Hazardous Road Conditions to Avoid on a Motorcycle

This time of year, the rate of traffic accidents increases drastically. When it comes to types of accident victims, motorcyclists are at the top of the list. Some of the most common causes for motorcycle accidents in the United States are speeding, loss of control, driving at night, approaching unexpected curves in the road, and intoxicated driving. This tells us that the best way to prevent motorcycle accidents is to avoid dangerous driving. Unlike cars, motorcycles and their drivers are more vulnerable to inclement weather and unreliable road conditions. For this reason, one of the most important aspects of avoiding dangerous driving is to avoid driving in hazardous conditions.

Continue reading to learn which roads can be the most dangerous on a motorcycle, and who to call after wrecking your bike in an Indiana motorcycle accident.

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Indiana Motorcycle Towing 317-247-8484

Unpredictable Roads

Unpredictable roads are not a safe route for motorcycles because they can be full of unexpected turns, curves, bends, obstacles, roadblocks, and more. Conditions like narrow roads, loose gravel, rock beds, uneven surfaces, mud, oil, water runoff, fallen trees, road construction, and similar obstructions are common hurdles that motorcyclists must look out for at all times.

For instance, roads with gravel or loose aggregate can make it quite challenging to apply the brakes and come to a safe stop, especially for beginners or inexperienced drivers. Unpredictable roads can be even more dangerous at night. You cannot see a fallen tree or sudden bend in the dark as well as you can during the day. When combined with unsafe driving practices, like speeding, unpredictable roads can be incredibly dangerous.

Wet and Muddy Roads

Rain and snow can create some unpleasant driving conditions, but for motorcycles, these unpleasant driving conditions can be flat out dangerous. Muddy roads are a common obstacle for motorcycles. Not only is it a challenge to navigate a motorcycle through thick, sticky mud, it is very difficult to maintain control and stability.

The best way to avoid an accident is to avoid driving on a muddy road altogether. If the road is only slightly muddy, you can proceed with caution by driving slowly to avoid slipping or sliding. Just be sure to rinse your bike clean of mud when you arrive at your destination to prevent rusting and mechanical issues. These factors can cause a decline in performance and safety, as well.

Winding Roads

Meandering and winding roads, like those found in the hills or mountain ranges, can be very dangerous on a motorcycle. These roads are even more dangerous in inclement weather, at night, and when the sun is setting. For this reason, driving a motorcycle on winding roads requires more alert driving. Furthermore, it requires sufficient practice and experience to adopt the skills of accurate timing and good judgment for navigating twisty or narrow roads on a motorcycle.

For beginner motorcyclists, it is recommended to start on small hills so that you can practice using good timing and navigational judgment while taking turns and bends. Eventually, you should learn how to set up for a curve. Keep in mind that this skill set takes years of driving experience to perfect.

Did You Wreck Your Bike in Central Indiana?

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for affordable 24 hour towing and recovery in Indianapolis, or anywhere throughout 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! We also provide 24 hour roadside assistance, including fuel delivery, tire service, and lockouts. Request free estimates, anytime.

Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484

How to Get Your Car Out After Driving into a Ditch

Now that some snow trickle has arrived, it is officially that time of year when the most traffic accidents take place. One of the most common roadway emergencies seen during Indiana winters are cars that wind up driving into a ditch. When this happens, drivers are typically stuck unless they take some action to free their vehicle from the trench.

If you are currently facing the same situation, continue reading to learn how to get your car out after driving it into a ditch. At least one of these solutions will guarantee your safety and release.

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

Address Your Safety

The very first thing you should do after driving into a ditch is address everyone’s safety, including your own. Once you know everyone is unharmed, take several minutes to observe your surroundings. Do not immediately get out of your car to examine the damage. Instead, wait first, and ensure that you are out of the way of oncoming traffic or any other hazards. If anyone is hurt, call 911 and request paramedics right away.

Attempt to Get Out on Your Own

Now comes the part where you attempt to get your car out of the ditch it is in, all on your own. In minor cases of cars being stuck in ditches, it is possible to do this with very little effort. Start by seeing if you can alter the load weight inside your vehicle. Perhaps move around some luggage or belongings from the back to the front, or vice versa, or remove them altogether. This adjustment might help your car gain enough traction to free itself from the ditch.

If not, it is time to address traction. You can place certain things in front of your wheels to increase traction. Try cardboard, sand, cat litter, and even your floor mats. For front wheel drive cars, focus on the front wheels. For rear-wheel drive cars, focus on placing things in front of the back wheels.

Contact a 24 Hour Tow Truck

When all else fails, your surefire way of freeing a car stuck in the ditch is emergency roadside assistance services. Contact a local, 24 hour towing company that offers roadside assisting, including recovery service, which is what you need to pull your vehicle out of the trench. Your car insurance might cover this fee, otherwise, it is very affordable. You can expect to pay anywhere from $25 to $75 or so.

Affordable and Fast 24 Hour Roadside Assistance for Central Indiana

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

Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484

Stay Safe By Keeping These 6 Things in Your Car at All Times

For anyone who operates a vehicle, road safety should be at the top of the priority list. But being “road safe” doesn’t stop at safe driving; it also requires being prepared for emergencies, whether that’s a flat tire, stalled engine, dead battery, or something more catastrophic. Fortunately, you can better prepare yourself for unanticipated road emergencies by keep certain items in your vehicle at all times.

Continue reading to learn at least 6 items that can help you during your next road emergency.

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24 Hour Towing and Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484

Jumper Cables

If your car battery dies, your jumper cables will save you from a major setback or costly tow. Always keep workable jumper cables in the trunk of your vehicle. Never remove them. Today, many jumper cables can be purchased in a nicely-compacted package that won’t take up too much space in your trunk. Be sure you also know how to jump start a dead car battery.

Spare Tire and Tools

In the case that you get a flat, it is quite possible to change your tire yourself, that is, if you have a spare one on hand. Most cars come with a factory spare, but if you bought your car used, it might be missing. Be sure to check your car for a spare, and if you do not have one, buy one that matches your make and model vehicle. Spare tires are available for sale at any local tire store or automotive parts store.

Flashlight or Lamp

If your car breaks down at night, especially if it’s due to a dead battery, it might be too dark to see what you are doing. Not only does this hinder your ability to identify and resolve the issue, but it can also put you and your passengers in danger of being hit by other vehicles. Avoid these problems by keeping a quality flashlight or lantern in your car, along with an extra set of batteries.

Blanket

In the case that your car breaks down in the middle of a cold season, and your heat does not work, you would be safer and more comfortable with a blanket. If you commonly have passengers with you, add more blankets.

Water

Just like blankets, water is another prime roadside emergency item to have. Keep a gallon jug or a 6-pack of bottled water in your trunk in the case that your engine overheats, or you are broken down for a long period of time without food or beverage.

Fully-Charged Portable Phone Charger

There are several portable phone chargers on the market to choose from. Be sure the one you add to your roadside emergency kit is a good quality brand. Be sure it is fully-charged, and then keep it in your vehicle at all times. Only use it for emergencies. You see, if your car breaks down because of a dead battery, you won’t be able to use your car to plug in your phone. A portable charger solves this common problem.

Indianapolis Indiana Roadside Assistance and Towing Services

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

Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484

How to Tell if it is Time to Change Your Car Battery

Although we are still in the midst of the fall season, winter is soon ahead, making now the perfect time to prepare our vehicles for cold, wintry weather commutes. One important responsibility is car battery maintenance. When the weather turns inclement, you do not want to be stuck on the side of the road all because a simple and highly-preventable auto part has failed. Before you are ever faced with such as dilemma, be sure your car’s battery is in good condition. Not sure what to look for?

Continue reading to learn how to tell if it is time to replace your car battery, and what you should do if you are ever in a roadside emergency predicament in Indiana.

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24 Hour Towing and Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484

Old and Defective Car Batteries Show Symptoms

Whether your car battery is old or defective, you will be able to spot the signs by simply taking a closer look. Here are the top indications that it is time to change your car battery:

Car Battery Age – How old is your car battery? Did you know that they are not designed to last long, which means that an old battery will soon be a dead battery? If your car battery is between 5 and 6 years old, you might be getting close to replacement time.

Road Mileage – How often to you drive your car? If you drive it a lot, or over long distances, you will need to replace your car battery much sooner than the average commuter. However, not driving much at all can also have the same effect. Driving charges car batteries, so if a car sits for long periods of time, the battery can atrophy.

Engine Turn Over – How many seconds does it take for your engine to start up after you turn the ignition key? This length of time can tell you how your car battery might be doing. If the engine starts to take longer, or seem to struggle, to turn over, then it might be a dying battery.

Additional Signs to Look Out For:

⚠ Dimming Headlights and Interior Lights

⚠ Headlights Brighten When the Engine is Revved

⚠ Visible Corrosion on Battery Terminals and Cables

⚠ Slowly Operating Power Windows

Where to Get 24 Hour Towing and Roadside Assistance in Central Indiana

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

Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484

How Does Tongue Weight Affect My Car?

Tongue weight (TW) is incredibly important when it comes to towing and hauling cargo with your car. Improper tongue weight would make it very difficult to operate your vehicle, let alone do so safely. If you are not familiar with tongue weight calculations and recommendations, it is vital that you educate yourself before hitting the road with a trailer in tow.

Continue reading to learn how tongue weight effects a car’s ability to perform, and how to determine your make and model’s manufacturer’s instructions for tongue weights and towing capacity.

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

What is Tongue Weight?

Tongue weight (TW) is the amount of fixed force the trailer applies on the hitch ball of your vehicle. Without adhering to your vehicle’s manufacturer’s guidelines for tongue weight and towing capacity, you are at a much higher risk of accidents and property damage occurring during the tow. Simply put, it is not safe to tow a trailer that is not putting enough weight or too much weight on the hitch ball.

Without enough weight, the trailer is prone to swaying side to side, which is a leading cause of serious motor vehicle accidents in the country. While starting off as a first time tower, be sure to review what you should do if your trailer starts to sway, just to be prepared in the case of an emergency. If there is too much weight on the hitch ball, then you can risk putting too much force on the back tire of your car, which can cause the rear of the vehicle to sway or lift off of the ground.

Can you picture driving a car with elliptical wheels rather than circular wheels? The ride would most certainly feel unsteady and uncontrollable. Driving a car with improper tongue weight would be much like this. Forget navigating turns, taking corners, backing up, or even braking, successfully. Although this is just a brief explanation of tongue weight, you can see just how dangerous incorrect tongue weight calculations can be for drivers, as well as other pedestrians and passengers on the road.

How to Calculate Your Car and Trailer Tongue Weight

To determine your vehicle and trailer tongue weight guidelines, simply refer to your owners’ manual. The general rule of thumb is that the tongue weight should be approximately 10 to 15 percent of the towing vehicle’s total weight. Take a standard 2,400 lb. sedan loaded with 1,000 lbs. of freight, for instance. The recommended tongue weight would be between 340 and 510 pounds, which is 10 to 15% of the total 3,400 pounds being towed.

Some make and model vehicles require a hitch upgrade for tongue weights higher than a 700 or 800 pounds. One example of this would be the Sierra 1500 pickup truck, which requires owners to switch from a weight-carrying hitch to a weight-distributing hitch. Also, some gooseneck and fifth wheel trailers are designed for heavier loads, so their recommended tongue weights are generally between 15 and 30 percent, rather than 10 to 15 percent.

Where to Get 24 HR Towing and Roadside 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.

Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484

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

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

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

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

1. Improved Fuel Efficiency

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

2. Increased Storage Space

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

3. Batteries and Emissions Equipment

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

4. Decreased Manufacturing Costs

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

If Your Car Does Not Come With a Spare

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

Helpful Flat Tire Advice

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

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

If your vehicle breaks down at any point during your trip, call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for Indianapolis roadside assistance and towing recovery services you can trust. Our friendly Indiana tow truck operators are certified roadside emergency assistants, and are always waiting by the phones, ready to help you get back on the road, safe and sound. We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, so you can always count on us. Request a free estimate, today.

Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484

A 4 Point Vehicle Check for Your Autumn Road Trip

Autumn is a wonderful time to take a road trip. You don’t even need to get out of the car to enjoy yourself. Simply taking in all the surrounding, ever-evolving seasonal beauty is enough to make your trip worth it. Tall, verdant evergreens, billowing leafy canopies of golds and oranges, bright yellow foliage, and bustling streams in cold water creeks and river tributaries are just a few of the sites you’ll likely see this year on your Fall Indiana road trip. But if you really want to make the most out of your road trip, your first priority should be preparing the vehicle you intend to drive. After all, you and your passengers are the safest when your vehicle is in the best condition, and fully-equipped with the proper road safety supplies.

In fact, you can feel confident about your car and yourself as the driver by simply performing a 4 point, pre-trip check before hitting the road. Continue below to learn exactly how!

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24 Hour Towing and Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484

4-Point Vehicle Check List for Road Trips

Be sure to do your 6 point vehicular check at least one or two weeks prior to your planned departure date. This time frame will give you plenty of leeway to have needed automotive services or minor repairs done. After ensuring that your car does is operating normally, and does not need any minor repairs or factory scheduled maintenance work, you can move forward with your 4-Point Vehicle Check List!

#1 Automotive Fluids

Your first point to check during your pre-trip vehicular inspection is fluid levels. Be sure that your car, truck, van, or SUV is topped off with all 7 essential automotive fluids. These include battery fluid, transmission fluid, motor oil, power steering fluid, radiator fluid (coolant), brake fluid, and windshield wiper fluid. It is wise to keep an extra bottle of motor oil, coolant, and windshield wiper fluid in the trunk for emergency refills.

#2 Tires

It is critical to check your tire quality and condition before leaving on a long-distance road trip. First, be sure that your tires have been properly rotated and balanced. This is good for alignment, fuel efficiency, and drivability, and more. Next, be sure your tires are properly inflated. Under or over-inflated tires can cause several problems, and unexpected blow outs. Properly inflated tires prevent accidents and injuries, and improve fuel efficiency, vehicle performance, and more.

#3 Emergency Road Kit

Every vehicle should be equipped with an emergency roadside assistance kit, as well as, additional emergency supplies. As mentioned, it is wise to put an extra bottle of motor oil, coolant, and windshield wiper fluid for needed refills. Furthermore, long-distance trips are bound to bring on surprises, so be ready with a full roadside emergency kit. In addition to these items, be sure your vehicle also has a spare tire, jumper cables, bottled water, extra blankets, and if possible, GPS.

#4 Windows and Mirrors

The windows and mirrors on your vehicle are one of the most vital components for driving safety. Before heading out on your long-distance road trip, be sure that all windows are perfectly clean and clear. It is recommended to spray them with a water-repellent solution for extra clarity during a rainy drive. Additionally, be sure your mirrors are clean and positioned at the proper angles. If you plan to switch driver’s mid-way, be sure to repeat this step again.

Call Our Wrecker Operators for 24 Hour Roadside Assistance in Indiana

If your car breaks down in Indiana at any point during your autumn road trip, call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for 24 hour roadside assistance and 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.

Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484

Safety Tips for Towing a Camper or RV This Fall

Prime camping season is approaching fast, which means avid travelers are planning road trips to through wine country, to the coast, and much more!  When long road trips are on the itinerary, it is common for the voyage to include some type of towing or hauling. Common things to tow on road trips are boats, campers, recreational vehicles, motorcycles, and more. When this is in the plan, be sure to catch up on some safety tips for towing one of these commodities before starting your journey. Making sure everyone and everything on board is safe is the most important part of towing and RV or camper. 

Continue reading to learn the most common and basic tips for novice towers planning to hit the open road.

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Emergency RV Towing and Roadside Assistance in Indiana 317-247-8484

Vital Weight Capacity and Distribution Tips

Always be sure to consider the weight capacity of your vehicle, and the distribution of all items inside the haul. This is very important in order to prevent a multitude of accidents on the road, as well as, damage to the vehicles. Your camper or RV should have come with a manual or guide. In here, you can find the total weight of the vehicle you are planning to tow.  With this number in mind, compare it to the weight of the vehicle doing the towing. The heavier your vehicle is, the larger the load it can haul. If you have a lighter vehicle, it will only be able to tow light loads. 

On the same topic, not only does your load weight need to be an appropriate match to your vehicle’s towing capacity, it is important to evenly distribute the weight in both vehicles. Many people pack up their cars, trucks, or mini vans with luggage and supplies for their vacation, however, it is common and convenient to also pack up the camper or RV with supplies and other cargoes. This is perfectly safe and acceptable so long as the weight ratios remain similar. Packing too much in the camper or RV can outweigh the vehicle towing it, causing distress on the hitch and the vehicle doing the hauling. Be careful when considering how to pack for a trip while hauling an RV or camper.

Proper Towing Hitches

It is vital to be wise when buying a trailer hitch for the type of haul you’ll be performing. It should be able to hold the total trailer weight of the RV or camper. A stabilizer bar is another tool that can greatly reduce the chances of swaying and swerving on the road. It is highly recommended to use a stabilizer bar along with your tow hitch to ensure a safe and secure ride.

If you are unsure about which tow hitch to use, ask a professional for advice. They can give you accurate information about using proper tow hitches, for free.  Simply tell them what you are planning to haul, which vehicle is doing the hauling, and the weight of both. They can give you accurate information on which tow hitch to use.  You can call a professional towing company, or a retail company that specializes in tow hitches and related towing accessories.

Smartly Position Your Towing Vehicle

Once you have the right hitch, it is helpful to simply back the vehicle up to the front of the RV or camper. The towing ball should be set directly under the hitch. Then you can lower the hitch over the ball and complete all the necessary connections. For example, the RV or camper latch must be secure and connected properly, safety chains should be used to provide extra security, and brake systems should be tested and inspected before any departures.

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

If your towing vehicle breaks down while hauling a camper or RV in Central Indiana, call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for 24 hour roadside assistance and emergency towing. Our friendly staff is waiting by the phones, ready to help you get back on the road, safe and sound. We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, so you can always count on us. Request a free estimate, today.

Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484

How to Save Money on Gasoline for Your Car

Even though gasoline prices are the lowest they’ve been for years, drivers are still looking for ways to save money on car fuel. Saving money on gasoline is not only great for your wallet, it is beneficial for the environment. It is in every driver’s best interest to do what they can to reduce fuel consumption and save money on fuel costs.

Continue reading to learn some effective methods for doing just that!

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24 Hour Roadside Assistance and Fuel Delivery 317-247-8484

Do Not Use Premium Gasoline!

Never use premium fuel unless your car specifically requires it. And if your owners’ manual mentions premium fuel, look closer whether it’s “premium recommended” or “premium required”, because there is a difference. If it is a premium-recommended vehicle, you should still just stick to unleaded gas and save yourself money. The only cars that require premium fuel incudes high performance vehicles like 2016 Audi’s and BMW’s, Aston Martins, Alfa Romero’s, and similar luxury foreign cars. Aside from premium-required cars, there is no benefit to using premium grade gasoline, especially in terms of performance and gas mileage. Unleaded gasoline is perfectly safe for your vehicle, and will save you a lot of money on fuel.

Do Not Use the “Top-Off” Method

When filling up the gas tank, many drivers choose to continue filling after the nozzle clicks. Whether to “top it off” or hit an even number, this method of filling up the tank is a wasteful one. The extra fuel will never be used to power the engine, and instead, slosh out and make a mess everywhere. The worst part is that you are paying for fuel you don’t get to use. As soon as the nozzle clicks, your tank is perfectly full. There is no need to top of the tank with additional gasoline.

Double-Check the Gas Cap

After filling up, it is important to double-check the gas cap. Forgetting to replace it is a common mistake, but making sure it’s there is not the only thing to look for. It is also important to make sure the cap is screwed on tight and fully-closed. A loose or missing gas cap will allow fuel to evaporate, wasting your hard-earned, cautiously-spent money.

Park in the Shade

Loose gas caps are not the only thing that can cause your fuel to evaporate. The hot summer sun will do the same! To avoid wasting your fuel, park in shady areas on hot sunny days. If you are not able to park in shade, it is helpful to purchase a windshield cover to reduce the amount of sun exposure inside your car. These are inexpensive and easy to use.

Keep Your Tires Inflated

Deflated tires are a common cause of wasted fuel. When the tires are not properly inflated, your vehicle has to work harder to go, causing the need to use more fuel. Be sure to check your tire pressure once a month to avoid this problem. Never use the maximum pressure recommendations on the side of the tire. The proper tire pressure for your car or truck can be found on the factory sticker on the inside of the door jam on the driver’s side. If it’s not there, check the inside of the glove compartment.

Did You Run Out of Gas in Indianapolis, Indiana?

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

Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484

What a Driver Must Do to Tow another Car Safely

There are many reasons why you might have to tow another vehicle with your own vehicle. Whether taking a cross-country road trip with your RV and primary vehicle in tow, moving to another state for work, or helping a friend transport their broken-down vehicle to their auto repair shop, the most important factor is safety. There are certain protocols that you, as the driver of the vehicle towing the other vehicle, must take in order to protect both people and cargo on the road.

Continue reading to learn some vital driving safety tips for towing another vehicle with your own.

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24 Hour Towing and Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484

Safety Tips for the Driver of the Towing Vehicle

✅ Use Extreme Caution

Always drive with superior care and caution. Never exceed 16 miles per hour on the road, and be sure to stay alert of all surroundings, both in front of you, beside you, and behind you. Driving too fast with another vehicle in tow can create too much inertia, or force, that can easily turn into uncontrollable momentum. As a result, your vehicle might have trouble coming to a stop on demand.

✅ Utilize the Clutch Properly

When pulling away for the first time with the other vehicle in tow behind you, it is vital that you operate your clutch properly. Being gentle with the clutch, pull out delicately, and at a very slow pace. If you are not using a vehicle with a manual clutch, just be sure to pull out slowly and carefully. If you pull out abruptly, you can snap the towrope or towing pole that connects your car to the towed one. As a result, the towed vehicle can whip forward and smash into the back of yours, or worse, come off on the road and smash into another person or vehicle.

✅ Be Slow and Gentle When Braking

Never slam on the brakes, or brake suddenly, when towing another vehicle with your own. This can cause the same type of problems with pulling out too fast, as mentioned above, but it can also cause massive damage to both vehicles. Give yourself several hundred feet to brake slowly, before coming to a stop, turning, or yielding. Apply the brakes gradually and gently to avoid sudden braking. Likewise, use your turn signals far ahead of time to warn drivers around you.

If the Driver is Sitting in the Car Being Towed…

In the case that you are utilizing a towing method that allows the driver to sit inside their own car while your car tows it, there are certain precautions they must take as well. They should remain fully alert, watching all braking and turn signaling. This allows them to actively steer and brake in coordination with the other vehicle, as needed. Also, they should keep constant tension in the towrope or towing pole to reduce jerking and similar abrupt movements.

Indianapolis Indiana Towing and Recovery Services You Can Trust

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

Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484