Top 3 Ways You Might Be Destroying Your Car

Posted on February 6, 2020 by Zores

Vehicles are not cheap. They are not cheap to buy, and they are certainly not cheap to repair. So, in order to ensure you are protecting your investment to the best of your ability, and within your budget, it is important to avoid some common habits drivers do that slowly (and sometimes instantly) destroy their car.

Continue reading to learn the top 3 mistakes people make with the operation of their vehicles so that you can avoid doing them yourself!

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❶ Parking Brakes

Do you use your parking brake when necessary? You better hope you do! This is one of the most common bad habits of vehicle owners. If you are parking on any sort of an incline, regardless of your vehicle’s make, model, location, condition, or transmission type, you must engage the parking brake. It is not an optional feature on your car.

The parking brake puts a lock on your tires, preventing them from slipping or shifting as a result of the imbalance of weight. Without the parking brake, you might find your car rolling down a hill! Furthermore, it prevents stripping the parking pawl in the transmission. Just be sure you release your parking brake before you put the car in drive.

❷ Shifting

Are you the type that idolizes those action-packed movies in which drivers fishtail, donut, and spin out on the road to evade their enemies? If so, hopefully you do not try to imitate such driving. Many drivers like to shift their transmission into drive or reverse, before they come to a complete stop. This is a major mistake that can do instantaneous damage to your transmission, engine, and various inner components.

After too many incorrect shifts, the tension bands reduce in quality and the teeth on the transmission mesh wears away, all of which results in the car no longer being able to shift. Do you know how much this repair costs? On average, a transmission repair of this nature can cost between $400 and $1800, depending on the make and model vehicle. For luxury cars, you can expect the average cost to be even higher.

❸ Maintenance

When was the last time you changed the oil in your car? Or the other six essential fluids? Lack of car maintenance, namely oil changes, is one of the most common mistakes people make that cause damage to their vehicles. Motor oil is vital to the engine because it lubricates the metal pistons and rings as they move up and down within the cylinder. Without proper lube, friction of metal on metal will cause irreparable damage to the engine.

Additional essential car fluids that should be changed or maintained on a regular basis include transmission fluid, coolant (radiator fluid), brake fluid, power steering fluid, battery fluid, and windshield wiper fluid. Check your owners’ manual for instructions on when to have these fluids checked and changed. Read our blog, “The 7 Automotive Fluids Required for All Cars” for more advice.

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.

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Did You Know Towing Companies Offer More than Just Tows?

Posted on November 11, 2019 by Zores

Wrecker companies are more than just a towing service. They offer a wide variety of roadway, transportation, and recovery assistance. Sure they are equipped and eager to provide tows for illegally parked vehicles, broken down cars, abandoned vehicles, and more; but they are also equipped and trained to provide much more than that! Continue reading to learn what a wrecker company is truly capable of and the standard services they offer their local communities.

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Wrecker Services

When it comes to wrecker services, towing is not the limit. Most well-established and veteran wrecker companies retain an extensive fleet of trucks, rigs, trailers, wreckers, and more that allow them to provide comprehensive towing and recovery services for anyone and everything in town. This means impounding, airplane towing, accident and traffic clearing, disaster emergency response, general roadside assistance, and much more. Here is a breakdown of the principle categories for towing and recovery, and the additional services offered by most wrecker companies near you:

Roadside Assistance

Wrecker companies generally offer roadside assistance options for individuals who experience minor vehicular issues or breakdowns on the road. If someone gets a flat tire, a wrecker service will provide tire changes and replacements. If a battery goes dead, a roadside assistance technician for a wrecker company will drive to them and provide a jumpstart. If someone is locked out of their vehicle, a wrecker service can get them back in! With just one simple phone call, a short wait, and a small fee, you can have a professional wrecker company provide roadside assistance services any time, 24 hours a day.

Light-Duty Tows

Light-duty towing includes regular vehicle towing and recovery. Cars, trucks, vans, small to mid-sized vehicles, motorcycles, jet skis, and more are all included in this category. If a car accident happens, a professional wrecker service is called to promptly remove the damaged vehicles and clear the roads of traffic congestion as soon as possible. Illegally parked vehicles and property management towing also fall into this category of light duty tows. These services are available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week; like most towing services.

Medium-Duty and Heavy-Duty Tows

Medium and heavy-duty tows include larger-scale recovery and towing missions. Trucks, semi’s, rigs, trailers, boats, airplanes, mobile homes, construction materials, piping, and more are included in this category of towing. Wrecker companies extensively train their technicians to be able to clearly and efficiently react and handle sudden recovery emergencies, disasters, and situations. They are fully prepared to recover large equipment or vehicles on dangerous terrain or hazardous conditions. Severe storm damages, fallen trees and power lines, erupting dams, and more are all circumstances when a professional wrecker company is needed and called on.

Special Services

Wrecker companies often work together with their local municipality in road and traffic management. They also buy and sell junk cars and trucks, and offer auto auctions open to the surrounding communities. On top of auto auctions, junk car buying, light towing, medium towing, and heavy-duty towing, wrecker services also train and provide disaster response as mentioned before. Mostly wrecker companies that have been around the longest are the ones capable of offering these kinds of services because they have the local community trust, the proper and specialized equipment, licensing, and training.

Indianapolis Towing Services You Can Trust

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.

Pertinent Towing Laws in Indiana

Posted on October 3, 2019 by Zores

If you want to get rid of your neighbor’s junk car that’s been taking up space in front of your house for too long, you may want to review the common towing laws in Indiana before making any decisions that you can’t undo. After all, you wouldn’t want to put yourself at risk of being in violation of such laws, and subsequently, subjected to several fines, fees, and tedious litigation.

Taking matters into your own hands when it comes to towing is something that should only be done under certain circumstances. Furthermore, you must understand towing laws in order to protect yourself from becoming a target of a tow.

Continue reading to learn the most basic and pertinent towing laws you need to know as a common resident in Indiana.

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Indiana Laws for Towing and Being Towed

Here in Indiana, if you are a licensed driver, you have officially consented all terms and conditions that come into play if you were to violate a state or federal traffic offense. When it comes towing, these same conditions apply to all drivers; if you park a vehicle in a spot it shouldn’t be, you have surrendered to the possible penalties, which include ticketing and towing.

As of July 2011, the City-County Council granted a towing law that empowers the Department of Business and Neighborhood Services to license qualified wrecker companies. You can find details of this ordinance in Chapter 995 of the Municipal Code. However, this law also protects drivers against unlawful and unethical towing practices.

Standard Towing Laws:

📛 A vehicle can be towed instantly if it’s an emergency situation or if it’s impacting a business.

📛 If a driver is arrested, their vehicle is immediately towed.

📛 Vehicles abandoned on private property must be tagged with a notification sticker 24 hours before they are towed. After 24 hours of being tagged, a vehicle can be towed by the appointed towing company.

📛 Vehicles abandoned on private property for more than 21 consecutive days can be towed away without notification by appointed authorities.

📛 Vehicles with false license plates will be towed and impounded.

📛 When vehicles are taken to the impound, it can legally be searched.

📛 Towing signs must be entirely visible at all times.

What To Do After Being Towed

If your car was just towed, ask yourself why. Was your license plate expired? Do you have several unpaid parking tickets? Was your car just involved or suspected of being involved in a recent crime? Was your vehicle in extremely poor physical condition, like flattened tires, missing bumper, or busted oil tank, while parked in a private lot?

If you answered yes to any of these circumstances, it could be the reason your car was towed. From here, look for towing signs. These signs typically have information about the appointed towing company and how to contact them. If this does not work, contact the DMV or the local police.

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Will Trailer Towing Damage My Car?

Posted on August 6, 2019 by Zores

Whether you are planning a big move across the city, or a long road trip to the lake, you might be in need of a trailer. However, the idea of hooking up a trailer to your vehicle might scare you. After all, you love your car, and you do not want even the tiniest scratch or defect inflicted. Furthermore, the thought of paying a huge repair bill as a result of towing a trailer will put you off the idea too. If you are afraid towing a trailer with your vehicle might damage it, you are not alone.

Perhaps some facts about trailer towing, coupled with some helpful beginner tips, can improve your attitude and confidence before your big day arrives. Continue reading to do learn these and more!

You Must Do the Math to Safely Tow

The first thing you want to think about when you are preparing to tow a trailer with your car is its maximum towing capacity. Also known as gross vehicle weight rating, or GVWR, this value is the total amount of weight your car’s manufacturer says it can safely tow. Keep in mind that this maximum value includes the weight of the trailer, as well as its cargo. Refer to your car’s owners’ manual, or the driver side door jam, for your towing capacity.

Along with gross vehicle weight rating, you will also need to calculate the trailer’s tongue weight, which should never be more than 15% of the total trailer weight, including the weight of its cargo. You also need to know the gross combined weight rating, or GCWR, which includes the total weight of your trailer and the towing vehicle, including all passengers, as well as, fuel, equipment, and the cargo on the trailer. To learn how to do all three of these calculations properly, read our blog, “A Review of Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings” for help getting started on the right track.

Mind the State Laws for Trailer Towing

Another important factor to consider has to do with your own safety, rather than the safety of your vehicle. It is wise to learn all the state laws surrounding trailer towing before hitting the road. Not only will this protect you unintentionally causing risk or danger to others, it will prevent law enforcement confrontations, fines, tickets, and wasted time dealing with all three.

See our blog, “What You Need to Know About State Trailer Laws” to learn what you need to know. Furthermore, knowing how to safely operate a vehicle that is towing a trailer is important to protecting your car from damage. Learning the state trailer laws can help you understand certain safety factors, like taking turns, speed limits, and more.

Need Help With Towing in Indiana?

If you find yourself in a jam while on your road trip, trust Zore’s Towing for help anytime! Call us at 317-247-8484 for prompt, 24 hour towing and roadside assistance in Indianapolis and throughout Central Indiana. 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.

Basic Facts About Tow Bars

Posted on March 22, 2019 by Zores

Whether you need to flat tow a dinghy with a car, truck, or RV, you will most certainly require a tow bar. The tow bar is one of the most obvious and easily discernable components in a towing set up, as it is generally shaped in a large “V” formation, and lies between the towing vehicle and the dinghy being towed. It also happens to be one of the most central components, as it allows you to safely flat-tow your wheeled commodity. There are some important facts you should know about tow bars before setting up your own rig and hitting the road.

Continue reading to review some basic information about tow bars, including the two common types on the market and their benefits.

Types of Tow Bars

Tow bars come in a sorts of versions, all of which differ in towing capacity, mounting style, and overall design. The tow bar you will require for your dinghy set up will depend on these factors and more. Be sure to review the manufacturers’ instructions, as well as the owners’ manual of your towing vehicle, before setting up your tow bar. The two most common mounting styles for tow bars include car-mounted and RV-mounted tow bars.

🚌 RV-Mounted Tow Bars:

RV-mounted tow bars deliver precision and stability. Furthermore, they insert directly into the RV’s hitch receiver, which means there is no need for an additional connection point (a coupler) that most car-mounted types require. Although you won’t be using a coupler on an RV-mounted tow bar, you will need your hitch lock to secure the bar to the receiver. RV-mounted tow bars are also easy store, provide highly stable connections, improve safety, compatible with hitch adapters, and easy to adjust.

🚙 Car-Mounted Tow Bars:

Car-mounted tow bars are used on towing vehicles like cars, trucks, SUV’s, and vans. They came long before the introduction of RV-mounted tow bars, and still play a vital role in dinghy towing to this very day. They operate similarly to an A-trailer since they connect to the trailer hitch ball via an integrated coupler. Their integrated coupler can be locked to a hitch ball, adding more security and stability. Furthermore, they come in a range of sizes, including 2″ and 2^5/16” balls, and even pintle hitches.

24 Hour Towing and Recovery

Indianapolis Towing & Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484

If you need towing help, 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.

A Brief Explanation of Tongue Weight (TW)

Posted on March 11, 2019 by Zores

When it comes to safe towing, the most important factor is knowledge. And part of this knowledge is knowing your tow weights. This includes the weight of your load, the capacity of your towing vehicle, and your towing trailer’s tongue weight. Most experienced towers are familiar with their load weight and capacities, but many tend to overlook tongue weight, which is equally important as the rest.

Continue reading for a brief explanation of these weights, with a primary focus on tongue weight.

What is Tongue Weight?

Tongue weight is the downward force or pressure the trailer puts on the back of the towing vehicle (specifically on the ball by the trailer coupler). Why is this weight measurement important? Well, too much weight on the back of the vehicle can cause it to raise in the front, thus making the rear brakes work too hard. Too little weight can cause the trailer and vehicle to be unleveled, which is dangerous while taking turns or driving at high speeds.

Tongue weight should never be more than 15% of the total trailer weight, including the weight of its cargo. This weight calculation is referred to as “gross trailer weight”, which is the same as “gross vehicle mass”, or “GVM.” See our blog, “Towing Acronyms for Vehicle Manufacturer Specifications” to learn all the weight definitions for safe towing. For now, here are two additional towing weight definitions you need to know in order to tow a trailer safely:

➤ Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) – 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.

➤ Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) – The acronym, “GCVWR” stands for “Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating”, 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.

Unsure of Your Towing Weight Capacities?

If you are not sure what your weight capacities are for your trailer and towing vehicle, refer to the owners’ manual for both. See our blog, “What is a Compliance Certification Label and Where is it on My Car?” to learn more about the importance of calculating these figures. If you need to replace a lost owners’ manuals for your trailer and/or vehicle, you can download them online, sometimes for free.

Need Professional Towing?

Indianapolis Towing & Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484

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

Top 3 Ways to Drive Safer This Winter

Posted on January 31, 2019 by Zores

If you want to avoid roadside emergencies and car accidents this winter, it is wise to prepare yourself with the right knowledge for driving safer in inclement weather. Continue reading to learn the top 3 recommended actions and considerations for being a safer driver in snow, ice, sleet, hail, fog, and all other harsh elements we might face through the season.

❶ Have a Winter Emergency Roadside Kit

Whether it is winter, summer, spring, or fall, it is wise to have a roadside emergency kit in your vehicle at all times. These kits can come in anything from 30-piece kits, to 70-piece kits, and larger. The right kit for you depends on the size of your vehicle, your town’s geography, and your driving practices. Such kits should include basic materials like a spare tire, gloves, tire jack, jumper cables, road triangles, torque wrench, tire pressure gauge, flashlight, and a blanket. More thorough kits might include a screwdriver set, sockets, electrical tape, emergency flares, hazard flags, reflective gear, AA batteries, fire extinguisher, pliers, utility knife, and even a small medical kit.

❷ Pay Close Attention to Your Tires

When temperatures are cold or below freezing, your tires lose pressure more quickly. As a result, tires lose proper connection to the road surface. With a loss of traction, you put yourself at risk of losing control of your vehicle in icy or wet conditions. Before each drive, always check that your tires are fully inflated. At least once per month, be sure to measure the tire pressure too. Check the tag within the driver’s-side doorjamb or your owner’s manual for recommended tire pressure for your make and model car. Also with tires, be sure there is plenty of tread left. Use the “penny test” to see if you are ready to replace your tires: insert the penny in between your tire tread, and if Lincoln’s head is higher than the tread, you need new tires soon.

❸ Take Care of Your Car Battery

Just like your tires, your car battery is also affected by cold weather and temperatures. An extended period of freezing cold weather will pull the voltage from car batteries, and eventually prevent the car from starting altogether. To make matters worse, cold temperatures also thicken automotive fluid, which makes your vehicle’s components (like the battery) work harder, thus using up more power. To avoid this problem, be sure you stay on top of routine battery maintenance, as well as all your other factory scheduled measures, such as fluid changes and tune-ups. Read our blog, “The Do’s and Don’ts to Automotive Battery Maintenance” to learn what you need to know about taking care of your car battery all year long.

How to Get 24 Hour Roadside Assistance Anywhere in Central Indiana

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

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

What You Should Know About Dinghy Towing

Posted on January 18, 2019 by Zores

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.

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

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!

Types of Customers We Serve at Zore’s Towing

Posted on December 10, 2018 by Zores

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 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

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.

Tips for Towing With an Automatic Gearbox

Posted on November 20, 2018 by Zores

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.

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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

Indianapolis Towing & Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484