5 Possible Reasons Why Your Car is Shaking

Posted on September 15, 2022 by Zores

Does your car have a case of the shakes? Does it vibrate, jolt, or quake when you drive or sit at an idle? There are some very good explanations for this. Continue reading to learn the top 5 most common and likely reasons why your vehicle is shaking, plus the safest way to remedy the problem.

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Why Does My Car Shake So Much When I Drive?

This is one of the most common automotive questions asked among car owners who begin to notice changes in the way their vehicles perform. The truth of the matter is, there could be many reasons, in some cases multiple reasons, why your car might be shaking so much when you drive or idle. However, the most common and possible reasons why your car shaking include malfunctions or defects with the car’s wheels, brakes, engine, steering, and suspension.

Wheels

When it comes to a shaky car, the very first place you should look is the wheel system. The tires and all related wheel parts, including the rims, axles, lug nuts, bearings, and balance weights, are usually the reason why cars shake when they drive or sit in Park while the engine is running.

You might just have a loose lug nut or a missing balance weight, or you could have a broken wheel bearing. If you notice that your car shakes more when you drive at higher speeds and the vibrations are coming from your floorboard, you probably just need a wheel balance and alignment. You also might have poor tire tread in the entire replacement.

Brakes

Coming in at a close second for top causes of a shaking car is car brake problems. If you notice that the shaking and vibrating increases as you press on the car brake pedal, it could be that your rotors and brake pads are worn down or warped. Simply replacing the worn or warped brake pads and rotors will fix the problem. If you’re detecting a burning smell when you use the brakes, you could have a jammed brake caliper.

Suspension

A malfunctioning car suspension system is another reason why vehicles will begin to vibrate while driving, breaking, or sitting in idle. suspension system. This is likely the cause if you notice the shaking increases as you accelerate. It could also be a defective CV joint, driveshaft, or bent axle.

Steering

Just like the suspension system, the steering system could be damaged, thus causing shaking and vibrating when you drive. If your car was recently involved in an accident or has undergone major automotive repairs, and now you notice that it’s shaking, it could be a weakened or damaged steering system.

Engine

The most common engine problem associated with is worn spark plugs. If the spark plugs are fine, it could be loose spark plug wires. You might also have a loose motor mount. If your check engine light is on, and your car is shaking and vibrating, it needs immediate attention.

Do Not Drive Your Car if it Shakes

If your car is shaking or driving, whether parked in idle or driving, it is important that you do not drive it any further. The longer you drive on a car that is experiencing mechanical malfunctions, the more damage you will do to it. And the more damage you do to your vehicle, the more expensive it will be to repair. In fact, you may total it.

Always contact a trusted Indianapolis towing company for prompt and professional light duty toe services for your broken down vehicle. They can safely transport your vehicle to your automotive repair shop of choice for professional diagnosis and repair.

Not sure which towing company in Indianapolis to trust for cheap rates and fast service? 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!

The Vital Link Between Tire Inflation and Safe Driving

Posted on August 30, 2022 by Zores

If you are under the impression that your tire pressure has no influence on the dependability and performance of your vehicle, you are wrong. Continue below to learn how under-inflation and over-inflation of tires can be dangerous for you, your car, and possibly other drivers and pedestrians around you.

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Correct Tire Inflation is Essential for Safe Driving and Efficient Performance

There are many reasons why you should take good care of your car. Not only is your vehicle a very expensive investment that you want to last for as long as possible, but your safety can also be at risk if your car is not performing at its best. One of the most overlooked factory-scheduled car maintenance requirements for ALL vehicles is tire care.

Tires should be in good condition at all times. And as soon as they begin to show signs of wear and tear, it is time to have them replaced. In between tire replacement, your tires require regular rotations and balancing, as well as daily air pressure monitoring.

If you fail to take good care of your tires, they can begin to lose their ability to do their job, which can put your safety at risk. Tire pressure is a common problem that can influence your overall tire performance and safety. Be sure to routinely inspect your tires for proper inflation; you don’t want them to be over or under-inflated.

Why Under-Inflated Tires are Unsafe:

Bulges can form in the tire walls, which can weaken areas of the tires, and put them at a higher risk of blowing out on the road.

Under-inflated tires will cause reduced fuel efficiency, which affects a driver’s budget and vehicle reliability.

Under-inflated tires will impede vehicular mobility, which can be dangerous in defensive driving scenario and inclement weather, and while navigating small spaces.

Why Over-Inflated Tires are Unsafe:

Over-inflated tires can cause an increase air temperature within them, which can lead to sudden tire blowouts while driving. Furthermore, over-inflated tires lead to an imbalance of contact on the road among all four tires, which can hinder vehicular mobility and handling.

According to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

A tire that is 25% above the recommended tire pressure is 2 times more likely to be involved in a collision. A tire that is 25% below the recommended tire pressure is 3 times more likely to be involved in a collision.

There are virtually 11,000 tire-related motor vehicle accidents every year. Nearly 75% of roadside flat tires are a result of improper tire pressure.

Got a Flat Tire?

If you get a flat tire as a result of over or under-inflation, you can try to repair it yourself if you have a spare tire or an emergency roadside kit. If you are not capable of repairing or changing your flat, you can contact a local towing company for 24 hour roadside assistance service in Indianapolis. They can respond to your location within a short amount of time, repair your tire, or tow you to the location of your choice. Whether it is 3 o’clock in the morning or 5:30 PM rush hour, they have the resources to get you back on the road in no time at all.

Are you looking for truly affordable and highly dependable roadside assistance service in Central Indiana? Contact Zore’s Towing for 24 hour roadside assistance and towing in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties. We provide towing, recovery, equipment transport, car lockout service, flat tire service, jump starts, refueling, and more!

How to Check Your Car Before Going on a Long-Distance Road Trip

Posted on June 7, 2022 by Zores

Everyday errands and daily commutes are not something we put a lot of thought into, but before leaving on a long distance drive, it is important to pay closer attention to the condition of your vehicle. Not only will this guarantee a streamlined and time-efficient journey, but it will also ensure your safety as well as the safety of your passengers and other drivers on the road.

Continue reading to learn how to check your car before going on a long distance road trip, plus what to do in an emergency roadside situation if something happens along the way.

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Road Trip Safety Starts With a Car Inspection

A key element of road trip safety is the pre-trip car inspection. It is important to ensure that your vehicle is well-equipped to deliver safe and smooth driving from start to finish. Although it is encouraged to examine as many areas and systems as you like, when performing a pre-trip vehicle inspection, focus on mirrors, horn, windshield, lights (interior and exterior), tires, strange sounds, and warning lights on the dashboard.

Mirrors and Horn

Your car mirrors will play a large role in the safety of your commute when traveling long-distance. Not only do you want to ensure that your mirrors are in good condition, meaning they are free of chips and cracks, but you also want them to be clean, clear, and properly positioned so that you are able to see around your vehicle when in the driver seat. Additionally, check to see that your horn sounds loud and not muffled in any way. Your horn can be an essential safety tool on the road.

Windshields

There are a few elements to inspect when it comes your car’s windshields. First, be sure that your front and back windshields are free of cracks and chips. If your windshield has damage, you must repair the damage before leaving on a long distance road trip. Too many hazards can arise from a cracked or chipped windshield, especially at high speeds.

Also, be sure that your windshield wiper fluid is filled all the way and you have an extra bottle in the trunk for re-fills. Last, be sure your windshield wipers are in good condition. They are easy and inexpensive to replace, so you might want to upgrade regardless. Quality wipers make a world of difference in bad weather or unexpected splashes.

Lights

When it comes to inspecting your car lights, be sure to cover the interior cabin lights as well as the headlights and taillights. Also, be sure your turn signals, reverse lights, hazard lights, and marker lights are working. If your lights are dimmer than they usually are, you might need to inspect the car battery or alternator. You might also want to throw in a set of jumper cables in your trunk in case your battery dies on the road.

Tires

The quality of your tires will impact your gas mileage, drive stability, road traction, vehicular performance, and even steering. Before you leave on a road trip, check both tire pressure and tire tread. Use a tire pressure gauge to check the tire pressure in each tire. Use a penny to test the thread depth. Stick a penny inside a groove, upside down. If you see Lincoln’s head, your tire tread is too low. Be sure to check each tire!

New Noises

Before leaving on a road trip, it is important to listen to your vehicle. Start by turning your car on and listening for any strange or new sounds while the engine sits in idle. Then take your car for a short drive and listen for any other sounds that are out of the ordinary. Strange noises, either new or existing, and diagnosed. Sometimes, weird noises in your vehicle are a sign of a more serious mechanical problem.

Illuminated Warning Lights

Sounds are not the only warning sign of an underlying mechanical issue in a vehicle. Pay attention to your dashboard before leaving on a long-distance road trip. If any warning lights are illuminated, it is encouraged to have them diagnosed before hitting the pavement. You do not want to run into any roadside emergencies or serious breakdowns in the middle of your trip!

If you ever breakdown in or around Central Indiana, do not panic. You have a qualified roadside emergency response team on your side! Just call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for 24 hour roadside assistance and towing in Indianapolis, Indiana, and its surrounding counties.

The Best Way to Transport or Tow a Custom Car

Posted on May 31, 2022 by Zores

Designing, collecting, and of course, owning custom vehicles is extremely satisfying for thousands of car enthusiasts all over the world. Custom cars are unique, as the name tells, and cannot be replicated or replaced in any way. For this reason, custom vehicle owners take great care and precaution when transporting their precious cargoes for shows, contests, relocations, and more. They know the importance of hiring a licensed and professional wrecker company to tow or relocate their custom-made cars and trucks, no matter how seasoned they are at towing themselves.

There are many reasons why highly valuable or custom-designed vehicles should be towed under the care and supervision of a trained team of tow truck professionals. Continue reading to find out!

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Custom Towing for Custom Cars

Highly-experienced, long-standing towing companies retain the proper fleets, tools, and gear to tow or transport any motorized asset or heavy equipment in the safest and most efficient manner. More experienced towing businesses tend to have the latest advancements in the wrecker and recovery industry, including state-of-the-art equipment and computerized software systems for GPS tracking and road dispatching.

With these, they can customize a tow or transport plan based on the make, model, condition, and delicacy of a vehicle with ease. And they are highly trained and experienced to utilize this equipment in order to render specialized and flawless service for custom vehicles, planes, boats, and more.

Do Not Tow an Exotic or Luxury Car Yourself

In order for a custom vehicle owner to safely transport their own asset, they would need to have extensive towing experience, including knowing how to hook up their trailers and dollies the right way, plus purchase the right towing accessories and equipment, which can cost an upwards of $1000 or more. Regardless of where you buy, procuring your own towing equipment will not come cheap, especially if you want high-quality gear, which you do for a custom or exotic car.

Why Professional Towing for Exotic Cars is the Best Way to Go

One of the best parts about hiring a professional towing service for custom-made vehicles is their flexible hours and scheduling. Your schedule might be busy or even odd, but for the wrecker company, it’s no problem. This is because they generally operate on a 24 hour basis, 7 days a week, and virtually every day of the year!

Most importantly, you will feel confident and relaxed knowing that your custom vehicle is in the hands of seasoned professionals who are properly equipped and know exactly how to handle your precious cargo. And just think about all the money you save on purchasing your own towing accessories and systems!

Are you looking for a professional company to tow your custom car or luxury vehicle? Contact Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for lowboy towing services for classic and exotic cars in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties. We serve all of Central Indiana and tow across state borders.

How to Tell the Difference Between a Bad Battery and Bad Alternator

Posted on May 20, 2022 by Zores

Diagnosing mysterious automotive issues is just part of being a car owner. But without proper training and education, maintaining a comprehensive understanding of automotive mechanics is not easily accomplished. So, when something starts to go wrong with your car, it is impossible for you to mistake it for something else. Such is the case with batteries and alternators.

Because the car battery and alternator both contribute to electrical power sourcing in the car, they can exhibit overlapping signs of malfunction. If you are having electrical problems in your vehicle, it could be the car battery or the alternator, or possibly even the starter. In either case, it is not safe to drive a vehicle in this condition.

Continue reading to learn how to tell the difference between a bad bet battery and about alternator, plus what to do if you detect these symptoms in your vehicle while driving.

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Battery or Alternator? Or Starter?

Symptoms of a Bad Alternator

In most cases, the car battery is to blame rather than the alternator. That is because alternators typically last between eight and twelve years, only requiring replacement prematurely in the case of acute damage. However, the signs of failing alternator are very similar to the signs of car battery malfunction, sometimes making it tricky to confirm an alternator issue. For this reason, it is important how the car battery tested before having your alternator checked out.

The most common signs of a failing alternator include:

▷ Illuminated Check Engine Light
▷ Flickering Dashboard Lights
▷ Dimming Dashboard Lights
▷ Smell Of Burnt Rubber
▷ Whirring or Grinding Sounds
▷ Car Dying Immediately After Jump Start

Symptoms of a Failing Car Battery

As mentioned, before you have your alternator checked out for any defects, first test to see if it’s the car battery causing your automotive problems. The most common signs of a failing car battery include a battery older than 5 years, dimming dashboard lights, dimming headlights or taillights, and an illuminated check engine light. However, there are many more signs of a bad car battery, and you need to know them all.

The most common signs of a bad car battery include:

▷ Aging Car Battery
▷ Low Battery Fluid
▷ Leaky Car Battery
▷ Dimming Headlights/Taillights
▷ Illuminated Check Engine Light
▷ Visible Battery Corrosion
▷ Swollen Battery Case
▷ Slowly Cranking Engine

Diagnosing a Bad Car Starter

In many cases, after troubleshooting the car battery and alternator, a person can come up empty-handed. When this happens, is typically the starter to blame. Common signs of a bad car starter include many of the same symptoms of about alternator or battery, but also seeing visible smoke coming from the car after starting it and an engine that refuses to crank over. If your car won’t start, but the lights come on, it is a definite sign that the starter is failing.

Is your vehicle exhibiting any of these signs of automotive malfunction while out on the road? If so, don’t drive it any further. Contact Zore’s Towing for 24 hour roadside assistance and towing services in Indianapolis and its surrounding locations. We operate 24/7, year-round.

Top Rated Car Battery Testing Devices

Posted on April 18, 2022 by Zores

Car batteries are vital automotive parts for anyone who drives a motorized vehicle. Even a slightly defective or slowly declining car battery will cause safety and performance issues for a driver. It is important to ensure that your car’s battery is in tip-top shape so that you are not faced with emergency roadside obstacles. One way to evaluate the condition of your car battery is to scan it with a specialized electronic device known as a car battery tester. Car battery testers are excellent roadside safety tools to keep in your garage or even inside your vehicle. Best of all, there are plenty to choose from on the market, so finding one to fit your budget and your car care needs will be easy.

Continue below to review the top-rated car battery testing devices on the market this year, plus who to trust for prompt and professional jump start and battery replacement assistance in Central Indiana.

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How Car Battery Testers Work

Car battery testers are designed to scan your car’s battery and read the remaining capacity of charge within. If you are suspecting issues with your car battery, you can use a testing tool to confirm that it is low on power. If the tester reads that the battery is adequate in power, you can safely assume that it is something else causing your automotive issues. Not only can a car battery testing tool save you a lot of money, but they also save you a lot of time and hassle because you can pinpoint problems and catch them early on.

Trending Car Battery Testing Devices of 2022

You can purchase a car battery testing device at any local automotive parts store, automotive supply store, department store, or online retailer. They range in price and features, making them available at different price points. It is recommended to go with a quality car battery tester because it’s accuracy and longevity will be worth the investment. You can expect car battery testing tools to cost between $25 and $150, give or take.

TOP-RECOMMENDED CAR BATTERY SCANNERS OF 2022:

🔋 Ancel Automotive Load Battery Tester (BA101)
🔋 Clore Automotive Solar Digital Battery and System Tester
🔋 Foxwell Battery Tester (BT-705)
🔋 Online LED Store Automotive Battery Tester
🔋 Suner Power Car Battery Tester (AE300)
🔋 Topdon BT100 Car Battery Tester

MORE AFFORDABLE OPTIONS ALSO TOP-RATED:

🔋 Cartman Car Battery and Alternator Tester
🔋 Innova 3721 Battery and Charging System Monitor
🔋 Motopower Digital Battery Tester
🔋 Performance Tool Cigarette Lighter Car Battery and Alternator Tester (W2989)

Are You Experiencing Car Battery Problems Near Indianapolis?

If you find yourself stuck in a parking lot or on the side of the interstate with a dead car battery, trust your local 24 hour emergency roadside assistance company to be there for you in a flash. Zore’s Towing offers jump start services and on-site battery replacement for anyone stranded with a dead or done car battery.

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.

Why Your Car Just Stopped While Driving

Posted on April 8, 2022 by Zores

Did your car just stall and stop running while driving? With the thousands of components and various complex mechanical systems within your vehicle, there are several things that can cause a breakdown to happen. But when your vehicle breaks down suddenly and without anticipation, the underlying cause can sometimes be a bit easier to identify.

Continue reading to learn the top three reasons why your car just stopped running and wont’ start, plus the best way to get yourself back on the road as soon as possible.

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Troubleshooting Automotive Breakdowns

The top three reasons why cars just suddenly stall and stop running are 1) empty gas tank, 2) dead battery, or 3) failing alternator. Although there are multiple reasons why a car can just suddenly shut off and refused to start back up, these are the top three most common causes of sudden car breakdowns.

Empty Gas Tank

Running out of gas is one of the most common reasons why a car will suddenly just shut down, often while idling, but also sometimes while driving on the road. Even if they’re still a minimal amount of fuel in the gas tank, a vehicle can still sputter and stall, and ultimately not start back up until the tank is refilled. Do not always trust your fuel gauge on your dashboard. It is important to refill the gas tank before the marker gets close to the empty line. If you find yourself out of gas on the side of the road, contact a local 24 hour roadside assistance company in Indianapolis for fuel delivery services.

Dead Car Battery

Another common reason why cars will suddenly shut down or break down on the road is due to a dead car battery. Although there are warning signs that indicate your car battery is losing its power, car batteries tend to die when you least expect them to. You can prevent this from becoming a problem by keeping jumper cables in your trunk. Of course, you will need to find another driver, who can help you jump start your car. You can also contact a local roadside assistance service for dead car battery replacement and jump starts.

Failing Alternator

Did you know that one of the reasons why your car battery died could be due to a failing alternator? If it’s not because of a dead car battery, you can tell you’re having problems with your car alternator if you’re experiencing dimming lights or similar electrical issues, or even strange sounds, and your car has just suddenly stopped running, it is likely the alternator to blame. If this happens to you, you will need to have your car towed to a local automotive repair shop for alternator repair or replacement.

Are you in the Central Indiana area and currently experiencing emergency roadside issues right now? Contact Zore’s Towing for 24 hour roadside assistance in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties. We specialize in Indianapolis flat tire repair, and serve all of Indy, including Avon, Lebanon, and Greenwood, Indiana.

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

Posted on March 28, 2022 by Zores

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.

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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.

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What to Do if Your Car Overheats Every Time You Drive it a Long Distance

Posted on March 18, 2022 by Zores

Does your car or truck start overheating once you hit a certain number of miles? If so, there are some things you need to know, not just for the sake of your ride and your budget, but more importantly, also for your safety. Continue reading to learn what you need to do if your vehicle overheats every time that you drive it a relatively long distance.

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What Causes an Overheating Car Engine?

An overheating car engine is a common automotive problem, and fortunately, an easy one to resolve within a short amount of time; in most cases, that is. There are many reasons why car engines overheat. The top causes of engine overheating are low coolant levels or oil levels, but it can also be caused by broken cap seals or engine heat transfer and distribution malfunctions. Although you can address most of these issues with a quick, temporary fix, or simply letting the car cool down for a while, a car engine will not cease to overheat until you have the underlying automotive problem repaired.

Low Coolant Levels

If your car continues to overheat every time you drive it a certain distance, it is time to take a closer look so that you can find a resolution that fits. First, check your coolant levels. Car radiator fluid is known as coolant or antifreeze. If you do not know how to check your coolant levels in your vehicle, refer to the owners’ manual. You will find instructions on how to check your coolant levels and how to refill your coolant. If you are out or low on coolant, give yourself a refill and see if your overheating engine problem persists.

Low Oil Levels

Just like coolant, your car engine will overheat if it is not properly lubricated. There are many internal moving parts within your car engine, and these parts require lubrication to prevent excess grinding, friction, and heat generation. Also refer to the owners’ manual for instructions on how to check your oil levels and refill your motor oil. Be sure to use quality motor oil that is compatible with your make and model vehicle.

Broken Cap Seal

If your car engine continues to overheat every time that you drive it a long distance, but you have already inspected and addressed your fluid levels, your issue could be caused by broken cap seal. In this case, it is recommended that you do not drive your vehicle until this has been repaired. Contact local Indianapolis towing company for quick drop off at your local auto repair shop.

Heat Transfer Malfunctions

Often times, a car engine will continue to overheat because the engine itself has a problem transferring and distributing the heat that it is generating. Although motor oil plays a large part in preventing this from happening, there are other issues that can arise that can cause heat transfer and heat management malfunctions in the engine. You do not want to drive your car any further with having this problem because it can cause further damage to other auto parts. Instead, contact a local 24 hour towing service in Indianapolis to have your car transferred to a local mechanic for repair.

Has your car overheated for the last time and now you are broken down on the side of the road? 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!

Trailer Towing Tips You Need to Know Before You Hit the Road

Posted on February 28, 2022 by Zores

No matter how much experience you have, it is important to do a basic trailer towing review before you hit the road on any long or short distance trip. Whether you are traversing the country or just to the other side of town, safety is the most important element of towing a trailer.

Continue reading to learn some of the most important trailer towing tips you need to know, including a recommended pre-trip checklist, road safety, and jackknife prevention.

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Top Considerations for Pulling a Trailer

Pulling a trailer is no simple feat. From safety and clearance precautions to regulation towing equipment like hitches and signals, towing laws, licensing, and more, there is much you need to know and stay on top of when it comes to trailer towing. Not only do towing vehicles require more stopping time when pulling a trailer, but they must also adhere to all local and state towing regulations and traffic laws.

For instance, some states require anyone towing a trailer to drive slower and remain in the right lane at all times, while other states have more specific or unique regulations for trailer towing. It is important to check with your county clerk’s office to ensure that you are in accordance with all local and state trailer towing guidelines.

It is important that you are properly equipped to safely to a trailer, which includes being properly licensed to tow, plus having all of your necessary safety chains, lights and signals, hitches, receivers, and all other towing components in order. It is important to check these components before leaving on every trip. This brings us to our recommended pre-trip checklist for trailer towing.

Pre-Trip Checklist

Before hitting the road with trailer in tow, check all of these components. First:

Hitch – if you have a standard ball hitch, your trailer tongue should be properly attached. According to manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure the locking mechanism is secured with the lock pin in proper position. Check that your hitch is secure by trying to pull it up. If you can pull it off, then it is not attached properly.

Trailer Connection Chains – check that the connection chains between your trailer in the towing vehicle are crisscrossed and in the right position, which would be directly in between the vehicle of trailer.

Brake Lights and Signals – Your next priority is to check that the trailer brake lights and turn signals are in sync with your towing vehicle. You will likely need a partner to help you with this step, but you can also use the reflection of another window or vehicle windshield.

Towing a Trailer on the Road

Once you do hit the road with your trailer in tow, there are still some more rules and considerations you need to keep in mind. It is strongly encouraged to drive directly to a large open area or a parking lot to practice your maneuvering skills. Practice backing up and parking, as well as stopping and turning. Allow yourself to get a better feel or reminder of just how big your caravan is. This little bit of practice can really help you be more confident on the road, which in turn can make you a safer driver.

Jackknifing prevention

One of the most common trailer towing errors is jackknifing, which usually results from backing up incorrectly. This can cause the trailer and towing vehicle to turn into an L or V shape, which can be damaging to both the hitch and the trailer. This is a very difficult position to get out of, which is what is important to learn how to avoid in the first place.

Practicing in an open area or parking lot, as mentioned before, can really help you get a better feel for your trailer and avoid jackknifing errors. To avoid jackknifing when towing a trailer, just take it slow and never let the trailer and towing vehicle get beyond an L or V shape.

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