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

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.

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

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.

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3 Reasons Why You are Having Problems With Your Car Radiator

Top Alternatives to Having a Spare Tire

In today’s automotive manufacturing industry, spare tires are no longer a standard. Many newer model vehicles do not come with a spare tire, which can sometimes come as a surprise to new car owners. If you are a driver of a vehicle without a spare, it would be wise to consider having a flat tire plan. In the case of a roadside emergency. But this plan does not necessarily have to include an actual spare tire. There are many other options available that can deliver an equivalent level of security.

Continue reading to learn the top alternatives to having a spare tire, plus where you can get twenty-four hour roadside emergency assistance in Central Indiana.

Flat Tire Roadside Assistance Indianapolis Indiana 317-247-8484
Flat Tire Roadside Assistance Indianapolis Indiana 317-247-8484

Why the Missing Spare Tire?

Why are newer model vehicles not being designed to come with a full spare tire? Auto manufacturers are looking to be space-efficient and taking out a full spare tire from a car trunk can greatly increase the interior square footage of the vehicle, plus make room for more innovative undercarriage and mechanical design.

Furthermore, automotive manufacturing companies are forgoing the full spare because it’s cost-effective. By eliminating the addition of a full spare tire, auto manufacturers can produce the car at a cheaper rate, and in turn sell the car at a more economical price to the public. Removing the spare tire also improves fuel efficiency because it reduces the overall weight of the vehicle.

Filling the Spare Tire Void

If you want to have a spare tire in your vehicle or a flat tire emergency plan in place, you have plenty of options to choose from. Not only can you purchase a full spare tire and keep it in your trunk, but you can choose from some other alternatives as well. The top choices that work as an effective substitute to a full spare tire include space-saver spares, run flat tires, tire sealant inflation kits, self-sealing tires, and roadside emergency carriers.

Space-Saver Spares

Space-saver spare tires are colloquially known as donuts because they are a miniature version of the full spare and therefore, resemble the morning breakfast pastry we know and love so well. Donuts spare tires are a perfect solution for someone who wants to have a spare on hand but lacks in space. You can purchase these at any local automotive shop or tire shop. These donuts are only intended as a short-term solution for a flat tire and should not be driven on for more than 50 miles.

Run Flat Tires

When putting a spare tire inside of your vehicle is not an option at all, regardless of its size, you might want to consider run flat tires. Run flat tires are a specialized tire safety system designed with reinforced side walls or internal support rings that will sustain a vehicle’s driving ability for short period of time in the case that the tires are damaged. When a tire is damaged or loses air pressure, you cannot exceed 50 miles an hour nor drive more than 50 miles on run flats.

Self-Sealing Tires

Another tire safety system that has been designed to mitigate the hassle of a sudden flat tire is self-sealing tires. Self-sealing tires do just that; they self-seal. They contain a specialized coating on the inside of the tire wall that will immediately gravitate toward a puncture or foreign object and cover it up.

Tire Inflation Kits

It is always encouraged to have a roadside emergency kit inside of your car. One such item to add to your roadside emergency vehicle kit is a tire inflation and sealant kit. These are wonderful alternatives to having a spare tire or costly specialized tires like the ones mentioned above. These tire inflation in ceiling kits can be purchased at any department store with an automotive section or at any automotive shop or online retailer. They are simply a kit equipped with all the materials needed to patch up a hole in a tire and get you back on the road for a short period of time.

Are you stuck on the road right now with a flat tire and no idea what to do? 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!

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Top Rated Car Battery Testing Devices

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.

Jump Start Assistance  Indianapolis 317-247-8484
Jump Start Assistance Indianapolis 317-247-8484

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.

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

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.

24 Hour Roadside Emergency Service Indianapolis 317-247-8484
24 Hour Roadside Emergency Service Indianapolis 317-247-8484

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!

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

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.

24 Hour Trailer Towing Indianapolis Indiana 317-247-8484
24 Hour Trailer Towing Indianapolis Indiana 317-247-8484

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.

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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.

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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.

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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

How Long Does it Take for an Abandoned Vehicle to Get Towed?

After breaking down, whether from engine problems or flat tire, the last thing you will worry about is whether or not your cars can get towed away. Will the property tow your car away if you leave there overnight? Will the city tow your car from a public parking spot if you leave it for a few days while you gather the necessary funds or resources to repair your vehicle?

These are all pertinent questions that are asked by countless drivers all across the nation. But the answers to these questions depend on many factors, namely the location of the broken down vehicle. Where a car breaks down is the true deciding factor in how long it can be left there legally, or before it is declared “abandoned” by authorities.   

Continue reading to learn how long it takes for an abandoned vehicle to get towed away depending on its location, plus what you can do to avoid being towed after breakdown.

Abandoned Car Towing Indianapolis IN 317-247-8484
Abandoned Car Towing Indianapolis IN 317-247-8484

Where Did Your Car Breakdown?

Municipal Property

If a car breaks down on the side of a public road or highway, the typical statute of time before labeled “abandoned” is 24 hours.  If the car actually breaks down in the middle of traffic, it is recommended to attempt to get the car off to the side of the road as soon as possible, but if it is too dangerous, the police take on the task. 

Public Property

If a car breaks down on other public property, like a public parking lot, the police can legally tow it after it has been registered as an abandoned vehicle.  Although it varies from state to state, if a car is left unattended for more than 30 days, and is never reported stolen, it is labeled “abandoned.”

Private Property

If a vehicle breaks down on private property, there is very little time before it will be towed.  As long as the towing truck company has written authorization from the property owner or police, it can be towed immediately.  It is never recommended to leave your broken down car on private property.  So, always have it towed right away to a mechanic by a professional tow company near your location.

Prepared Drivers are the Safest Drivers

A breakdown can be a frustrating and time consuming situation, so be sure you know what to do if it ever happens to you. Not only will this knowledge better prepare you for how to handle the situation, but it can also give insight on how to prevent similar vehicular problems from happening in the future. A trusted Indiana towing service can provide all the information you need about breaking down on public or private property.

Are you faced with the decision of leaving your broken-down car somewhere? Don’t do that! Contact Zore’s Towing for truly affordable 24 hour roadside assistance and towing services in Indianapolis and its surrounding locations. We operate 24/7, year-round, and state-wide.

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

The Importance of Using a Hitch Lock For Your Trailer

If you are somebody who has a truck and a trailer, you are someone who values your investment. For overall safety and protection, it is necessary to ensure that your trailer is secured. The best way to achieve this level of security is to invest in a quality trailer hitch lock system.

Continue reading to learn the importance of using a hitch lock for your trailer, as well as what to do if you find yourself in need of professional trailer towing service in Central Indiana.

Trailer Roadside Assistance Indianapolis IN 317-247-8484
Trailer Roadside Assistance Indianapolis IN 317-247-8484

Why You Do Not Want to Skimp on a Trailer Hitch Lock

If you are asking yourself whether or not you need a hitch lock for your trailer, just consider this very possible and all-too-common scenario: You are leaving town for a fun weekend at the lake with your family. You load up the boat and trailer to your truck and hit the open road. Along the way, you stop in a local diner for some lunch.

After paying the check, you and your family walk outside to find your truck parked exactly where you left it, but the trailer and boat are not where you left them, they are gone. You were just robbed in the middle of nowhere, and all because you didn’t have a hitch lock! Anyone with a hitch receiver could have come along and taken your get-up in a few short minutes.

Trailer Hitch Locks Boost Theft Prevention

Hitch locks are meant to stop thieves from stealing trailers and the commodities they carry. They are lock a trailer hitch and hitch receiver together, which makes it impossible to lift the receiver and disconnect a trailer. The trailer hitch can only be removed when the hitch lock is open. There are a few different hitch locks available for purchase, all with different features and qualities. Consider investing in a coupler lock as well!

Make Sure Your Hitch Lock is Compatible With Your Trailer

Trailer hitch locks come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and attachments. A key or number combination is needed to open them. Some versions have curved ends so they cannot be pulled out, while other have standard metal pins with locks on them. There are even some that have two locks on each side. The version you choose will depend on your personal preference, as well as the class hitch receiver you have.

Hitch classes differ and are categorized by the maximum weight they can safely tow. Class 1 hitch receivers tow a maximum of 2,000 pounds, while the last class, Class 5, can tow a maximum of 30,000 pounds or more. Most trailer locks are a half of an inch and 5/8 of an inch in diameter. The hitch lock you buy will need to fit the Class hitch receiver you are using for your trailer. For instance, Class 1 and 2 hitch receivers use ½-inch pins, while Class 3, 4 and 5 receiver hitches use 5/8 inch pins.

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.

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

What You Need to Know About Hauling Oversized Loads

What is an oversized load? Well, if you are preparing to haul anything that is very heavy and very large, this is a question you need to learn the answer to right away. Continue reading to learn what you need to know about hauling oversized loads, including the local and state laws, permits, rated trailers, standard trucking regulations, and more.

Oversized Load Heavy Hauling Services in Indiana 317-247-8484
Oversized Load Heavy Hauling Services in Indiana 317-247-8484

Regulations for Oversized and Overweight Loads

An oversized load is any cargo or freight of exceedingly large size and/or weight, therefore posing potential dangers and safety hazards during transportation. More specifically, local and state regulations define an oversized load as any cargo that exceeds the maximum legal width, height, and length of a freight. Such maximum freight dimensions vary from state to state, and even among local jurisdictions. It is important to check with your local county and state towing regulations to ensure that you are properly equipped to haul in oversized load from one destination to another.

Common examples of oversized and overweight loads include air crafts, shipping containers, construction equipment, farming equipment, mobile homes, oil rigs, heavy machinery, motor coaches, semi-trucks, and commodities of similar size and weight.

Factors to Consider When Towing Oversized Cargoes

If you are preparing to haul in oversized load, whether locally or across state lines, it is critical to consider various factors that can impact both the safety and practicality of your transport. In fact, here are the top factors to consider when towing oversized cargoes:

Legal Load Dimensions – Although it can vary from state to state, and even among local jurisdictions, the generally accepted maximum legal load dimensions are 8 ½ feet wide and 8 ½ feet high. Any freight that is taller or wider than this is considered an oversized load in most municipalities.

Oversized Load Permits – Most oversized loads require specialized permits and permissions, either from the state or the local municipality.

Super Oversized Loads – Any loads that exceed 12 feet high and 12 feet wide typically require special permits, as well as an on-road escort or pilot car.

Permitted Travel Times – Some states and local jurisdictions do not allow oversized load travel during certain times of the year, such as holidays and weekends, or even certain hours of the day. It is important to check with your local county and state towing regulations to ensure that you are permitted to haul your heavy freight at the time you wish to do so.

Travel Logistics – Not only should you check that you are permitted to travel during the time you plan to, but it is also important to plan out your travel route ahead of time. With an oversized load, there are certain bridges and road passages that you will not be able to access. Planning ahead of time can help you work out the logistics of your route and ensure a streamlined journey.

Are you looking for a long distance heavy hauler for your oversized load in Indiana? Contact Zore’s Towing for heavy duty towing and machinery transportation services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We provide long distance towing services across state lines as well.

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