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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How to Do a Pre-Trip Check Before Pulling a Trailer

It does not matter large or small your trailer is, nor how much experience you might have pulling one; everyone should perform a solid towing safety inspection before hitting the road for a long-distance trip. Continue below to either learn or refresh your memory on how to do a pre-trip check before pulling a trailer long distance.

Indiana Towing and Vehicle Transportation Services 317-247-8484
Indiana Towing and Vehicle Transportation Services 317-247-8484

Pre-Trip Trailer Towing Inspection

Everything needs to be inspected for optimal safety and performance when preparing to pull a trailer. Even for short-distance towing, inspecting your towing and vehicle setup is vital for both the safety of you and your passengers, as well as your cargo. All towing and trailer equipment needs to be checked and if necessary, serviced or replaced, including hitch and receiver, safety chains, electrical setups, hitch and turn signals, lights, and the overall trailer clearance.

In addition to checking all equipment, it is wise to review your state’s trailer towing requirements or regulations, and in all states that you plan to pass through as well. Some states require you to stay in the far right lanes, or drive at a certain speed, when towing a trailer. You do not want to be in violation of any towing rules, as this could slow you down from getting to your destination, plus make you pay a fine!

For Beginners

If you have never pulled at trailer before, it is vital that you practice. It takes a lot longer to come to a complete stop when towing a trailer, plus taking turns, backing up, parking, and maneuvering through traffic is all different than driving a regular car. Furthermore, you need to educate yourself on all proper trailer setup and maintenance practices in order to remain safe and within local and state regulations.

Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist:

Check that the trailer is properly attached to the hitch, and perfectly secure. The trailer’s tongue should be connected to the hitch, and all locking mechanisms are secured.

You should not be able to lift the trailer off the hitch after it has been snapped and locked in place. Your safety chains should be criss-crossed between the towing vehicle and the trailer.

Check that all electrical wires are connected, and that the brake lights and turn signals are working in conjunction with one another. It helps to have a partner work the towing vehicle’s brakes and turn signals while you stand behind the trailer and watch for them to come on. No partner? Use the reflection of windows or windshields instead.

Do you need some help with towing some cargo long-distance? Contact Zore’s Towing for professional long-distance towing services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve all of Central Indiana, including Lebanon, Greenwood, and Avon areas.

You Might Also Like:

Long Distance Driving Tips for Summer
How to Prepare a Car for a Long Distance Tow
What You Need to Know About State Trailer Laws

Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484

How to Prepare Your Car for a Spring Break Road Trip

Spring is just about here, which means Spring Break plans are already in motion! If you are planning a road trip for spring break this year, keep in mind that it requires a fair amount of thought, research, and preparation. In addition to making all the necessary arrangements, mapping a driving course, and packing, be sure not to overlook another important aspect of road-tripping, which is car care. Simply topping of the gas tank and re-filling windshield wiper fluid won’t cut it; and stocking up on air fresheners won’t either. So, when it comes to going on a road trip, you must also prepare your vehicle for optimal safety and dependability.

Continue reading to learn how to prepare your car for a fun and safe Spring Break road trip!

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

Perform a Full Vehicle Inspection

Before planning a road trip with your personal vehicle, it is important to first determine just how “ready” your car is for long distance driving. A simple pre-road trip inspection should do the trick. You can choose to do it yourself, or hire a licensed mechanic to do it for you. By finding small problems and having them repaired before your trip, you can greatly reduce the chances of experiencing costly mechanical problems on the road. This avoids a long list of safety hazards, inconveniences, and unexpected expenses.

What to Inspect:

Check all vehicle filters and fluids. Fluids include motor oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, coolant, power steering fluid, windshield wiper fluid, and battery fluid. Replenish necessary fluids and replace old or dirty filters wit new ones. You may need a licensed mechanic for help with this part of the inspection.

Check all hoses and belts for signs of damage or deterioration. Look for brittle, cracked, kinked, frayed, or loose belts and hoses. These are critical to your vehicle’s electrical system and should be repaired before a long road trip.

Check the vehicle’s alignment, tire tread, and tire pressure. Get a tire rotation and balance, as well as an alignment if these areas are off in any way. See our blog, “How to Test Tire Tread Using a Penny” to determine if your tires have enough tread for a long-distance drive.

Check the brake system. Be sure the battery connection is clean, well-fit, and free of corrosion. Check brake pads and replace worn or old ones.

Check all exterior vehicle lights, including brake lights, hazards, parking lights, and more. Replace bulbs and fuses as necessary.

Check your gas cap. Be sure it is damage-free and secure. Also be sure your license plate is not loose or missing any screws.

Who to Trust for 24 Hour Roadside Assistance in Indiana

If your car breaks down in Indiana at any point during your spring break road trip, call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for 24 hour roadside assistance for fuel fill-ups. 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

How to Perform a Pre-Tow Check Before a Road Trip

If you are planning a road trip that involves towing a trailer with your vehicle, it is wise to learn how to perform a correct pre-tow check and ensure your safety, as well as the safety of your cargo. Continue reading for some helpful tips.

Indianapolis Towing 317-247-8484

Indianapolis Tow Truck Service 317-247-8484

The first part of towing safety is preparation, which is why learning how to perform a pre-tow check before a road trip is so valuable. Not only is it important to know what to check, it is important to complete the task before every road trip, regardless of distance.

Getting Started

To start, you want to ensure your hitch and trailer are safely connected to one another. For a standard ball hitch, be sure that the tongue of the trailer is correctly connected to your vehicle’s hitch, with the locking mechanism snapped and lock pin in place.

While inspecting your hitch and trailer tongue, also be sure that your trailer connection is setup right. Between the vehicle and the trailer, there should be two chains that are crossing over each other, forming an “X” figure.

Check the security of the hitch by pulling up on the trailer to pull the hitch off. It should not be able to come off. If it does, you need to reconnect it and make the proper adjustments. Check that the wheel or stand for the trailer is in the “up” position.

Next, inspect your trailer lights and the lights on your towing vehicle. Be sure that the brake lights and turn signals are working properly and in sync. If something is off, check the electrical wires for looseness or defects. If you cannot get the brake lights to work, it is VITAL that you do not take it on the road.

Need a Professional Tow?

Indianapolis Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484

Indianapolis Towing and Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for safe and affordable Indianapolis tow truck services you can trust. Our licensed and insured tow truck operators provide punctual and prompt tow truck services, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week! We also provide numerous community services, roadside assistance services, wrecker and recovery services, and much more. Call 317-247-8484 to request a free estimate, anytime!