Safety First: What to Do While Waiting for a Tow Truck

Posted on February 20, 2024 by Zores

For many of us, the road is like a second home. It’s where we encounter life’s unexpected twists in a very literal sense. A flat tire, engine trouble, or an unfortunate roadside collision can happen to anyone at any time. In these often-stressful scenarios, the wait for a tow truck is a critical period where the right actions can mean the difference between a smooth recovery and a complicated situation.

This blog post is your guide to making the most of those crucial minutes while you’re waiting for a two truck roadside assistance service. Whether you’re an experienced driver or you’ve just got your keys to independence, the importance of these steps can’t be overstated.

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Key Steps to Take While You Wait for a Tow Truck

When finding yourself in a situation where you need to wait for a tow truck, it’s important to take specific steps to ensure safety, expedite the service, and feel more at ease throughout the process. By following these guidelines, you can effectively manage the situation and make the experience smoother for yourself and those assisting you. Let’s dive into the most important key points.

Ensure Your Personal Safety

The first and most crucial step is to ensure the safety of both you and your passengers. This is paramount for a smooth and secure journey. Here’s how:

▷ Find a Safe Location – If you can, move your vehicle to a safe and visible location, away from the flow of traffic. This could be a nearby shoulder, a parking lot, or an emergency stopping area.

▷ Turn on Hazard Lights – Alert others of your presence by activating your hazard lights. Ensure they are working and visible, especially in adverse weather or low-light conditions.

▷ Use Reflective Triangles or Cones – If you have them, place reflective triangles behind your vehicle to provide an extra layer of warning to oncoming traffic.

Contact an Emergency Tow Truck Service

Having the right towing and roadside assistance service contact information at your fingertips is invaluable when faced with a roadside emergency. Here’s what you need to keep in mind:

▷ Keep Essential Contact Information Handy – Store the number of your roadside assistance service or tow truck company in your phone and on a paper in the car. Familiarize yourself with their procedure for requesting assistance.

▷ Communicate Your Location Clearly – When you call for tow truck service, be precise about your location. Note any landmarks, mile markers, or recognizable signs to help the service find you quickly.

Remain Calm and Patient

Remaining composed is essential for both your mental well-being and the safety of others on the road.

▷ Avoid Roadside Confrontations – If you have had an accident, never engage in confrontation with other parties involved. Remain calm and wait for proper authorities or assistance.

▷ Be Prepared to Wait and Stay Informed – Tow trucks are dispatched based on priority and location. Ask for an estimated time of arrival and any updates as you wait.

Secure Valuables and Important Documents

Your immediate concern should be safety, but don’t forget your personal items and vehicle documents. Here are some important things to remember:

▷ Gather Personal Belongings – Take the time to collect any valuables or important items from the vehicle. You may not be able to once your car is towed.

▷ Ensure Relevant Documents Are Accessible – Keep your insurance card, registration, and any other relevant documents in a readily accessible location within the car.

Communicate With Other Road Users

If you’re unable to move your vehicle completely off the road, take steps to manage the situation. Here’s where you might start:

▷ Signal for Help if Needed – Use your phone or wave down drivers on the shoulder to help direct traffic or assist in calling for help.

▷ Maintain Visibility and Awareness – Stay alert and make your presence known. Honk your horn if necessary, to alert passersby of your need for help.

Conclusion

Being prepared for the unexpected while driving is not merely a matter of having a first-aid kit or jumper cables in your trunk. Knowing what to do in the event of an emergency can have a profound impact on your safety and that of others. By staying informed and following these guidelines, you’re not just biding your time until the tow truck arrives—you’re taking proactive steps to ensure a positive outcome from a challenging situation. Remember, safety is always the top priority, and every precaution you take brings you one step closer to getting back on the road securely and smoothly.

Are you currently in need of emergency towing or roadside assistance? Or perhaps you are just thinking about hiring a tow truck to transport your vehicle or equipment to a new location? We can help either way. 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!

A Guide to Roadside Assistance: What You Should Know

Posted on May 26, 2023 by Zores

Nobody likes to be stranded on the side of the road, especially in a roadside emergency. However, accidents and breakdowns can happen at any time and it’s important to know what resources are available when you need help. Roadside assistance services provide support for people who find themselves stuck due to car trouble or other vehicle-related issues. In this blog post, we will go over a guide to roadside assistance so that you know exactly what your options are should an emergency arise.

We will discuss a roadside assistance guide, including how to select a reliable roadside assistance company, what types of services they offer, and how much you can expect to pay for their help. By understanding these topics ahead of time, you can rest assured knowing that if something unexpected happens while driving, there’s someone out there ready to come to your rescue!

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What You Need to Know About Roadside Assistance Services

Choose a 24 Hour Roadside Assistance Company

First, let’s discuss how to select a reliable roadside assistance company in central Indiana. It’s important to choose a 24 hour towing and recovery company that is reputable and has experience dealing with all sorts of traffic and roadside emergencies. Make sure they have proper insurance coverage, offer 24/7 service, and provide timely response times.

Additionally, look for companies that offer a variety of services so you can get the help you need when it matters most. You should also take into account customer reviews and feedback, as well as social media and community involvement before making your final decision.

Review All Service Options

Once you’ve settled on a provider, you should familiarize yourself with the types of services they offer. Most providers will provide a range of road and traffic services, from basic options like jump starting a dead battery or changing flat tires to more complex traffic emergency needs, like fuel delivery, key retrieval, or towing. It’s important to know that not all companies offer the same types of services so make sure you research their offerings before making any decisions.

Anticipate Roadside Assistance Rates

Finally, consider the expected costs associated with using roadside assistance services. Most providers will charge a fee for their help depending on the type of service needed. Additionally, some companies may require customers to become members and pay annual fees in order to access their services. Make sure you do your research to find the best provider and rates for you.

Roadside assistance services In Summary

By following these steps, you can ensure that if an emergency arises, you’ll be prepared and have a reliable roadside assistance provider ready to come to your rescue! Knowing the basics and doing thorough research ahead of time can help you make an informed decision and give you peace of mind. Overall, roadside assistance can be a great resource for those facing a roadside emergency.

Knowing what to look for in a provider, what services they offer, and the expected costs associated with using their services are all important factors to consider when selecting a company. Understanding these topics ahead of time will help you feel more confident about your decisions should something unexpected occur while driving. So, stay safe out there and make sure you’re always prepared!

Not sure which company in Indiana to trust for affordable emergency roadside services? 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!

Winter Driving Tip #1

The number one tip for driving safely in the winter is to stay on top of all your routine factory scheduled maintenance for your vehicle. Whether you drive a car, truck, SUV, or van, regular car maintenance is vital for safe driving and dependable vehicular performance.

Car Parts Affected By Cold Temperatures

There are some areas of your car you should pay closer attention to in the winter season because they can be impacted by the cold air and temperature drops. The primary areas include your tires, catalytic converter, and car battery, but there are also many more.

Tires

Did you know that the cold air can cause your tires to deflate? Have you ever noticed that you have to put more air in your tires every winter? Well, that is because tire pressure drops an average of one pound of pressure per 10°F of temperature.

To avoid falling flat on the road unexpectedly or walking out to your car only to find that your tire is too low to drive it, be sure to check your tire pressure regularly, throughout the winter season.

Catalytic Converter

Your catalytic converter is a vital automotive part because it works as your vehicle’s emissions control system. Basically, catalytic converters reduce the toxic and harmful emissions generated by burning fuel in a car. Needless to say, your catalytic converter is important, but when it gets really cold outside, it can take a little longer for it to start working.

For this reason, it is recommended to always let your car run for a few minutes before taking off. This will allow the catalytic converter to warm up and do his job properly while you’re out on the road.

Car Battery

Cold temperatures can cause problems with your car battery because cold air slows the chemical process inside of it, therefore diminishing its ability to maintain a charge. The older the vehicle, the more susceptible to cold air battery issues.

To avoid car battery problems in the winter, be sure to have your vehicle’s battery inspected and serviced as needed before the season begins. To be safe, include a set of jumper cables in your winter roadside emergency kit.

Additional Car Issues Caused By the Cold Air

► Automotive Fluids – Not only can colder temperatures cause your automotive fluids to thicken up, therefore reducing their ability to perform efficiently, but in very cold temperatures, automotive fluids can freeze entirely. This includes fuel lines, windshield wiper fluid, and even motor oil.

► Transmission – The cold air really affects the air to fuel mix ratios, which can affect how quickly your engine responds when you drive. In colder temperatures, the dense cold air can reduce your engine power. This is why it is important to let your car warm up before driving it in the winter.

► LCD Screens – It is very common for LCD screens to become sluggish or s responsive when it’s very cold outside because the liquid crystals are affected by the cold air. There’s not really much you can do to prevent this in the winter; however, it is suggested that using insulating screens can help keep interior cabin warmth overnight.

Have you found yourself stuck on the side of the road or in a parking lot because your car is having mechanical issues due to the cold weather? Just contact Zore’s Towing for 24 hour roadside assistance and towing services in Indianapolis and its surrounding locations. We can help with flat tires, locked keys in the car, overheating engines, fuel tank fill-ups, and much more.

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What To Do If You Run Out of Gas Near Indianapolis

Posted on August 16, 2021 by Zores

Life throws us all sorts of obstacles along the way and running out of gas while in Indianapolis is just another one on the list. But not to worry; if this ever happens to you, there are steps you can take that will get your problem solved in little to no time at all! Continue reading to learn what to do if you run out of gas in Indianapolis or its surrounding Central Indiana towns.

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Roadside Safety 101 When You Run Out of Fuel

In most cases of an empty gas tank, a car will give off several clues that will allow a driver to safely bring the vehicle to a stop. Most often, the fuel tank gauge on the dashboard will indicate a car’s fuel levels, but sometimes, a person can drive their car for several more miles when the arrow is pointed on EMPTY, which tends to cause a lot of on-the-road empty tank situations. But in many cases, as is with human nature, even when we know the tank is low, we tend to simply forget to fill up!

Aside from the dashboard gauge, a car that is running low on fuel will also begin to drive differently, sputtering, jerking, or slowing down even though your foot is on the gas pedal. When this happens, you do not want to force the car to drive any more than it has to. You want to simply focus on getting to a safe and solid place.

How to Safely Pull Over with an Empty Gas Tank

When your car begins to show signs of an empty gas tank, it is a good time to pull the car over on the right side of the road where you will be safe. Do not pull over on the left side of the road unless you have no other choice. If you do not make it all the way to the side of the road, you can put the car’s gear into neutral and manually push the car yourself by standing in the open driver or passenger side door. Do not push a car from behind under any circumstances.

Now What?

The most important consideration when running out of gas while driving is safety. Once you have found safe and solid location to pull your vehicle over, your next step is to contact an Indianapolis Indiana roadside assistance company for fuel delivery service.

Never attempt to walk to a gas station yourself, as this is how many pedestrian car accidents and fatalities take place. Instead, sit inside your car with your hazard lights on, and wait for your roadside tow truck to arrive. They use dispatching systems so you will not have to wait very long at all.

In fact, well-established and reputable roadside service businesses operate on 24 hour basis and maintain a broad service area. This means you should be able to get gas delivered to your location no matter the time of day or night. Just be sure you choose a reputable service provider.

Are you currently out of gas on the side of the road in Indianapolis or a surrounding county? Contact Zore’s Towing for 24 hour roadside assistance at the most affordable prices in Central Indiana. We serve all of Indy and its surrounding locations, including Avon, Lebanon, and Greenwood, Indiana.

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DIY Roadside Assistance Tools to Always Have in Your Car

Posted on February 12, 2021 by Zores

With the weather being the way it is right now, it is important to drive safe no matter how short your travel distance may be. Here in Indiana, this time of year is marked with snow, ice, slush, mud, and more, making the road conditions more hazardous than normal. In order to keep yourself protected in the time of an automotive emergency, be sure to have a quality roadside assistance kit in your car at all times.

If a full roadside kit is not an option for you, at least have these fundamental roadside assistance tools on hand for do-it-yourself fixes.

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Have These in Your Car at All Times for a Roadside Emergency:

► Tire Pressure Gauge

Tire pressure is an important part of proper vehicle performance and fuel efficiency. Fortunately, it is something you can easily check and fix on your own. It is important to regularly check your tire pressure levels, and the best tool for the job is a basic tire pressure gauge. You can buy a quality tire pressure gauge at any local automotive store for under $10. The general rule of thumb for tire pressure is anywhere from 32 to 35 psi, depending on the climate. Check your owner’s manual for the proper specifications for your vehicle, or look for a sticker on the inside of your driver’s door.

► Torque Wrench

When you need to fasten a nut or bolt, a torque wrench is a handy tool to have around. From tire changes to battery replacement, there many DIY opportunities that would call for a torque wrench. Since they come in all different setups and sizes, it is recommended to get an interchangeable torque wrench, or one that allows for several size settings. There are three main types: flex bar, sound-indicating, and dial indicator. You can find quality torque wrenches at any local hardware or automotive store for under $20.

► Jumper Cables

When your car is low on power, you will need to jump start the battery. And there is no better way to do this than to use a set of jumper cables. Jumper cables are a staple in any automotive care kit. Keep them in your vehicle at all times in case of an emergency. You can purchase a quality set at any local hardware of automotive parts store for under $30. You may want to consider purchasing them in a pre-made emergency roadside kit.

► Automotive Code Reader

These little devices have come a long way in terms of innovation and accuracy. They hook up to your vehicle and will read, interpret, and clear Check Engine and ABS lights. You can now purchase electronic car reading diagnostic devices on the market at an affordable price. There are several different makes and models, all ranging in features and price. You can get a quality car reader for under $100 at any local automotive parts store.

Central Indiana Towing and Recovery Professionals You Can Count On 24 Hours a Day

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for 24 hour towing and recovery wrecker services in Indianapolis, and all throughout Central Indiana. We serve more than 30 additional Indiana towns and cities throughout the state, and maintain a wide dispatching grid so that we can uphold speedy response times. Whether you need help with a flat tire or fuel fill up, or have just been in an auto accident and need clearance towing, we are the licensed and insured wreckers who can be there for you.

Having served the surrounding Hoosier communities for nearly 100 years, you can trust that we are the experts who can get the job done right the first time, and at an affordable price. Request a free quote, or contact us for emergency tow truck or roadside assistance service, anytime. We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year.

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Hazardous Road Conditions to Avoid on a Motorcycle

Posted on December 7, 2020 by Zores

This time of year, the rate of traffic accidents increases drastically. When it comes to types of accident victims, motorcyclists are at the top of the list. Some of the most common causes for motorcycle accidents in the United States are speeding, loss of control, driving at night, approaching unexpected curves in the road, and intoxicated driving. This tells us that the best way to prevent motorcycle accidents is to avoid dangerous driving. Unlike cars, motorcycles and their drivers are more vulnerable to inclement weather and unreliable road conditions. For this reason, one of the most important aspects of avoiding dangerous driving is to avoid driving in hazardous conditions.

Continue reading to learn which roads can be the most dangerous on a motorcycle, and who to call after wrecking your bike in an Indiana motorcycle accident.

Unpredictable Roads

Unpredictable roads are not a safe route for motorcycles because they can be full of unexpected turns, curves, bends, obstacles, roadblocks, and more. Conditions like narrow roads, loose gravel, rock beds, uneven surfaces, mud, oil, water runoff, fallen trees, road construction, and similar obstructions are common hurdles that motorcyclists must look out for at all times.

For instance, roads with gravel or loose aggregate can make it quite challenging to apply the brakes and come to a safe stop, especially for beginners or inexperienced drivers. Unpredictable roads can be even more dangerous at night. You cannot see a fallen tree or sudden bend in the dark as well as you can during the day. When combined with unsafe driving practices, like speeding, unpredictable roads can be incredibly dangerous.

Wet and Muddy Roads

Rain and snow can create some unpleasant driving conditions, but for motorcycles, these unpleasant driving conditions can be flat out dangerous. Muddy roads are a common obstacle for motorcycles. Not only is it a challenge to navigate a motorcycle through thick, sticky mud, it is very difficult to maintain control and stability.

The best way to avoid an accident is to avoid driving on a muddy road altogether. If the road is only slightly muddy, you can proceed with caution by driving slowly to avoid slipping or sliding. Just be sure to rinse your bike clean of mud when you arrive at your destination to prevent rusting and mechanical issues. These factors can cause a decline in performance and safety, as well.

Winding Roads

Meandering and winding roads, like those found in the hills or mountain ranges, can be very dangerous on a motorcycle. These roads are even more dangerous in inclement weather, at night, and when the sun is setting. For this reason, driving a motorcycle on winding roads requires more alert driving. Furthermore, it requires sufficient practice and experience to adopt the skills of accurate timing and good judgment for navigating twisty or narrow roads on a motorcycle.

For beginner motorcyclists, it is recommended to start on small hills so that you can practice using good timing and navigational judgment while taking turns and bends. Eventually, you should learn how to set up for a curve. Keep in mind that this skill set takes years of driving experience to perfect.

Did You Wreck Your Bike in Central Indiana?

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for affordable 24 hour towing and recovery in Indianapolis, or anywhere throughout Central Indiana. We open a family-owned and operated business for 90 years, so you can trust us for prompt and professional service. We are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year, so our certified tow truck operators can be there for you anytime, any day! We also provide 24 hour roadside assistance, including fuel delivery, tire service, and lockouts. Request free estimates, anytime.

How to Get Your Car Out After Driving into a Ditch

Posted on November 30, 2020 by Zores

Now that some snow trickle has arrived, it is officially that time of year when the most traffic accidents take place. One of the most common roadway emergencies seen during Indiana winters are cars that wind up driving into a ditch. When this happens, drivers are typically stuck unless they take some action to free their vehicle from the trench.

If you are currently facing the same situation, continue reading to learn how to get your car out after driving it into a ditch. At least one of these solutions will guarantee your safety and release.

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Address Your Safety

The very first thing you should do after driving into a ditch is address everyone’s safety, including your own. Once you know everyone is unharmed, take several minutes to observe your surroundings. Do not immediately get out of your car to examine the damage. Instead, wait first, and ensure that you are out of the way of oncoming traffic or any other hazards. If anyone is hurt, call 911 and request paramedics right away.

Attempt to Get Out on Your Own

Now comes the part where you attempt to get your car out of the ditch it is in, all on your own. In minor cases of cars being stuck in ditches, it is possible to do this with very little effort. Start by seeing if you can alter the load weight inside your vehicle. Perhaps move around some luggage or belongings from the back to the front, or vice versa, or remove them altogether. This adjustment might help your car gain enough traction to free itself from the ditch.

If not, it is time to address traction. You can place certain things in front of your wheels to increase traction. Try cardboard, sand, cat litter, and even your floor mats. For front wheel drive cars, focus on the front wheels. For rear-wheel drive cars, focus on placing things in front of the back wheels.

Contact a 24 Hour Tow Truck

When all else fails, your surefire way of freeing a car stuck in the ditch is emergency roadside assistance services. Contact a local, 24 hour towing company that offers roadside assisting, including recovery service, which is what you need to pull your vehicle out of the trench. Your car insurance might cover this fee, otherwise, it is very affordable. You can expect to pay anywhere from $25 to $75 or so.

Affordable and Fast 24 Hour Roadside Assistance for Central Indiana

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for 24 hour roadside assistance in 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 Need to Know About Safe Boat Towing

Posted on May 8, 2020 by Zores

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

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

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

Turning

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

Backing Up

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

Braking

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

Jack-Knifing

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

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

Professional Boat Towing and Transportation Services in Indianapolis

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

When Do I Need to Replace the Coolant in My Car?

Posted on March 31, 2020 by Zores

Engine coolant goes by many names, including radiator fluid, radiator coolant, or antifreeze. No matter what you call it, engine coolant is one of the most vital car fluids for any vehicle. It is a combination of antifreeze and water (usually a 50/50 mix), and serves a number of purposes for a car. First, it runs through a vehicle’s radiator to remove any excess heat and prevent the engine from overheating. Next, since it contains antifreeze chemicals, it prevents it from freezing up in cold temperatures. But also, engine coolant prevents corrosion and works as a lubricant to the water pump and other internal workings.

So as you can see, radiator fluid is very important for a car or truck to operate safely and effectively. Continue reading to learn when your vehicles engine coolant should be changed, as well as, factory car maintenance scheduling, and more!

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Radiator Fluid Flushes

Changing or replacing the radiator fluid in your vehicle is referred to as coolant flush. Regular coolant flushes are vital for your vehicle because it inhibits corrosion, prevents over-heating, and provides lubrication to the internal workings of your engine’s water pump, radiator, and heater core. See our blog, “How to Diagnose Your Car’s Overheating Engine” to learn how to identify such engine problems.

To properly identify when your coolant is dirty, you must first know what the color of the fluid is when brand new. The primary colors of engine coolant are yellow, orange, green, and black. Check the color of your radiator fluid once every week. When this color starts to change, you know it’s time to change your radiator fluid. But the most noticeable sign that it is time to replace the coolant is when your engine starts to overheat. The temperature gauge on your car’s dashboard will tell you how hot the engine is getting, and if you start to see smoke, it’s gone too far!

Never operate a vehicle with an overheating engine. Not only is this extremely dangerous, it causes significant damage to the engine. This can result in a costly repair, engine replacement, or even a totaled vehicle. As soon as you are aware your engine is overheating, take it to an auto so immediately and have it serviced.

All fluids should be changed, flushed, and replaced regularly for all vehicles. The general factory car maintenance schedule is every 3,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. This includes motor oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, battery fluid, windshield wiper fluid, and in some cases, even transfer case lubricants. But engine coolant does not need to be replaced this often. Most manufacturers suggest flushing the coolant every 24,000 to 36,000 miles, or once every 2 to 3 years. But if you are driving in hot climates or long distances regularly, then once per year is a better schedule.

Struck on the Road With Car Engine Problems in Indianapolis?

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.