3 Things You Should NEVER Do When a Car Engine Overheats

An overheating car could be caused by a variety of reasons.  It could be a broken radiator, a kinked radiator hose, a faulty thermostat, and maybe even a lack of coolant.  There are many more reasons as well.  No matter what the cause, if you are ever in a similar situation, there are three major things you should never do while your car is still hot or overheating.

24 Hour Roadside Assistance & Towing
24 Hour Roadside Assistance & Towing 317-247-8484

❶ NEVER Continue Driving

When you first notice that your vehicle is overheating, it is crucial to pull over and stop the car immediately.  An overheating car should never be driven.  This can be very dangerous.  Wait until your car is entirely cooled down before starting the engine again.

❷ Never Check Radiator Fluid

Checking your fluid levels in your radiator when the car is overheating is simply asking for trouble.  It can be extremely dangerous.  There is a lot of pressure built up beneath the radiator cap.  Boiling hot fluids and steam can shoot out at high speeds, potentially burning and injuring anyone in its path.  Determine whether or not you are on an inline for accurate fluid readings.  If the car is not level, the fluids cannot be level.

❸ Never Use Cold Water

When a car’s engine has overheated, do not put cold water in the vehicle.  Not only can this damage the engine block and cause it to crack, it can lead to other severe auto damages and costly repairs.  Let a car cool down completely, as mentioned earlier, before tending to an overheated engine.

Causes for Overheating Engine

The most common reason a car overheats is because it is out of coolant! If you use the improper coolant concentration in your vehicle, you can definitely expect it to overheat at some point. It is important to have the proper water-to-coolant ratio for proper cooling operation. Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual to learn the proper coolant concentration recommended for your make and model car or truck. If you don’t have your owners’ manual, look online for a replacement copy. You can download one for free by visiting your vehicle’s manufacturer website.

What You SHOULD DO

First and foremost, always be sure to let the engine cool down completely before opening the hood. Now, since the most common reason a car overheats is because it is out of coolant, always keep a bottle of radiator fluid in your trunk so that you can be prepared in the case of an emergency. If you are stuck on the side of the road with no one to call for help, contact a local 24 hour roadside assistance tow truck for help.

24 Hour Roadside Assistance in Indianapolis

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for 24 hour roadside assistance and towing services in Indianapolis and throughout Central Indiana. Our friendly staff is waiting by the phones, ready to help you get back on the road, safe and sound. We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, so you can always count on us. Request a free estimate, today.

Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484

What You Need to Know About State Trailer Laws

If you have a trailer that you use to tow a boat, it is very important to stay fully informed of the local and state laws governing towing trailers at all times. Not only do these ordinances have a tendency to change without notice, leaving you in the dark on what’s acceptable practice and what’s not, if neglected, such laws also can pose several legal penalties and repercussions. It is also important to remember that these laws are also meant to protect you and other drivers on the road, as well as your towed assets.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about Indiana trailer laws, including what to do when you need emergency trailer tow truck assistance.

Indiana Roadside Assistance & Towing
Indiana Roadside Assistance & Towing 317-247-8484

Trailer Widths and Wide-Load Permits

All states have a limit on boat trailer widths, but not all require a wide-load permit. Most states maintain the rule that if your trailer is less than 102 inches (8’6”) wide, a driver is not obligated under law to obtain a wide-load permit. On the other hand, there are a few states that do require a wide-load permit, regardless of whether or not a trailer meets these set limits. If a trailer is larger than these measurements, or has a wider beam than what is allowed in a particular state, a wide-load permit is required.

Here in Indiana, drivers must have a wide-load permit if their trailer exceeds 102 inches in width. When it comes to linking cargoes, the maximum length of 2 or more vehicles, including any cargo, is 60 feet. The maximum length for 3 or more vehicles including cargo is 65 feet. The maximum load size in length is 3 feet past the front and 4 feet past the rear. 

Interstate Travel and Wide-Load Permits

Although Indiana has their rules on boat trailer width restrictions, they may not match up with all the other states. For instance, in New York, the limit is 96 inches, compared to Indiana’s 102 inch rule. So if you are planning on taking a long-distance road trip with your boat trailer, be sure you have a wide-load permit for each state that you intend on passing though. You will need a separate permit for each state. If you fail to do this, you may be stopped by law enforcement and forced to change your trailer setup to adhere to each state law.

Indiana Trailer Dimension Laws:

Total Length – 65 feet
Trailer Length – 40 feet
Trailer Width – 102 inches
Trailer Height – 13 feet 6 inches

Trailer Brakes and Weight

The laws governing trailer brakes and weight vary from state to state. So again, if you plan on traveling through several states, you must be familiar with each state’s laws regarding these trailer systems. For instance, in Kentucky, boat trailer brakes are not required by law, but the trailer must be able to come to a complete stop within 40 feet on a level surface. In North Dakota, boat trailer brakes are not required by law unless the boat trailer does not have safety brakes. Here in Indiana, a boat trailer that weighs at least 3 tons must be equipped with brakes.

Indiana Trailer Hitch and Signal Laws

Here in Indiana, it is required by law for all trailers to be equipped with double safety chains. As for trailer lighting laws, a trailer has to have at least 1 rear-mounted red taillight that is clearly visible from up to 500 feet away. Furthermore, trailers must also have 2 or more rear-mounted white taillights that are mounted between 20 inches and 72 inches from the ground. These lights must be clearly visible from a distance of 50 feet and correctly wired so the headlights illuminate simultaneously with them.

⚠ This is not a comprehensive list of the United States Trailer Laws and Regulations. To learn more about Indiana state trailer laws and regulations, see Indiana Code Title 9. Motor Vehicles § 9-20-9-8.

Questions About Towing and Trailers?

Call Zore’s Inc. at 317-247-8484 for friendly 24 hour towing assistance and advice in Central Indiana. We open a family-owned and operated business for 90 years, so you can trust us for prompt and professional service. We are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year, so our certified tow truck operators can be there for you anytime, any day! Request free estimates, anytime.

Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484

Long Distance Driving Tips for Summer

If you have a summer road trip planned, be sure you are prepared to take on the road, safely and efficiently. Continue reading to learn the top tips for driving long distances.

24 Hour Towing and Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484
24 Hour Towing and Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484

Road Trip Safety

Long distance driving can come with many risks and dangers. This is especially true since you cannot trust what other drivers around you do on the road. With this in mind, it is wise to review how you can be a safer, better driver when crossing the state borders with friends and family. Whether you are loading up the family for a road trips to the beach, or getting ready for a cross-country visit to Grandma’s house, there are many things you can do to make the drive safer and more convenient, for yourself and your passengers.

Here are some of the most recommended long distance driving tips to consider when planning your summer road trip:

🚗 Diagnostics and Maintenance

Before taking any road trip that requires long distance driving, your first priority is to ensure your vehicle is up for the job. Have your mechanic inspect and service your ride before hitting the road. You do not want to find yourself on the side of the road with an overheating engine or in a storm with broken windshield wipers.

📲 Cartography Basics

It is helpful to both your time and patience to map out your route ahead of time. It also helps to map out secondary routes in case you run into road construction, backups, and perhaps some attractions you want to stop and see. Be sure to download your route on Google maps on your smart phone in case you find yourself without any WIFI or reception. This way, you have your map at all times.

💽 Entertainment

When you set out on a long-distance road trip, there is not much entertainment you can provide yourself as the driver; after all, your priority is the road. However, there are still things you can do to make the trip more comfortable and convenient, and therefore, more efficient. Include coolers with snacks and drinks, music, blankets, pillows, phone and tablet chargers, and a comfortable seat cushion. Also, be sure you have a medical kit and a roadside emergency kit on hand.

Additional Tips:

⛿ Map out gas stations and schedule stops so you never run out of fuel.

⛿ Map out rest stops and take breaks along the way.

⛿ Avoid driving long distances alone.

MOST IMPORTANTLY: Never drive fatigued or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Long Distance Towing and 24 Hour Roadside Assistance

If you find yourself in a jam while on your road trip, trust Zore’s Towing for help anytime! Call us at 317-247-8484 for prompt, 24 hour towing and roadside assistance in Indianapolis and throughout Central Indiana. Our licensed towing and recovery division retains an extensive fleet of over 35 tow trucks and wrecker equipment, allowing us to assist drivers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, rain, snow, or ice. Request a free estimate, anytime.

Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484