when to tow your car

When your car isn't running quite right, there are times in which it should be towed. Many drivers think that since the car still runs that it is safe to at least drive it to the mechanic's shop. One example of when you shouldn't drive your car, even when it runs, is when the air conditioning compressor goes bad. Your car may run fine for a few miles, but the system can seize and cause a whole lot more damage to the vehicle. This blog will provide you with more examples of when to tow your car and tips on finding a tow service to use.

Tips To Help You Identify Metal To Maximize Scrap Yard Pay Outs

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Scrap metal can actually provide you with a very nice payout. This is especially true if you know what metals you are taking in and take the time to organize and prepare them for recycling. Here, you'll learn a little about how to identify the scrap metal in your piles so that you can get the most money for your haul.

Aluminum

Aluminum is fairly easy to identify in most cases. It is very lightweight, doesn't rust, and a magnet will not stick to it. When you chip the metal, it will have jagged, saw-like edges.

Stainless Steel and Iron

These are both heavy metals. Iron and stainless steel will not rust, and a magnet will stick to them.

Brass

Brass has reddish and yellowish tones. Brass isn't often found for recycling, and magnets will not stick to it.

Copper

Copper is the color of a penny. The reddish-brown color can change to a greenish color once it oxidizes from exposure to the elements. Magnets will not stick to copper. There are three categories of copper: 

  • #1 Clean Copper
  • #2 Painted Copper
  • #3 Copper Sheeting

Lead

Lead is a soft metal that is typically gray. This is a toxic metal and must be handled with care. Magnets will not stick to lead.

Tungsten Carbide

This is an amazingly heavy gray colored metal. Just a handful of carbide can weigh more than a pound. Magnets will not stick to carbide.

Magnet Test

Listed above, you've read the results of performing a magnet test on the metals that you find. Know that while performing a magnet test on painted metal, the magnet may not stick even if it should. You may need to scrap some of the paint off to get a correct result.

Spark Test

A spark test can also be performed on the metal to determine what type of metal it is. Different metals will produce different types of sparks. To do this, you'll need a hand-held grinder, heavy duty gloves and a pair of safety goggles. You should be wearing clothing that fits snugly so that you don't have loose fabric hanging that could catch fire when the sparks fly.

If the metal is large, you can lay it on the ground. If it is small, you can put it in a vice to hold it secure. Now, use the grinder and watch the sparks. Refer to a spark characteristics sheet to determine what the sparks are telling you.

Once you've organized and identified your scrap metal, make a trip and claim your cash. Your work will pay off in the end. For more information, contact a company like TNT Auto Salvage.

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4 May 2018