CASH for 4WDs: Why You Need to Sell Old & Junk 4WDs

Four-wheel drive vehicles have 3 types: full-time (always), part-time (sometimes 4×2), and automatic (the vehicle decides if 4×4 or 4×2 is needed). The gearing options found in 4WD cars help you deal with different kinds of situations, especially while driving off-road. They are effective in helping you avoid sliding and spinning. They are extremely useful whenever you are driving on sand, snow or ice, rocky gravel roads, muddy areas, wet and slippery roads, steep hills, gullies, and more.

Besides the fact that they are perfect to use in places with extreme weather conditions, they are also often used for sports and business because of its maximum power, traction, and durability.
As strong and powerful as they are, like all cars, there will come a time when you’ll have no other choice but to let it go. So how will you be sure that now is that time?

Total Car Collections, one of the leading 4WD wreckers in Melbourne, is here to help you realise that it is wiser to sell your old and junk four-wheel drive vehicles now. If your 4WD is showing signs similar to the ones below, then it’s time to let it go.

It is not as powerful and useful as before.

We buy a 4WD because of its strong and unique features. So now if it isn’t as durable in snow, mud, or sand anymore, why hold on to it any longer? The fact that you won’t be able to use it for personal or business reasons anymore, should be the very first reason for you to decide that you need to let go of it already, and move on.

It isn’t safe and cost-efficient anymore.

Because it doesn’t work and run like before, you keep on spending more time and money to fix the parts. Not to mention, buying 4WD parts like gears, transmission, or engine, can definitely put a dent in your wallet. Plus the fact that insuring 4WD vehicles cost a lot more.
Furthermore, if there had been numerous times wherein you and your family (or other people) have used your 4WD and you’ve encountered an accident or experienced a break down, it should be a red flag already. When you and your family’s safety is at stake you need not think twice about disposing of that vehicle.

It takes up too much space in your property.

Let’s face it. 4WD vehicles are usually a lot bigger than other cars. So if you don’t use it as often anymore, all it does is just sit, gather dust, harbor mosquitoes, and rust in your garage. More often, you can’t use your garage for other cars and things anymore. Especially if your 4WD is completely wrecked and not working, you can’t even move it to a more suitable place to stay.

It just makes you sad and stressed.

Gone are those glory days when you are so proud and happy about driving your 4×4 around town. Now, it’s simply not roadworthy. You get stressed whenever you see that old eyesore in your premises. And let’s face it, there had been plenty of times where you keep on fixing it and restoring its old grandeur, but you just end up feeling sad and frustrated because you can’t do anything about it any more.

If all these sound too familiar, maybe it’s about time to finally admit and tell yourself: “I need to sell my 4WD.”
We here at Total Car Collections completely understand your feelings and expectations towards letting go of your old 4WD vehicles. So we are committed to giving you a fast and worry-free vehicle removal experience. We are reputed for providing our customers top cash for 4WDs of all brands, makes, and models. Not only that, we also offer same-day and FREE removal of Scrap 4WD Melbourne. So what are you waiting for? Call us now!

5+1 QUALITIES EVERY CAR MECHANIC MUST HAVE

Unlike the old times, today’s cars are more complex. They are now intricately computerized machines; and so repairing and maintaining it by yourself can actually take a bit more than it should. Well you can be a car enthusiast who loves doing DIY repair projects. But you have to admit, there are just some cases wherein Google, Wikihow, or YouTube won’t cut it anymore. When car problems arise and you lack the time, expertise, and equipment, getting help from a professional is our go-to. So whether you have a compact, luxury, vintage, sports, or family car, finding a good car mechanic is just necessary.

A car mechanic can be your best friend or worst enemy. He can help you keep your baby running for a longer period of time and maximise its resale value or he can make your problems even worse. He can either save you money or make you spend more. So how do you find someone you can entrust your precious car to? How do you know he’s THE ONE?

To help you with that, we have listed the top characteristics that make a great mechanic:

He is knowledgeable.

He should have a complete familiarity of the car parts; regardless of the type, brand, and year model. How will you figure that out? Well the best way to determine whether or not he is really knowledgeable, is by asking him to make clear distinctions of a few parts of your car. (The ones that you also know about.) See if he’s assertively making correct answers, or he’s been beating around the bush and trying to change the topic. If it’s the latter, it is a sign that it’s best to take your car back as your problem might just get worse.

He has certification/s in the automobile industry.

We tend overlook this part because the mechanic was already referred to you by a friend or relative, but that shouldn’t always be the case. What works for someone doesn’t mean it’ll work for you as well. It can be true that when a professional is certified or recognized by some industry, chances are you’d be paying more. But don’t you think that it is worth paying extra if it means your car gets the best treatment?Car certifications like the ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) are proof that your mechanic takes pride in fulfilling continued education. It means that he has integrated skills and he is updated with the latest tools, techniques, and standards in car maintenance. Being certified and licensed to do auto HVAC and electronic repairs is also a plus.

He has keen problem-solving and diagnostic skills.

For people who have little to no knowledge about cars, looking for this quality is but of dire importance. Most of the time, when your car isn’t working properly, the kind of repair your car actually needs won’t immediately be evident. Thus, your car mechanic must be able to quickly identify the source of the problem. He should have complete and updated tools to efficiently find the cause and know exactly what it takes to solve them.  Should he hesitate and take too much time looking for what’s wrong with your car, then he most probably he isn’t the one you need.

He is communicative and customer-service oriented.

Your car mechanic must be someone you can easily talk with. Should he be someone whom friend has recommended, then that just means they are confident of what this pro can do for you. It also shows that he makes effort in taking care of his customers. Moreover, he should be able to clearly and specifically tell you the potential issues of your car. He must be able to translate complex jargons and help you understand everything there is you need to know about the condition of your car.

He is truly concerned about you and your car.

Honesty is essential in every profession; and this is no exception. You should find someone who is deeply committed to helping you. He must have a strong work ethic. He understands perfectly that doing car repairs and upkeep is costly; and so his goal is to fix your current problem, not to give you additional ones. Stay away from those who aim to rip-off their customers by adding more repairs and services instead of just tackling exactly what your car needs. If your mechanic is really concerned about you, he must be obvious in helping you save money. Also, he is courageous and honest enough to tell you once he couldn’t fix your car anymore. He doesn’t want to take that risk of making your car even worse. And he wouldn’t think twice of recommending a better professional who has more chances of helping you out.

ADD: He must have a good memory.

We call this a plus-one on the list because this trait is something you can’t really tell just by going for his services once. Auto mechanics work on lots of different cars and deals with different kinds of clients every single day. So if your mechanic doesn’t remember who you are and isn’t familiar with your car’s history, there’s a great chance that he won’t be able to do well in fixing your car today and for other days to come. Just like in a doctor-patient relationship, he should know everything about your baby – inside and out. He’s a keeper if he shows that he values long-term client relationships.

Conclusion

So whether you’re the type of car owner who solely depends on a professional for your car maintenance or you’re the one who occasionally needs one, looking for all these qualities can definitely be of great help. Prioritizing these can save you more time, money, and effort in the long run. Remember, your ultimate goal is to find a car mechanic whom you know has got your back for years and years to come.

And, if you have a car that needs constant repairs that you think it’s better off to be sold, Contact us. We are Melbourne’s leading car buyers who provide FREE car removal, car wrecking, 4WD wrecking and truck wrecking services. Our services are fast and efficient and you can trust us to give you top cash for cars. Call us at 0457 471 397 today.

When Is It Time to Let Go of Your Old Car?

A car can be of many things to us. It’s primarily a necessity, but it can also be a self-reward, remembrance, status symbol, or even a collector’s item. But we all have to admit that like all things, this won’t last. As much as we want to deny it, there will come a time when you simply have to let your car go.

Getting rid of your old car has most probably popped into your mind for at least once. And be honest, you have been shrugging it off whenever that happens. So let us help you out of that dilemma.

You know that now is THE time, when all these 4 happen to you:

It stresses you out.

There are just too many times when you had to go out or get to work, but you ended up commuting or hitching because your car broke down. Before, you enjoy spending time on DIY repair projects and car upgrades. But now, you’re just tired of doing it almost daily. You often spend time in the garage fixing your car more than riding in it. Googling and watching YouTube video clips on how to fix parts of your car doesn’t seem to cut it anymore. So more often than not, you’d have to get help from your trusty mechanic. It was once your toy or trophy, now it is more of a chore.

It clutters your garage.

Not all many can appreciate old cars; and so you’d have to admit, your car isn’t that roadworthy anymore. That even if you really wanted to, there are just a lot of times when you simply can’t use it like before. Apart from taking up much garage space, keeping an old car in your home keeps your family closer to hazardous materials. It’s all rusted out and may be a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Not to mention the toxic lead from old batteries and used oil, mold in your car seats, and so on.

It no longer serves its purpose.

It is not that convenient anymore. Most of the time it’s broken—you can’t get to work or bring your kids to school on time. You are bothered whenever your family (or even anyone) rides with you in it because it might suddenly break down (again). The heating or AC doesn’t work properly. You think there are more chances of getting in an accident; considering that your car doesn’t have the cool safety features other modern cars have.

It’s costing you more and more.

Your car isn’t cost-efficient anymore. Apart from the time and effort, you allot more money on maintenance and improvement expenses. It consumes more fuel. You pay more for the insurance. You often pay for towing and auto mechanic service fees. You are having a hard time in getting original parts. And after doing some research and computations, your car’s current market value is way less than what you spend (and what you will still be spending in the future) on maintenance costs.

Conclusion

It is wiser to let go of an emotional attachment rather than sacrificing your family’s convenience and safety. And better to give up your status symbol or a part of your car collection to get some peace of mind. Instead of keeping junk with sentimental value, gain and make new memories with your loved ones.

After all these, you’ll know that letting your car go makes absolute sense. Whether you’d decide to sell your vehicle, donate it, or have it removed, you won’t have any regrets. You’ve spent enough time and made enough memories with your old baby. Now bask in the enjoyment of scouting for a new and better automobile.

And if you’re in need of car removal and car wrecking service in Melbourne, contact us today. We’ll be more than happy to assist you.

 

Car Paint Maintenance Tips

Climate and changing weather make it difficult to maintain our car’s paint. It gets harder and harder to make our cars as shiny as they used to be as time pass by. Hot summer, cold winter and even prolonged exposure to the heat of the sun can damage a car’s paint permanently so it’s important that we know simple ways on how we can prevent it from deteriorating.

Why Should I Maintain My Car’s Paint?

There are plenty of reasons why you should. After all, who wouldn’t like riding a car that’s not only shiny on the outside, but also free from rust on the inside? Neglected chips on car’s paint can cause corrosion so we must to do maintenance check on our vehicles to avoid more serious problems. Another reason why you should maintain your car’s paint is, you can get more money for a well-maintained car if ever you decide to sell it. (hyperlink to sell-your-car page)

How Do I Maintain My Car’s Paint?

The tips we have outlined below will specifically tell you how you can keep your car’s exterior looking shiny, clean and well-maintained.

Wash your car often

Washing your car regularly with soap and water will ensure that you wipe bird droppings, dead bugs and road salt off your car. Remember not to spray your car using powerful jet hoses at close proximity because doing so may remove your car’s paint or cause it to peel. If you can, use only soaps that are made for car washing.

Rust proof your vehicle

The best way to protect important components of your car from corrosion is investing on rustproofing. Cars are prone to corrosion so all of the simple things you can do to prevent it will count, especially if you are someone who lives near the ocean where the air is naturally salty. You can also do add auto paint protection film kits to your car by yourself or you can head to an auto-body store to get it done.

Wax your car

You can protect your car’s paint by applying wax once or twice a year. Waxing your car will protect it against scratches and you can easily remove dirt if the car has been waxed. A good-quality car wax will be able to last on the car for several months and a bottle of it costs around $25 to $40.

Don’t Forget to Dry

You must dry your car thoroughly using a cotton rag or chamois to protect its paint. Air drying can cause spots and unevenness in the finish so it must be avoided at all times. Use only soft, high quality cotton rags that don’t leave fibres all over your car. If you use coarser fabric, there’s a risk that you will scratch the paint off your car.

Conclusion

Make your car shiny and looking new by following these steps brought to you by Melbourne’s leading car buyer. It only takes a few hours a week to wash your car and inspect its exterior but the long term benefit of doing so will save you money and will enable you to get maximum re-sale value once you decide to sell your vehicle.

How Often Should You Have Your Car Serviced?

First time car owners always ask how often they should get their car serviced. During the sale, car agents or car sellers would most likely explain this information to car buyers, however, car owners may get too excited about driving their newly purchased car that they tend to forget little details like this. The answer to this question is really simple: it depends on the car manufacturer’s recommendation. 

The car’s logbook or owner’s manual should be able to give a detailed information about when a car should be taken to servicing but as a general rule, you should have your car’s oil changed every six months or after driving 10,000km. It’s also paramount to get your car overhauled once a year to avoid accidents and to ensure that all of its parts are in good condition.

At this day and age, most modern cars have dashboard indicators that alert car owners and remind them that the car is due for an engine oil change, fluid level checks and other services. But for owners of old cars, especially those who don’t have their car’s manuals and booklets with them, it’s recommended that they keep track of all their trips to the mechanic and set aside time to get their cars checked.

Factors that Affect Your Car’s Servicing Period

There are factors that affect the timeframe for the servicing of your car such as:

1. How frequent you drive your car
2. The age of your car
3. The type of fuel you use

Why Should You Have Your Car Serviced Regularly?

Regular servicing not only extends the life of the car and its mechanical components, it also ensures that your car is safe, reliable and roadworthy. The resale value of a well-maintained car is also generally higher compared to cars that haven’t been serviced regularly.

The Cost Of Delaying or Missing Scheduled Car Servicing

You would be paying huge amount of money on repairs once you get involved in an accident just because you have delayed or you have forgotten to get your car serviced. Car accidents also take a huge toll on people involved as they could develop trauma afterwards. In some cases, car accidents result to death.

Conclusion

All cars need professional servicing regardless of how well they are taken cared of by their owners. Only professionals have in depth knowledge of the car’s components and they notice problems faster than people who use the vehicle itself. Remember not to delay the servicing of your car to avoid spending too much money on repair and to avoid accidents.

If you have a car that requires repair most of the time, contact us. We are Melbourne’s leading car buyers offering FREE car removal and top cash for cars. Contact us today at 0457 471 397.