The Vital Link Between Tire Inflation and Safe Driving

If you are under the impression that your tire pressure has no influence on the dependability and performance of your vehicle, you are wrong. Continue below to learn how under-inflation and over-inflation of tires can be dangerous for you, your car, and possibly other drivers and pedestrians around you.

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

Correct Tire Inflation is Essential for Safe Driving and Efficient Performance

There are many reasons why you should take good care of your car. Not only is your vehicle a very expensive investment that you want to last for as long as possible, but your safety can also be at risk if your car is not performing at its best. One of the most overlooked factory-scheduled car maintenance requirements for ALL vehicles is tire care.

Tires should be in good condition at all times. And as soon as they begin to show signs of wear and tear, it is time to have them replaced. In between tire replacement, your tires require regular rotations and balancing, as well as daily air pressure monitoring.

If you fail to take good care of your tires, they can begin to lose their ability to do their job, which can put your safety at risk. Tire pressure is a common problem that can influence your overall tire performance and safety. Be sure to routinely inspect your tires for proper inflation; you don’t want them to be over or under-inflated.

Why Under-Inflated Tires are Unsafe:

Bulges can form in the tire walls, which can weaken areas of the tires, and put them at a higher risk of blowing out on the road.

Under-inflated tires will cause reduced fuel efficiency, which affects a driver’s budget and vehicle reliability.

Under-inflated tires will impede vehicular mobility, which can be dangerous in defensive driving scenario and inclement weather, and while navigating small spaces.

Why Over-Inflated Tires are Unsafe:

Over-inflated tires can cause an increase air temperature within them, which can lead to sudden tire blowouts while driving. Furthermore, over-inflated tires lead to an imbalance of contact on the road among all four tires, which can hinder vehicular mobility and handling.

According to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

A tire that is 25% above the recommended tire pressure is 2 times more likely to be involved in a collision. A tire that is 25% below the recommended tire pressure is 3 times more likely to be involved in a collision.

There are virtually 11,000 tire-related motor vehicle accidents every year. Nearly 75% of roadside flat tires are a result of improper tire pressure.

Got a Flat Tire?

If you get a flat tire as a result of over or under-inflation, you can try to repair it yourself if you have a spare tire or an emergency roadside kit. If you are not capable of repairing or changing your flat, you can contact a local towing company for 24 hour roadside assistance service in Indianapolis. They can respond to your location within a short amount of time, repair your tire, or tow you to the location of your choice. Whether it is 3 o’clock in the morning or 5:30 PM rush hour, they have the resources to get you back on the road in no time at all.

Are you looking for truly affordable and highly dependable roadside assistance service in Central Indiana? Contact Zore’s Towing for 24 hour roadside assistance  and towing in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties. We provide towing, recovery, equipment transport, car lockout service, flat tire service, jump starts, refueling, and more!

Related Posts:

How to Test Tire Tread Using a Penny
Why Did My Tire Blow?
Why Your New Car Does Not Have a Spare Tire

Top Alternatives to Having a Spare Tire

In today’s automotive manufacturing industry, spare tires are no longer a standard. Many newer model vehicles do not come with a spare tire, which can sometimes come as a surprise to new car owners. If you are a driver of a vehicle without a spare, it would be wise to consider having a flat tire plan. In the case of a roadside emergency. But this plan does not necessarily have to include an actual spare tire. There are many other options available that can deliver an equivalent level of security.

Continue reading to learn the top alternatives to having a spare tire, plus where you can get twenty-four hour roadside emergency assistance in Central Indiana.

Flat Tire Roadside Assistance Indianapolis Indiana 317-247-8484
Flat Tire Roadside Assistance Indianapolis Indiana 317-247-8484

Why the Missing Spare Tire?

Why are newer model vehicles not being designed to come with a full spare tire? Auto manufacturers are looking to be space-efficient and taking out a full spare tire from a car trunk can greatly increase the interior square footage of the vehicle, plus make room for more innovative undercarriage and mechanical design.

Furthermore, automotive manufacturing companies are forgoing the full spare because it’s cost-effective. By eliminating the addition of a full spare tire, auto manufacturers can produce the car at a cheaper rate, and in turn sell the car at a more economical price to the public. Removing the spare tire also improves fuel efficiency because it reduces the overall weight of the vehicle.

Filling the Spare Tire Void

If you want to have a spare tire in your vehicle or a flat tire emergency plan in place, you have plenty of options to choose from. Not only can you purchase a full spare tire and keep it in your trunk, but you can choose from some other alternatives as well. The top choices that work as an effective substitute to a full spare tire include space-saver spares, run flat tires, tire sealant inflation kits, self-sealing tires, and roadside emergency carriers.

Space-Saver Spares

Space-saver spare tires are colloquially known as donuts because they are a miniature version of the full spare and therefore, resemble the morning breakfast pastry we know and love so well. Donuts spare tires are a perfect solution for someone who wants to have a spare on hand but lacks in space. You can purchase these at any local automotive shop or tire shop. These donuts are only intended as a short-term solution for a flat tire and should not be driven on for more than 50 miles.

Run Flat Tires

When putting a spare tire inside of your vehicle is not an option at all, regardless of its size, you might want to consider run flat tires. Run flat tires are a specialized tire safety system designed with reinforced side walls or internal support rings that will sustain a vehicle’s driving ability for short period of time in the case that the tires are damaged. When a tire is damaged or loses air pressure, you cannot exceed 50 miles an hour nor drive more than 50 miles on run flats.

Self-Sealing Tires

Another tire safety system that has been designed to mitigate the hassle of a sudden flat tire is self-sealing tires. Self-sealing tires do just that; they self-seal. They contain a specialized coating on the inside of the tire wall that will immediately gravitate toward a puncture or foreign object and cover it up.

Tire Inflation Kits

It is always encouraged to have a roadside emergency kit inside of your car. One such item to add to your roadside emergency vehicle kit is a tire inflation and sealant kit. These are wonderful alternatives to having a spare tire or costly specialized tires like the ones mentioned above. These tire inflation in ceiling kits can be purchased at any department store with an automotive section or at any automotive shop or online retailer. They are simply a kit equipped with all the materials needed to patch up a hole in a tire and get you back on the road for a short period of time.

Are you stuck on the road right now with a flat tire and no idea what to do? 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!

Related Posts:

Why Did My Tire Blow?
Why Do Some Vehicles Have Spare Tires and Others Don’t?
The Importance of Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems

Why Your New Car Does Not Have a Spare Tire

It is a frustrating, yet all-too-familiar, roadside scenario that happens to new car owners more often these days than it did in the past. A driver gets a flat, pulls over to change it, but when they pop open the trunk, there is no spare tire in sight. ‘Perhaps it’s under the car?’, they ask themselves, but upon inspection, no such luck. So, they turn to the car’s owners’ manual for information on the location of their BMW or GM vehicle, only to discover in the end that their new car does not come with a factory spare tire.

If this has just happened to you, there is still a possibility that your car comes with a factory alternative to a spare tire. However, it is also possible that it comes with nothing, in which case you will need some emergency roadside assistance flat tire service.

Continue reading to learn why more and more auto manufacturers are doing away with spare tires, what they are incorporating into their designs instead. This can give you a better understanding of why your new ride doesn’t have a donut in the trunk.

Flat Tire Roadside Assistance Indianapolis IN 317-247-8484
Flat Tire Roadside Assistance Indianapolis IN 317-247-8484

No More Spare Tires

Many automakers are making changes to the spare tire designs of their vehicles. In many cases, they are eliminating the spare tire altogether, replacing it with alternatives to an extra tire or donut. Why are they doing this? Space. Spare tires take up a lot of space in a vehicle, not just in the trunk, but in the overall design of the car. Automotive manufacturers have found that they can design a more space efficient vehicle by removing the spare tire and tire casing.

Weight Reduction Benefits

Losing the spare tire does more for a car other than giving it more storage or design space; it also males the car weigh less, which increases fuel efficiency and gas mileage, while also reducing energy consumption. The lighter the car, the less power it takes to operate it, namely gas and electricity. By taking the spare tire out of modern vehicle design, automakers have enhanced fuel efficiency and lightened the workload of the engine.

Common Spare Tire Alternatives

Many automakers have simply replaced the spare tire with a more space-efficient and weight-friendly alternative. For instance, BMW no longer puts spares in their designs because all of their modern models are equipped with run flat tires. Run-flats are designed with reinforced sidewalls that allow drivers to drive a reasonable distance further without placing additional pressure on the damaged tire or wheel. In addition to run-flat tires, some automakers, like GM, have opted for tire repair kits in their vehicles. Not only do these take up less space than an actual spare tire, but they can be used by people of all ages and strengths.

Flat Tire Solutions

If you are stuck on the side of the road with a damaged or flat tire, and your car does not have a spare or viable spare tire alternative, you can contact a local Indianapolis towing company for emergency roadside assistance. They change tires in a matter of minutes and can have you back on the road in no time at all.

Are you currently stuck on the side of the road with a flat tire in Central Indiana? Contact Zore’s Towing for 24 hour roadside assistance in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties. We specialize in Indianapolis flat tire repair, and serve all of Indy, including Avon, Lebanon, and Greenwood, Indiana.  

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3 Ways to Achieve Better Gas Mileage
The 3 Best Alternatives to a Spare Tire
How to Test Tire Tread Using a Penny

Zore’s Towing Towing Wrecker Service Indianapolis
Zore’s Towing Towing Wrecker Service Indianapolis

Top 4 Spare Tire Options for Cars and Trucks

Continue below to learn the top 4 spare tire options on the market today, including how to choose the right spare tire for your vehicle.

Flat Tire Repair Indianapolis IN 317-247-8484
Flat Tire Repair Indianapolis IN 317-247-8484

The Spare Tire Facts You Need to Know

The fact is, not all vehicles come factory equipped with spare tires these days. Even used cars are often missing their spare tire because they’ve already been used in the previous lifetime. So, with these two very common automotive variables at play, it is quite possible that your ride is without spare, which can pose several safety hazards and unsafe situations. It is in your best interest to equip your vehicle with a spare tire that is compatible with your make and model, as well as your budget and automotive handyman skills.

But before you hit the auto parts store for of spare, be sure to review your options and choose one that is the right fit for your car or truck. The top 4 spare tire options on the market today are full-size, compact, run-flat, and inflation and repair kits.

Full-Size Spare Tires

The first option on the market for a spare tire is a full-sized spare tire. This is basically just an exact match of the other tires currently on your vehicle. It is literally an extra tire to the ones you already own. So, it will look just like your other tires and be the same size and dimensions. Keep in mind, a full-size spare tire will be larger and take up more room in your vehicle, plus it will be heavier which can have an impact on your fuel consumption.

Full-size spare tires are recommended for trucks and medium to large vehicles, such as bands, box trucks, delivery trucks, and even larger SUVs. Full-size retires are also recommended for drivers who regularly commute in hazardous road conditions, such as jagged terrain, heavy snow, ice, and rain.

Compact Spare Tires (Donuts)

A compact spare tire is the most popular option on the market, often referred to as a donut. A compact spare tire is lighter in weight and smaller in size, making them a perfect fit in almost any make and model trunk bed. They are also easy to install and support better fuel economy because of their size and weight. Compact spare tires, however, are not meant to be driven on for very long. Because they are smaller than the other tires on a vehicle, they are only meant to get you from the point of tire disruption to an auto shop or your driveway.

Compact spare tires are recommended for vehicles that are smaller in size, as well as for drivers who frequently commute in populated suburban areas and city centers. You want to be close to an automotive repair shop when driving on a spare.

Run Flat Tires

Run flat tires are another option for spares on the market today. These tires are designed with reinforced sidewalls that will allow a vehicle to continue driving even when the tire is damaged or deflated. Just like compact spare tires, run flat tires are not meant to be driving on for very long.

Once a run flat is in use, it is important to drive directly to an automotive repair or tire shop for tire replacement. Run flat tires are recommended for very small and compact vehicles since there is no need to take up any trunk or backseat space. They are also recommended for young drivers or those who are not good at changing tires, since there is no need to get out of the vehicle and change a spare when tire damage occurs.

Tire Inflation and Repair Kits

Tire inflation and repair kits are another option on the market today for those who need a spare tire option in the vehicle. These kits are recommended for those who are handy with automotive work, and who are comfortable with using the products necessary to patch up tire holes and gashes long enough to get to an automotive repair shop or tire replacement store. These kits typically use foam or sealants to repair openings and damages to the outer tire wall, but there are also tire inflation kits that work inflate tires automatically upon damage.

Do you need immediate flat tire service right now? Contact Zore’s Towing for 24 hour flat tire repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. We operate 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, offering a wide range of roadside services and tow truck assistance.

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Zore’s Towing Towing Wrecker Service Indianapolis
Zore’s Towing Towing Wrecker Service Indianapolis

Where to Find 24 Hour Indianapolis Roadside Assistance Service You Can Afford

Indiana Roadside Assistance Company 317-247-8484
Indiana Roadside Assistance Company 317-247-8484

Zore’s Towing Serves All of Central Indiana

No one plans for something to go wrong on the road. But when they do, Hoosiers can always count on Zore’s Towing for prompt and professional roadside assistance, regardless of time or day. Since 1927, we have a provided a wide range of roadside assistance services in Indianapolis and throughout Central Indiana.

Furthermore, for the past 90 years, we have earned a reputation for trusted service at a fair price! 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.

Zore’s Towing is Always Fast and Affordable

Our certified drivers are highly-trained and experienced in the towing and recovery industry and can provide safe and efficient roadside assistance services for all make and model vehicles, including cars, vans, trucks, motorcycles, and semis.

We make your safety and your personal time a priority and aim to get you back on the road as soon as possible. Whether you have a flat tire or locked your keys in the car, Zore’s Towing can be there for you in a flash to offer friendly and effective service you can trust! Call our Indianapolis headquarters at 317-247-8484 anytime to request fast roadside assistance in Central Indiana.

Zore’s Towing Operates 24/7/365

Zore’s Towing operates on a 24 hour basis, working all across the state, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. We are even open on National holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving and operate in the most severe weather! Our extensive fleet of wrecker equipment and state-of-the-art computer dispatching system allows us to provide a wide range of towing and recovery services, quickly and safely anywhere in Central Indiana.

Our Roadside Assistance Services Include,
But are Not Limited to…

☑ Flat Tires
☑ Tire Changes
☑ Fuel Delivery
☑ Battery Service
☑ Dead Batteries
☑ ump Starts
☑ Rolling Starts
☑ Unlocking Doors
☑ Towing
☑ Overheating Engines
☑ Engine Trouble
☑ Wiper Replacement
☑ Extrication/Winching

Are you in need of towing or roadside assistance right now? If so, contact us directly at 317-247-8484 for prompt and professional Indianapolis IN roadside assistance you can afford. We also provide 24 hr towing services.

You Should Also Read:

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Zore’s Towing Towing Wrecker Service Indianapolis
Zore’s Towing Towing Wrecker Service Indianapolis

Do I Have to Have a Spare Tire in My Car?

It is a common misconception that the only vehicles that do not come with a spare tire are used cars. And while most people assume that new cars automatically come with a spare tire, vast numbers of modern models do not, as they are no longer standard manufacturing equipment. Generally, only light-duty trucks and large SUV’s come with a spare tire these days. So, many people wind up buying a new car, only to find that it’s not equipped with the fitted spare tire. This leaves them asking, “do I have to have one?”

Continue reading to learn what you should know about spare tires, including whether or not they are required by law.

Flat Tire Roadside Assistance Indianapolis IN
Flat Tire Roadside Assistance Indianapolis IN 317-247-8484

Spare Tire Laws

It is up to you to choose whether or not you would like to have a spare tire in your car. There is no law or state requirement that mandates all drivers have a spare. However, it is strongly encouraged by all car care organizations and authorities to always have a spare tire in your vehicle for those just in case types of situations.

Where to Get a Spare for Your Vehicle

You can purchase a spare tire for your particular make and model vehicle at any local auto parts store or tire shop. You can choose to purchase a brand-new tire, which will deliver optimal performance and efficiency, full tread, and perhaps even come with a warranty. You can also choose to purchase a used tire, which are available in good enough condition to be used in an emergency flat tire situation.

Why are Spares Less Common Now?

There are many reasons why automotive manufacturers are not including spare tires as a standard piece of manufacturing equipment any longer. The 4 top reasons that new cars don’t come with a spare tire include initiatives to: 1) improve gas mileage and fuel efficiency, 2) give more room inside the vehicle interior, 3) increase storage space (namely trunk space), and 4) reduce manufacturing costs.

Run Flats and Self-Sealing Tires

Run flats and self-sealing tires are common alternatives to having a spare in your vehicle. Run flats are a tire system that allows a flat tire to travel a short distance without causing further damage to the wheel or rim. Generally, run flats will allow you to drive up to 50 miles or so under the speed of 45 miles an hour. Self-sealing tires are designed to automatically repair any punctures or holes to the tire caused by running over something sharp, like a nail, using a special sealant inflator kits are another common alternative to having a spare tire, but they are not always dependable.

Are you a Hoosier who is stuck with a flat tire right now? Contact Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for prompt and affordable roadside assistance service in Indianapolis, Indiana. We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and serve all of Central Indiana.

You Might Also Read:

How Long Can I Drive on a Spare Tire?
Common Types of Spare Tires
How to Patch a Flat Tire Using a Tire Plug Kit

Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484

How to Change a Tire Using a Spare

A flat tire is a minor misfortune that almost every driver will experience at least once in their life. Especially for new drivers, knowing how to respond to a flat tire is an important part of responsible driving. Not only can it protect you from danger, it can provide you the confidence of managing your own unexpected car problems when the situation calls for it. If you are unfamiliar with the process of changing a tire and using a spare, continue reading to learn how with our simple guide.

Spare Tires

Flat Tire Service 317-247-8484

Flat Tire Service 317-247-8484

A spare tire is generally customary in all modern vehicles. It is possible for used cars to be sold without their spare, so always be sure to check your vehicle before hitting the road. You always want to have a spare tire on-board in case of an emergency. You can purchase spare tires at a reasonable price in any auto parts store or tire store. Be sure to ask an associate for help with matching the right spare for your vehicle’s make and model.

Often times, spares are found in the trunk, underneath the surface. Other times, they are in the den of the trunk or in a compartment on the side. Refer to your owners’ manual for instructions on locating your cars spare tire. Along with the spare, there is usually a car jack as well. If your car is not equipped with a car jack, be sure to purchase one, as well as a tire iron, for your vehicle and keep it in there at all times.

What to Do

If you get a flat or blow a tire while driving, it is important to not panic. Simply flip on your hazard lights and direct the vehicle slowly and calmly to the right side of the road. Be sure you are far enough on the shoulder to be safe from oncoming traffic.

Once you are parked, turn off your ignition and keep your keys on your person. Always check your mirrors for oncoming traffic before exiting your vehicle. If you are on the freeway, it is strongly recommended to exit your vehicle from the passenger side if it’s
possible to climb over.

Next, locate your spare and your car jack. Place these items next to the flat tire so they are in arm’s reach when needed.

You will first need to lift your car off the ground to have the ability to remove the flat and replace it with a spare. Refer to your owners’ manual for instructions on using a car jack. They are fairly easy to use so do not get overwhelmed with the process. Simply find a solid area to place the jack underneath, and then use the lever to crank it up.

Continue cranking until the tire is lifted 1 to 2 inches off the ground. This will give you just enough space to freely remove the tire. Do not lift the car too high, this can cause accidents and damage to your vehicle.

Now that your car is jacked up, you can use the tire iron, or your hands, to unscrew the bolts on your wheel cap. There are usually four to five of them. They may be stuck or difficult to release if your car is old, so if the tire iron doesn’t work, your best bet is a roadside assistance service. They have the proper tools and muscle-power to remove your tire bolts and attach your spare in no time at all.

When you have the bolts removed, put them in a safe place nearby, and gently pull your flat tire off. Put it to the side as well. Be careful pulling your tire off so you do not tip your vehicle over while it’s on the jack.

Slide your spare tire on, and then replace all the bolts. Be sure they are fastened securely.

You are now ready to release the jack and lower your car back to the ground. Place the old tire and the jack back into your trunk. And carefully get back into the driver’s seat and pull out onto the road.

Be sure to drive immediately to a tire supply retailer for professional tire service and replacement. A spare is only a temporary means and should be driven on as little as possible.

Indianapolis Roadside Assistance

Zore's Towing Indianapolis 317-247-8484

Zore’s Towing Indianapolis 317-247-8484

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for prompt and professional roadside assistance services in Indianapolis and throughout Central Indiana. We provide friendly and affordable flat tire service, lost or locked key service, jump starts, dead battery service, and much more. Trust us for fast help at a reasonable price. So the next time you need help in a flash, call 317-247-8484 for Indianapolis roadside assistance you can trust.