You may not think of cars and a kidney disease as having anything in common, but they do. You can help someone suffering from a kidney disease by donating your car. While you help someone with a kidney disease by donating your car, you can also help yourself with a nice tax break.

Kidney Cars is an organization that helps you get rid of your car and do some good in the world. It does not matter if the muffler is falling off. You can donate your car to Kidney Cars, support a great cause, and get a tax write off. Kidneys and cars do go together. Learn more about this great organization and how you can help.

About Kidney Cars

Kidney Cars are a branch of the National Kidney Foundation, an organization that helps people with a kidney disease. This foundation provides support directly to the patient, helps connect donors with recipients, provides support for kidney specialists and providers, and supports research.

Being diagnosed with a kidney disease is life-changing. There are over 37 million people in the United States that are diagnosed with a kidney disease. As the disease progresses, there is an increased risk of other systemic health problems.

A kidney disease can lead to kidney failure. You cannot live with at least one functioning kidney. People who reach the end stage of a kidney disease have to sit through hours of kidney dialysis, a painful process that artificially cleans the blood (the main function of the kidney).

Kidney disease can be debilitating. CKD (chronic kidney disease) requires medical support, nutritional monitoring, and regular blood work to monitor the condition. CKD can damage the kidneys beyond repair and ultimately require a transplant to live life normally. Unfortunately, waiting lists for transplants are long, and many people realize the fatal effects of this disease before they ever find a match.

The National Kidney Foundation is a support system that is in place to help people that have been diagnosed with a kidney disease find resources, education, and other support. They also help caregivers link with providers and other interested parties. They make a huge impact on people suffering from a kidney disease and educating the public about kidney disease.

Kidney disease is a serious life-threatening disease. The National Kidney Foundation is a lifeline for those that are suffering from kidney disease.

How Your Car Can Make a Difference

The National Kidney Foundation was the first charitable organization to accept cars for a donation. They have perfected the process to make it as easy as possible for donors. Donated cars are recycled, and the National Kidney Foundation uses the proceeds for program support.

Instead of sending your car to one of the vehicle savage yards, you can donate it to Kidney Cars and help out a great organization. The process is simple and is actually a lot easier than trying to find a place to get rid of your car.

If you send your car to the salvage yard, you likely will have to cover the costs of the tow truck company. If you donate your car to Kidney Cars, you will have zero out of pocket expenses. Here is some information that may be helpful in making your decision:

• If your car requires extensive automobile services and is just not worth putting the money into, you can still donate it. Your car does not have to be a running vehicle to donate it. There are many reasons why people decide to donate to Kidney Cars. You can find your reason and make a difference.
• It can have a salvage title. Sometimes after car accidents, insurance companies decide that the car is a total loss. In many cases, you can keep the car by “buying it back” for a small sum out of the settlement. You can donate that car.
• Basically, if the car has four wheels, a steering wheel, and most of the parts intact, you can donate it.

Kidney Cars works with a network of volunteers that help them recycle the car, sell it at auction, and take the proceeds and put them toward their programs. They depend heavily on donors like you to keep their programs up and running

What If I Do Not Have a Car To Donate?

Don’t have a car to donate? How about a van or a truck? Kidney Cars is not too picky about its donations. They take trucks, vans, motorcycles, and more. They have had some really unique donations over the years that they took gratefully and turned into funding for their programs.

Any gift in their eyes is an awesome help that is always appreciated. Any donation that helps them stay on track with helping people deal with a kidney disease is never refused. Every gift makes a difference to someone with a kidney disease. They can reach more people, help educate more people, and keep their network strong through donations.

That used construction machinery for sale that has been sitting for a little while, that is also a welcome donation. Kidney Cars takes all types of machinery and motorized vehicles. They very rarely turn away any donation, if ever.

Other vehicles that you can donate include used boats. Here is other motorized equipment you can donate:

• Farm equipment.
• ATV’s.
• Motor cross bikes.

Anything that you have lying around that has a motor is likely a viable donation. You can connect with Kidney Cars if you have any questions about donations.

There are many cars and other motorized vehicles that are just wasting away and taking up space in the United States. About 77% of the people surveyed recently said they thought owning a motor vehicle was very important. Unfortunately, like all things, motorized vehicles and equipment have a shelf life no matter how many auto upgrades you do. Eventually, all cars and other motorized equipment reach the end of their useful life for you, but it can do more good when you donate it instead of letting it sit and musing over the memories.

How Do You Donate Your Car to Kidney Cars?

It is a simple three-step process to donate your car, truck, van, or other motorized equipment and vehicles to Kidney Cars. You can start the process with a phone call to 800.488.CARS (2277) or fill out the form online.

Schedule a pickup time that works with your schedule. Once your donation has been picked up, you will receive your donation verification in about a week. It is that simple to earn great tax credit while helping a really worthwhile foundation out.

You do not even have to be home for the pickup. You simply make arrangements beforehand, and your donation can be picked up whether you are there or not. You do not have to sit around and wait or miss work to donate.

The process is simple, straightforward, and really no hassle for you. Kidney Cars makes it as easy as possible to get rid of that old clunker.

Lost Titles

One of the requirements to donate a car or other vehicle to help someone diagnosed with a kidney disease is that you have a free and clear title. Of course, titles get lost through the years. The National Kidney Foundation has experts on hand that can help you get a replacement title.

A simple phone call can help you get the information that you need to apply for a new title so you can make your donation worry-free. It is easy to donate to Kidney Cars.

What Happens To the Car, Truck, Van Or Other Equipment?

Your donation goes up for auction and is sold off to the highest bidder. Sometimes used car dealerships, in the interest of helping a great organization and shoring up their inventory, will buy cars that are running through the auctions. If the vehicle or equipment is not in running condition, they are sold to recyclers that recycle the vehicle for parts.

In any case, once you donate, Kidney Cars does everything else. You can just enjoy knowing you did some good with a vehicle or equipment that you no longer needed or wanted.

Tax Benefits

What about the tax benefits of donating your car, truck, van, or equipment? According to the IRS website, you can deduce the full amount of the sale. The National Kidney Foundation strives to sell every donation at the highest possible price. You will be provided with a receipt for your tax records that lists the sale price that was received by the foundation.

You can either claim the total sale price of your donation, or you can claim a $500 credit, whichever is greater. So let’s say you donate your old car, and it sells at auction for $150. In that case, you would claim the $500 deduction because $500 is higher than the actual sale price. Let’s say you donate your old used boat, and that brings in $2000 at auction. You would claim the $2000 credit when you file your taxes because that is higher than the $500 standard deduction.

Who knew that giving your unwanted car to an organization that helps so many people could actually put money right back in your pocket? It almost sounds too good to be true, but it is not. Thousands of people every year take advantage of the tax benefits of charitable donations.

Why You Should Donate

Donating your car or another vehicle to Kidney Cars not only helps people that have been diagnosed with a kidney disease, but it delivers other benefits as well. The environment really takes a hit from unwanted cars, trucks, vans, and other motorized equipment.

Donating your motorized vehicle or equipment keeps it from winding up sitting and being a potential danger to the environment. Of course, you also have the benefits of getting rid of the eyesore sitting on your property. Kidney Cars recycles cars and keeps them out of the landfill.

Don’t forget about the potential of that generous tax credit you can earn with a donation to Kidney Cars. Getting that tax credit can lower your tax liability for the year. Your vehicle can help someone with a kidney disease while putting money back in your pocket. Anything that reduces your tax liability reduces the amount of taxes that you owe, which is like earning money.

It feels good to do something good for a worthy organization. Whether you know someone that has been diagnosed with kidney disease or not, there are plenty of people out there that rely on this program for support. Your donation will help this foundation to carry on its important work.

Other Ways to Help

The National Kidney Foundation would love to have your old car, truck, van, and other motorized equipment that you do not want anymore, but if you cannot help that way, there are other ways you can get involved.

You can volunteer, host a fundraiser and become an advocate. Of course, you can always donate cash. This important cause depends on people like you to stay afloat. Volunteering your time can help to make someone that has been diagnosed with a kidney disease easier. Hosting a fundraiser can be a fun way to raise awareness about this debilitating disease and get your community involved with making a difference. Fundraisers are great projects for civic groups, school groups, community organizations, and other groups looking for a way to make a difference together.

Spread the word about kidney disease and share healthy kidney practice with friends and family. You can be a part of the solution for the millions of people in the United States affected by a kidney disease by making people aware of the problem.

You have the power to make a difference when you partner with the National Kidney Foundation as a donor. There are so many benefits to helping out through this organization. Consider donating your car, truck, van, or other motorized equipment, or getting involved in another way.

Have you ever wondered how you know when your car needs repair? Sometimes the need for auto repair can be obvious, such as when the check engine light comes on, while other times it will not be as obvious. Therefore, by paying careful attention to your vehicle’s performance, you can spot when your car needs repair before it turns into major trouble. If you ever notice anything concerning about your vehicle, you can contact your local auto repair shop where they can run diagnostic tests to find out if anything is wrong. They can also offer specialized services like auto glass services in some cases. Here are some of the more subtle signs that your car needs repair.

A Sudden Increase in Exhaust

You should be concerned anytime you notice your vehicle’s emissions suddenly change, especially when there is a sudden increase in exhaust smoke, one of the most common signs of internal engine issues. If you are driving and you notice an excess of smoke coming from the exhaust pipe or if there is a black residue near the exhaust pipe or bumper area, you should get it checked out as soon as possible. Based on the color of the smoke emanating from your exhaust pipe, you can often ascertain what the issue is and the severity. If your car is producing an amount of black exhaust smoke that is more than usual, this is cause for immediate concern.

As a general rule of thumb, black smoke indicates that your automobile is burning too much fuel. This will severely decrease your fuel efficiency and cause numerous different problems with your engine. On the other hand, blue smoke is a sign that there is an oil leak in the engine and it may have even seeped into the combustion chamber. This puts your vehicle at risk of oil starvation which could heavily damage the motor.

Lastly, white smoke means there is a coolant leak in the engine and coolant is being burnt. During the winter months, you may see a little more white smoke than usual when you start your engine. This is completely normal as it is simply a reaction of water vapor in the exhaust system. It should dissipate as the temperature of the engine increases.

In addition, smoke should never come from under the hood. This is generally a sign of the engine overheating which could cause severe damage if you continue driving. If you find yourself in this situation, carefully monitor the temperature gauge. If you are driving your vehicle and the temperature gauge is going up, pull off the road immediately and wait for the engine to cool. If the situation does not improve, get help from the American Automobile Association’s roadside assistance or another service.

A Decrease in Fuel Efficiency

If your vehicle experiences a sudden or gradual decrease in fuel efficiency or miles per gallon, this is a surefire sign your car needs repair. Decreased fuel efficiency will lead to more time and money spent at the gas pump, while a visit to the auto repair shop for a small tune-up will fix this problem indefinitely. Cleaning a sensor, changing an air filter, or replacing a spark plug are a few tune up services the repair shop might perform to repair this issue and get your vehicle’s fuel efficiency back to normal again.

Unusual Sounds

If you hear a strange noise while you are operating your vehicle, especially if it is repetitive, you might want to have it checked out by a service shop since this may be a sign your car needs repair. A whining transmission or a knocking noise coming from the engine are a few common noises that may point to the need for auto repair. Any knocking sound coming from under the hood is likely an indication that your engine bearings are worn down. If your engine is chugging, racing, or shaking, this likely points to a performance problem.

If you are driving and hear a squealing or grinding noise while you apply the brakes, this is cause for serious concern. This is an indication that the brake pads are worn down and grinding against the rotors ask you brake. This is referred to as metal on metal. If your rotors become damaged and your mechanic cannot resurface them, the cost to replace them will be double the price of your usual car brakes repair. A droning or dragging sound coming from the front or back wheel could be a differential or wheel bearing that has gone bad.

Unusual Odors or Fluid Leaking

Strange smells are another top sign your car needs repair. A few of the most common smells you might come across include burning paper, which points to the need for clutch repair, the scent of sweet maple, which indicates that your vehicle is looking coolant, or a gym bag odor, which means there is probably mold in your heating and air conditioning vents.

Other than strange odors, leaking fluids are another sign your vehicle needs urgent repair. There a number of fluids in your car that help lubricate or operate its various systems, which allows your vehicle to run effectively and safely. The most common fluids in your car are motor oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, coolant or radiator fluid, windshield wiper fluid, and power steering fluid. If you notice any of these fluids leaking from their respective locations, contact your auto repair shop right away.

A major leak underneath your vehicle on the space you usually park is also a cause for immediate concern, and a legitimate reason to contact your mechanic. Bright green coolant or dark brown or red engine oil, transmission oil, or brake fluid will all leak near the front of the car. If you use your vehicle’s air conditioner during the warm summer months, water will leak and drip from the front of the car on the passenger side. This is completely normal and no cause for concern.

Top Signs Your Car Needs Repair

Other than these subtle signs that your car needs repair, there are many more obvious signs that you need to visit the auto repair shop. You may even be ignoring these top signs out of fear that the repairs may put you back hundreds of dollars. If you are unsure that your car needs repairs or are putting it off, pay attention to these signs that your vehicle needs attention right away.

Check Engine Light

If your check engine light is flashing, this is usually a significant sign that something could be wrong with any number of the hundreds of mechanical parts that are at work in your vehicle. If your check engine light is merely light up, this is completely normal and not a reason to panic, but you should still have your engine checked sometime in the near future. However, if a red or yellow engine symbol lights up on your dashboard, you should have your engine checked right away. This could point to an issue with the emissions system which will likely damage the catalytic converter if neglected.

Low Oil Light

Reguarly checking your car’s oil level and changing it when necessary is when of the most important car maintenance tasks. As your vehicle gets older, this becomes even more important. An older car will usually leak some amount of oil, which is not a huge cause for concern. If your low oil light comes on, your car has likely already sprung a large leak and the oil level has dropped significantly.

If you find yourself in this situation, it is best to pull over right away and call a tow truck to take your car to a mechanic. However, if you absolutely need to, you could try waiting for your engine to cool off in order to check your oil level and refill it. Then, you can make the drive to your mechanic yourself. Most importantly, do not continue driving when the low oil light comes on. IF you do, you will likely damage the engine significantly which will lead to an expensive repair or even an engine replacement.

High Temperature Gauge

If your vehicle’s temperature gauge has been reading high for a few consecutive days, this likely points to one of three different problems: the engine overheating, the gauge malfunctioning, or your car losing coolant through a leak or evaporation. If your temperature gauge is broken, then you will likely need to replace the coolant temperature switch. Another possibility that might explain your temperature gauge being high is a malfunctioning water pump or a water pump gasket that worn down and allowed a leak. In this case, you could easily replace the water pump yourself or have a professional do it. You can purchase a water pump wherever you can find auto parts for sale.

A Decrease In Performance

If your car has trouble accelerating, there is probably a serious issue that needs to be addressed immediately. If you find it difficult to get over a speed bump, this could signal a decrease in engine performance. Poor engine performance could have a plethora of different root causes, so it is of the utmost importance to have a knowledgeable mechanic diagnose the root problem. With over 639,700 car mechanics in the United States, you should not have a problem finding a trustworthy and experienced mechanic.

If you notice your vehicle’s performance decreasing, such as a difficulty accelerating, this could actually be an issue with the transmission. Other decreases in performance could manifest themselves in your vehicle riding lower than usual or your tires scraping on the wheel arch. These are likely symptoms of a problem with the suspension.

Rough Idling

If your vehicle’s engine seems like it is going give out when it is idling, this is a serious sign your car needs repair. This could be due to a number of different root causes, inkling corroded or dirty spark plugs, a clogged fuel filter, issues with the fuel pump, or old ignition coils.

Frequent Break Downs

Your vehicle will likely need multiple repairs to its engine over the course of its lifespan. This is unavoidable, but if your vehicle begins to break down more often than it should, this likely points to a larger problem. In this case, you may want to invest in a 24 hour towing service. Once an experienced mechanic diagnoses the issue, you will know what is causing your vehicle to break down and you will have an idea of how much it will cost. Your vehicle might just need a minor repair or if you have put it off for a while, it could need major repairs.

A Recent Accident

While it may be obvious, a car accident can result in a litany of mechanical issues and leave you in need of collision repair services, whether it is a fender bender or a serious crash. In many cases, your car will be totaled if it would cost more to repair it than to replace it. Noticeable signs that your car will be totaled include: the car will not start, parts of the car are bent, and leaking fluids.

If your vehicle is not totaled after an accident, you can get away with visiting an auto body paint center or auto glass services to repair your vehicle.

Even if you were not at fault, you will have to deal with the lengthy ordeal of getting it repaired. This involves getting a car insurance quote with an auto insurance agency before getting the repairs done.

This quote will often determine if the insurance company believes whether or not repairs are necessary. Before dealing with an insurance company, check automotive insurance ratings on a reputable website.

Other than mechanical issues, a car accident could result in serious injuries to the driver and passengers in the car. If you find yourself in this scenario, do not hesitate to contact an automobile injury lawyer.

With these tips and top signs your car needs repair, you should be able to determine whether or not your car needs immediate repair, or you can wait until your next inspection. Regardless of what sign tipped you off that your car is not operating correctly, it is crucial to have your vehicle inspected by an auto repair shop if necessary.

Driving on the road takes skill. Winter approaches and some people find themselves at a loss. The weather can cause a lot of changes to your car and it sometimes causes issues to arise. Here are 10 automotive maintenance tips to keep your car safe in the winter so it will keep you safe on the road.

1. Keep your car warm

If you have a garage plan to use it during the winter. Clear out some space for your car to keep it warm. Keeping your car warm offers several benefits to both you and your car.

1. It keeps your oil thin, allowing your car to have a more easy start when you are ready to drive.
2. You can save yourself time by not having to scrape off any ice or snow.
3. You save yourself a trip out in the cold.

Consider your garage for a second. It may be out of date, you need your door fixed, or you need a new garage. There are businesses that offer a garage door service. People will come out and fix your door, see if they can reduce any issues you have with it, or they can install a new one. It is best to have a garage to place your car in, so you will have the benefits listed above when winter comes.

Here is a bonus tip when it comes to garages. The type of flooring you have also matters when it comes to storing your car in the garage. Remember that your preowned SUVs or a new mustang should be on a specific type of flooring. This will help ensure that your tires last as long as possible.

The floor you see in auto sales dealerships tend to be different than the flooring in a home garage. There are contractors available to pave your garage floor or secure it with the necessary sealant. Asphalt paving contractors and concrete paving contractors offer a variety of options and pricing. Take your time when deciding which flooring you want your car to rest on.

No matter the flooring or garage you will thank yourself for putting your car in the garage during winter. It keeps your car safe and it keeps you safe when you drive it.

2. Have a good mechanic

This is one of the most important automotive maintenance tips. In the United States, around 693,700 care mechanics are actively helping car owners. Mechanics can solve problems the right way. They take care of your car so your car takes care of you. Mechanics offer a variety of services that are beneficial at any time of the year. They offer:

1. Oil change or check oil fluid
2. Brake repair
3. Tire Rotations
4. Engine Maintenance
5. Car inspection
6. Dent removal and more

Mechanics tend to get busy during the winter. This is due to so many issues that occur with cars during this time. Cars can stall. Accidents happen. Tire pressure tends to decrease with the cold weather. Mechanics can diagnose what is going on with your car and if it is in good shape or not. Usually, mechanics may recommend you checking in on your car with them every 5,000 miles or so. They can tell you if a car is fixable. They can also tell you if it is best to buy a new car which leads to one of the next automotive maintenance tips.

3. Keep gas in your car

The worst thing that could happen during winter is to run on empty. A general rule of thumb is to at least have a quarter of a tank of gas in your car. If you know you are going to be making a long trip, be sure to fill you up your tank. If you are not planning a long trip, have at least a quarter of gas in your car. In case of emergencies, you will want to have gas so your car will run to keep you warm during winter. Unplanned events happen. Be prepared in case that event happens to you. You will not have to get stalled or wait in the cold weather. A 24 hour towing company could take minutes to hours to arrive to assist you. Gas comes in handy when you least expect it.

4. New car — get coverage and a lawyer on speed dial

If you recently got a new car or are planning on getting one before or during winter, be sure to get coverage. Many automotive maintenance tips may not include this, but it is important to have. Coverage allows you to have the freedom to maintain your car and protect yourself. For instance, accidents happen on the road during winter due to black ice. When this happens, you will want to not step on the breaks, but many people do.

Collisions are more common than not during winter. This in turn allows an increase in demand for lawyers. Car accident lawyer, auto accident attorney, or a personal injury law firm tend to see an increase in need during this time. It is good to have a general recommendation or your own lawyer at your disposal.

Coverage protects you financially. It can protect you against things such as:

• Car accidents
• Weather damage
• Theft
• Animal damage
• Other people

With coverage, you can protect yourself, your car, and you can also protect others. The type of car you have matters. If you have a truck, think about investing in a trucking accident lawyer. Trucks tend to get the short end of the stick when it comes to filing damage claims. The type of car you have matters in terms of coverage.

If you have no coverage and get into an accident, you could end up losing your car, money, and anything that was damaged or lost in your car. This is where having a lawyer on speed dial comes in handy. You will want someone who knows what to do and what to say. Lawyers will fight for you and your personal belongings if an accident occurs. Coverage and lawyers are key in having security. Doing these two things whether you have a new car or not, will be one less worry you have if an accident occurs.

Not only is a car accident lawyer and coverage needed during winter, they are both needed during any season of the year.

5. Upgrade windshield wipers

If you are in a city where it snows or rains every single day you know the importance of having good windshield wipers. The wipers clear your view. They give you a sense of direction. Windshield wipers do need to be replaced throughout the year. If you keep old windshield wipers, they can cause damage to your window. If you notice a squeaking or squealing sound when you turn them on, it may be time to replace them.

Generally speaking, windshield wipers can be bought at a variety of places. Some grocery stores will have them in the car section. You can go to an auto shop. You can also buy them at your dealership where you bought your car.

Windshield wipers are essential throughout the year. If broken replace it as soon as possible. They give your eyes clarity. They provide you with security. This is one of the fastest automotive maintenance tips to fix. These take less than five minutes to replace. Be sure you buy the right kind for your car.

6. Check the oil

If you do not keep your car in the garage, your oil may not thin out. Oil should be check within a certain mileage range. Mechanics can do this, but you can too. This is one other automotive maintenance tips that takes less than five minutes to do. Here’s how:

1. Make sure your engine is off, and let your car cool down a bit.
2. Pop the hood of your car.
3. Stabilize the hood of your car.
4. Find the dipstick. This usually has a yellow ring and is on top of your oil tank.
5. Pull the dipstick out of the hole.
6. Wipe it down all the way and put it back in the hole.
7. Pull the dipstick out again and see where the oil falls on the dipstick.

You should be able to see if the oil level is low, full, or in between. If it is low, it is time to add or change your oil. If you are unsure of how to add oil or if it needs to change entirely, seek out help from a trustful mechanic. Oil is something you can check on month to month. Week to week. However often you would like as long as you are consistent with it.

7. Check your tire pressure

Tires are the feet of your car. They are what pushes you to your destination. Most cars now have a tire light. When this light turns on it is signaling to you that one or several of your tires is low or it needs to be changed.

With ice on the roads your car can come across black ice. Black ice is dangerous and can damage your tires and brakes if you skid on it. Ice is not the only thing that can damage your tires.

Temperature outside impacts your tires without you knowing. When the weather gets cooler, your tire pressure decreases. If you feel that you are sitting lower in your car, but have not moved your seat, check your tires. Keeping your tires in shape could prevent an accident from occurring.

If you are unsure if your tire pressure is decreasing, there are auto shops that offer courteous tire pressure checks. This takes around five minutes or less depending on how much air your tire needs. You can always pump air into your tires if you have a tire air pump.

Remember that these automotive maintenance tips for the winter are to get your car in shape for the roads you will travel. You want stable tires with good air pressure to keep your car running.

8. Get chains for your tires

Cities use safety measures for the road. If you live in a state where it tends to ice rather than snow a lot, roads may be sanded down. If you live in a state where it snows a lot, you may have noticed in the winter that cars have chains around their tires. These chains help their tires not accumulate a numerous amount of snow. Investing in chains something many overlook when it comes to automotive maintenance tips. Chains can be bought at a major grocery store, auto shop, or online. Make sure you get the chains that are going to best fit your car.

9. Have cables and check your battery

Jumper cables come in handy when you are stalled. Your battery may die on you unexpectedly. Ensuring you have a good battery and cables are automotive maintenance tips that should be placed on a high priority for you. If someone else stalls, you can help them jumpstart their battery if you have cables.

You can check your battery by taking it to an auto shop, or you can do it yourself with a voltmeter. Here’s how:

1. Turn off your vehicle entirely–including lights.
2. Connect the positive side of your battery with the positive side of the voltmeter.
3. Repeat this with connecting the negative sides of your battery with the negative side of the voltmeter.
4. Look at the reading on your voltmeter to see if your battery is good.
5. Carefully disconnect each negative side first.
6. Safely clean each terminal connection.

Generally, if you have a good battery the voltmeter will indicate this with anything above 12.4v volts. If it falls below that number, take your car into a trusted mechanic to get the battery looked at.

10. Invest in an ice scraper (and safety box)

Lastly, this is a simple tip compared to the previous automotive maintenance tips. Ice scrapers can be bought online, at auto shops, or in a variety of stores. You will not want to use your windshield wipers to scrape off ice. Preserve your wipers. Use an ice scraper instead.

If you do not keep your car in a garage, or if you are at work and it is snowing, the fastest way to get snow or ice off is with an ice-scraper. Use these without exerting too much force to protect your windows. This is a great tool to have.

Along with this, it is better to be safe than sorry. You will want to invest in a mini safety box consisting of a:

1. Small first aid kit
2. One or two water bottles
3. Flashlight
4. Towel
5. Whistle

You can add more if you want, but these will come in handy. If you get stranded where there is no heavy traffic, a whistle could let people know where you are. A flashlight can be used when your fuses go out in your car or if you are stranded at night. The towel and water bottles keep you warm and hydrated. The first aid kit will have band-aids, ointment, and more to help any wounds you may have.

The ice scraper can also come in handy with the safety box to keep your windows clear for a view of cars that could help you when stranded.

These 10 automotive maintenance tips will help you in any season, especially in the winter. After all, taking care of your car will help ensure that you only need the help of a personal injury law firm in the result of an emergency. You won’t get into an accident because of your car’s quality. These automotive maintenance tips help you travel. They lead you. Keep yourself safe. Keep your car safe.

Even if you consider yourself to be the best driver you know, there’s always the potential for something to happen on the road, and often without warning.

It’s estimated that rear collisions happen on roads in the United States every eight seconds, so there’s always a high potential for a car accident. As if that wasn’t enough, there are unexpected breakdowns, bad weather, car-animal collisions, and numerous other reasons why people might be in need of car repairs.

Regardless of what kind of work you need done, you’re probably wondering how to get your car fixed, so you can get back on the road as quickly as possible.

If you are wondering how to get your car fixed, the good news is you have plenty of options at your disposal, whether you want to have someone else fix it or you want to do the repairs yourself.

Finding A Good Mechanic

Let’s face it: there are plenty of car repairs out there that require the hands and experience of an expert. The good news is that there are more than 600,000 car mechanics in the United States, so you’ve got thousands of options for finding the right place to take care of your car.

But finding the right auto body shop can take some time and knowing what to look for can help you find a place that will address your immediate needs as well as any future issues you may encounter. They’ve got access to tools such as compressors, welders and other high-end equipment, not to mention their years of experience.

Ask Lots Of Questions

You may think that finding a good auto repair shop is as simple as walking into one of your local places, telling them your problem, and having them fix it. Sometimes it really can be that simple, especially if you need a simple repair done. But let’s say your car needs more extensive work. Let’s say your serpentine belt has broken and you need a steering repair to fix your car’s power steering.

When that happens, you need to ask questions. If you know next to nothing about cars, you need to ask questions and then ask more questions. Why? You need to know exactly what’s being done to your car and what needs to be fixed. Even if you’re in the dark about the finer points of car repair, you don’t just want to take someone’s word for it. You need to ask if a particular auto repair shop offers written warranties, and what kinds of other services they may offer.

Get Estimates

Even as you’re wondering how to get your car fixed, you need to stay sharp and make sure you don’t get taken advantage of. A good mechanic or auto shop will be open and honest with you about any car repairs you need and how much it will cost to fix those issues. Some kinds of car repairs are going to cost more than others, but before you have any work done, you need to get estimates. You need to know what’s being done and what it’s going to cost so you’re not blindsided by what might seem like a simple repair.

Think About Location

As you try and figure out how to get your car fixed, you’re going to be thinking about who’s going to fix your car. But you also need to think about where your car is getting repaired. If you know even a little bit about car repair, then you know that a lot of the money you pay is tied to labor costs.

Depending on where you live, that might mean that you’re forking over quite a bit of money in labor costs alone. Most repair shops have guides that determine the approximate time and cost of various repairs and some shops can charge more if they have a higher overhead. Going to a specialist for something like transmission repair can be very beneficial since a transmission gives your car the power to move. But if that specialist is out of your immediate area, you may end up paying a little more in overall costs.

Ask For Recommendations

These days, people get recommendations for just about anything: places to visit for vacation, places to eat, places to get a haircut, and even which babysitters to watch their kids. Why not apply the same kind of detective work when it comes to finding out how to get your car fixed?

If you’ve got a friend who swears by a particular mechanic, take that recommendation to the bank. The place your friend recommends may not be a chain shop or in the biggest building, but at the end of the day you need your car fixed by experienced hands who know how to handle any problem.

Trust Your Instincts

There’s no doubt that they are hundreds of mechanics that can fix complex issues like wheel alignment in any car. But when it comes to finding the right place for you and your car, you might be best going with your gut. If you get an uneasy feeling about a place or feel that a place is gouging you for all it can get, you might be better off elsewhere. It’s true, you need your car repaired and you want to get back on the road, but it’s your money that you’re spending, so be confident in your choice of a shop before you write a check or swipe your credit card.

Make Sure You Have Insurance

Car accidents happen suddenly and a lot more frequently than all of us would like. If you’ve been involved in a car accident, one of the first things you’re probably going to think about is how to get your car fixed.

As you’re thinking about that, you’re going to need to find a repair shop. This is why it pays to have a solid accident insurance policy. Most insurance companies provide coverage for you in the event of an accident, which means all you’ll have to pay is a deductible—usually around $500. Without insurance, you’ll be on the hook for some hefty car repairs. Even simple repairs like replacing a mirror can be as much as $100. With a good auto insurance policy, you’ll have your car fixed up at an affordable price.

Fix Your Car Yourself

There’s no doubt that auto repair shops across the United States do lots of good work to get Americans back on the road quickly. But if consider yourself to be mechanically inclined, another solution for how to get your car fixed is to make repairs yourself.

Why You Need To Fix Your Car

You might think that fixing your car yourself is impossible, but with a little know-how, you can do it and there are good reasons why you need your car fixed:

• You’ll stay safe
• You’ll save money
• You’ll get better overall performance from your car
• You’ll increase your car’s value

Fixing Your Car At Home

As you’ve read, dozens of different car repairs can be made and some of them are too complex to do at home. But there are a great many repairs you can make at home, which will enhance your knowledge of your car, save you some money, and allow you to feel a great sense of accomplishment.

Changing Your Car’s Oil

One of the most popular reasons anyone visits a dealership or an auto repair shop is to get an oil change. But if you’ve got the right materials and a little patience, you can change your oil right in your driveway.

You’ve likely heard recommendations about how often you need to change the oil in your car; probably something in the neighborhood of every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. If you’re going to change your oil, here’s what you’ll need to do.

• Make sure your car is in park
• Make sure the engine is off
• Go underneath your car and find the oil pan
• Once that’s been located, unscrew the drain plug and let the oil drain into a pan
• Once the oil has finished draining, put the drain plug back in.
• Locate and replace your oil filter
• Add new oil to your engine and ensure it’s at the right level by checking the dipstick

It’s important to note that if you’re unsure what materials you’ll need—oil and oil filters specifically—visit a local auto parts store. The employees there should be able to give you exactly what you’re looking for based on the type of vehicle you have.

Changing A Car Battery

If the oil is a car’s blood, then the battery is the heart and every so often, you need to care for the hard. The last place you want to find yourself is stuck on the side of the road because your car battery is dead.

If you’re going to replace your car battery, you need to remove the battery terminals and clean them up. You can find all kinds of home remedies online, but some common ones are Coca-Cola or a mixture of baking soda and water. Once the terminals are removed, you can remove the battery and replace it with a new one before attaching the clean terminals, which will help generate more electricity for your car.

Applying Touch-Up Paint

When you think of all the options for how to get your car fixed, you probably think of under the hood repairs and major reconstruction in the event of an accident. But for many car owners, there’s nothing worse than nicks, dents, and scratches. Some estimates have shown that more than half of all reported car damage involves scratched paint.

If it’s applied right, touch-up paint can help your scratches disappear, so you can do some quick auto paint repair at home.

Once you find the right color paint (and it can sometimes be tricky), you’ll need to:

• Wash your car
• Check for any rust spots
• Apply grease remover and wax
• Sand around the area where a scratch is—usually with 220-grit sandpaper
• Wash your car again and make sure it’s dry
• Use rust arrestor and primer in the spot you’re going to paint
• Apply the paint in the needed area in at least two to three layers

Fix Your Driveway

When you think about how to get your car fixed, you may not immediately think about your driveway. But cracks in the pavement and uneven areas can be potentially hazardous spots for your car to be.

Thankfully, you can visit your local home improvement store and get everything you need, even materials for commercial paving. Assuming you have a concrete driveway, you can pick up some concrete fillers, mixers, and resurfacers to make your driveway look good as new. This way you won’t have to deal with an unsightly driveway or risk something happening to your car.

Train Yourself Up

One of the great things about thinking about how to get your car fixed and DIY auto repairs is that there’s so much you can learn. If you’re going to repair rust and cracks in an aging vehicle, for example, you can welding courses so that those areas become easy fixes. Many people view them as too time-consuming, but they’re not that hard to fix.

You can get a welder for as little as $150 at a home improvement store and because there are different types of welding, it may be best to ask which kind you need. If you’re totally new to welding, many places do offer classes in different types of home improvement, so you can get the materials and the knowledge you need all in one spot.

It’s All Up To You

As you think about how to get your car fixed, know that you have a plethora of options. By visiting a local auto repair shop, you’ll gain a better understanding of what’s wrong with your car and what needs to be done to fix it. While you might end up paying a lot or a little to have it fixed, it will be done by folks who know what they’re doing.

On the other hand, there are many car repairs you can do right in the comfort of your own garage or driveway. By learning basic skills such as how to change a battery, changing your oil, and even fixing scratches, you’ll feel accomplished and gain hands-on experience that will serve you well for many years to come.