Was Your Car Just Towed in Downtown Indianapolis?

Posted on April 14, 2017 by Zores

It was there, and now it’s not. But don’t panic.

Here’s what to do to get it back fast!

Car Towed in Downtown Indianapolis 317-247-8484

It’s a common scenario that’s happened to most of us, your car is not where you parked it last. Once you have dealt with the immediate feeling of anxiety and panic, you realize that your car has probably been towed, and then the rage sets in. But it’s okay, because, although it was not in your daily plans, there are quick and simple steps you can take that will lead you to a happier place, and getting your car back. Continue reading to learn how to get started.

Locate Informational Parking Signs

First, look for a sign in the parking lot, or near the parking spot, that contains the tow company information. These signs are usually rectangular in shape and white. They have the contact information of the assigned tow company that handles the towing for that parking lot. Just call the number and talk to the receptionist. Explain to them that your car is missing and you think it was towed. Give them the following information: the address of the parking lot, the make and model of the vehicle, and your name. The receptionist should check their inventory and see if your particular vehicle is in their possession. If it is, they will give you directions on how to get to their establishment.

If They DO NOT Have Your Car

If they say they do not have your vehicle, then most likely, it has not been towed. If you are leasing or financing your vehicle, it could have be repossessed. If that is not a possibility, then perhaps your car was stolen. In this case, hang up and immediately call the police. Do not dial 911, because it is not a life or death emergency. The police will dispatch an on-duty officer in the area to come by and take down your information. Sometimes they may even offer you a ride home.

If They DO Have Your Car

If the tow yard does have your vehicle, then catch a ride to the establishment, and be prepared to provide the necessary information needed to retrieve your car. You’ll need updated proof of insurance on the vehicle, a valid drivers’ license, the title to the car in your name, and the amount of money required for the fine. If you can present all these things to the tow company, you immediately get your car returned to you hassle-free.

Indianapolis Towing Assistance

Zore’s Towing Indianapolis 317-247-8484

If you are looking for information about Indiana towing laws, or require emergency towing services in Indianapolis, Zore’s Towing are the professionals who can assist you the best. Call us at 317-247-8484 for 24 hour, Indianapolis towing service, emergency roadside assistance, property management, container service, and more. We serve all of Central Indiana with the most competitive prices.

Interesting Facts About 18 Wheeler Tow Trucks

Posted on April 6, 2017 by Zores

When it comes to emergency roadside situations, 18 wheeler tow trucks are a useful commodity to have around. They are commonly used for winching, roll-outs, traffic clearance, and many other forms of heavy-duty towing needs. Although they are tow trucks, they are often referred to as semis or semi-trucks. However, the cab and engine on these types of trucks are separate from the trailer, and the trailer does not have front wheels, so they are more accurately described as semi-trailers. The average length of the trailer on an 18 wheeler truck is around 53 feet, and some can be over 20 feet wide! But these lengths can vary. Continue reading to learn more interesting facts about 18 wheeler semi-trailer tow trucks.

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18 Wheeler Tow Truck Facts

18 wheeler tow trucks are designed with a special motor that allows for constant operation. The engine is only stopped for routine service, like oil changes, or to abide idling regulations. Any other time, the engine remains running.

On the subject of oil changes, an 18 wheeler tow truck can house more than 15 quarts of oil at one time. They only require oil changes every 5,000 miles, unlike standard vehicles that require such services on a more frequent basis.

When an 18 wheeler tow truck needs to come to a stop, it requires 40 times more stopping time than a standard vehicle would! That means they must apply pressure to the brakes much sooner than a typical driver.

A large quantity of the total number of registered 18 wheeler tow trucks are in Texas, California, and Florida.
Drivers who operate 18 wheeler tow trucks typically log over 140,000 miles of driving each year!

Indianapolis Tow Truck Service

Zore’s Towing Indianapolis 317-247-8484

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for prompt and affordable Indianapolis tow truck service you can trust. We offer 24 hour towing services for all make and model vehicles, as well as, a long list of additional services, such as container service, property management, and more. Call 317-247-8484 to request a free quote, today.

Which Chain Grade Should I Use for Towing?

Posted on March 9, 2017 by Zores

Indianapolis Towing 317-247-8484

Chain is a highly-versatile and useful tool that has been around for thousands of years. Its many applications include lifting, tension, tie downs, and towing. Throughout the years of chain manufacturing, general standards of practice, safety, and inspection have improved drastically. In the past, any type of chain was used for any application, without consideration of these factors. So now, the American Society of Testing & Materials (ASTM), American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), and the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) all regulate the manufacturing, testing, use, inspection, and repair of chain. Today, chain is stronger, tougher, and more reliable, and comes in various grades for different applications. When it comes to using chain for towing, it is vital to use the proper grade. If you are looking for a proper towing chain, continue reading to learn the different grades and their recommended towing functions.

Understanding Grades of Chain

As you begin to look for chains, you will notice their grades in the form of a capital letter followed by a number, such as G30. The grade is the maximum breaking strength of the chain, and measured in newtons per millimeter squared (N/mm2). So a chain that is graded as a G30 means that the maximum stress on the chain at its ultimate strength is 300 newtons per millimeter squared. As for towing, the most common chain grades are G43 and G70, but other grades are also necessary if overhead lifting or heavy tie-downs are needed. Look below for details of towing chain grades.

G43:

This is a common chain grade that is suitable for towing, meeting all ASTM and ASME specifications. It most common towing applications include heavy-duty towing, logging, and container securement. But this chain is not intended for overhead lifting. You would need a stronger grade for this type of application.

G70:

This is another common chain grade used for towing applications. As a heat-treated carbon steel chain with no additional alloys added in, it is higher in strength compared to the G43. It has a gold chrome finish that protects it from premature corrosion. Its common towing uses include logging, load securement, trucking, lashing, and even trawling. Just like the G43, it is not intended for overhead lifting.

Recommended Chain Grades for Overhead-Lifting: G80 & G100

Indianapolis Tow Truck Service

Zore’s Towing Indianapolis 317-247-8484

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 if you need prompt towing services in Indianapolis or Central Indiana. We are certified tow truck operators with an extensive fleet of trucks and a larger inventory of innovative equipment for towing and recovery applications. We offer a wide range of towing services, from light duty tows to heavy equipment transport, and much more. Call 317-247-8484 to request a free estimate for Indianapolis tow truck service, today.

6 Things a Roadside Assistance Service Can Do For You

Posted on February 15, 2017 by Zores

Roadside Assistance Services 317-247-8484

Roadside assistance service is not something we drivers tend to think about until we actually need them. Then in the moment, they turn out to be one of the most valuable assets we could ask for. Many people have roadside assistance coverage in their car insurance policies, while many others simply purchase third party coverage or memberships, or utilize public roadside assistant services. Fortunately, roadside assistance operates on a 24 hour basis, and covers a long list of unexpected car problems.

Continue reading to learn 6 of the most common things a roadside assistance company can do for you, and where to find prompt and professional service you can trust.

Roadside Assistance Services:

❶ Fuel Delivery

Have you ever run out of gas? Well a roadside assistance company can save you from making that dreaded (and dangerous) walk through the heat, cold, snow, or rain, all the way to the nearest gas station by delivering fuel right to your location. They will save you a lot of time too! Whether it is in the middle of the night, or out in the middle of nowhere, a roadside assistance truck can be there for you in a flash to deliver fuel and get you back on the road.

❷ Lock Outs

Have you ever locked your keys in the car? That’s definitely one of the more frustrating car situations, especially if your car is running or you’re running late. A roadside assistance service has the proper tools to safely unlock your car and retrieve your keys without any damage to your vehicle.

❸ Flat Tires

Have you ever popped a tire unexpectedly? A roadside assistance company can come right to you, change your tire, and even bring you a spare if you do not already have one. Think you can change a tire on your own? Well you might be right, but it is much safer and faster to use a professional roadside assistance service. Also, older vehicles may have lug nuts that are deteriorated and difficult to loose, ultimately making it impossible to remove the tire and change it. But a roadside assistance truck is stocked full of the proper tools needed to make these type of unexpected adjustments.

❹ Vehicle Recovery

Have you ever been stuck in the snow or mud? Or perhaps in a ditch? This happens often when cars swerve off the road to avoid collisions, or lose control due to adverse weather like rain, ice, and snow. And once a car is stuck, it can be impossible to recover it without the proper equipment. A roadside assistance service retains the resources and training to pull you out and get you back on the road again.

❺ Breakdowns

Has your car ever broken down on the side of the road with no hint of starting back up again? A roadside assistance service can provide a prompt and professional tow straight to your home or to the auto repair shop of your choice!

❻ Jump Starts

Has your car battery ever died? Jump starting your vehicle is simple as long as you have jumper cables and another battery to steal power from. But in the case that your car battery dies and you have no other vehicle to use for a jump start, or jumper cables, a roadside assistance service can help.

24 Hour Roadside Assistance in Indianapolis

Indianapolis Towing 317-247-8484

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for 24 hour roadside assistance in Indianapolis and all of Central Indiana. We retain a state-of-the-art fleet and utilize the latest technologies to deliver safe and professional roadside assistance services in a convenient time frame. We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year! Call 317-247-8484 to request a free estimate for Indianapolis roadside assistance, anytime.

The 7 Keys to Hooking Up a Load for Towing

Posted on January 11, 2017 by Zores

When it comes to towing, you want to take your time and go slow. That includes slow acceleration, deceleration, and wide turns. Everything movement needs to be eased into while towing a vehicle or other type of load. By gliding into turns, lane changes, accelerating, and stopping, you will have better control of your vehicle and the load it’s towing. Towing is not too complicated, but it does require some forethought, knowledge, and practice. One place to start is to learn the basics of how to hook up a load and tow safely. Continue reading to review the 7 keys to hooking up a load for towing.

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7 Reminders for Tow Setups

❶ Hitch and Ball

It is important to check the hitch and hitch ball to ensure they are the proper size and capacity. You see, hitches and hitch balls are available in several different “Classes”, each one with different weight limits and maximums. You can purchase the correct capacity hitch receiver and ball at any local automotive parts store at a relatively inexpensive price. Prices will vary among retailers and manufacturers.

❷ Weight-Distribution Hitch

Aside from choosing the right size hitch and ball, you need to make sure your load does not require this additional part. If you are towing more than 5,000 pounds, you will need a weight distribution hitch, which evens out the amount of weight to deliver smoother transportation and control. Refer to your owners’ manual for information about your vehicle’s recommended weight distribution hitch.

❸ Lights

You always want to check all exterior lights on both the towing vehicle and the trailer or vehicle being towed. This includes tail lights, head lights, brake lights, turn signals, flashers, and more. You will need an electrical wiring kit to connect the power of your vehicle lights to the towed vehicle. Be sure to plug these in before you leave for every tow.

❹ Ball Hook Up

Never forget to hook the hitch ball up all the way and make sure it is not loose on the receiver. Always clamp it down all the way and insert the pin and clip for added safety and security.

❺ Safety Chains

Always use and hook up your safety chains after hooking up the hitch. Do this before every tow, and be sure they are hooked on securely. These will prevent your load from coming detached in the case the something in your towing setup malfunctions or defects.

❻ Balance the Load

Before you leave the drive, be sure your load is balanced and evenly distributed. This will help reduce the possibility of shifting while in drive. You must also ensure that your hitch and trailer are lined up and sitting level. You don’t want the back end to stick up, or the hitch to be pressing down.

❼ Tires

Tires are very important when it comes to towing safety and efficiency. Check your tread to ensure optimal traction, especially in wet or inclement weather. Be sure they are properly inflated before every tow as well, and replace them as needed.

Indianapolis Towing

Tow Truck Service Lawrence Indiana 317-247-8484

If you are in need of a professional tow, call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 to get back on the road fast. Since 1901, we have provided 24 hour towing in Indianapolis and throughout Indiana, as well as, property management and roadside assistance services. Call 317-247-8484 to request a free estimate for Indianapolis towing, today.

Helpful Advice for Towing in Snow and Ice

Posted on December 13, 2016 by Zores

Indianapolis Towing Company 317-247-8484

Aside from hazardous snow and ice, towing can be a challenge all on its own. Safe and effective towing requires a certain level of focus, preventative maintenance, and knowledge. But in the wintertime, drivers need to take on a whole new level of precautions, as well as, practice a separate set of techniques to manage snow, ice, and slippery conditions. Continue reading to learn some helpful advice for winter towing.

Winter Towing Tips

All of the fundamentals of telling remain the same, in terms of setup, parts, hitching a trailer, and more. The difference between standard towing and winter towing is simply a matter of changing your towing techniques, attaching safety chains properly, and using snow chains. Let’s take a closer look!

Snow Chains

Snow chains are an excellent accessory for winter driving because they allow your tires to gain extra traction on the road and slippery conditions. Snow chains are available at any automotive parts store or local home improvement store with an automotive department. Depending on the size you need, prices will vary but typically remain reasonable. Be sure to choose the proper size chains for your towing vehicle, vehicles, and/or trailer. It is helpful to practice fitting and removing your snow chains so that you are efficient when the time comes to use them.

Safety Chains

Also called towing cables or straps, safety chains are a common accessory used during the winter to provide extra security when towing. In fact, it is recommended to use safety chains for every tow, not just wintertime towing. Safety chains help to prevent uncontrollable swaying, swerving, and diverging of your trailer or the vehicle being towed. You can find them any automotive parts store or local home improvement store with an automotive department. Just be sure to choose the proper size for your towing vehicle.

Towing Techniques

Towing in the snow and ice is very similar to standard towing; however, you will need to invoke some additional precautions. You will need to give yourself more time to come to a stop, and you’ll also need to give yourself more time to take turns, accelerate, and decelerate. It is recommended to visit a large vacant parking lot to practice all of these maneuvers in your full towing setup. If your towing vehicle gets stuck in the snow, contact a reputable Indianapolis towing company for professional recovery services you can trust.

Indianapolis Towing Service

Towing Company Indianapolis, Indiana 317-247-8484

24 Hour Towing in Indianapolis 317-247-8484

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for 24 hour towing service in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. We are highly trained and certified to truck operators that retain a large fleet of wrecker equipment that allows us to recover and tow all make and model vehicles and commodities. Call 317-247-8484 to request a free estimate for Indianapolis towing and recovery, today.

Call Zore’s for All Your Light, Medium, and Heavy Duty Towing Needs in Indianapolis!

Posted on November 14, 2016 by Zores

Safe and Professional Towing in a Flash!

Zore’s Towing Indianapolis 317-247-8484

Zore’s Inc. has been a family owned and operated company since 1927! And there is a very good reason why they have been in business for so long. As a licensed, bonded, and insured wrecker company, our number one priority is to deliver the highest standards of excellence for service, professionalism, and customer care. And for nearly 90 years, we have excelled in just that! Our state-certified wrecker operators have a long list of credentials, including classroom training experience, certifications, and more. And they do a lot more than just tow!

Our extensive fleet of state-of-the-art tow trucks and equipment allow us to provide a wide range of light, medium, and heavy duty towing and recovery services, safely and efficiently. Check out our article about the difference between these tows, here. Whether you need a simple tow to the auto shop or recovery services for a water-trapped vehicle, we are the professional to trust.

Light, Medium, and Heavy Duty Towing!

Light Duty Towing and Recovery:

Cars, Trucks, SUV’s, Vans, etc.

Medium Duty Towing and Recovery:

Moving Vans, RV’s, Box Trucks, etc.

Heavy Duty Towing and Recovery:

Semi’s, Buses, Motor Coaches, etc.

Large Equipment Hauling and Heavy Machinery Transport:

Semi tractor-trailers, Cars, SUVS, Trucks, Planes, Semi-Loads, Fuel tankers, Buses, Construction Equipment, Agricultural Equipment, Combines, Motorhomes, etc.

Other Services

We also implement quick clearance for storm damages and traffic collisions, as well as, heavy equipment transport, roadside assistance, property management, and more! We even hold a public auto auction on our premises every Wednesday at 4 PM! You can get bottom-dollar deals on all sorts of motorized commodities, including cars, trucks, SUVs, boats, jet skis, forklifts, dozers, and more!

Indianapolis Towing and Recovery

Indianapolis Towing 317-247-8484

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 to request a free estimate for Indianapolis towing and recovery, property management, and roadside assistance. We are happy to answer your questions about our services, prices, service areas, and more. Call 317-247-8484 when you need safe and affordable tow truck service in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. We serve Indy and all of Central Indiana!

What is a Compliance Certification Label and Where is it on My Car?

Posted on October 21, 2016 by Zores

Indianapolis Towing Company 317-247-8484

In order to tow a trailer with your vehicle, you will need to learn its general weight and towing capacities first. In order to do this accurately, you will need to refer to your vehicle’s compliance certification label. This label will have much of the information you need to calculate all the numbers necessary for safe towing, including your tongue weight, towing capacity, vehicle weight, and more.

But before you go looking for your vehicle’s compliance certification label, you must first check your owners’ manual to see if your vehicle is capable of towing. Once you are sure your vehicle can tow a trailer, you are ready to refer to your vehicle’s compliance certification label. Continue reading to learn what is on this label and where is it located on a car.

Compliance Certification Labels

You can typically find a compliance certification sticker on the inside of your driver’s side car door. There are several acronyms and numbers listed on a compliance certification label, including “GVWR”, GCW”, “GAW”, and more. All of these fields listed on the compliance certification label are pertinent to your car’s towing capacity. Keep in mind that all of these numbers are approximations, and vary depending on what you have in your car, such as occupants and luggage.

Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) – This is how much the vehicle weighs. It is commonly referred to as its “curb” weight. This number includes allowance for occupant weight, luggage weight, fuel weight, and more, as predicted by the manufacturer.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) – This is the maximum weight that is considered safe for your vehicle, as determined by manufacturer. Exceeding this weight can jeopardize the transmission, engine, brakes, and more.

Gross Combination Weight (GCW) – This number has to do with your trailer. It is the total weight of your vehicle and your trailer combined. But this does not include the trailers tongue weight.

Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) – This number is the maximum weight that is considered safe for your vehicle and trailer combined. This includes people, luggage, cargo, and more.

Gross Axel Weight (GAW) – These numbers are the weights predicted to be placed on your vehicle’s front and rear axles. Because of engines and other factors, it is likely for these numbers to differ from one another.

Gross Axel Weight Rating (GAWR) – this number is the maximum weight is considered safe to place on your front and rear axles. Exceeding this weight can be highly detrimental to your vehicle and trailer.

Indianapolis Towing Services

Indianapolis Towing 317-247-8484

Call Zore’s Inc. at 317-247-8484 for friendly 24 hour towing and recovery in Indianapolis, 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! Call 317-247-8484 when you need reliable Indianapolis towing services, today.

What is the Difference Between a Hidden Hitch and a Curt Hitch?

Posted on September 22, 2016 by Zores

Regardless of the vehicle you drive, almost any car, truck, or SUV can be converted into a towing vehicle as long as you have the right parts and components. One of the primary accessories you’ll need to tow with any vehicle is a trailer hitch. There are many versions of tow hitches on the market, ranging in size, capacity, and function. But also, you must choose among various tow hitch brands, and there are many to choose from. Two of the most popular tow hitch brands are hidden hitches and Curt hitches. Continue reading to learn more about these two highly-reliable tow hitch brands so that you can make a decision based on your personal preferences.

Hidden Hitch® Trailer Hitches

Hidden Hitch® has been manufacturing quality towing accessories for over 40 years. They are widely admired for producing superior equipment that passes all vital safety standards and comes with a lifetime guarantee. The build every receiver hitch with choice-grade steel, using heavy-duty hardware and precision welds. One of the most admired features of Hidden Hitch® receiver hitches is that they are custom-designed to match your exact make and model vehicle, right down to the year!

This ensures a perfect fit every time. And to make towing even more convenient, their hitches are designed with removable drawbars, so they are nearly indistinguishable when they are not being used. No matter what you plan to tow or the size of your trailer, Hidden Hitch® receiver hitches come in a variety of sizes, from Class 1 hitch receivers to Class 4 for heavy-duty towing. That’s a towing capacity of up to 10,000 pounds!

Price Range: $75 – $300

Curt® Trailer Hitches

Another admired industry leader is Curt® Trailer Hitches. Using stare-of-the-art technology, these innovative, custom-designed hitches are built to be reliable and rugged. Special features include a rust-resistant clear coat and open-back receivers, which make them much simpler to clean. Their sleek black powder coat finish gives them a dynamic look, but also helps make them even more rust-proof and scratch proof. And to get the look that matches your towing vehicle, they give you the option of choosing between circle or square tubes. They are also very easy to install and come with a lifetime guarantee!

Curt® trailer hitch receivers are available in Class 1 to Class 5 hitches, allowing for up to 12,000 pounds of towing capacity. They also manufacture a wide variety of towing accessories, such as hitch balls to T-connectors, and much more.

Price Range: $65 – $300

Factors to Consider When Choosing:

⛟ Vehicle Type
⛟ Towing Capacity Needs
⛟ Desired Visual Style
⛟ Price

Indianapolis Towing and Recovery

Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for prompt and professional tow truck service in Indianapolis, Indiana. For more than 75 years, we have provided trusted and affordable towing and recovery, as well as, 24 hour roadside assistance, and much more! Hoosiers all across the state have chosen Zore’s Inc. for quality assistance and friendly service. Call 317-247-8484 to request a free estimate for Indianapolis towing and recovery, today.

Common Types of Spare Tires

Posted on August 15, 2016 by Zores

Indianapolis Towing Company 317-247-8484

Whether they hide in the dark corners of car trunks, or exist as an exterior accessory to SUVs, spare tires are vital components to vehicle safety and convenience. It is important to check your vehicle’s spare tire as often as you can to ensure it is inflated and ready for use if needed. Some cars come with a spare tire, while many newer models do not. You can purchase a spare tire at any local automotive parts store, tire store, or any store with a large automotive department.

Decades ago, most spares used were full-sized standard tires; but today, there are more options to choose from depending on your vehicle type, driving habits, and personal preferences. Continue reading to learn about the most common types of spare tires in the automotive market, and how to determine which one is right for your vehicle.

Full Size Spare Tires

Several years ago, most new cars were equipped with full size spares. Full size spare tires are the same size as standard tires, so they can be used for an extended period of time. This is helpful for drivers that cannot take their vehicle to a shop right away or for those who drive a truck or SUV. They come matching and 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. Unless driving a large truck or SUV, non-matching spares are more common and preferred nowadays since they are lighter in weight and have shallower tread. This makes the spare easier to store and install, thus improving on fuel economy.

Compact Spare Tires

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. They are also more-cost effective compared to full size spares. Although they are highly-effective and convenient, compact spares are not meant to be driven on for long distances or extended periods of time. They provide a temporary means to get your vehicle back on the road so you can drive directly to a tire shop.

Run Flat Tires

Some vehicles are manufactured with a sort-of “built-in” spare tire system. These are called run flat tires and are only found on certain make and model vehicles. Run flats contain reinforced tire walls that allow a vehicle to continue driving without using any tire pressure. They are monitored by a vehicle’s tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), which alerts drivers when the run flats have been punctured and are “in mode.” So vehicles that are equipped with run flats do not come with a spare tire at all.

Zore’s Towing

Tow Truck Service Lawrence Indiana 317-247-8484

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 if you have a flat tire in Indianapolis, Indiana and need a quick tow. Our tow truck operators are certified, trained, and professional, offering a wide range of friendly and affordable towing and recovery services for all make and model vehicles, as well as, planes, duplexes, boats, semi-trucks, and more! Call us at 317-247-8484 for prompt 24 roadside assistance for flat tires in Indianapolis, IN any time!