Understanding the Basics: What to Expect from Roadside Assistance Service

In the world of automotive travel, the unexpected can often occur at the most inconvenient times. A flat tire, engine failure, or even a sudden empty gas tank can bring your journey to a sudden halt. In moments like these, a roadside assistance service becomes your knight in shining armor. But what exactly is roadside assistance and what does it entail?

This blog post aims to shed light on the basics of roadside assistance, helping you understand what to expect when you find yourself stranded by the side of the road. So buckle up and let’s dive into the realm of roadside rescue.

Call 317-247-8484 For 24 Hour Emergency Roadside Assistance and Towing in Indianapolis Indiana
Call 317-247-8484 For 24 Hour Emergency Roadside Assistance and Towing in Indianapolis Indiana

What is Roadside Assistance?

Roadside assistance is a service provided to drivers in case of unexpected vehicle breakdowns or roadside emergencies. It is designed to provide immediate help and support, allowing you to safely continue your journey or get your vehicle to a mechanic for repairs. This service is usually offered by automotive clubs, insurance companies, and even car manufacturers as part of their warranty packages.

What Does Roadside Assistance Service Cover?

The coverage of 24 hour roadside assistance can vary depending on the provider and the service package you choose. However, there are some common services that most providers offer, such as:

Towing: In case your vehicle cannot be fixed on-site, roadside assistance will arrange for a tow truck to transport your vehicle to a nearby mechanic or your preferred location.

Flat tire change: If you don’t know how to change a flat tire, don’t worry! Roadside assistance will send someone equipped with the necessary tools and a spare to get you back on the road in no time.

Fuel delivery: Running out of gas can happen to anyone. With roadside assistance, you can call for fuel delivery and get enough gas to reach the nearest gas station.

Battery jump-start: A dead battery is a common occurrence, especially during colder months. Roadside assistance can help by providing a jump-start to get your vehicle running again.

Lockout service: If you accidentally lock yourself out of your car, roadside assistance can send someone to help you regain access to your vehicle.

These are just some of the basic services that are typically covered by roadside assistance. Some providers may also offer additional perks such as discounts on repairs and rentals, trip interruption coverage, and more.

How to Get Roadside Assistance

Many new vehicles come with a complimentary roadside assistance package for a specific period. If your car doesn’t have one, you can purchase standalone roadside assistance plans from various companies throughout the state. It’s always a good idea to research different roadside assistance providers and compare their coverage and prices before making a decision. You can also check if your insurance company offers roadside assistance as an add-on to your existing policy.

When to Use Roadside Assistance

Roadside assistance should be used in case of emergencies or unexpected breakdowns on the road. It is not meant for routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes or tire rotations. If you’re unsure whether your situation requires roadside assistance, it’s best to give them a call and explain the issue. They will be able to advise you on the best course of action.

Conclusion

Having a basic understanding of what roadside assistance is and how it works can come in handy when faced with an unforeseen breakdown on the road. Whether you’re embarking on a long road trip or just running errands around town, having roadside assistance can provide peace of mind and save you from potential headaches. Remember to research different providers and packages and keep their contact information handy in case of emergencies.

We hope this blog post has been helpful in your quest to know more about your roadside emergency assistance options in Indiana. If you need immediate towing service, please contact Zore’s Towing for 24 hour roadside assistance  and tow truck service in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties. We provide towing, recovery, equipment transport, car lockout service, flat tire service, jump starts, refueling, and more!

Related Posts:

Top 10 Essential Tips for Roadside Assistance You Need to Know
Roadside Rescue: How Professional Towing Services Can Help
Put a Roadside Emergency Kit in Your Car

Top 10 Essential Tips for Roadside Assistance You Need to Know

Navigating the open road can be an exhilarating experience, but it’s not without its potential pitfalls. A flat tire, dead battery, or sudden engine failure can quickly turn a smooth road trip into a stressful ordeal. This is where roadside assistance services come into play, serving as a safety net for drivers who find themselves stranded and in need of help.

But how do you make the most out of these services? What should you know to ensure you have the best possible experience with your roadside assistance company? In this blog post, we’ll explore the top 10 essential tips that every driver should know about emergency roadside assistance, to guarantee peace of mind while on the road. Buckle up and let’s get started!

Call 317-247-8484 For 24 Hour Roadside Assistance Service in Indianapolis and Beyond
Call 317-247-8484 For 24 Hour Roadside Assistance Service in Indianapolis and Beyond

Top 10 Roadside Assistance Tips for Emergencies

Always Pack a Roadside Assistance Emergency Kit

Keep a well-stocked roadside emergency kit in your car in case of emergencies. This should include items like jumper cables, flares or reflective triangles, water and snacks, a flashlight with extra batteries, basic tools and supplies for minor repairs, first aid kit, and other essentials that could come in handy if you find yourself stranded on the side of the road.

Get to Know Your Vehicle

Make sure you’re familiar with your vehicle’s features and capabilities, so that when something does go wrong, you can identify and address potential issues quickly and effectively. Pay attention to warning lights or other warning signs from your car that might indicate a problem, and make regular visits to a trusted mechanic to stay ahead of any issues.

Have Your Tires Regularly Checked

Be sure to have your tires checked regularly, as flat tires are the most common cause of road emergencies. Make sure the pressure and tread depth for each tire is within the manufacturer’s specifications, and keep an eye out for signs that you may need a new tire set altogether.

Keep an Updated List of Emergency Contacts

Have a list of emergency contacts close by in case you need to call for help from the side of the road. This should include a local and trusted 24 hour roadside assistance company, any friends or family nearby who can come to your aid, and your auto insurer just in case.

Understand Your Roadside Assistance Policy

Before you set out on the road, take time to understand your roadside assistance policy. What type of coverage do you have? Are there any exclusions or limitations that could affect your experience? Knowing this information ahead of time can help ensure a smoother process should you require assistance while on the road.

Have Your Vehicle Registration and Insurance Information Close By

Keep copies of your vehicle registration and insurance information in a safe place, so you can easily access them when needed. This is especially important if you’re traveling across state lines, as laws may vary from one state to the next.

Look into Membership Programs

Many roadside assistance companies offer membership programs that provide additional services, such as discounts on repairs or alternative transportation while you wait for your car to be fixed. Do some research and compare the various options available to find the best fit for you.

Don’t Forget About Your Cell Phone

It goes without saying that having a cell phone on hand is essential in any emergency situation, as it can provide an invaluable link to help and support when you need it most. Make sure your phone is charged and ready to go when you set off on your journey, as you never know what might happen.

Know When to Call for Roadside Assistance Help

Don’t hesitate to call for help if the situation calls for it, even if it’s a seemingly minor issue. Remember that roadside assistance services in Indianapolis are there to provide peace of mind and added protection while you’re on the road, and there’s no such thing as a ‘stupid’ question.

Be Patient

When your car breaks down, it can be easy to get frustrated or anxious. However, it’s important to remain calm and stay focused on getting help quickly and safely. Roadside assistance companies are there to help, so don’t be afraid to make the call.

Use These Tips for Roadside Assistance

Following these tips can ensure that you have a safe and hassle-free experience with your roadside assistance provider. Through proper preparation and understanding of your coverage, you can set out on the road with confidence knowing that help is just a phone call away should you need it. So, remember to stay aware, pack an emergency kit, understand your policy, and know which towing and roadside service to trust – and you’ll be ready for whatever the road throws at you.

Keep in mind that car issues occur for everyone, so there’s no need to stress. If you find yourself in a roadside emergency situation, simply contact Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for 24 hour roadside assistance services in Indianapolis, and its surrounding areas. We serve over 30 central Indiana counties, 24 hours a day and 365 days a year.

Related Posts:

What to Do When You Need Emergency Towing on the Road
A Guide to Roadside Assistance: What You Should Know
How to Charge a Dead Car Battery Using Jumper Cables

Can I Hotwire My Car If I Lose My Keys?

So, you can’t find your car keys and now you are stuck? Well, if you are thinking about hotwiring your car, you should think again because it is nothing like it’s depicted in the movies. Most of the time, it isn’t even possible to hotwire a vehicle, and in the rare cases that it is, it’s still not a good idea. If you have just lost your car keys, don’t panic. You have viable options.

Continue below to learn more about hotwiring a car, including when it might be possible, which cars cannot be hot wired, and some better alternatives to hot-wiring.

Indiana Roadside Assistance Service 317-247-8484
Indiana Roadside Assistance Service 317-247-8484

Hotwiring an Older Car May Be Possible

Hotwiring a car basically involves bypassing the ignition lock cylinder, which is the part you put the key into to start the car. Ignition lock cylinders have evolved drastically in recent years, incorporating built-in immobilizer technology that makes it virtually impossible to hot wire the vehicle. For this reason, it is much easier to hotwire an older model vehicle, such as those manufactured before the ‘90’s, because they are equipped with a simpler, less advanced ignition lock cylinder. Even so, it still may not be possible to hot wire them.

Hot-Wiring a Modern Car is Not Likely Possible

Although modern model vehicles are designed with built-in immobilizers, it may be possible to hot wire them, but the task would be extremely complicated and pose the risk of damaging the car. Vehicles that use key fobs, remote-less entry, or automatic push start buttons cannot be hot-wired at all because they essentially work like a computer system. Unless you know how to hack the system, either by purchasing a device that will 1) locate your car’s key fob RFID signal and boost it, which makes the car think the fob is nearby, or 2) send a “ping” to your key fob and divert or duplicate your password. By the way, car thieves are figuring out how to do this so be careful.

What You Should Do If You Lose Your Car Keys

There are much better ways to solve your lost car key problem. Hotwiring your car will come with lasting consequences, not to mention some major auto repair. Instead, trust your local Indianapolis roadside assistance company for help. They operate 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, plus retain the proper resources to safely tow your car to your desired destination. If you lock your keys inside your vehicles, they can retrieve them for you too! Once your car is somewhere safe, contact the local dealership to order a new set of car keys. Or just keep looking until you find them!

Are you wondering where you can get cheap and fast tow truck service or roadside assistance in Indiana? Contact Zore’s Towing for 24 hour roadside assistance in Indianapolis and its surrounding areas. We serve all of Central Indiana with fluid refills, jump starts, car lockout service, flat tire service, fuel delivery, towing, and more!

Related Posts:

What to Do if You Just Locked Your Keys in the Car
What To Do If You Run Out of Gas Near Indianapolis
DIY Roadside Assistance Tools to Always Have in Your Car

Should I Install a Transmission Cooler to Tow a Trailer With My Car?

If you are new to the world of trailer towing, you are already on the right track. Research and preparation are critical parts to towing safety. In order to tow your trailer, you need to fully understand the parts, process, laws, and safety regulations involved. On your way to learning how to tow, you have probably already gathered most of your towing parts, including your hitch receiver, ball mount, hitch ball, pin and clips, safety chains, and more.

But if you plan on using an automatic transmission vehicle to tow your trailer, there is another towing accessory that should never be overlooked, and that is an aftermarket transmission cooler. This is especially important this time of year when seasons are warming up.

Continue reading to learn what a transmission cooler is and what it does, and better understand their importance.

24 Hour Towing Roadside Assistance Indianapolis Indiana 317-247-8484
24 Hour Towing Roadside Assistance Indianapolis Indiana 317-247-8484

The Importance of Transmission Protection When Towing a Trailer

When towing a trailer, a vehicle’s automatic transmission must work harder to manage the extra weight and resistance of its load. And when a transmission works harder, it creates more heat, which is not good for transmissions. An aftermarket transmission cooler is a towing accessory that prevents an automatic transmission from overheating as it tows. This allows a vehicle to perform at its strongest while towing.

They operate by cooling heated fluid from the transmission, power steering, and engine. The heated fluid passes over the fins in the cooler, cools down, and then flows back to its original source in a loop-like pattern. This process keeps the transmission and other vehicular components from overheating as you tow your trailer.

How to Install a Transmission Cooler

There are a few different installation methods for transmission coolers. Most often, they are attached to the radiator or air conditioner condenser with narrow plastic rods, pads, and fasteners.  You can also install them using a metal bracket mounting kit. Be sure to choose a cooler with quality cooling performance. The general rule of thumb is, “the bigger the cooler, the better the cooling capacity.”

Also, “plate-and-fin” coolers tend to perform better than “tube-and-fin” coolers. So that is something to think about when choosing one for your vehicle. Consider talking to a local and trusted tow truck operator for advice on mounting a transmission cooler for towing purposes.

Do you need professional trailer towing? Or are you dealing with a roadside trailer emergency? Contact Zore’s Towing for economically-priced towing and recovery service in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve all of Central Indiana.

Related Posts:

3 Factors to Consider When Buying a Trailer Hitch
6 Maintenance Tips for Your Personal Watercraft Trailer
3 Simple Steps to Using a Trailer Hitch Adapter

Towing Wrecker Company Indianapolis Indiana 317-247-8484
Towing Wrecker Company Indianapolis Indiana 317-247-8484

Where to Get 24 Hour Roadside Automotive Assistance in Central Indiana

Whether you are stranded on the road with a flat tire, overheating engine, locked keys in the car, or no gas, our courteous Indianapolis IN tow trucks are ready to help and can be there in a flash! Zore’s Towing operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. Whether rain, snow, ice, or National holiday, our certified and licensed wrecker operators are standing by to deliver immediate roadside assistance and response in Central Indiana.

Continue reading to learn how to request our Indianapolis roadside assistance services, plus why you should choose us!

Indianapolis Roadside Assistance Company 317-247-8484
Indianapolis Roadside Assistance Company 317-247-8484

24 Hour Roadside Assistance and Towing in Indianapolis

Zore’s Towing is a locally-owned and operated company that has been serving the Hoosier communities with safe and affordable towing and roadside assistance services since 1927. And for the past 90 years, we have earned a reputation for trusted wrecker and recovery service at a competitive price! Our certified and experienced tow truck drivers and wrecker operators are on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year.

We are fully-equipped to deliver prompt and professional towing, recovery, and roadside assistance services regardless of time or day. We even work on National Holidays, which means there is no bad time to give us a call! And since our Indianapolis towing truck drivers are live-radio dispatched, GPS-equipped, and with access to our custom-designed computer software program, you can count on us to respond to your location without delay.

Furthermore, our drivers are born and raised Hoosiers, so we know these roads just as well as you do, if not better. There will be nothing standing in our way to help you with your roadside emergency. Zore’s Towing makes your safety and your personal time a priority, so we aim to get you back on the road as soon as possible.

Zore’s Towing Truck Roadside Assistance Indiana
Zore’s Towing Truck Roadside Assistance Indiana 317-247-8484

Emergency Roadside Assistance Services in Central Indiana

From car battery replacement and jump start service, to flat tire repair, gas delivery, coolant refills, car lockouts, and more, Zore’s does it all. Trust our fully equipped roadside assistance tow truck operators to get there fast, provide professional support, and ensure your safe passage home or wherever you are heading.

If you are a property or business owner, we can also help you with a business roadside assistance program for your employees and customers in Indianapolis, Indiana. And with 5 fully operational offices conveniently located throughout Central Indiana, we can make our emergency roadside services are available for anyone in and around Greater Indianapolis, including Avon, Greenfield, Lebanon, and more!

Whether you have a flat tire, ran out of gas, or locked your keys in the car, our Indiana roadside assistance trucks can be there for you in a flash to offer friendly and effective service you can trust! Contact us for 24 hour tow truck and roadside assistance services you can afford. We serve all of Central Indiana, including Lebanon, Greenwood, and Avon areas.

Related Posts:

Why is My Car Engine Overheating?
How Long Can I Drive on a Spare Tire?
What to Do if You Just Locked Your Keys in the Car

Towing Wrecker Company Indianapolis Indiana 317-247-8484
Towing Wrecker Company Indianapolis Indiana 317-247-8484

Top Car Problems That Can Be Caused By Cold Air

Have you been outside, lately? It’s cold out there! With temperature steadily averaging between 20 and 30°F, it is wise to start thinking about how the cold air can impact your quality of life for the remainder of the season. A commonly overlooked area of concern is driving.

Continue reading to learn the top car problems that can be caused by cold air, plus what you can do to prevent them from happening this winter and next!

24 Hour Roadside Assistance Service Indiana 317-247-8484
24 Hour Roadside Assistance Service Indiana 317-247-8484

Winter Driving Tip #1

The number one tip for driving safely in the winter is to stay on top of all your routine factory scheduled maintenance for your vehicle. Whether you drive a car, truck, SUV, or van, regular car maintenance is vital for safe driving and dependable vehicular performance.

Car Parts Affected By Cold Temperatures

There are some areas of your car you should pay closer attention to in the winter season because they can be impacted by the cold air and temperature drops. The primary areas include your tires, catalytic converter, and car battery, but there are also many more.

Tires

Did you know that the cold air can cause your tires to deflate? Have you ever noticed that you have to put more air in your tires every winter? Well, that is because tire pressure drops an average of one pound of pressure per 10°F of temperature.

To avoid falling flat on the road unexpectedly or walking out to your car only to find that your tire is too low to drive it, be sure to check your tire pressure regularly, throughout the winter season.

Catalytic Converter

Your catalytic converter is a vital automotive part because it works as your vehicle’s emissions control system. Basically, catalytic converters reduce the toxic and harmful emissions generated by burning fuel in a car. Needless to say, your catalytic converter is important, but when it gets really cold outside, it can take a little longer for it to start working.

For this reason, it is recommended to always let your car run for a few minutes before taking off. This will allow the catalytic converter to warm up and do his job properly while you’re out on the road.

Car Battery

Cold temperatures can cause problems with your car battery because cold air slows the chemical process inside of it, therefore diminishing its ability to maintain a charge. The older the vehicle, the more susceptible to cold air battery issues.

To avoid car battery problems in the winter, be sure to have your vehicle’s battery inspected and serviced as needed before the season begins. To be safe, include a set of jumper cables in your winter roadside emergency kit.

Additional Car Issues Caused By the Cold Air

Automotive Fluids – Not only can colder temperatures cause your automotive fluids to thicken up, therefore reducing their ability to perform efficiently, but in very cold temperatures, automotive fluids can freeze entirely. This includes fuel lines, windshield wiper fluid, and even motor oil.

► Transmission – The cold air really affects the air to fuel mix ratios, which can affect how quickly your engine responds when you drive. In colder temperatures, the dense cold air can reduce your engine power. This is why it is important to let your car warm up before driving it in the winter.

LCD Screens – It is very common for LCD screens to become sluggish or s responsive when it’s very cold outside because the liquid crystals are affected by the cold air. There’s not really much you can do to prevent this in the winter; however, it is suggested that using insulating screens can help keep interior cabin warmth overnight.

Have you found yourself stuck on the side of the road or in a parking lot because your car is having mechanical issues due to the cold weather? Just contact Zore’s Towing for 24 hour roadside assistance and towing services in Indianapolis and its surrounding locations. We can help with flat tires, locked keys in the car, overheating engines, fuel tank fill-ups, and much more.

Related Posts:

Important Car Maintenance You Can Do Yourself
3 Reasons Why You are Having Problems With Your Car Radiator
How Long Does it Take for an Abandoned Vehicle to Get Towed?

Towing Wrecker Company Indianapolis Indiana 317-247-8484
Towing Wrecker Company Indianapolis Indiana 317-247-8484

What To Do If You Run Out of Gas Near Indianapolis

Life throws us all sorts of obstacles along the way and running out of gas while in Indianapolis is just another one on the list. But not to worry; if this ever happens to you, there are steps you can take that will get your problem solved in little to no time at all! Continue reading to learn what to do if you run out of gas in Indianapolis or its surrounding Central Indiana towns.

Fuel Delivery Roadside Assistance  Indianapolis Indiana 317-247-8484
Fuel Delivery Roadside Assistance Indianapolis Indiana 317-247-8484

Roadside Safety 101 When You Run Out of Fuel

In most cases of an empty gas tank, a car will give off several clues that will allow a driver to safely bring the vehicle to a stop. Most often, the fuel tank gauge on the dashboard will indicate a car’s fuel levels, but sometimes, a person can drive their car for several more miles when the arrow is pointed on EMPTY, which tends to cause a lot of on-the-road empty tank situations. But in many cases, as is with human nature, even when we know the tank is low, we tend to simply forget to fill up!

Aside from the dashboard gauge, a car that is running low on fuel will also begin to drive differently, sputtering, jerking, or slowing down even though your foot is on the gas pedal. When this happens, you do not want to force the car to drive any more than it has to. You want to simply focus on getting to a safe and solid place.

How to Safely Pull Over with an Empty Gas Tank

When your car begins to show signs of an empty gas tank, it is a good time to pull the car over on the right side of the road where you will be safe. Do not pull over on the left side of the road unless you have no other choice. If you do not make it all the way to the side of the road, you can put the car’s gear into neutral and manually push the car yourself by standing in the open driver or passenger side door. Do not push a car from behind under any circumstances.

Now What?

The most important consideration when running out of gas while driving is safety. Once you have found safe and solid location to pull your vehicle over, your next step is to contact an Indianapolis Indiana roadside assistance company for fuel delivery service.

Never attempt to walk to a gas station yourself, as this is how many pedestrian car accidents and fatalities take place. Instead, sit inside your car with your hazard lights on, and wait for your roadside tow truck to arrive. They use dispatching systems so you will not have to wait very long at all.

In fact, well-established and reputable roadside service businesses operate on 24 hour basis and maintain a broad service area. This means you should be able to get gas delivered to your location no matter the time of day or night. Just be sure you choose a reputable service provider.

Are you currently out of gas on the side of the road in Indianapolis or a surrounding county? Contact Zore’s Towing for 24 hour roadside assistance at the most affordable prices in Central Indiana. We serve all of Indy and its surrounding locations, including Avon, Lebanon, and Greenwood, Indiana.  

You Should Also Enjoy:

What To Do After Your Car Air Bag Deploys
Stay Safe By Keeping These 6 Things in Your Car at All Times
How to Save Money on Gasoline for Your Car

Zore’s Towing Towing Wrecker Service Indianapolis
Zore’s Towing Towing Wrecker Service Indianapolis

Why Do Some Vehicles Have Spare Tires and Others Don’t?

If you are on the hunt for a new vehicle, and a spare tire is something important to you, be sure to pay attention to everything your potential new car comes with. That is because many car manufacturers are not putting spare tires in newer model vehicles anymore. If you find this interesting, wait until you learn why some producers have chosen this practice.

Continue reading to learn the top 4 reasons why some new cars do not come with a spare tire option.

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

1. Improved Fuel Efficiency

With the trending green movement becoming so popular that it is almost ingrained in most consumers shopping tendencies, it is no surprise that many car manufacturers are attempting to improve their vehicles fuel efficiency. One effort to accomplish this has been to eliminate the extra weight of a spare tire. This may seem like a trivial amount, but the absence of a spare tire can reduce a vehicle’s overall weight by 30 to 50 pounds. That is because you must also consider the additional weight of the jack and wrench. The benefits from this type of elimination also helps car manufacturers meet the strict EPA guidelines.

2. Increased Storage Space

Although it may not seem like a simple donut or spare can take up a lot of room, in smaller vehicles, its absence can make a huge difference. Vehicles like sports cars, compact cars, eco-conscious cars, electric cars, and even smaller-sized sedans, can all benefit from the lack of a spare. The added space allows for a more comfortable ride.

3. Batteries and Emissions Equipment

In contrast to adding more storage, eliminating a spare tire is a must for many car manufacturers because there is too much space occupied by other equipment. This includes hybrids, electric cars, and diesels. The batteries and emissions equipment of these vehicles takes up the space that would typically house a spare.

4. Decreased Manufacturing Costs

The elimination of a spare tire naturally saves car manufacturers money, hundreds of thousands, in fact. However, many car manufacturers use that savings to improve other performance, aesthetic, and mechanical features. So sometimes, it is a “give and take” situation.

If Your Car Does Not Come With a Spare

If you are the driver of a vehicle that lacks a spare, whether because it was manufactured that way to you just don’t have one, there are still options for you on the road. You can always purchase a properly-sized spare or donut for your vehicle, along with the proper tools (i.e. jack, torque wrench, road triangles, etc.).

Helpful Flat Tire Advice

If you ever find yourself with a flat on the side of the road without one, you can contact a 24 hour emergency roadside assistance service. Some insurance policies actually cover roadside assistance needs, or have their own roadside assistance service. Simply dial the number and wait for help to arrive. Most emergency roadside assistance services operate on a 24 hour basis, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. That is why they are called “emergency” roadside assistance services.

Who to Trust for 24 Hour Towing and Roadside Assistance in Indiana

If your vehicle breaks down at any point during your trip, call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for Indianapolis roadside assistance and towing recovery services you can trust. Our friendly Indiana tow truck operators are certified roadside emergency assistants, and are always 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

Tips for Towing With an Automatic Gearbox

In the past, towing with an automatic gear box was considered to be in poor practice. But today, it is the most common method of towing for many. If you are preparing to tow with an automatic gearbox, continue reading to review some helpful tips that will keep you and your cargo safe.

Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484

Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484

Modern Automatic Electronic Gearboxes

Modern automatic electronic gearboxes are popular for their performance value, durability, and efficiency, making it no surprise that they are consistently being improved and innovated every year. The recent introduction of tiptronic-style shifters has really increased their popularity since they provide an added level of convenience.

These shifters basically deliver the best features of a manual gearbox by allowing drivers to control shift points and gears in accordance to the situation. Maneuvering corners, rough terrain, narrow turns, and steep slopes are all navigated at a much higher level of control with all the recent innovations of modern-day auto electronic gearboxes.

Tips for Using an Auto Gearbox

The way you use your automatic gearbox largely depends on the terrain you are driving on. For softer, resistant roads or substrates, you might not want to lose momentum, otherwise you can risk damaging your transmission. In these situations, like mud or sand, you want to use “drive” and let the gearbox work in the low or second gear. In these same situations, if you require more speed (40 mph or more) to cover a longer distance, third gear is recommended.

If you are driving through terrain that requires navigating around obstacles, such as creek beds or rocky trails, it is helpful to put your vehicle into drive and allow the gearbox to choose the proper gear type. Although it may take a few minutes for the gearbox to make a choice, you only need to focus on the path ahead in drive mode.

When driving downhill, take advantage of the manual over-ride features of your auto electronic gearbox. To decrease the load on your brakes in a down-slope course, choose a lower gear. This is especially important for turbo diesel engines.

Watch out for torque conversion slips when driving at high speeds on a flat surface, and then approach a hill. Although the vehicle is at the same speed, the engine revolutions can greatly increase, causing many problems with the torque converter. This can cause increased fuel consumption and high heat levels in transmission fluid, thus leading to overheating.

Be sure to have your automatic gearbox professionally inspected and serviced once every year, or every 15,000 miles. If you do not tow, you can go every two years instead. It is also not recommended to trust the manufacturer when they claim the gearbox is sealed does not require fluid changes.

Indianapolis Towing and Roadside Assistance

Zore's Towing Indianapolis 317-247-8484

Indianapolis Towing & Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for prompt, 24 hour towing and roadside assistance in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties. 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.

The 3 Best Alternatives to a Spare Tire

You’ve looked in the trunk and under the hood, but you cannot find the spare tire in your new car. But don’t worry. If you have a newer model vehicle, it is possible that it did not come with one. There are many reasons why some automotive manufacturers have chosen to forgo the classic spare; some of which include better fuel efficiency, increased storage space, lighter vehicular weight, reduced manufacturer costs, and much more.

If your vehicle lacks a spare tire, it is wise to take the proper precautions to ensure you have a means of emergency tire replacement; otherwise, you are at risk of being stranded on the road in the case of a flat. Fortunately, there are some great options to choose from for your car or truck! Continue reading to learn three of the most popular alternatives to a spare tire.

Indianapolis Flat Tire Assistance 317-247-8484

Indianapolis Flat Tire Assistance 317-247-8484

Tire Inflator Kits

Some automotive manufacturers that have opted out of spare tires have substituted the loss with built-in tire inflator kits, but they are also available to the public as well. Tire inflator kits usually involve a type of aerosol seal kit that provides a temporary resolution for minor tire tread punctures. There are several brands of tire inflator kits on the market, all ranging in price between $20 and $200 depending on quality. They are designed to plug up small holes by spraying a tire sealant into the flat through its air-inflation valve, which inflates the tire just enough to drive it a very short distance.

Potential Downside: The sealants in these kits can produce grime buildup inside a tire, which can disrupt the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

Run Flats

Run flat tires are the most well-known and traditional alternative to using a spare tire system. They are specially designed with reinforced sidewall (or internal support rings), which allow drivers to safely drive their vehicle for a limited distance on a punctured or ruptured tire. Run flats are only made to travel a short distance (between 10 and 15 miles) and at a moderate-to-slow speed (under 40 miles per hour). Consumers are pleased with run flats because they provide better control and maneuverability compared to a spare tire or donut.

Potential Downside: Once run flat is used, regardless of distance driven, a tire will be completely unusable and must be replaced.

Self-Sealing Tires

You can purchase self-sealing tires as an alternative to housing a spare. These are tires that are designed with a built-in lining that is coated in a special sealant. So when the tire experiences a puncture, the sealant automatically begins to surround the hole. If there is a nail or piece of metal stuck inside the tire, the sealant will fill the hole after it is removed.

Potential Downside: Self-sealing tires will not work if a tire’s sidewall is punctured, or if the puncture hole is too wide.

Need Emergency Flat Tire Assistance in Indiana?

Indianapolis Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484

Indianapolis Towing and Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484

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.