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

6 Maintenance Tips for Your Personal Watercraft Trailer

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

Important Information About Transmission Fluid Leaks

When it comes to your car’s transmission, there is nothing more important than ensuring it maintains proper fluid levels. After all, transmission fluid is one of the seven vital automotive fluids that every vehicle needs to operate safely and efficiently. One of the most common causes of lost transmission fluid is a leak.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about transmission fluid leaks, including common facts like how to detect them, and what to do if your car has one.

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

How to Monitor Transmission Fluid

There are many factors that determine how often you should monitor a vehicle’s transmission fluid levels. The frequency of transmission fluid checks primarily depends on the make and model of the vehicle, however, there could be several other more specific factors that you need to know. For instance, most instructions tell you to leave the car engine on while checking the transmission fluid; but, if you are driving a Honda, the engine needs to be turned off. 

If you drive a Dodge model, you have to put in neutral while applying the emergency brake in order to check your transmission fluid. With all the different guidelines and variables that apply to each make and model vehicle and transmission, it is strongly suggested to always refer to your vehicle’s owners’ manual for the right information. You can also contact a local auto shop for professional advice you can trust.  Many mechanics offer free fluid checks, so be sure to take advantage of this when it is time your vehicle is in the shop!

Transmission Leak Dangers

Minor leaks can easily go unnoticed to an untrained eye. In fact, many drivers on the road have automotive fluid leaks and don’t even realize they are there; but it is never safe to drive with a leak, especially if it’s coming from the transmission. Although minor leaks are not likely to impose an immediate danger on the road, they will lead to more severe damages to other car parts, which can cause serious car accidents and injuries, or cost you thousands of dollars in needed repairs and part replacements. These damages are costly, but can fortunately be avoided by not operating the vehicle until it is repaired.

Transmission Leak Detection

The most common sign of a transmission leak is seeing the actual transmission fluid seeping or puddling beneath a car. Transmission fluid is dark red in color. When clean, it is a light pink or red, but when dirty, it will appear burnt orange or brown. If you detect a leak in your transmission, do not continue driving the vehicle. If you are on the road, pull over and contact a 24 hour roadside assistance company. They may be able to patch up your leak and replace your fluid well-enough to get you home or to the nearest mechanic. Otherwise, they can tow your vehicle for you. If you are at home, and notice the leak on your driveway, you should not drive your car. Instead, contact a tow truck to have your car towed to your auto repair shop of choice.

Where to Get Fast Towing and Roadside Assistance in Indianapolis, Indiana

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for 24 hour roadside assistance and towing 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. Since 1927, we have a provided a wide range of towing and roadside assistance services, and for the past 90 years, we have earned a reputation for trusted service at a fair price! 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

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

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

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

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!

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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

The Importance of Headlight and Taillight Maintenance

As a regular driver, you should know that any time of year is the perfect time to ensure your vehicle’s headlights and taillights are ready to take on dusky and dark commutes. This is especially important if you have attached trailers to your vehicle. Without properly maintained vehicular lighting, you are putting yourself and other drivers at risk.

Continue reading to learn why automotive headlight and taillight maintenance is beneficial, and what to do if your taillights stop working on the road.

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

Make Automotive Safety a Priority

In order to see and be seen on the road, it is vital to have properly-functioning lights. This includes headlights, taillights, and even interior lights. If your front and rear lights are not well-maintained, it can prevent you from being able to safely navigate in dusk and nighttime hours. It also inhibits the ability of other drivers to see you on the road. For this reason, proper vehicle lighting is a key factor in automotive safety, not just for yourself, but for others as well.

Exterior vehicle lights are components that sustain daily wear and tear, which is why they require regular maintenance and periodic replacement. Bulbs that are blinking, dim, or burnt out should be replaced immediately. Check your lights on occasion for any of these signs, and make necessary replacements when needed.

Additional Headlight and Taillight Tips:

Be sure your front and rear lights are clean and clear. Use a damp cloth or napkin to wipe away any obstructing material, such as dirt, dust, animal droppings, insects, and mud.

Check the aim of your exterior lights to ensure they are pointed in the right direction. If lights are not aimed properly, they can blind other drivers and hinder your frontal vision on the road.

Use your lights during dusk, twilight, and evening hours, even if you can see just fine. It helps other drivers see you too.

Do not drive too far ahead of your front lights when pulling up behind another vehicle. This creates a blind crash spot in front of your car. Park or idle within your headlight range.

Some states require drivers to turn their headlights on when their windshield wipers are in use. Check with your BMV to see if your state is one of them.

If your tail or headlights burn out while on the road at night, never continue driving. Be sure to pull over to a safe spot and contact a towing company for emergency roadside assistance. If they cannot repair your taillight or headlight issue, they can transport your vehicle to an auto shop, where you can rent a car or call for a ride.

Got Car Troubles in Indy? Call Zore’s Towing!

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for prompt, 24 hour towing and roadside assistance in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties. Our licensed towing and recovery division retains an extensive fleet of over 35 tow trucks and wrecker equipment, allowing us to assist drivers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, rain, snow, or ice. Request a free estimate, anytime.

Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484

What You Need to Know About Safe Boat Towing

Sadly, not all of us are privileged enough to live right on the water where we can conveniently dock our boats, jet skis, and canoes right outside our homes. For the inlander communities, it is necessary to hitch and haul our amphibious engine-powered toys across the state, and sometimes even the country!  For people who do this often, or travel seasonally, it is certain they probably have a pretty good idea on how to haul and tow boats. As for the rookies, learning can be quite overwhelming, and understandably so.

If you need to brush up on your boat towing safety, continue below for a brief review of what you need to know.

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Indiana Boat Towing and Transportation Services 317-247-8484

Towing a boat with your car, truck, or trailer requires undivided attention and care to ensure driver and passenger safety, as well as, the protection for the vehicle, trailer, and load itself.   Once a person learns the ins and outs of boat towing, they are ready to take on the road, but before doing so, it is crucial to review the important basics of boat towing to ensure a safer hauling experience.

Turning

Driving in a straight line is not much of a challenge when hauling a boat on the road, however, when it comes time to make a turn, there are some strategies that help ensure extra care and caution.  When making a turn with a boat attached to your car or truck, understand that turns are going to need to be much wider to accommodate the load.  Remembering to make wider turns will help keep a driver safe on the road, and not a moving disaster for other drivers around them.  Cutting a turn too narrow can result in exterior damage to the load and the vehicle and possibly other cars on the road.  Narrow turns can cause the load to hit mailboxes, street signs, cars, curbs, and worse, pedestrians.  Also, the load will always turn narrower than the vehicle, so drivers need to give everything plenty of room when turning and always check the mirrors too.

Backing Up

Visibility is the first and most important component to backing up a vehicle with a boat attached, safely.  Using the mirrors is crucial, and if they are not big enough, larger mirrors can be purchased and installed for better visibility.  In a perfect world, it is better to just avoid having to back-up the vehicle and load altogether.  This is not always the case, so there are some more tips to backing up a towed boat safely.  The vehicle will weigh more, be longer in length, and have a pivot right in the middle.  These things all affect the way it is backed up.  Moving slowing, making small adjustments with the wheel, and constantly checking mirrors will help overcome this challenge.

Braking

When a boat is being towed, it adds more weight to the vehicle.  This added weight makes the vehicle take longer to brake and takes longer to completely stop.  It is important to give the vehicle plenty of stopping room when beginning to brake.  Paying attention to the other drivers and the road ahead can decrease chances of having to stop abruptly.  A slow steady force of the foot will ensure a smooth deceleration of the vehicle and its load.  Having a steady foot and an attentive mind will ensure a safe braking experience every time.  Practice never hurt either!

Jack-Knifing

Jack-knifing on the road is a huge inconvenience to other drivers on the road.  Jackknifing is when a vehicle and the load attached get out of sync and create a “U” or “V” shape.  We have seen semi-trucks do this while attempting a U-turn on a narrow street.  There are some key tips and reminders to help avoid this undesirable situation.  One way to do this is to double check the load that is attached, and be sure it does not sway at all when in tow.  The swaying load can get enough momentum and swing all the way to the front of the vehicle, creating a jackknifing accident.  Also, braking appropriately when approaching turns or bends in the road helps prevent jackknifing as well.

These are just some basic reminders to safe boat towing.  Reviewing these topics before taking on the road is a good idea.  Sometimes all we need are a few reminders to get our minds in focus before a big trip.  It is helpful to make a list of things to check before leaving, and to brush up on techniques and skills to better and safer towing.

Professional Boat Towing and Transportation Services in Indianapolis

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for 24 hour boat towing services in Indianapolis and throughout Central Indiana. Our friendly staff is waiting by the phones, ready to help you get your boat to or from the water, 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

Common Warning Signs of Failing Car Brakes

Properly functioning car brakes are vital when it comes to safe driving.  When your brakes need repaired, never hesitate to get them fixed. A single moment of traction loss could mean hospital time or worse. Worn out brakes is not a situation to be taken lightly. As soon as you know your brakes are not in optimal condition, have your car towed to a trusted mechanic for inspection and repair.

Continue reading to learn the common signs that indicate your car brakes are failing, and it’s time to pull over and call a tow truck.

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

How to Detect Failing Car or Truck Brakes

There are a number of signs that foreshadow brake repair, and the most common ones are the easiest to detect. When you are driving, do you feel the steering wheel shake? A steering wheel that wiggles could be a sign of brake problems. If the steering wheel jiggles back and forth every time you come to a stop, then this is a sign of worn out brake rotors. Brake rotors don’t need to be changed as often as brake pads, but should still be replaced every few years. It is suggested to have your brake rotors changed every three times your brake pads are replaced.

When it comes to brake pads, another observable sign of brake damage is high pitched squeaking. When your car squeals anytime you apply pressure to the brake pedal, this could be an indication of bad brake pads. The squeaking sound comes from a piece on the actual brake pad that gets exposed once the pad is worn down enough. When this indicator is exposed, it’s time to replace the pads. To be safe, they should be changed within two to three weeks, otherwise you could fail to make a stop at any moment.

If you begin to notice it takes more time to come to a complete stop in your vehicle, this means you have worn through the indicators on the brake pads. This is another common sign of brake malfunction. This is a serious sign that requires immediate attention. It is extremely dangerous to drive with brakes this bad, especially in bad weather.

⚠ If you begin to notice any signs that are similar to the ones just discussed, then immediately pull over to a safe spot and call a 24 hour two truck company for emergency roadside assistance towing. Never risk your life or someone else’s by driving on unreliable brakes!

Indianapolis Roadside Assistance Towing Services You Can Count On

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for 24 hour towing and 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