How to Donate a Transmission
- 1). Contact local charities that accept car donations, like Goodwill or Salvation Army, to find out if they will accept auto parts. Although many groups accept only whole, operating cars, a small-scale organization might gladly accept your offer.
- 2). Ask around at schools in your area to find out about families who need help with transportation. You might find a family that needs your particular transmission to repair an existing car or that can buy an inexpensive car and use your transmission to get it running.
- 3). Ask your mechanic to refer you to a family that needs a transmission to get its car running. The mechanic might be so inspired by your generosity that he'll offer to install the transmission for free.
- 4). Post an advertisement in the free section of your newspaper or an Internet classifieds website if you have trouble finding a recipient. You can choose the best candidate among those who respond to your ad.
- 5). Determine the value of your transmission so you can write the donation off as a tax deduction; mechanics and junkyards can help you to calculate the value. Refer to your state's tax laws to determine your tax obligation.
- 6). Make arrangements for the recipient to pick up the transmission, or you can drop it off at their home or specified auto mechanic.