The 7 Automotive Fluids Required for All Cars

Posted on November 22, 2019 by Zores

A vehicle operates best when its fluids are well-maintained and kept at their proper levels. There are seven chief fluids in every vehicle that work together to promote a smoother drive and optimal vehicular performance. These fluids assist in the main functions of various automotive parts; such as the engine, transmission, and braking systems. Without these essential fluids, a vehicle will quickly deteriorate and experience complications. This leads to costly repairs, parts replacements, or a totaled vehicle.

Continue reading to learn about these seven critical solutions and fluids, and how they work together to support a well-operating vehicle.

Motor Oil

The first fluid to mention is motor oil, because it is the most valuable and important. Without motor oil, a car’s engine is running without any lubrication between its moving parts. This can cause high heat and friction, leading to piston damage, valve damage, and more. It is dangerous and can cause severe and irrevocable damage to a vehicle’s engine. Any car with an internal combustion engine requires motor oil to lubricate its moving components.

Brake Fluid

Brake fluid is another important and vital necessity for any vehicle. A brake line system is a sealed network that applies hydraulic pressure to control a vehicle’s ability to come to a stop. When pressure is applied to a brake pedal, brake fluid compresses. This causes the hydraulic force to transfer to the brake pads and shoes and produce the required friction necessary to stop. Without brake fluid, a vehicle will have complications with stopping and using the brakes. This is very dangerous. A car must be able to stop!

Power Steering Fluid

Power steering fluid is used to assist the driver in turning the car easier. The power steering fluid is pressurized by a small hydraulic pump that is powered by the vehicle’s engine. It releases enough fluids that make the steering mechanism easier to direct and operate. Without power steering fluid, turning a steering wheel would require an abundant amount of effort and force.

Coolant

Coolant is another very important fluid in a vehicle. It is a heat-transfer fluid that controls the temperature levels within your engine. Without it, a car engine would quickly overheat, causing severe damages to the engine and its components. Coolant is generally a half and half formula, containing fifty percent water and fifty percent radiator coolant solution. It works by cycling through the engine as it runs, collecting heat and returning it to the radiator, then into the air.

Transmission Fluid

This fluid is not one commonly checked by car owners, but rather by a mechanic during an annual tune-up or inspection. Transmission fluid is important because it lubricates and cools the inner components of the transmission. This allows everything to engage and work properly. It’s job is very similar to motor oil.

Battery Fluid

Many vehicles today are manufactured with maintenance-free batteries; however, some older models will require a vehicle owner to manually replace the battery fluid on a regular basis. In these type of vehicle batteries, the individual cells need to be filled with the proper type of battery fluid in order for the vehicle to run.

Windshield Wiper Fluid

Although commonly overlooked, a driver could almost not live without windshield wiper fluid! Mud, dirt, water spots, insects, fingerprints, and more can be distracting on a vehicle’s windshield. Windshield wiper fluid is a soapy viscous solution that can be controlled manually by a push of a button inside the car. This button or attachment is generally near the steering wheel. Depending on how often it is used, windshield wiper fluid should be refilled every few months or so.

Emergency Towing and Roadside Assistance in Indiana

If you find yourself stranded and in need of automotive fluids in Indianapolis, 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

The 5 Basic Components Required to Flat Tow a Vehicle

Posted on October 30, 2019 by Zores

A vehicle that can dinghy tow another car with a tow bar is a highly valuable asset. Not only does flat towing provide convenience, it also increases loading and unloading efficiency, saves space, and ensures balanced transportation. But before you hook your tow bar up to another car, be sure you have all the other necessary towing gear to keep you and your cargo safe. Continue reading to learn the five basic components you need to flat tow a car.

24 Hour Towing and Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484

Required Equipment for Dinghy Towing

Whether you are linking up an RV or a standard 4-door sedan, you will need 5 particular towing parts in order to be legal on the road, and more importantly, safe. These five components include a tow bar, as previously mentioned, as well as, tow bar wiring, a base plate kit, safety cable set, and an add-on braking system.

❶ Tow Bar – The “Y-shaped” metal bars that connect the towing vehicle with the dinghy (vehicle being towed). Hitch locks and hitch adapters are additional tow bar components that might be needed, especially for R-mounted tow bars.

❷ Tow Bar Wiring – The lighting system that syncs the lights of the towing vehicle with the dingy vehicle. These are mandated and required by law. There are several types, from removable and hitch-mounted, to magnetic, diode, charge line, and more.

❸ Base Plate Kit – These provide the attachment connections for a tow bar. They are vehicle-specific, and must be custom matched to specifically fit the towing vehicle’s frame.

❹ Safety Cable Set – Also required by law, these are meant to prevent your dinghy from disconnecting from your towing vehicle, even if the tow bar uncouples from it.

❺ Supplementary Braking System – These are designed to decrease braking distance up to 30%, depending in the towing setup. These are mandatory by law in almost every state.

Dinghy Towing

Upon reviewing the basic principles and best practices of flat towing, you can better understand the importance and purpose of each piece of towing equipment. You see, to flat tow, or dinghy tow, a tow bar is connected to the front bumper of the towed vehicle, and then trailer lights are attached to the back bumper. Although reliable, using a tow bar to tow can become complicated since cars are meant to drive on their own power, rather than be towed on the ground. Also, transmissions are designed to be turned by the car’s engine.

But when a car is being towed on the pavement, the tires will cause the transmission to turn instead, which could possibly lead to transmission damage. On the other hand, certain vehicles, like Jeeps, are designed with a 4WD mechanism that retains a transfer case, which places the car in neutral, isolating the transmission from the wheels. It is important to always refer to the towed vehicles owners’ manual for manufacturer recommendations before setting it up for tow bar dinghy towing.

Need Towing Assistance in Central Indiana?

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for 24 hour roadside assistance and towing services in Indianapolis and throughout Central Indiana. We are fully-equipped with the right fleets to assist cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, construction equipment, trailers, vans, semi-trucks, airplanes, and much more. 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.

How to Jump Start a Dead Car Battery

Posted on September 20, 2019 by Zores

If you have never jump started a dead car battery on your own, it is time that you learn! It is one of the easier automotive troubleshooting repairs a driver can do on their own, without professional assistance or invasive operations. All you need is a set of jumper cables and another working car battery to recharge your car or truck on your own.

Roadside Assistance Tow Truck Indianapolis Indiana — 24 Hour Towing and Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484

Why Car Batteries Die

Automotive batteries typically last anywhere from three to five years, depending on make, model, and the condition of the vehicle. It can also depend on the number of miles driven. Car batteries run on battery fluid, which eventually runs out, causing a battery to die. Other reasons why a car battery can die include exposure to extreme temperatures, leaving the lights on for an extended period of time when the car is not in use, not driving a car in a long time, and more. In some cases, a car battery cannot be jump started, and instead, will require a whole new battery.

How to Jump Start a Dead Car Battery:

➀ Position the working vehicle’s engine close to your car engine so the jumper cables can touch both.

➁ Turn both vehicles off and remove keys from ignition.

➂ Locate the car batteries for each vehicle.

➃ Attach the negative and positive jumper cable clamp to the matching negative and positive sides of each battery. Refer to the owner’s manual for help identifying these cells. Be sure the clamps are secured and the cables are not touching the engines.

➄ Return the keys to the operational vehicle’s ignition and turn the engine on.

➅ Allow the operational vehicle to run for 5 or 6 minutes.

➆ With the jumper cables still secured, return the keys to the dead vehicle and turn the engine on. It should start right up!

If the Engine Does Not Turn Over….

⛿ Keep the jumper cables on and allow the battery to charge for an additional 5 minutes.

⛿ Now turn the engine on again. If the engine turns on, still allow the cables to charge the battery a few minutes longer. If the engine does not turn on, you likely need a mechanic.

⛿ Be sure to turn both vehicles off before removing the jumper cables. Then just close the hood and wait for an Indianapolis tow truck to transport your vehicle to your auto shop of choice!

No Jumper Cables? Use Roadside Assistance

Roadside assistance services are a fantastic convenience for all drivers of all ages, but even more so for adolescents just starting out. Roadside assistance offers services for flat tires, dead batteries, overheating engines, fuel assistance, and more. When your car or truck battery runs out of juice while driving, you can simply contact one of these roadside services for a jump start.

Towing and Roadside Assistance for Indiana

Call Zore’s Inc. at 317-247-8484 for friendly 24 hour towing and roadside 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.

How to Increase Gas Mileage for Any Car or Truck

Posted on September 12, 2019 by Zores

With the gasoline prices soaring through the roof these days, many people appreciate new and effective ways to increase their car’s fuel mileage. Many products on the market today claim to be the answer to better fuel consumption, but unfortunately they are not effective at all. Increasing the miles per gallon in your car or truck can save you hundreds of dollars cumulatively.

Continue reading to learn how you can save time and money by extending the life of your fuel!

24 Hour Roadside Assistance & Towing 317-247-8484 — Out of Gas? Call 317-247-8484 for 24 Hour Roadside Assistance!

Top-Recommended Gas Mileage Tips

Many drivers are unaware that the way they drive their car can affect the amount of gas it uses per mile driven. Fortunately, there are ways to improve and regulate your fuel consumption. Here are some ways you can help increase the fuel mileage in your vehicle, simply by changing your driving habits:

⛐ Avoid Over-Acceleration and Erratic Driving

If you drive smooth, steady, and at the proper speed limits, your car will naturally use the gasoline appropriately without over consuming it, saving gas and money. Do not drive fast and whip your car around turns and make sudden stops. This wastes the fuel in your tank.

🛢 Take Everything Out of Your Trunk

Anything that weighs more than a few pounds can be removed from your trunk making your car lighter on its wheels. Because the car isn’t hauling as much weight, it doesn’t need to over use fuel to be able to carry the heavy cargo.

🚙 Car Pool Any Chance You Get

By combining trips to work and other common spots, you can save a lot of money and fuel. Car-pooling can allow a person to cut their driving in half! This is a huge contribution to advanced and increased gas mileage and saving money on fuel.

If You Ever Run Out of Gas in Indiana…

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for 24 hour roadside assistance for fuel fill-ups in Indianapolis, or anywhere within 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.

Tips for Protecting Your Transmission When Towing Heavy

Posted on September 3, 2019 by Zores

When a vehicle is towing a heavier load, it usually does so at lower speeds. This combination causes the vehicle’s engine to use more power (torque) to get the job done. In order to combat automotive transmission damage to a vehicle when towing a heavy load or cargo, you must adhere to some fundamental towing guidelines.

Continue reading to learn some tips that will help you ensure your transmission remains protected while towing heavy freights.

Manual vs. Automatic Transmission

The style in which you tow a heavy load will mostly depend on the type of transmission your towing vehicle uses, and the weight of your freight. If your towing vehicle has an automatic transmission, you will need to install a towing package. Another option for automatic transmission towing is to install a transmission fluid temperature warning that will inform you if your transmission or coolant gets too hot. If you are operating on a manual transmission, driving up hills and similar feats will be easier to manage, as they won’t heat up the radiator fluid too much. Be sure to refer to your owners’ manual for information for your towing vehicle’s specifications and manufacturer recommendations.

Transmission Overheating

Transmissions tend to overheat when being used in first and second gear, like in the instance of hills and stopped traffic. They can also overheat in 3rd or 4th gear at high speeds, such as interstate driving. If this happens, the torque converter lock might disengage, so you will have to engage the overdrive cancel feature. To prevent overheating, keep your engine above 3000 RMP’s when climbing a hill, and simply downshift from there as necessary. Also, if you are stuck in traffic, be sure to use the break, and do not scoot along the whole time.

Never drive a vehicle that is overheating. This can cause major damages to the engine, and possibly lead to an entire engine replacement altogether. Replacing or purchasing a new engine can be very expensive; which is why people turn to rebuilt engines in order to save some cash. Stop driving and safely pull over as soon as your car engine begins to overheat. Then contact a local towing company to have your vehicle towed to the nearest auto repair shop for inspection and service.

Where to Find Professional Towing Assistance

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for safe and affordable Indianapolis tow truck services you can trust. Our licensed and insured tow truck operators provide punctual and prompt tow truck services, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week! We also provide numerous community services, roadside assistance services, wrecker and recovery services, and much more. Call 317-247-8484 to request a free estimate, anytime!

Are Diesel and Petrol the Same Thing?

Posted on August 16, 2019 by Zores

When it comes to fuel economy, every driver is open to finding new ways to save. One of the most frequently asked questions regarding fuel efficiency has to do with choosing the proper fuel for a vehicle. But in order to choose the right fuel for your car, it is important to understand the differences between your primary options: petrol and diesel.

Continue reading to learn more about both types of propellants for a better understanding of how to improve your fuel efficiency, as well as, what to do if you find yourself stuck on the side of the road in need of fuel.

24 Hour Indiana Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484

Diesel vs. Petrol

Petrol is simply another term of conventional gasoline, while diesel describes a different type of fuel. Although both produced from mineral oil, diesel and petrol are quite different in terms of chemical properties, refinement, applications, and performance. You must refer to the owners’ manual of your car or fuel-powered equipment to confirm which type of fuel it is best suited to use.

Diesel is a crude oil that is easier to refine compared to petrol. However, it contains more pollutants, which must be extracted in order for diesel to achieve the same level of emissions as conventional gasoline fuel. On the other hand, diesel has more energy than petrol, and the combustion process tends to be more efficiency, which in turn promotes higher fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions in comparison. Diesel fuel is recommended only for motors that are designed to operate on diesel. Many European cars operate on diesel, but here in the states, it is less common.

Putting Petrol in a Diesel Engine

Never put gasoline in a diesel engine. If you were to put regular gasoline into a vehicle that runs on a diesel engine, the damage can be catastrophic to the engine and fuel system. If this ever happens by accident, you will have to have the entire fuel system cleaned. This includes everything from the tank and lines, to the injectors, filter, and more.

In the opposite scenario, the effects would not be as catastrophic, but they would still be concerning. Not only will it make the car smoke excessively, the car will not perform well. Furthermore, it may clog the fuel filter, lines, and injectors. If you were to continue giving a gasoline engine diesel, the engine would eventually stop working altogether.

Out of Fuel in Central Indiana?

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.

Will Trailer Towing Damage My Car?

Posted on August 6, 2019 by Zores

Whether you are planning a big move across the city, or a long road trip to the lake, you might be in need of a trailer. However, the idea of hooking up a trailer to your vehicle might scare you. After all, you love your car, and you do not want even the tiniest scratch or defect inflicted. Furthermore, the thought of paying a huge repair bill as a result of towing a trailer will put you off the idea too. If you are afraid towing a trailer with your vehicle might damage it, you are not alone.

Perhaps some facts about trailer towing, coupled with some helpful beginner tips, can improve your attitude and confidence before your big day arrives. Continue reading to do learn these and more!

You Must Do the Math to Safely Tow

The first thing you want to think about when you are preparing to tow a trailer with your car is its maximum towing capacity. Also known as gross vehicle weight rating, or GVWR, this value is the total amount of weight your car’s manufacturer says it can safely tow. Keep in mind that this maximum value includes the weight of the trailer, as well as its cargo. Refer to your car’s owners’ manual, or the driver side door jam, for your towing capacity.

Along with gross vehicle weight rating, you will also need to calculate the trailer’s tongue weight, which should never be more than 15% of the total trailer weight, including the weight of its cargo. You also need to know the gross combined weight rating, or GCWR, which includes the total weight of your trailer and the towing vehicle, including all passengers, as well as, fuel, equipment, and the cargo on the trailer. To learn how to do all three of these calculations properly, read our blog, “A Review of Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings” for help getting started on the right track.

Mind the State Laws for Trailer Towing

Another important factor to consider has to do with your own safety, rather than the safety of your vehicle. It is wise to learn all the state laws surrounding trailer towing before hitting the road. Not only will this protect you unintentionally causing risk or danger to others, it will prevent law enforcement confrontations, fines, tickets, and wasted time dealing with all three.

See our blog, “What You Need to Know About State Trailer Laws” to learn what you need to know. Furthermore, knowing how to safely operate a vehicle that is towing a trailer is important to protecting your car from damage. Learning the state trailer laws can help you understand certain safety factors, like taking turns, speed limits, and more.

Need Help With Towing in Indiana?

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.

Will My Car Overheat in Hot Weather?

Posted on July 19, 2019 by Zores

When the Indiana heat index reaches extremely high temperatures in the summer, many of us start to have concerns about health and safety. As a result, we take certain precautions to ensure we are not at risk of heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and other serious heat-related illnesses and conditions.

However, there is one thing we tend to overlook when it comes to protecting ourselves in hot weather, and that is our vehicles. Not only can the hot summer sun and climate affect the performance and safety of your car, it can also put you in a dangerous position if your vehicles breaks down.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about driving in hot weather, including what to do if your car overheats or breaks down on a hot summer day.

Cars and Hot Weather

A car will overheat if it is operated in excessive sun and high temperatures. As the outside temperatures increase, so does the rate at which your car engine produces and retains heat. As a result, engines can quickly become too hot and stop functioning properly. Also, if your car overheats on a hot summer day, you can be subjected to your own set of health and safety risks, especially if you do not have access to water or air conditioning. This is even more dangerous for children and individuals with existing health conditions.

What To Do if it Happens to You

Operating a vehicle that is overheating is extremely dangerous and should never be attempted. Instead, if your car or truck overheats, your first step is find a safe spot to pull over immediately. Once you are safely pulled over to the side of the road, turn off your ignition and wait for your car to cool down enough to check the coolant. If your coolant (antifreeze) is low, top it off with the extra bottle you hopefully carry with you at all times. See our blog, “What to Put in Your Summertime Roadside Emergency Kit” to learn what you should have on hand.

If your car cools down enough to start it back up, do so, but without the AC on. The air conditioning uses a lot of energy, so instead, drive with the windows down until you reach your destination. In fact, it helps to put your heat on max; although very uncomfortable, it will pull heat away from your engine and cool it off. If your car will not cool down, contact a local Indianapolis tow truck for assistance. You do not want to be sitting in a hot car in hot weather for too long, as this is extremely dangerous.

Call an Emergency Tow Truck in Indianapolis

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.

3 Things You Should NEVER Do When a Car Engine Overheats

Posted on June 28, 2019 by Zores

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 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

Long Distance Driving Tips for Summer

Posted on June 11, 2019 by Zores

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.

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.