Tips For Going on a Fall Break Road Trip

For all of you families out there, Fall break begins in just a matter of days! And although it seems like school just started a couple of months ago, this break is an important time for families to bond over creating new and happy memories. If you plan to travel by car for your Fall break, be sure you are current on road safety and car maintenance to keep yourself and your passengers protected during the trip.

Continue reading to review some Fall break tips for going on a road trip, including what to do if you find yourself stranded on the side of the shoulder with the roadside emergency.

Emergency Roadside Assistance Indianapolis Indiana 317-247-8484
Emergency Roadside Assistance Indianapolis Indiana 317-247-8484

Get Your Car Tuned Up at the Auto Shop

Your car is one of the most expensive investments you’ll make, so it’s important to take care of it and keep it running smoothly. Routine car maintenance can help prevent major problems down the road, and it’s also a good way to catch small issues before they become big ones. Plus, regular maintenance can improve your gas mileage and extend the life of your car. So, take your car in for some routine work before you head out on the open road with your loved ones in tow!

Inspect Your Car Before You Leave

A pre-trip car inspection is a very important step to take before starting any long journey. It is highly recommended that you do a thorough check of your vehicle before setting out on any road trip, no matter how short or long the distance may be. By taking the time to do a pre-trip inspection, you can help ensure that your car is in good condition for the journey and that you are aware of any potential problems that may need to be fixed before you go.

There are a few key things to look for when doing a pre-trip inspection. The most important thing is to check the tires, as they are responsible for keeping your car on the road. You should also check the fluid levels, brakes, and lights to make sure that everything is in working order. It is also a good idea to take a look at the map to see if there are any road closures or construction projects that you should be aware of. By taking the time to do a pre-trip inspection, you can help ensure a safe and smooth journey.

Change your oil. This is probably the most important thing you can do for your car, and it’s something that should be done every 3,000 miles or so. Not changing your oil regularly can cause all sorts of problems, including engine damage.

Rotate your tires. This helps to evenly distribute wear and tear on your tires, and it can also help improve your gas mileage. You should rotate your tires every 5,000 miles or so.

Check your fluids. All the fluids in your car – from the oil to the windshield washer fluid – need to be at the proper levels. Check your owner’s manual to see how often you should be checking and/or changing these fluids.

Inspect your brakes. Your brakes are one of the most important safety features on your car, so it’s important to make sure they’re in good working order. You should have your brakes checked at least once a year.

If you are out on the open road and experience an automotive breakdown or emergency, trust the top professionals for fast help. Contact Zore’s Towing for 24 hour roadside assistance and towing services in Indianapolis and its surrounding locations. We operate 24/7, year-round.

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5 Possible Reasons Why Your Car is Shaking

Does your car have a case of the shakes? Does it vibrate, jolt, or quake when you drive or sit at an idle? There are some very good explanations for this. Continue reading to learn the top 5 most common and likely reasons why your vehicle is shaking, plus the safest way to remedy the problem.

Tow Truck Indianapolis Indiana 317-247-8484
Tow Truck Indianapolis Indiana 317-247-8484

Why Does My Car Shake So Much When I Drive?

This is one of the most common automotive questions asked among car owners who begin to notice changes in the way their vehicles perform. The truth of the matter is, there could be many reasons, in some cases multiple reasons, why your car might be shaking so much when you drive or idle. However, the most common and possible reasons why your car shaking include malfunctions or defects with the car’s wheels, brakes, engine, steering, and suspension.

Wheels

When it comes to a shaky car, the very first place you should look is the wheel system. The tires and all related wheel parts, including the rims, axles, lug nuts, bearings, and balance weights, are usually the reason why cars shake when they drive or sit in Park while the engine is running.

You might just have a loose lug nut or a missing balance weight, or you could have a broken wheel bearing. If you notice that your car shakes more when you drive at higher speeds and the vibrations are coming from your floorboard, you probably just need a wheel balance and alignment. You also might have poor tire tread in the entire replacement.

Brakes

Coming in at a close second for top causes of a shaking car is car brake problems. If you notice that the shaking and vibrating increases as you press on the car brake pedal, it could be that your rotors and brake pads are worn down or warped. Simply replacing the worn or warped brake pads and rotors will fix the problem. If you’re detecting a burning smell when you use the brakes, you could have a jammed brake caliper.

Suspension

A malfunctioning car suspension system is another reason why vehicles will begin to vibrate while driving, breaking, or sitting in idle. suspension system. This is likely the cause if you notice the shaking increases as you accelerate. It could also be a defective CV joint, driveshaft, or bent axle.

Steering

Just like the suspension system, the steering system could be damaged, thus causing shaking and vibrating when you drive. If your car was recently involved in an accident or has undergone major automotive repairs, and now you notice that it’s shaking, it could be a weakened or damaged steering system.

Engine

The most common engine problem associated with is worn spark plugs. If the spark plugs are fine, it could be loose spark plug wires. You might also have a loose motor mount. If your check engine light is on, and your car is shaking and vibrating, it needs immediate attention.

Do Not Drive Your Car if it Shakes

If your car is shaking or driving, whether parked in idle or driving, it is important that you do not drive it any further. The longer you drive on a car that is experiencing mechanical malfunctions, the more damage you will do to it. And the more damage you do to your vehicle, the more expensive it will be to repair. In fact, you may total it.

Always contact a trusted Indianapolis towing company for prompt and professional light duty toe services for your broken down vehicle. They can safely transport your vehicle to your automotive repair shop of choice for professional diagnosis and repair.

Not sure which towing company in Indianapolis to trust for cheap rates and fast service? Contact Zore’s Towing for 24 hour roadside assistance  and tow truck service in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties. We provide towing, recovery, equipment transport, car lockout service, flat tire service, jump starts, refueling, and more!

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How to Check Your Car Before Going on a Long-Distance Road Trip

Everyday errands and daily commutes are not something we put a lot of thought into, but before leaving on a long distance drive, it is important to pay closer attention to the condition of your vehicle. Not only will this guarantee a streamlined and time-efficient journey, but it will also ensure your safety as well as the safety of your passengers and other drivers on the road.

Continue reading to learn how to check your car before going on a long distance road trip, plus what to do in an emergency roadside situation if something happens along the way.

24 HR Roadside Assistance Indianapolis Indiana 317-247-8484
24 HR Roadside Assistance Indianapolis Indiana 317-247-8484

Road Trip Safety Starts With a Car Inspection

A key element of road trip safety is the pre-trip car inspection. It is important to ensure that your vehicle is well-equipped to deliver safe and smooth driving from start to finish. Although it is encouraged to examine as many areas and systems as you like, when performing a pre-trip vehicle inspection, focus on mirrors, horn, windshield, lights (interior and exterior), tires, strange sounds, and warning lights on the dashboard.

Mirrors and Horn

Your car mirrors will play a large role in the safety of your commute when traveling long-distance. Not only do you want to ensure that your mirrors are in good condition, meaning they are free of chips and cracks, but you also want them to be clean, clear, and properly positioned so that you are able to see around your vehicle when in the driver seat. Additionally, check to see that your horn sounds loud and not muffled in any way. Your horn can be an essential safety tool on the road.

Windshields

There are a few elements to inspect when it comes your car’s windshields. First, be sure that your front and back windshields are free of cracks and chips. If your windshield has damage, you must repair the damage before leaving on a long distance road trip. Too many hazards can arise from a cracked or chipped windshield, especially at high speeds.

Also, be sure that your windshield wiper fluid is filled all the way and you have an extra bottle in the trunk for re-fills. Last, be sure your windshield wipers are in good condition. They are easy and inexpensive to replace, so you might want to upgrade regardless. Quality wipers make a world of difference in bad weather or unexpected splashes.

Lights

When it comes to inspecting your car lights, be sure to cover the interior cabin lights as well as the headlights and taillights. Also, be sure your turn signals, reverse lights, hazard lights, and marker lights are working. If your lights are dimmer than they usually are, you might need to inspect the car battery or alternator. You might also want to throw in a set of jumper cables in your trunk in case your battery dies on the road.

Tires

The quality of your tires will impact your gas mileage, drive stability, road traction, vehicular performance, and even steering. Before you leave on a road trip, check both tire pressure and tire tread. Use a tire pressure gauge to check the tire pressure in each tire. Use a penny to test the thread depth. Stick a penny inside a groove, upside down. If you see Lincoln’s head, your tire tread is too low. Be sure to check each tire!

New Noises

Before leaving on a road trip, it is important to listen to your vehicle. Start by turning your car on and listening for any strange or new sounds while the engine sits in idle. Then take your car for a short drive and listen for any other sounds that are out of the ordinary. Strange noises, either new or existing, and diagnosed. Sometimes, weird noises in your vehicle are a sign of a more serious mechanical problem.

Illuminated Warning Lights

Sounds are not the only warning sign of an underlying mechanical issue in a vehicle. Pay attention to your dashboard before leaving on a long-distance road trip. If any warning lights are illuminated, it is encouraged to have them diagnosed before hitting the pavement. You do not want to run into any roadside emergencies or serious breakdowns in the middle of your trip!

If you ever breakdown in or around Central Indiana, do not panic. You have a qualified roadside emergency response team on your side! Just call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for 24 hour roadside assistance and towing in Indianapolis, Indiana, and its surrounding counties.

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What to Do if Your Car Overheats Every Time You Drive it a Long Distance

Does your car or truck start overheating once you hit a certain number of miles? If so, there are some things you need to know, not just for the sake of your ride and your budget, but more importantly, also for your safety. Continue reading to learn what you need to do if your vehicle overheats every time that you drive it a relatively long distance.

24 Hour Roadside Emergency Service Indianapolis 317-247-8484
24 Hour Roadside Emergency Service Indianapolis 317-247-8484

What Causes an Overheating Car Engine?

An overheating car engine is a common automotive problem, and fortunately, an easy one to resolve within a short amount of time; in most cases, that is. There are many reasons why car engines overheat. The top causes of engine overheating are low coolant levels or oil levels, but it can also be caused by broken cap seals or engine heat transfer and distribution malfunctions. Although you can address most of these issues with a quick, temporary fix, or simply letting the car cool down for a while, a car engine will not cease to overheat until you have the underlying automotive problem repaired.

Low Coolant Levels

If your car continues to overheat every time you drive it a certain distance, it is time to take a closer look so that you can find a resolution that fits. First, check your coolant levels. Car radiator fluid is known as coolant or antifreeze. If you do not know how to check your coolant levels in your vehicle, refer to the owners’ manual. You will find instructions on how to check your coolant levels and how to refill your coolant. If you are out or low on coolant, give yourself a refill and see if your overheating engine problem persists.

Low Oil Levels

Just like coolant, your car engine will overheat if it is not properly lubricated. There are many internal moving parts within your car engine, and these parts require lubrication to prevent excess grinding, friction, and heat generation. Also refer to the owners’ manual for instructions on how to check your oil levels and refill your motor oil. Be sure to use quality motor oil that is compatible with your make and model vehicle.

Broken Cap Seal

If your car engine continues to overheat every time that you drive it a long distance, but you have already inspected and addressed your fluid levels, your issue could be caused by broken cap seal. In this case, it is recommended that you do not drive your vehicle until this has been repaired. Contact local Indianapolis towing company for quick drop off at your local auto repair shop.

Heat Transfer Malfunctions

Often times, a car engine will continue to overheat because the engine itself has a problem transferring and distributing the heat that it is generating. Although motor oil plays a large part in preventing this from happening, there are other issues that can arise that can cause heat transfer and heat management malfunctions in the engine. You do not want to drive your car any further with having this problem because it can cause further damage to other auto parts. Instead, contact a local 24 hour towing service in Indianapolis to have your car transferred to a local mechanic for repair.

Has your car overheated for the last time and now you are broken down on the side of the road? Contact Zore’s Towing for 24 hour roadside assistance in Indianapolis and its surrounding areas. We serve all of Central Indiana with fluid refills, jump starts, car lockout service, flat tire service, fuel delivery, towing, and more!

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How to Protect Your Car Battery From the Summer Heat

When you are operating your vehicle, the car engine is already generating a massive amount of heat and high temperatures, which can impact the performance of your car battery. When you throw in the variable heat of the sun during the summer season, you can expect your car battery to take on some extra load as well. If you want your vehicle to perform optimally and use its fuel efficiently all summer long, it is important that you take very good care of your car and car battery. There are some simple ways you can achieve this.

Continue reading to learn some ways you can protect your car battery from the summer heat, and who to call if you find yourself stranded on the side of the road with an overheating engine or debt car battery in central Indiana.

Indianapolis Roadside Assistance Jump Starts
Indianapolis Roadside Assistance Jump Starts 317-247-8484

Summer Car Battery Care

Most drivers assume that the winter low temperatures are most impactful to the performance and longevity the car battery, but really it is the high to pictures of the summer that can have the most impact. So many people think that the winter weather drains or damages their car batteries is because the summer heat begins the deterioration process. So, what seems like a winter car battery problem is really a summer car battery problem. For this reason, it is important to take care of your car battery by protecting it from excessive heat and high-temperatures.

Although no car battery is built to last forever and will eventually need to be replaced, there are some things you can do to protect it from premature aging. The two things to look out for are excessive heat and overcharging. These two things cause the most car battery damage in the summer season.

How to Extend the Life of Your Car Battery

Inspect your electrical system to be sure it is working at a normal rate. Undercharging will cause your battery to die, but overcharging will actually cause damage and shorten the battery’s lifespan.

If you have a fluid-cell battery, be sure it is topped off regularly. Always use distilled water when filling up your battery cells.

If you must replace your car battery, be sure to choose one of equivalent quality and that’s compatible with your make and model vehicle.

Keep the outside of your car battery clean and free of dirt, dust, debris, and moisture. If the top of your car battery gets too dirty, the dirt will act as a conductor and drain it quickly.

Use hot water to rinse away battery corrosion. Increase frequency during the hot summer months.

Signs Your Car Battery is Losing Power:

▷ Dim Headlights
▷ Dim or Flickering Interior Lights
▷ Car Accessories Won’t Work
▷ Check Engine Light is On
▷ Car Starts Slowly

Are you in need of a jump start or car battery replacement service in Indianapolis, Indiana? Contact Zore’s Towing for 24 hour tow truck and roadside assistance services you can afford. We serve all of Central Indiana, including Lebanon, Greenwood, and Avon areas.

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Why Did My Car Battery Die?
How to Tell if it is Time to Change Your Car Battery
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Zore’s Towing Towing Wrecker Service Indianapolis
Zore’s Towing Towing Wrecker Service Indianapolis

3 Reasons Why You are Having Problems With Your Car Radiator

Your car’s radiator is a vital auto part, so when it begins to show signs of distress or performance issues, it is important to take a closer look. Although there are many things that can go wrong with an automotive radiator, there are 3 primary reasons that contribute to radiator problems. Continue reading to learn the top three reasons why you are having issues with your car radiator, and how to avoid encountering such problems down the road.

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

What Your Radiator Does

Your car radiator is an important component because it helps regulate the combustion temperatures inside your engine as your car drives. The radiator makes sure that your engine does not overheat, which can damage several different inner and external components of the motor and any surrounding auto parts. For this reason, we fill our car radiator with anti-freeze, also known as coolant or radiator fluid, which brings us to the very first and most common reason why drivers experience problems with their car’s radiators: radiator overheating.

3 Radiator Problems and How to Prevent Them

Although natural wear and tear and simple old age can cause a car radiator to deteriorate and lose performance value, the top three reasons why most vehicle’s radiators experience issues, especially prematurely, are due to radiator overheating, rust accumulation, and leakages. In order to prevent radiator problems, it is important to stay current on all factory scheduled maintenance according to your vehicle’s owners’ manual.

Radiator Overheating – Just like engine overheating, a radiator can run low of coolant, which can cause it to produce too much friction within the inner workings. Other causes of radiator overheating include broken or damaged auxiliary fans, damaged radiator structure, clogged or dirty radiator, and broken hoses that lead to coolant leaks. If your radiator or engine begins to overheat, immediately pull over to the right side of the road, and then call for Indianapolis roadside assistance service.

✔ Stay on top of all fluid refills and scheduled maintenance to avoid engine and radiator overheating.

Radiator Rusting – Rusting, or oxidation, occurs when ferrous metal is exposed to oxygen and moisture in the environment. In the case of radiator rusting, such exposure can occur inside the radiator and on the exterior. To check for rust in the radiator, examine your coolant color. If it is brownish, you have rust in your coolant and should get a radiator flush as soon as possible. If you cannot see the color, take a look at the radiator cap. You will see rusty stains or brownish goo inside the cap if you have rust in your coolant.

✔ Be sure to always use a high quality anti-freeze to avoid radiator rusting.

Radiator Leaks – If your radiator is overheating quite often, no matter how much you keep refilling the coolant, you could have yourself a leak. Cracks and external damages to the radiator can also lead to coolant leaks, which might occur after a car accident, or traveling on rough terrain. If your radiator is leaking, it is important to have it repaired immediately. It is not safe to operate a vehicle with a damaged radiator.

✔ Drive safely and on appropriate terrains to avoid radiator damages and coolant leaks.

Is your car radiator damaged or overheating at the moment? Contact Zore’s Towing for 24 hour roadside assistance and towing services in Indianapolis, today. We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and serve all of Central Indiana.

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Will My Car Overheat in Hot Weather?
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Important Car Maintenance You Can Do Yourself

Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484

How to Improve Your Gas Mileage and Fuel Efficiency

Gas consumption tends to always be on the front minds of Eco-conscious and budget-conscious drivers. After all, fuel is not cheap, and no one wants to be guilty of wasting precious gasoline, which basically translates directly into dollar bills. Fortunately, with a little common knowledge and a few tricks of the trade, you can easily preserve your fuel and be a more efficient driver.

Continue reading to learn how to improve your gas mileage and fuel efficiency by dinner tonight!

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

Fuel Economy Hacks Any Driver Can Do

There are several ways to improve your gas mileage. You can do a few instantaneous tactics, like removing heavy items from the trunk and adding a fuel additive to your gas tank or engine. Then there are a few things you can do that will improve your fuel efficiency overtime; such as using the proper viscosity motor oil, always driving smoothly, slowing down when you drive, avoiding long idle times, avoid fast accelerations, drive the speed limit on interstates and highways, combining visits, and carpooling to work and school.

Then there is all the regular car maintenance you need to stay current on in order to promote fuel efficiency and obtain better gas mileage, including:

► Tire Rotation and Balancing
► Tire Pressure and Inflation
► Brake Pad Replacement
► Brake Pad Repair
► Brake Rotor Replacement
► Vehicle Alignment
► Air/Oil Filter Replacement
► Spark Plug Replacement (after 100,000 miles)
► Fluid Changes

How to Deal With an Emergency Car Breakdown in Indianapolis

Sometimes, our vehicles can be a little unpredictable. Accordingly, if you fail to take good care of your car, you might find yourself on the side of the road with engine or tire failure. If this ever happens to you, contact a 24 hour tow truck company for emergency roadside assistance services. You can also add roadside assistance packages to your current auto insurance policy.

Are you in need of a tow or tire service in Indianapolis, Indiana? Contact Zore’s Towing for 24 hour tow truck and roadside assistance services you can afford. We serve all of Central Indiana, including Lebanon, Greenwood, and Avon areas.

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Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484

Important Car Maintenance You Can Do Yourself

Not all car maintenance requires the professional attention and acumen of a licensed automotive mechanic. There are actually many services a car owner can do themselves to achieve optimal driving performance and vehicular longevity.

Continue reading to learn which routine automotive maintenance jobs you can do all on your own and how! 

Indianapolis 24 Hour Roadside Assistance
Indianapolis 24 Hour Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484

The Benefits of Do-It-Yourself Car Care

Handling routine maintenance on your own, rather than outsourcing professional auto service, can save a driver up to $150 or more each year. This may seem like a nominal figure, but it certainly adds up year after year. And who wouldn’t want an extra couple hundred dollars in their wallet for the weekend? Performing your own vehicular maintenance on the areas of your car that are DIY-Approved can save drivers time and money. It is vital to only perform car maintenance that does not require the tools and training of a professional mechanic.

Here is a DIY-APPROVED car maintenance checklist to keep your car safe and running smoothly:

Coolant

Without coolant, your car’s engine would be in pretty bad shape. In fact, it would fail to operate entirely after a short amount of time without coolant. Also called radiator fluid, coolant is imperative for the operation and performance of any vehicle. It prevents the inner workings of a car engine from overheating as a result of constant friction and heat production. If you have an overheating engine, the number one cause is lack of radiator fluid. Simply purchase a bottle or two at your local automotive store, locate the coolant cap beneath your hood, and pour the solution right in!

Headlights

Did you know you can change a burnt-out headlight all on your own? It’s true and not many car owners know it! Since this can get you a traffic ticket or worse, cause an accident, a burnt-out headlight is an immediate repair. And since you don’t need to make an appointment with an auto shop, you can get this problem repaired right away. All you need is a basic tool set and a new bulb!

Windshield Wiper Fluid

It may seem trivial, but windshield wiper fluid is one of the 7 essential car fluids every vehicle requires for functional operation and safety. And you can re-fill your windshield wiper fluid any time it runs low. Simply purchase a bottle of windshield fluid and pour it down the correct tube under your car’s hood. Do this as often as you need to, keeping in mind that you will probably need to do this more often in winter.

Do you have a roadside car emergency in Indianapolis, Indiana? Contact Zore’s Towing for 24 hour tow truck and roadside assistance services you can afford. We serve all of Central Indiana, including Lebanon, Greenwood, and Avon areas.

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Why is My Car Engine Overheating?
What You Need to Know About Changing Your Car’s Oil
How to Tell if Your Car Needs Alternator Replacement

Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484

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

Although we are still in the midst of the fall season, winter is soon ahead, making now the perfect time to prepare our vehicles for cold, wintry weather commutes. One important responsibility is car battery maintenance. When the weather turns inclement, you do not want to be stuck on the side of the road all because a simple and highly-preventable auto part has failed. Before you are ever faced with such as dilemma, be sure your car’s battery is in good condition. Not sure what to look for?

Continue reading to learn how to tell if it is time to replace your car battery, and what you should do if you are ever in a roadside emergency predicament in Indiana.

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

Old and Defective Car Batteries Show Symptoms

Whether your car battery is old or defective, you will be able to spot the signs by simply taking a closer look. Here are the top indications that it is time to change your car battery:

Car Battery Age – How old is your car battery? Did you know that they are not designed to last long, which means that an old battery will soon be a dead battery? If your car battery is between 5 and 6 years old, you might be getting close to replacement time.

Road Mileage – How often to you drive your car? If you drive it a lot, or over long distances, you will need to replace your car battery much sooner than the average commuter. However, not driving much at all can also have the same effect. Driving charges car batteries, so if a car sits for long periods of time, the battery can atrophy.

Engine Turn Over – How many seconds does it take for your engine to start up after you turn the ignition key? This length of time can tell you how your car battery might be doing. If the engine starts to take longer, or seem to struggle, to turn over, then it might be a dying battery.

Additional Signs to Look Out For:

⚠ Dimming Headlights and Interior Lights

⚠ Headlights Brighten When the Engine is Revved

⚠ Visible Corrosion on Battery Terminals and Cables

⚠ Slowly Operating Power Windows

Where to Get 24 Hour Towing and Roadside Assistance in Central Indiana

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

Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484

How Does Tongue Weight Affect My Car?

Tongue weight (TW) is incredibly important when it comes to towing and hauling cargo with your car. Improper tongue weight would make it very difficult to operate your vehicle, let alone do so safely. If you are not familiar with tongue weight calculations and recommendations, it is vital that you educate yourself before hitting the road with a trailer in tow.

Continue reading to learn how tongue weight effects a car’s ability to perform, and how to determine your make and model’s manufacturer’s instructions for tongue weights and towing capacity.

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

What is Tongue Weight?

Tongue weight (TW) is the amount of fixed force the trailer applies on the hitch ball of your vehicle. Without adhering to your vehicle’s manufacturer’s guidelines for tongue weight and towing capacity, you are at a much higher risk of accidents and property damage occurring during the tow. Simply put, it is not safe to tow a trailer that is not putting enough weight or too much weight on the hitch ball.

Without enough weight, the trailer is prone to swaying side to side, which is a leading cause of serious motor vehicle accidents in the country. While starting off as a first time tower, be sure to review what you should do if your trailer starts to sway, just to be prepared in the case of an emergency. If there is too much weight on the hitch ball, then you can risk putting too much force on the back tire of your car, which can cause the rear of the vehicle to sway or lift off of the ground.

Can you picture driving a car with elliptical wheels rather than circular wheels? The ride would most certainly feel unsteady and uncontrollable. Driving a car with improper tongue weight would be much like this. Forget navigating turns, taking corners, backing up, or even braking, successfully. Although this is just a brief explanation of tongue weight, you can see just how dangerous incorrect tongue weight calculations can be for drivers, as well as other pedestrians and passengers on the road.

How to Calculate Your Car and Trailer Tongue Weight

To determine your vehicle and trailer tongue weight guidelines, simply refer to your owners’ manual. The general rule of thumb is that the tongue weight should be approximately 10 to 15 percent of the towing vehicle’s total weight. Take a standard 2,400 lb. sedan loaded with 1,000 lbs. of freight, for instance. The recommended tongue weight would be between 340 and 510 pounds, which is 10 to 15% of the total 3,400 pounds being towed.

Some make and model vehicles require a hitch upgrade for tongue weights higher than a 700 or 800 pounds. One example of this would be the Sierra 1500 pickup truck, which requires owners to switch from a weight-carrying hitch to a weight-distributing hitch. Also, some gooseneck and fifth wheel trailers are designed for heavier loads, so their recommended tongue weights are generally between 15 and 30 percent, rather than 10 to 15 percent.

Where to Get 24 HR Towing and Roadside Assistance in Central Indiana

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for 24 hour roadside assistance and towing services in Indianapolis and throughout Central Indiana. We are fully-equipped with the right fleets to assist cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, construction equipment, trailers, vans, semi-trucks, airplanes, and much more. Our friendly staff is waiting by the phones, ready to help you get back on the road, safe and sound. We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, so you can always count on us. Request a free estimate, today.

Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484