Category Archives: Roadside Assistance

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

Posted on by

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.

24 Hour Towing and Roadside Assistance
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

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

Posted on by

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

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

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

1. Improved Fuel Efficiency

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

2. Increased Storage Space

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

3. Batteries and Emissions Equipment

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

4. Decreased Manufacturing Costs

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

If Your Car Does Not Come With a Spare

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

Helpful Flat Tire Advice

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

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

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

CLICK FOR A FREE QUOTE OR TO REQUEST SERVICE NOW!
Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484

A 4 Point Vehicle Check for Your Autumn Road Trip

Posted on by

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!

24 Hour Towing and Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484
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

Posted on by

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.

Emergency RV Towing and Roadside Assistance
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

Posted on by

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!

24 Hour Roadside Assistance and Fuel Delivery
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

6 Maintenance Tips for Your Personal Watercraft Trailer

Posted on by

Whether yours is a Wave Runner, Sea-Doo, Jet Ski, or some other type of personal watercraft, you likely have a trailer to get it from point A to point B. As the owner of a personal watercraft, you understand how important it is to take good care of your asset considering it’s an expensive and potentially dangerous piece of equipment. However, many personal watercraft owners tend to overlook the needs of the watercraft’s trailer. Trailers require maintenance too, and without proper routine maintenance, you can expect to run into some mechanical and operational issues down the line. Both of which can lead to serious accidents, injuries, and costly structural damage. Fortunately, all of these scenarios can be avoided with some regular watercraft trailer maintenance.

Continue reading to learn the top six maintenance tips you need to know when it comes to taking care of your personal watercraft trailer.

Indiana Boat Jet Ski Towing
Indiana Boat Jet Ski Towing 317-247-8484

Routine Cleaning

all trailers require some light routine cleaning in order to keep them in superior condition. This simply involves taking a microfiber cloth to the surface areas, eliminating dust and debris that accumulates over a period of a couple of days. For a deeper claim, opt for a degreasing agent or some other cleaner that safe for the type of metal your trailer is made of. This can remove rust and other surface blemishes, thus polishing up the exterior quite nicely. On a less regular basis but still on schedule, it is a good idea to use a mild soap and water solution on your trailer, and rinsed clean with a garden hose.

Lubrication

along with regular cleaning, a watercraft trailer also needs its mechanical and moving parts lubricated periodically. It is recommended to use a spray lubricant product, which is available at any local home improvement store or even at your local department store. Be sure to treat all exposed parts that are moving or mechanical, including hubs, hinges, bolts, springs, and a tongue jacket your trailer has one. If your personal watercraft trailer happens to have grease nipples, you can also treat them with the grease gun.

Wheel Bearings

Be sure to give your wheel bearings an inspection every once in a while. You might need to get them repacked. Talk to the manufacturer to see what your personal watercraft trailer requires in terms of wheel bearing and hub maintenance.

Tires

T will he tires on your trailer make the most contact with the ground, which means they experience a higher level of wear and tear. For this reason, it is important to regularly inspect your personal watercraft trailer tires to ensure they are properly inflated and without any defects. Look for problems like bulging sidewalls, cracked sidewalls, tread wear, and tire blowouts.

Hitch

Your hitch system to your personal watercraft trailer is one of the most important components considering a connects your trailer to your towing vehicle. Regularly inspect your hitch set up to ensure the hitch ball, trailer hitch coupler, safety chains, and wiring systems are all properly connected and operational. If you want us to check to see if your hitch ball is properly level, simply drop a few dollops of water on the very top. Watch how the water droplets fall, and this can give you an indication on whether your hitch ball is tipped up, down, or tilted forward.

Lighting System

Last, inspect your trailer’s lighting system to ensure the brake lights, turn signals, hazard lights, taillights, and parking lights are all connected to your towing vehicle’s lighting system and operational. Before each use, it is important to check the lighting system to ensure all of the lights are probably working. You will get pulled over by law enforcement if your lighting system on your trailer is not synced up with your towing vehicle.

Going a Long Distance? Choose Professional Towing Service for Your Boats and Watercrafts!

Central Indiana Long Distance Boat Towing Services You Can Trust

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for long distance boat 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

Check Out the Impressive Fleet of Trucks and Equipment at Zore’s Towing

Posted on by

When you call on Zore’s Towing for tow truck service, roadside assistance, recovery, or even municipal and city training programs, you can trust that you have enlisted the right group of professionals for the job. There are hundreds of towing companies throughout Central Indiana you can choose from, but here at Zore’s, we set ourselves apart from our competition by maintaining the latest technologies and resources in the industry, as well as, fine-tuning our skills as wrecker operators.

In fact, continue below to check out our amazing, state-of-the-art fleet of trucks, cranes, and equipment for towing and recovery services!

Indianapolis Roadside Assistance & Towing 317-247-8484
Indianapolis Roadside Assistance & Towing 317-247-8484

We Serve All of Central Indiana

Zore’s Towing is your simple, hassle-free solution to affordable towing and recovery services in Indianapolis, and throughout Central Indiana. With more than 90 years in business, you can trust our pledge to provide safe and efficient service at a fair price. Our certified and experienced drivers carry out a wide range of professional towing services, including light to heavy-duty tow truck service, property management, roadside assistance, towed car searches, emergency towing, long-distance towing, heavy equipment transport, and much more.

Here at Zore’s Towing, we retain more than 35 tow trucks and wrecker equipment. This includes a crane truck, flatbed tow trucks, heavy-duty wreckers, a few bulldozers, a handful of forklifts, a portable car crusher, and 16 other assorted types of tow trucks! Just take a look for yourself!

Need Towing or Roadside Assistance Right Now?

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for 24 hour roadside assistance and towing services in Indianapolis and throughout Central Indiana. As you are now aware, 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

How to Do a Pre-Trip Check Before Hitting the Road With Your Trailer

Posted on by

Summer has officially begun, which means everyone is looking for ways to take full advantage of the amiable weather. From fishing and kayaking, to biking, camping, road tripping, and more, there are several summertime options to choose from, most of which likely requires the use of a trailer haul! But when you plan to hitch a trailer and hit the road this summer, whether driving a short distance or a long one, it is important to know how to stay safe. Fortunately, your experience puts you in a great position to haul your trailer from one point to another. So, all you really need is a reminder on how to perform a pre-trip inspection!

Continue reading to learn what to do when preparing your trailer haul for a road trip this summer!

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

Pre-Trip Trailer Check Guide

The most important part of your pre-trip inspection is to ensure your trailer is properly connected to the hitch. Equally important is to ensure the vehicle and trailer brake lights and signals are connected and compatible. Here are the steps to take to ensure all of this and more:

Step 1 – Check your hitch.

If you have a standard ball hitch, the trailer tongue should attach to the towing vehicle’s hitch, properly. Test the quality of this connection by physically lifting the trailer. If it is properly attached, you should not be able to lift it at all. Be sure that the lock pins and locking mechanisms are also snapped into place, correctly. Along with checking your hitch in this step, be sure your trailer safety chains are properly crisscrossed and connected. To complete this first step, also check that your trailer connection has enough clearance. Any trailer wheels or stands should be placed back in their UP or DRIVE position.

Step 2 – Check Brake Lights and Signals

As mentioned, checking that the brake and signal lights are functioning in alignment with your towing vehicle’s lights is a top priority. Not only do you check that they work, you need to also ensure they are aligned with your towing vehicle. When you apply the brake in your car, the brake lights should illuminate on your trailer lights, and so forth. If you are alone, use the reflection from other cars or windows to see the lights. You can also do this the night before in the dark. Also in this step, ensure that the electrical wires that make these brake and signal light connections are cleared from the ground, as well as all other undercarriage parts.

🏞 You are now ready to drive!

It does help to practice a little before the big drive day to give you some more confidence on the road. Practice turning, backing up, parking, and disconnecting the trailer from the hitch. See our blog, “Frequently Asked Questions About Towing a Trailer” to learn some more tips and tricks for safe trailer towing.

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

If your vehicle breaks down in Indiana at any point during your trip, call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for 24 hour roadside assistance and towing recovery services you can trust. 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

FAQS About Spare Tires

Posted on by

Spare tires are somewhat of a mystery to drivers. Although they seem pretty straightforward, there is much to know about them. Whether your vehicle comes equipped with one or not, as a licensed driver, it is your duty to know more about using a spare tire. Continue reading to review some common frequently asked questions about spare tires, and what to do if you are ever stuck on the road without one.

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

How Do I Drive on a Spare Tire?

Not sure if you are ready to drive with a spare tire on? You are! Just follow these important tips, and you will do just fine:

➛ Plan to drive a short distance, or to the nearest tire shop.
➛ Refer to owners’ manual for instructions.
➛ Always maintain cold tire inflation pressure of 60psi.
➛ Check tire pressure regularly and before each use.
➛ Inspect the tire and tire sidewalls for punctures, nicks, and other damages before each use.
➛ Drive and maneuver carefully. 
➛ Never exceed 50 MPH.
➛ Avoid highways, but if you have to, drive in the right lane with hazard lights on.
➛ Keep at least 3 car lengths driving distance between other vehicles.
➛ Store spare tires in the trunk or cabin, or on the outside of the vehicle (SUV’s).
➛ Be sure to learn how to change a flat tire!
➛ Call a local roadside assistance company if you have trouble changing a tire.

How Do I Change a Tire With a Spare?

See our blog, “How to Change a Tire Using a Spare” for a full, step-by-step guide on how to change a tire, including what you should do as soon as you get a flat, and important safety tips.

How Long Can I Safely Drive on a Spare Tire?

Never leave your spare tire on longer than the owners’ manual or manufacturer’s instructions state. This can lead to a whole heap of complications. Spares and donuts are meant to be temporary tires, because in fact, they are temporary tires! They are not as durable as ordinary tires, and weaken at a much faster rate. You see, a standard tire contains layers of steel and polyester fibers beneath the rubber. These layers are called plies and are where the real strength comes from. For space and weight-saving reasons, spares do not contain as many plies as ordinary tires; therefore, they deteriorate quicker.

Why Does My Car Not Come With a Spare Tire?

Modern vehicles are commonly designed and manufactured without spares. This is for a number of reasons, all of which vary among car makers, but mostly to enhance fuel efficiency, create more storage space, create more space for batteries and emissions equipment (in the case of hybrids, etc.), and to decrease manufacturer costs. If your car does not have a spare, it is strongly recommended to buy one.

Are There Different Types of Spare Tires?

There are many types of spare tires, including full-size, compact, and run flats. All full size spares are either matching or non-matching forms. A matching full size spare is one that is identical to the other tires on a vehicle. And a non-matching spare is not identical. Also known as “donuts”, compact spare tires are the most frequently used spare for small to mid-sized vehicles. This is because they deliver the best balance in terms of function and size. Some vehicles are manufactured with a sort-of “built-in” spare tire system, known as run flat tires. Run flats contain reinforced tire walls that allow a vehicle to continue driving without using any tire pressure.

Are There Any Alternatives to Using a Spare Tire?

There are three common alternatives to having a spare on hand. These are run flats, as mentioned above, as well as, self-sealing tires and tire inflator kits. Tire inflator kits usually involve a type of aerosol seal kit that provides a temporary resolution for minor tire tread punctures. There are several brands of tire inflator kits on the market, all ranging in price between $20 and $200 depending on quality. You can also purchase self-sealing tires, which are designed with a built-in lining, coated in a special sealant that automatically begins to surround the hole.

Flat Tire Roadside Assistance in Indianapolis and Central Indiana

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

Fuel Efficiency Myths You Need to Know

Posted on by

Remember are blog from December about making better gas mileage your 2020 new years’ resolution? Well, how have you done so far? Are you still not happy with your fuel saving efforts? If so, perhaps you, like so many others, have fallen victim to some common fuel efficiency misconceptions.

Continue below to learn the top gas mileage myths circulating through the industry, and perhaps improve your fuel efficiency results!

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

Top 5 Gas Mileage Misconceptions:

“Small Cars Get Better Fuel Mileage”

Size has nothing to do with fuel efficiency. Everything under the hood, the materials used to manufacture the vehicle, and proper maintenance are what make vehicles fuel-efficient. Advancements in technology that promote better fuel economy include diesel engines, turbochargers, hybrid drive trains, and low-rolling resistance tires.

“Manual Transmissions Get Better Gas Mileage”

Although true in the past, new advancements in automatic-transmission technology has made this a modern-day myth. More gears have led to less wasted fuel and much more. Whether you choose manual or automatic, fuel efficiency will not be comprised by this decision.

“Old Cars Get Poor Gas Mileage”

A vehicle is really only as old as its engine. And so long as the engine is properly maintained over the years of ownership and use, the gas mileage should not be affected. In fact, there is a vehicle “break-in” period (the first 5,000 miles or so) where the fuel efficiency actually improves, rather than declines!

“Replacing the Air Filter Will Jump-Kick Fuel Economy”

If your car has an older engine with a carburetor still, then this myth is a little true. But fuel economy for modern fuel-injected cars and trucks is not influenced by a singular filter change. Fuel-injected engines delivers lower emissions and improved fuel economy. An onboard computer automatically adjusts the fuel-flow depending on the amount of air entering the engine.

“Premium Fuel Will Improve Gas Mileage”

This will just end up being a waste of money. Premium fuel does not equal better fuel economy. In fact, using a higher-octane fuel will not alter vehicle performance at all. Only use premium gas if your vehicle’s owners’ manual suggests to; otherwise, stick to unleaded.

Are You 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