Monday, April 19, 2010

Good News Garage NH "Green" Car Tips

Good News Garage loves red, blue, black, yellow and even multi-colored cars, but our favorite cars are “green!” When you think and drive “green,” you take better care of your car. Proper maintenance and sensible driving will prolong the life of your car and help the environment too. When it’s time for a change, think “green” again and recycle your car through Good New Garage — donate a car to Good News Garage NH and change someone’s life.

Good News Garage’s Top Ten “Green” Car Tips

Keep your car’s engine running at peak performance by getting regular engine tune-ups. A well-tuned engine has more power, uses less fuel and develops less engine wear than a poorly-tuned engine. A misfiring spark plug can reduce fuel efficiency as much as 30 percent.

Have your car’s air conditioner serviced by a technician certified to handle and recycle refrigerants. Improperly handled refrigerants can release ozone-depleting chemicals into the environment.

Purchase extended-life antifreeze. Most extended-life coolants do not contain conventional antifreeze which can be abrasive to water pump seals.

Take used or damaged car batteries to auto stores that stock or repair lead-acid batteries and properly dispose of engine fluids and tires. A single quart of used motor oil can pollute thousands of gallons of water. Antifreeze poured on the ground can poison wildlife or pets.

Improve gas mileage by removing roof-top luggage carriers which increase air drag and decrease fuel-efficiency; use cruise control when practical, and remove unnecessary items from your vehicle which can add weight.

Avoid driving with a lead foot. Fast starts and heavy braking increase gas consumption and put extra wear and tear on your vehicle’s mechanical systems.

Keep your tires property inflated and aligned and you can improve your gas mileage by more than 3 percent. Properly inflated tires are safer and last longer. Misaligned or unbalanced tires will cause uneven wear and tear.

Return used tires to retailers or wholesalers that recycle or retread them. If they still have some life left in them, Good News Garage will gladly accept donations of tires and other car-related items such as unused antifreeze, oil, window cleaner, car mats and jumper cables.

Replace your car’s filters and fluids as recommended in the owner’s manual. You can improve your gas mileage by up to 2 percent by using the manufacturer’s recommended grade of motor oil.

Good News Garage is the ultimate recycling solution for cars, vans, trucks, mopeds, RVs and even boats! Every car that Good News Garage provides has been donated and every car donation qualifies for a tax deduction ranging from $500 to the vehicle’s fair market value — an amount that can be significantly greater than a dealer trade-in. Good News Garage will pick up or tow your donated car, van or truck free of charge.

Since 1996, Good News Garage has accepted, repaired and “recycled” more than 3,500 donated cars by providing them to qualified families in need. For more information about Good News Garage NH or to donate a car, visit on-line: http://www.GoodNewsGarage.org/ or call toll-free: 877.448.3288. Good News Garage: Donate a car…Change a life!

Friday, April 16, 2010

Earth Day is April 22!

Take a minute on Earth Day to review these money-saving pollution-reducing tips from your friends at Good News Garage.

Donate a car...Change a life!

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Good News Garage NH attends Spring into Healthy Living Fair

This Saturday, April 17th, Good News Garage NH will be participating in the Spring into Healthy Living Fair at the Concord Co-op (24 South Main Street, Concord, NH). Join us - rain or shine - under the big top tent for this fun event! Good News Garage NH staff will be on-hand to discuss the tax benefits of donating cars to Good News Garage New Hampshire. We will also have Good News Garage goodies for everyone and of course, you can try out Road Hazard Ring Toss! Because of our "Donate a Car...Change a Life" program, Good News Garage NH has been selected as the October 2010 Concord Co-op Community Partner. Look for more details in the fall regarding this honor and how you can support Good News Garage NH.

Monday, April 12, 2010

Good News Garage NH Car Donation Day Fast Approaching!


The countdown has begun! Only three day until Good News Garage NH's Car Donation Day! On April 15th - TAX DAY - Good News Garage NH is sponsoring a Car Donation Day to recognize the tax benefits of donating cars, vans and trucks to Good News Garage. The Good News Garage NH office (located at 325 Merrill Street, Manchester, NH) will be open from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm to accept your car donations. Don't have a car to donate? We will also accept the following donated car care items: flashlights, jumper cables, anti-freeze, first-aid kits, tire gauges, kleenex, ice scrapers, travel umbrellas and window cleaner. Everyone is encouraged to stop by the Good News Garage NH office, enjoy some homebaked goodies and pick up a complimentary Good News Garage NH flashlight keychain. For more information regarding the Good News Garage New Hampshire Car Donation Day, call: 603-669-6937. Want more details on the tax advantages of donating cars to Good News Garage NH? Check out this informative GNG website page: http://www.goodnewsgarage.org/Tax-Advantages.aspx

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Vermont Women's Expo in South Burlington

 Dave, Carmen and Ann at the Vermont Women's Expo
This is the second year we have had a booth at the Vermont Women's Expo. It was again a fantastic event with lots of great vendors. We highly recommend it. 

The volunteers and I had the chance to tell people that Good News Garage Vermont accepts any age car, truck, or van donation in Vermont. We also shared our goal, to help those in need of affordable reliable transportation. It was wonderful to have so many kind words shared with us. I love that Vermonters understand the importance of our program and care about others in need