Engine Flush?

An engine flush is exactly what it sounds like. It is an automotive service designed to flush all of the residual residues and gunk out of your internal engine compartments. To perform an engine flush, a licensed mechanic pours a specialized concoction of chemicals into the engine, lets the motor idle for a few minutes, then drains the chemicals from the engine. Engine flushes are commonly performed in between oil changes. After the old oil is removed, the mechanical flush the engine, then commence with the oil change process by pouring a new motor oil.

Does My Car Need an Engine Flush?

As just mentioned, engine flushes are commonly performed at oil change services, between taking out the old oil and putting in the new oil. Although it’s always good to keep our assets clean, most automotive manufacturers advise against engine flushing, especially among modern vehicles. It is important to check with your owner’s manual for recommendations on engine care and service. It will tell you in clear language if your vehicle is compatible with engine flushing or not. So long as you stay current with your oil change schedule, you should never have to flush her engine.

When is Engine Flushing Recommended?

Engine flushing should be reserved for vehicles that have been sitting for many years without being driven or started, or for junked cars that are being restored. Engine flushes might also help when restoring or refurbishing an old motor. Other than that, engine flushing services are not recommended for actively driven vehicles.

Will I Damage My Engine By Flushing It?

Yes, engine flushing can cause internal damages to your motor. It is important to refer to your owner’s manual for recommendations on engine care and maintenance before implementing any questionable auto services.

Do Engine Flushes Improve Fuel Economy?

No, engine flushes do not impact the quality of your fuel economy.

Do you have a junk car or motor taking up valuable space in your garage? Why not sell it for cash on the spot? Contact Benjamin’s Junk Cars at 317-218-7133 for free junk car removal in Indianapolis, Indiana. Not only do we pay cash on the spot for junk cars, but we also buy auto parts!

When Does a Car Turn Into a Junk Car?

Posted on July 26, 2022 by Benjamin

Has your car been giving your strife for some time now? Are you constantly battling new repairs and replacements, barely getting through your commutes from one day to the next? Are you surprised and delighted each time your car starts up? Although you know the car is too damaged to sell to anyone, you might be wondering if it has crossed the line into junk territory just yet. After all, it still runs, even if barely!

So, when does a car transition from a regular car to a junk car? Continue below to learn how junk cars are defined, plus where you can get free junk car removal for your own hunk of scrap metal in Indianapolis.

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Junk Car 101

A junk car is an automobile that is no longer capable of operation and the cost to make it operational exceeds its pre-scrap value. Junk cars are classified by the state’s department of motor vehicles (DVM) as total loss vehicles and give them a salvaged title. Total loss vehicles are entered into a national database that is accessible by police, governmental agencies, the DMV, and for a fee, the general public.

How to Get Rid of a Junk Car

After beginning the claim process with your insurance company you find that the payout is not worth making the claim, you can choose to sell your junk car to an Indianapolis IN auto salvage yard. Junk car buyers accept all motorized vehicles in any condition, whether just a burnt out frame or an entire car totaled out by flood damage. The worth of a junk car depends on several factors, including the current market prices for steel, as well as national and global demand, vehicle weight, vehicle location, and more.

If your car is not insured, but you are sure it is junked for good, your best option is to scrap it at a local salvage yard and get paid cash on the spot. Just be sure to choose a business that actually pays cash. Many unethical lots will promise cash, but then make an excuse later on and send a check that arrives weeks later, or in worst case scenarios, never.

Once you sell a junk car to a Cash for Cars Company in Indianapolis, they will arrange a time for them to come pick it up. Some companies will require you to arrange your own tow and bring the vehicle into their lot. Most junk car companies charge a towing fee that is deducted from the offer they initially give. If you choose a reputable junk car buyer, you can get free towing and cash on the spot! But who provides these cash for junk car services in Indy?

Benjamin’s Junk Cars! Here at Benjamin’s Junk Cars, we only make honest offers for junk cars, and stand by our services 100%. Contact us at 317-218-7133 to get a quote for your junk car, today! Learn how it works and what you need to do to prepare your junked car for pickup. We offer free towing, flexible scheduling, and same day service, plus adhere to all Indiana EPA regulations for scrapping. Furthermore, we serve all of Indianapolis, as well as the surrounding Central Indiana areas!

Car Maintenance Guide for a Vehicle You Rarely Drive

Posted on July 14, 2022 by Benjamin

Do you have a few vehicles at your household, leaving one at the bottom of ride-choice list? If you have a car or truck that seldom gets driven, you might think it needs less maintenance. But the truth is, even a barely-driven car needs routine auto care. Continue below to review a basic car maintenance guide for rarely-driven vehicles, plus how to still make the best out of a car that has driven its last mile.

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How to Care for a Car You Hardly Ever Drive

It can certainly be easy to forget about a car that you hardly ever drive. But it is important to give all your vehicles the proper routine care they need. After all, vehicles are designed to be driven. When cars are not driven for long periods of time, they can experience internal corrosion and deterioration, such as dried out gaskets and seals, tire rot, AC mold growth, and much more. So, what can you do to prevent your hardly-driven car from suffering such damage? You will need to establish a routine maintenance plan specifically for cars that are stationary for long periods of time.

Here are some of the most important elements of routine car care to focus on when creating your vehicle’s routinely maintenance plan:

Fuel

Believe it or not, gasoline can expire and go bad. Old gasoline can have many negative effects on the performance and condition of your vehicle. Not only will it cause your car to not start, but it can also gum up internal parts like the fuel filter, fuel injectors, or carburetor. To extend the life of your gasoline, add a fuel stabilizer product to the tank.

Tires

Vehicles that are stationary for long periods of time, often experience problems with the tires. Not only do sitting tires suffer from air pressure loss, but tires can also develop flat spots and dry rot. To avoid this problem, regularly inspect the air pressure in your tires and inflate them as needed. It also helps to periodically drive your car, even if just around the block.

Battery

Sitting vehicles are notorious for losing battery power. To prevent battery discharge on a rarely-driven vehicle, use a set of jumper cables to periodically recharge the battery. You can also choose to keep a trickle charger on it or simply take it for a spin every once in a while. These practices should keep the battery juiced up.

Brakes

Car brakes will rest, whether you drive your vehicle or not. For this reason, it is important to inspect your car breaks regularly for any oxidation or corrosion. To prevent rusty car brakes on a car you really drive, regularly replace the brake pads as needed.

Paint

Although contrary to most people’s understanding, car paint will rust, peel, and fade if you do not regularly take care of it. Even if you don’t drive your car very often, it is important to periodically wash and wax it using quality automotive products, plus cover it with the proper size tarp.

Did you just discover that your rarely driven car won’t start up anymore? Are there repairs way too expensive and exceed its total value? Contact Benjamin’s Junk Cars at 317-218-7133 for free junk car removal in Indianapolis, Indiana. Not only will we tow your car away for free, but we will also pay you cash on the spot if you sell it to us!

Your Steering Wheel Might Be Dirtier Than a Public Toilet

Posted on June 23, 2022 by Benjamin

What do you consider to be the germiest, dirtiest everyday item you handle? Your kitchen sponges? The remote control to the television set? Maybe your dog’s toys? What about that touch-screen phone? Well, you would be wrong if you own and driver a vehicle. Steering wheels are one of the most overlooked germ-ridden commodities in society, even compared to things that are expected to be quite germy, like shopping carts, elevator buttons, and gas pump handles.

In fact, scroll down to learn some steering wheel hygiene facts that will truly blow your mind!

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Your Steering Wheel is Probably Really Dirty

Considering the fact that the average American is reported to spend around 17,000 minutes in their vehicles, it is no surprise that we are transmitting a plethora of germs and other contaminants from our hands to our steering wheels each time we drive. This revelation becomes more concerning when you think about how often you clean the outside of your car compared to the inside.

In fact, according to a recent survey conducted by CarRentals.com, data revealed that 32% percent of the car owners surveyed only clean the inside of their car once year! The same survey showed that 12% never clean the inside of the vehicles! Needless to say, that ultimate rewards membership you have at the local car wash isn’t doing your steering wheel any good.

What is on Your Steering Wheel?

Use your vehicle to run errands, going in and out of stores in between each trip? Do you like to eat and drive? Do you have kids? Or pets that like to ride along with you in your lap? Do you pump your own gas? Do you wash your hands before leaving work? What about the gym? These are all the different places and scenarios in which you are transmitting germs and bacteria to your steering wheel.

The aforementioned CarRentals.com survey also revealed that the average driver’s steering wheel is two times dirtier than an elevator button, six times dirtier than your touchscreen cell phone, and even four times dirtier than a public toilet. For little comparison perspective, WebMD’s “Grossest” List places smart phones at the very top. Insert gulp here. What about that gas station pump handle? Studies show that the average gas pump handle is more than 11,000 times dirtier than the average toilet seat.

It is important to understand that your steering wheel is likely just as dirty as other components in your vehicle that you touch on a regular basis while driving, including the gearshift, turn signal, radio buttons, navigation screens, and even those car keys. So, moral of the story is to keep some sanitizing wipes in your vehicle and regularly wipe down every touchable surface as needed!

Do you have a car that is so dirty and junked, you no longer want anything to do with it? Why don’t you sell it for cash on the spot? Contact Benjamin’s Junk Cars at 317-218-7133 to get a quote from an experienced Indianapolis junk car buyer who will pay you the highest cash payout for totaled cars in Central Indiana. We provide FREE junk removal!

How to Clean Driveway Stains Caused By a Junk Car

Posted on June 7, 2022 by Benjamin

When you let a car sit for a long period of time, you can expect it to leak some fluids. Even the tires can leave behind marks after a while. If you are ready to get rid of a junk car but fear what driveway stains might be exposed once you do, you are not alone. Continue below to learn some effective driveway cleaning tips that will clear away automotive stains left behind by a junk car.

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How to Remove Common Driveway Stains

Everything from motor oil and gasoline to brake fluid, transmission fluid, and similar automotive chemicals and solvents can be cleaned from a driveway with the right materials and techniques. Even tire marks can be lightened or removed. It is important to note that driveway stains are best removed when treated as soon as they happen. In the case of a sitting junk car, you might not be able to access the stains right away, so they may require repeat cleanings to get optimal results.

The pavement material of your driveway will decide which cleaning approaches you use.

Asphalt Stain Removal

You might think that asphalt stains are not as bad because asphalt pavement is dark and works well to disguise imperfections. But the truth is, you can still see stains on asphalt, plus certain stains can be structurally damaging or corrosive to the pavement. Whether you have asphalt or concrete, driveway stain removal is an important project for curb appeal, investment protection, and budget awareness.

To clean asphalt driveway stains, purchase a biodegradable oven cleaner. It is necessary for the product to be biodegradable. Apply the product generously over the asphalt stain, then allow it to sit for 30 minutes. Rinse the area clean with a hose. This method works well with grease, oil, and similar solvents.

Concrete Stain Removal

Concrete is a porous, or permeable, pavement, which means spills, leaks, and fluids seep deep into it. For this reason, a more invasive cleaning solution is needed. You can make your own concrete driveway stain removal cleaner at home using a liquid trisodium phosphate (TPS) all-purpose heavy-duty cleaner and moisture-absorbing product (i.e. DampRid). You may also be successful using cornstarch or diatomaceous earth in place of a moisture-absorbing product.

To clean concrete driveway stains, combine your two ingredients to form a paste. Apply the paste in thick layers on top of the stain, then using a stiff-bristle nylon brush, scrub the paste into the pores of the concrete. Afterwards, apply a second coat of paste over the stains and allow it to dry completely. Last, scrape away the residual crust with a putty knife and rinse the surface clean with a hose or pressure washer. As noted earlier, you may need to repeat steps several times to get optimal results.

Has your junk car done enough damage and now you just want to see it gone? 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 removal, so all you need to do is call!

Use This Penny Trick to Measure Tire Tread

Posted on May 31, 2022 by Benjamin

Proper tire tread is important for driving safety and fuel efficiency. But what constitutes adequate tire tread? Brand new, most car tires have an average tire depth between 10/32” or 11/32”, and the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) recommends replacing tires when the tread has deteriorated to 2/32 of an inch or lower. But with such a small fraction at play, it is difficult to gauge this measurement by simply looking at your tires. Fortunately, there is a handy little trick you can use to measure your tire tread any day of the week! It’ll cost you though, but only a single penny!

Continue reading to learn how to use a penny to measure tire tread, plus some additional methods for measuring tire tread.

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How to Measure Tire Tread With a Penny

Measuring tire tread with just a single penny is so simple even a child could do it! In fact, this is a fun trick to teach your kids, especially if they like to be little helpers around the garage or if they are older and preparing to learn how to drive. You already know you can find pennies all over your house, so grab a pile and keep a little bag in the garage or carport or even inside your vehicle. This way, you know you are prepared to measure your tire tread, whether at home or on the go.

The key to measuring tire tread using a penny is to keep the penny in the right direction. Here’s what to do:

❶► Turn your penny upside down, with the Lincoln’s head facing you.
❷► Insert the penny headfirst into the groove of your tire.
❸► Look for Lincoln’s head.

Can you still see Lincoln’s head? If so, your tire tread is low. In fact, it is lower than the recommended limit of 2/32 of an inch.

If you cannot see Lincoln’s head. After inserting it into your tire groove, you still have plenty of tread to work with.

Repeat this process on the remaining three tires. Keep in mind that tire tread can differ from tire to tire, even on the same vehicle. So, it is important to always check all tires.

Additional Tire Tread Measuring Tools

Although the penny tire tread trick is effective and reliable, you can get a more accurate measurement by using a store-bought device such as a tread depth gauge. Large trucks and commercial vehicles typically have tires with built-in tire tread wear indicator bars that will appear and present themselves when the tire tread reaches 2/32 of an inch. For all other vehicles, you can rely on a tread depth gauge, which is available at any automotive parts store or department store with an automotive section.

Is your vehicle beyond the value of paying for repairs, so now you just want to get rid of it? Contact Benjamin’s Junk Cars at 317-218-7133 to get a quote from an experienced Indianapolis junk car buyer who will pay you the highest cash payout for junk vehicles and parts in Central Indiana. We provide free junk removal!