What You Should Know About Dinghy Towing

It is common to see vehicles flat-towing other vehicles on the road. This type of towing is called dinghy towing, and continues to be among the most popular and convenient ways to haul. The term, “dinghy” actually refers to yachts hauling small transit boats in their wakes. Dinghy towing has become a very efficient and secure way of towing cars, trucks, and SUV’s.

For this reason, an extensive line of specialized equipment was introduced to the market to support this type of towing. Parts like supplemental transmission lubrication pumps, quick-disconnect couplings for the driveshaft, light wiring, and supplemental brake actuators are towing components that make dinghy-style hauling safer and more efficient.

There are two ways dinghy towing is implemented: using a tow bar or using a tow dolly. Continue reading to learn the differences between these two styles, and gain a better perspective of the pros and cons of dinghy towing.

Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484
Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484

Using a Tow Bar

When you see, for example, an RV towing a sedan with all four tires making contact with the road, this is dinghy style towing using a tow bar. The tow bar is connected to the front bumper of the towed vehicle, and then trailer lights are attached to the back bumper. Although reliable, using a tow bar to tow can become complicated since cars are meant to drive on their own power, rather than be towed on the ground. Also, transmissions are designed to be turned by the car’s engine.

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

Using a Tow Dolly

In contrast to tow bars, tow dollies only allow the rear tires of a towed vehicle to touch the ground. When you see a car being towed with its front wheels raised and its back wheels rolling on the ground, you are witnessing dinghy style towing using a tow dolly. Tow dollies are popular for RV’s that need to tow a car or SUV long distances. A notable downside to tow dolly towing is uneven tire wear. However, routine maintenance and regular tire rotations can help slow this process down.

Indianapolis Tow Truck Help

Zore's Towing Indianapolis 317-247-8484
Indianapolis Towing & Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484

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

Top 4 Signs of a Faulty Alternator

As a local company that provides 24 hour roadside assistance, we get a lot of calls for jump starts. And on several occasions, what seems to be a dead battery issue is actual an alternator one. Our customer’s discover that their vehicle doesn’t need a jump start, but rather, a tow to the nearest auto shop for alternator repair.

Symptoms of a failing alternator often disguise themselves as something else, which is why it is important to always consult a professional for all of your automotive maintenance, repair, and recovery needs. If you suspect that your vehicle is having problems with its ignition, electrical systems, or battery, it could very well all be a result of a faulty alternator.

Continue reading to learn the top 4 signs of a failing alternator, as well as, how to contact us for emergency roadside assistance.

Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484
Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484

❶ Dead Battery

When an alternator is not functioning properly, it will quickly drain all of the battery capacity. As a result, the battery will die every time you drive your vehicle. This leads many people to mistakenly believe an alternator issue is a dead battery one. If this sounds like your car, you may think you need a jump start, when really you need your alternator repaired or replaced.

❷ Electrical Malfunctions

One of the most common signs that a car alternator is failing is electrical malfunctioning. This applies to lights, power seats and windows, stereos, navigation systems, and any other components powered by electricity. If you notice that your power seats are moving too slowly, your lights are dimmed or flickering, or your radio shuts off and on, it could be due to a failing alternator. An illuminated check engine, ALT,” or a battery icon indicator is another tell-tale sign.

❸ Strange Sounds

If your car makes strange noises while idling or driving, be sure to listen closely for sounds that indicate an alternator problem. If you hear squealing, grinding, or growl-like noises, it could be due to a faulty alternator. Most often, these sounds are caused by loosened or over-stretched serpentine belts, which cannot provide sufficient charge.

❹ Stalling Engine

If an alternator is not working properly, the fuel injection cannot not get the amount of electrical power needed to operate the engine, causing a vehicle to shut off instantly in the middle of driving. If this has happened to you more than once, you may be in need of alternator repair or replacement.

How to Get in Touch With Us

Zore's Towing Indianapolis 317-247-8484
Indianapolis Towing & Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484

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

What To Do if You Drive into a Ditch

If you drive into a ditch, there is a specific set of guidelines you should follow, regardless of your location or the time of day. Continue reading to learn the first 4 tasks to cover after driving into a ditch, including how to get out safely.

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

First and Foremost: SAFETY

Your first priority should always be safety. This is especially true for busy streets and highways. First, take a look at yourself and your passengers to confirm whether or not injuries were incurred during the slide off. If someone is hurt, including yourself, contact 911 emergency services immediately.

If no one is hurt, put your parking brake on to prevent further sliding or movement. Do not step out of your car until you are sure there is not oncoming traffic. In fact, it is wise to get out of the passenger door (or whichever door does not face the street).

Sometimes, you do not need to get out of the car if it can simply be driven back onto the road. But for larger and steeper ditches, driving out might present more of a challenge. In this case, move onto the next guideline below.

Second: Change the Load Weight

If your car is not driving out of the ditch, you may need to alter the load weight. This means changing around your cargo to allow better inertia. If you do not have much cargo, then this may not be a necessary step. If you do have cargo, take out as much as you can, and then try to drive out of the ditch, Lighter weight sometimes helps give a vehicle the boost it needs. On the other hand, if you are stuck in snow or mud, more weight is better.

Third: Improve Traction

Things like rock, gravel, sand, and dirt can make your tires spin in place, rather than spring you from the ditch. If this is your problem, try adding some extra traction behind each tire. Use anything that can work, including floor mats, wood boards, cardboard, paper, and even clothing. For front wheel drive vehicles, place the items in the front of the tires.

Fourth: Call for Roadside Assistance

If none of the above methods work for you, your best option is to call a 24 hour roadside assistance service for prompt and professional towing recovery. They have the resources to pull your car out of a ditch, safely and conveniently.

Who to Trust for Dependable 24 Hour Roadside Assistance

Zore's Towing Indianapolis 317-247-8484
Indianapolis Towing & Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for affordably-priced 24 hour emergency roadside assistance in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties. We offer 24 hour service, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. Regardless of your roadside assistance needs, we are fully-equipped and always on-duty to help. Choose from fuel delivery, lockout service, jump starts, and more.

How to Plan to Your Vehicle’s Maintenance Schedule

It is very important to adhere to your vehicle’s maintenance schedule to maintain optimal automotive performance. However, many first-time car owners question when and how often to have these services done.  If you ask several car owners this same question, you will likely get a bunch of different answers.  Furthermore, if you were to ask just any local mechanic, they may not give you accurate advice since their top-priority is selling you on as many services as you’ll agree to.

If you want to develop a sufficient and effective vehicle maintenance plan, you must turn to the right sources. Continue reading to learn where to begin on your car care plan, as well as, what your options are if you ever find yourself stuck on the side of the road with a malfunctioning vehicle.

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

Vehicle Manufacturers

The best place to start when questioning your car’s maintenance needs and schedule is the vehicle manufacturer company.  This is going to be your best source of vehicle maintenance information. They can offer the exact details for routine maintenance for your specific make, model and year.  If you purchased the car from a used dealership and do not retain the vehicle manufacturer information booklet,simply go online to the manufacturer’s website and download the information there.

Minimal Vehicle Maintenance

The manufacturer pamphlet with outline the basic maintenance and scheduling for your car type; however, this is only the bare minimum and a vague estimate.  If you are regularly in stop-and-go traffic, or drive excessively or long distances, then your car will require more routine maintenance than the ones suggested by the manufacturer. 

Here is a list of recommended routine maintenance that most vehicles require on a regular basis:

☑ Engine Oil Replacement

☑ Filter Changes (air, engine, fuel, etc.)

☑ Oil Changes

☑ Tire Rotations

☑ Chassis Lube

☑ Coolant Replacements

☑ Axel Services

☑ Battery Charging/Replacements

☑ Timing Belt

For most vehicles, an oil change is required every 5,000miles or every six months; whichever comes first.  For all other maintenance suggested, they are usually performed every 30,000 miles or so, depending on the amount of driving done.  Keep in mind that these timing schedules will widely differ from vehicle to vehicle.

If you find yourself stuck on the side of the road with an automotive roadside emergency, contact an Indianapolis roadside assistance service for help getting back on the road, safely.

Indianapolis Towing and Roadside Assistance

Zore's Towing Indianapolis 317-247-8484
Indianapolis Towing & Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484

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, 7days a week, and 365 days a year, rain, snow, or ice. Request a free estimate,anytime.

Types of Customers We Serve at Zore’s Towing

Here at Zore’s Towing, we serve a wide range of customers with our extensive fleet of tow trucks and recovery vehicles. Continue below to view all the different types of customers we serve, and see just where you fit on the list!

Indianapolis Towing & Roadside Assistance

Indianapolis Towing & Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484

👫 Single Customers

Whether you are a vehicle owner, renter, leaser, or somewhere in between, Zore’s Towing provides individual towing and recovery services for anyone in the state. When you have a car accident, we can provide the towing and clearance services in a moment’s notice. If you need to transport a vehicle or large commodity across the city or state, we have the fleet to manage your cargo safely. We also provide 24 hour roadside assistance for flat tires, lockouts, no fuel, and more!

🚚 Commercial Accounts

Commercial accounts are another big part of who we serve here at Zore’s Towing. Such clientele primarily includes large commercial trucking companies who require 24 hour roadside assistance for breakdowns, emergencies, recoveries, and more. We know how impactful it can be having a commercial truck out of service, which is why we promptly manage such cases with your bottom line in mind!

🏢 Private Property Customers

Anyone who owns private real estate, whether commercial or residential, does not want abandoned vehicles or illegally parked cars on their premises. This is where Zore’s Towing can help. We are on call, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, to assist private property owners with unwanted vehicle removal. We retain comprehensive knowledge of all local and state statutes and legal requirements, allowing us to provide safe and secure property management services.

🚓 Government Contracts

Zore’s Towing retains comprehensive knowledge of all evidentiary and local government requirements. This allows us to work alongside various fire and law enforcement departments and government agencies to provide vehicle impound and transportation services, city and state training and safety programs, traffic incident management (TIM) services, controlled rolls, water recovery, wrecker service, and more. We are also involved with several community services and work closely with the Hoosier Helper Tool.

🚙 Automotive Repair Shops

It is common practice for auto repair shops to get customers who need to have their car towed to their lot. In such cases, many automotive shops choose Zore’s Towing for their on-call towing account. With a wide fleet of tow trucks available 24 hours a day, we are always prepared to get your customer’s vehicles to you as soon as possible, regardless of their car’s condition or location. We serve all of Indianapolis, as well as, all areas within Central Indiana.

🏆 Motor Clubs

Another valued towing client includes Motor Clubs. All those fancy cars you see at shows and exhibits are not usually driven to their destination. In order to retain the aesthetic and mechanical integrity of specialty cars, careful transportation is required. Here at Zore’s Towing, local motor clubs know that we retain the proper fleet of flatbed tow trucks to safely transport exotic and high-valued vehicles, safely and efficiently.

Your Indiana Towing and Recovery Service

Zore's Towing Indianapolis 317-247-8484

Indianapolis Towing & Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484

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

Why Choose Zore’s Towing for All Your Roadside Needs

Here at Zore’s Towing, our family owned and operated company has proudly served the Central Indiana communities with safe and efficient towing and recovery services at the most competitive prices. Learn why you should choose us for all of your towing and roadside needs!

Zore's Towing Indianapolis 317-247-8484

Zore’s Towing Indianapolis 317-247-8484

Towing, Recovery & Roadside Service

It’s simple; we are 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.

More Precision & Faster Response Times

On top of a full fleet of advanced tow trucks and wrecker equipment, we only employ state-certified wrecker operators who work around the clock, providing roadside protection 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year; even on national holidays! This means that Zore’s Towing is your roadside security team for emergency vehicle assistance at all times. Best of all, all of our tow trucks are radio-dispatched from a live representative, and even equipped with the latest GPS technologies, all of which ensures accuracy and improves response times.

A Hoosier Family You Can Trust

As a member of the community ourselves, we are committed to providing the quality and security you come to expect from a local towing service. In fact, we are active in our surrounding neighborhoods in many ways. Not only are we involved with several community services, including city and state training and safety programs, as well as, local community sponsorships and causes throughout Central Indiana, we are also partnered with various fire departments and 9 different law enforcement departments for the purpose of providing traffic incident management (TIM) services, controlled rolls, water recovery, wrecker service, and more. We also work closely with the Hoosier Helper Tool, and have even won prestigious awards for our respected credentials, achievements, and service.

Contact Us Anytime!

Zore's Towing Indianapolis 317-247-8484

Indianapolis Towing & Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484, today. On every call, you can expect a prompt hello and a warm greeting from a pleasant company representative who is ready to assist you. Our friendly staff is waiting by the phones, ready to help you get back on the road, safe and sound. Request a free estimate, anytime!

Tips for Towing With an Automatic Gearbox

In the past, towing with an automatic gear box was considered to be in poor practice. But today, it is the most common method of towing for many. If you are preparing to tow with an automatic gearbox, continue reading to review some helpful tips that will keep you and your cargo safe.

Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484

Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484

Modern Automatic Electronic Gearboxes

Modern automatic electronic gearboxes are popular for their performance value, durability, and efficiency, making it no surprise that they are consistently being improved and innovated every year. The recent introduction of tiptronic-style shifters has really increased their popularity since they provide an added level of convenience.

These shifters basically deliver the best features of a manual gearbox by allowing drivers to control shift points and gears in accordance to the situation. Maneuvering corners, rough terrain, narrow turns, and steep slopes are all navigated at a much higher level of control with all the recent innovations of modern-day auto electronic gearboxes.

Tips for Using an Auto Gearbox

The way you use your automatic gearbox largely depends on the terrain you are driving on. For softer, resistant roads or substrates, you might not want to lose momentum, otherwise you can risk damaging your transmission. In these situations, like mud or sand, you want to use “drive” and let the gearbox work in the low or second gear. In these same situations, if you require more speed (40 mph or more) to cover a longer distance, third gear is recommended.

If you are driving through terrain that requires navigating around obstacles, such as creek beds or rocky trails, it is helpful to put your vehicle into drive and allow the gearbox to choose the proper gear type. Although it may take a few minutes for the gearbox to make a choice, you only need to focus on the path ahead in drive mode.

When driving downhill, take advantage of the manual over-ride features of your auto electronic gearbox. To decrease the load on your brakes in a down-slope course, choose a lower gear. This is especially important for turbo diesel engines.

Watch out for torque conversion slips when driving at high speeds on a flat surface, and then approach a hill. Although the vehicle is at the same speed, the engine revolutions can greatly increase, causing many problems with the torque converter. This can cause increased fuel consumption and high heat levels in transmission fluid, thus leading to overheating.

Be sure to have your automatic gearbox professionally inspected and serviced once every year, or every 15,000 miles. If you do not tow, you can go every two years instead. It is also not recommended to trust the manufacturer when they claim the gearbox is sealed does not require fluid changes.

Indianapolis Towing and Roadside Assistance

Zore's Towing Indianapolis 317-247-8484

Indianapolis Towing & Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484

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.

Common Roadside Problems and Solutions

When you are the owner and operator of a vehicle, you have certain obligations to fulfil, like insurance coverage, licensing, plate stickers, and more. Along with these responsibilities, you should also have a plan in place for sudden, unexpected roadside scenarios. Flat tires, broken windshield wipers, overheating engines, and being lock out are just some of the common examples drivers experience on the road.

When circumstances like these occur, it is important to be prepared; not only with the right tools and resources, but also with the right knowledge. Continue reading to review common roadside problems, and suggested solutions for each!

Indianapolis Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484

Indianapolis Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484

Flat Tires

Flat tires are one of the most common roadside dilemmas drivers experience on the road. Run-flat tires are great options for areas where flats are common, as they protect the rim of the wheel while you slowly drive your vehicle to the nearest shop for repair. If you do not have such tire technology, you need to be sure you have a kit handy to change your tire. This can be a tire plug kit for patching a hole, or it can be a jack and spare tire setup. See our blog, “How to Change a Tire Using a Spare,” to learn how to do it yourself.

Overheating Engine

Overheating engines can happen for a number of reasons. The most common reason an engine overheats a vehicle that is in good condition has to do with lack of coolant. It is important to have the proper water-to-coolant ratio for proper cooling operation. Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual to learn the proper coolant concentration recommended for your make and model car or truck. Also, keep a bottle of radiator fluid in your trunk so that you can be prepared to tend to an overheated engine. Always be sure to let the engine cool down completely before opening the hood.

Broken Windshield Wiper Blades

If your windshield wiper blades are broken, and you are driving in the middle of a rainstorm, you are in a very unsafe position. Immediately pull over and wait for the rain to pass, or be prepared to change your windshield wipers manually. By keeping an extra set of quality windshield wiper blades in your vehicle, you are well-prepared for this kind of disaster.

Out of Fuel

A vehicle running out of gasoline is a common scenario that virtually all drivers have experienced once in their life. It is not a good idea to keep an extra jug of fuel in your vehicle for roadside emergencies like this, however, it is a good idea to keep an empty fuel jug so that you can walk to the nearest gas station and fill it up.

Locked Out of the Car

Locking your keys in the car is a major inconvenience, especially if your engine is still running since it can cost you precious fuel. If this happens to you, you have a few options. The one you use will largely depend on the resources you have, and personal preference. You can use a long shoe string, or other type of string, you can create a slip knot and use it to manually unlock the door, or you can try the old coat hanger method.

Stuck in a Ditch

For those stuck on the side of the road, you have a few options for escape. If you believe you are in a particularly dangerous position, contact the highway police for added protection. To get yourself out, you can use the rocking method, where you reverse and drive back and forth until your vehicle can gain the momentum needed to spring itself out; or, you can add dry soil around each tire for added traction. You can also jack up the car and add wood boards, floor mats, trunk liner, gravel, sand, or any other material you have that could work as a surface. Keep in mind that this is not recommended if you are on a busy highway or street. It can be very risky and dangerous.

The BEST Course of Action for All Roadside Emergencies:

Contact an Indianapolis roadside assistance company that provides 24 hour service. They have the materials and resources to protect you, your passengers, and your vehicle, while also resolving any of the above-mentioned emergencies and more.

Affordable and Fast 24 Hour Roadside Assistance

Towing Company Indianapolis, Indiana 317-247-8484

24 Hour Towing and Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for affordably-priced emergency roadside assistance in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties. We offer 24 hour service, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. Regardless of your roadside assistance needs, we are fully-equipped and always on-duty to help. Choose from fuel delivery, lockout service, jump starts, and more. Call 317-247-8484 when you need fast Indianapolis roadside assistance you can trust!

Towing Acronyms for Vehicle Manufacturer Specifications

Regardless of your experience and expertise in towing, it is important to review and understand the most common acronyms for vehicle manufacturer specifications in the industry to ensure you are well-prepared for safe travel. Continue reading to learn some key towing acronyms, and share your knowledge with your fellow towers.

Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484

Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484

Common Towing Abbreviations:

Before you can understand what these terms mean, you must be familiar with the meaning of the term, “gross” first. Gross refers to the total weight without deduction for tare, tret, or waste. See the bottom of the blog for these three definitions.

ATM – Aggregate Trailer Mass

The acronym, “ATM” stands for “Aggregate Trailer Mass”, which refers to the total mass of the trailer (see GTM) when carrying the manufacturer-recommended maximum load.

GCVW – Gross Combined Vehicle Weight

The acronym, “GCVW” stands for “Gross Combined Vehicle Weight”, which refers to the combined weight of a trailer and the towing vehicle, including all passengers, as well as, fuel, equipment, and the cargo on the trailer.

GTM – Gross Trailer Mass

The acronym, “GTM” stands for “Gross Trailer Mass”, which refers to the weight that is transferred to the ground by the trailer wheels when coupled up to the towing vehicle and when carrying the maximum load recommended by the manufacturer.

GTW – Gross Trailer Weight

The acronym, “GTW” stands for “Gross Trailer Weight”, which refers to the total weight of a trailer, including the weight of the cargo. It is the same as “gross vehicle mass”, or “GVM.” See below.

GVM – Gross Vehicle Mass

The acronym, “GVM” stands for “Gross Vehicle Mass”, which refers to the total mass of a trailer and its load combined.

GVW – Gross Vehicle Weight

The acronym, “GVW” stands for “Gross Vehicle Weight”, which refers to the total weight of the towing vehicle, including all passengers, as well as, fuel, equipment, and the cargo on the trailer.

GVWR – Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

The acronym, “GVWR” stands for “Gross Vehicle Weight Rating”, which refers to the maximum recommended weight of the vehicle or trailer when it is fully loaded in adherence to the manufacturer’s recommendation.

TWA – Trailer Weight Allowance

The acronym, “TWA” stands for “Trailer Weight Allowance”, which refers to the maximum weight your vehicle can safely and properly tow. It is also known as “maximum trailer rating” or “tow rating.”

Central Terms to Know:

In Cab This refers to the space inside the tow vehicle cabin.

Tare This terms refers to the empty weight of the trailer.

Tret An allowance for waste, after a deduction for tare.

Spring Center This terms refers to the distance between the center of one set of springs to the center of the other set of springs when mounted on a trailer chassis. This measurement is usually essential for the axel assembly, which ensures that the axle is mounted centrally across the trailer.

Call On Our Indianapolis Towing Pros, Anytime!

Zore's Towing Indianapolis 317-247-8484

Indianapolis Towing & Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484

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

How to Perform a Pre-Tow Check Before a Road Trip

If you are planning a road trip that involves towing a trailer with your vehicle, it is wise to learn how to perform a correct pre-tow check and ensure your safety, as well as the safety of your cargo. Continue reading for some helpful tips.

Indianapolis Towing 317-247-8484

Indianapolis Tow Truck Service 317-247-8484

The first part of towing safety is preparation, which is why learning how to perform a pre-tow check before a road trip is so valuable. Not only is it important to know what to check, it is important to complete the task before every road trip, regardless of distance.

Getting Started

To start, you want to ensure your hitch and trailer are safely connected to one another. For a standard ball hitch, be sure that the tongue of the trailer is correctly connected to your vehicle’s hitch, with the locking mechanism snapped and lock pin in place.

While inspecting your hitch and trailer tongue, also be sure that your trailer connection is setup right. Between the vehicle and the trailer, there should be two chains that are crossing over each other, forming an “X” figure.

Check the security of the hitch by pulling up on the trailer to pull the hitch off. It should not be able to come off. If it does, you need to reconnect it and make the proper adjustments. Check that the wheel or stand for the trailer is in the “up” position.

Next, inspect your trailer lights and the lights on your towing vehicle. Be sure that the brake lights and turn signals are working properly and in sync. If something is off, check the electrical wires for looseness or defects. If you cannot get the brake lights to work, it is VITAL that you do not take it on the road.

Need a Professional Tow?

Indianapolis Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484

Indianapolis Towing and Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484

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