Why Did My Tire Blow?

Posted on February 18, 2020 by Zores

Tire blowouts are more than just a major, unanticipated inconvenience. They can also be extremely dangerous. There are serious car accidents that take place every day as a result of a driver losing control of their vehicle following a tire blowout. Some accidents can even be fatal. In fact, according to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are virtually 11,000 tire-related motor vehicle accidents every year. For this reason, proper car maintenance is vital, not just for your vehicle’s performance, but for everyone’s safety. Your tires require a certain degree of routine care to protect them from blowouts. With this level of tire care, you can spot the signs of tire damage early on and make needed adjustments in order to prolong both safety and performance.

The best place to start is by learning what causes a tire to blow out. Continue below to learn the most common, and what you can do if you ever find yourself stranded on the side of the road with a blown tire.

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Top Causes of Blown Tires

Did you know there is actually a tire blowout season? It’s true, and it’s one of the top causes of blown tires. You see, the middle of May through early October has proven throughout history to be the highest frequency of car tire blowouts. Why? Mostly because of the increased outdoor temperatures. When its hot outside, more people travel, and they travel longer distances with heavily-loaded vehicles. Combined with the hot spring and summer temperatures, tires take on a lot more stress, which can lead them to their breaking point, or more accurately, their “blowout” point.

Improper Tire Pressure

Another common cause of a blown tire is improper tire inflation. Underinflated tires cannot provide the same level of support for a vehicle and its cargo (i.e. passengers, personal belongings, etc.). As a result, the internal components of a tire, such as the fabric, steel, rubber, and synthetic composites, will lose strength and eventually give out. Accordingly, over-inflated tires can also cause a sudden tire blowout from an increase of air temperature inside. Basically, without sufficient tire pressure, the internal bits of the tire will experience too much stress and eventually blow.

Although all cars manufactured after 20017 are designed with tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) that detect and warn drivers of improper air pressure in tires, they usually only illuminate their warning when tires are extremely over or underinflated. For this reason, it is still strongly encouraged to manually check your tire pressure with a tire gauge for optimal safety and assurance.

Heavy Cargo

Another common cause of sudden tire blowouts is overloading your vehicle. A car can only manage a certain amount of weight, which is specified in the owners’ manual. You must look up your car’s Gross Vehicular Weight Rating (GVWR) to see how much weight your make and model vehicle can tow, and compare that with the total combined weight you need to load inside your car.

A gross vehicle weight rating is the manufacturer-engineered maximum capacity of weight your vehicle can safely carry. If you were to exceed the GVWR, it could cause damage to additional components of your vehicle, such as the drive train, transmission, brakes, suspension, engine, and more. A blowout is even more likely to occur to an overloaded vehicle if it also has improper tire pressure.

Poor Road Conditions

Potholes and similar types of poor road conditions are also common causes of tire blow-outs. Such accidents occur more often at night when the street surface is less discernable, during heavy rains when holes are filled with puddles, and during winter when poor conditions are hidden beneath snow. Cars today have lower rubber profiles, so when they slam into contact with a pothole, their internal walls pinch and fray, causing the tire to blow. By maintain proper air pressure and staying current on routine automotive maintenance, you can prevent severe car damage in the case that you hit a pothole.

Escalating Tire Damage

Also referred to as the “slow death”, a common cause of a sudden tire blow out is a minor defect that slowly deteriorates the tire to a point of blowing. Small issues like a small dent or bulge in the tire wall, air pressure leak, and even a nail that was run over weeks ago, can cause a tire to slowly lose strength and quality, and eventually weaken enough to finally split open.

What to Do if You Blow a Tire

If you blow a tire, 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. 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 rush hour, they have the resources to get you back on the road in no time at all.

Indianapolis Towing Services You Can Trust

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

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How to Diagnose Your Car’s Overheating Engine

Posted on January 10, 2020 by Zores

If your car engine is overheating on a regular basis, it is time to stop driving, and start figuring out what’s causing the problem. It is important to address an overheating engine issue as soon possible; because the longer your engine experiences these issues, the more damage they will cause overtime. Worst of all, these damages will lead to costly engine repairs or full-on motor replacement. You can easily avoid these financial woes by simply addressing an engine problem when it becomes apparent to you. This can literally save you thousands of dollars.

Start by learning the most common causes for overheating motors, and then take some time to think about your driving habits. From there, you can make the necessary adjustments to get your car safely back on the road. Continue reading to do just that!

Top 3 Causes for Overheating Engines

❶ No Coolant

This is the number one cause for an engine that has begun to overheat. Always be sure to keep a spare bottle of coolant, also known as radiator fluid, in your trunk. If your vehicle gets low on a particularly long road trip or hot day, you can top off your radiator with more coolant. If more coolant works at first, but later the engine overheats again, you could have a coolant leak. Although more fluid solves the immediate problem, it is a sign that your vehicle probably needs some other types of fluid refills and flushes, including brake fluid, motor oil, windshield wiper fluid, transmission fluid, and more.

❷ Defective Coolant Fan

Sometimes you have enough coolant, but the fan is not working properly. When the coolant fan is not running, it will not cool down the coolant running through the radiator and engine like it is designed to do. This is generally caused by a faulty fan motor, but can also be caused by a bad radiator switch. If your car engine begins to overheat, you can lift your hood and take a look at your coolant fan to see if it is running or not. They are usually located right on or near the radiator.

❸ Broken Fan Belt

Like your coolant fan, your engine’s fan belt plays a major role in controlling temperature. It is one of the most common causes of a reoccurring overheating engine. The worst part about a broken fan belt is that it is often a first indication of other engine malfunctions and needed engine repairs. Most people can tell they have a broken fan belt by simply looking at their engine from under the hood.

Monitor Your Driving

To better figure out what’s causing the overheating, think about the type of driving you are doing when it occurs. Is your car engine overheating at stoplights or on the highways at high speeds? This information can give you clues as to why your car overheats. If the vehicle is overheating during an idle or stopped position, this could point to the electric cooling fan motor. This component is located near the radiator. To check for faultiness, run the vehicle’s air conditioner and listen for the fan to start. If the fan doesn’t turn on, it may be from a faulty sensor or the fan in general. If your car is overheating at high speeds, it could be anything from a kinked radiator hose to a defective thermostat.

Stranded Due to 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.

How to Free a Car Stuck in the Snow

Posted on December 16, 2019 by Zores

Whether you prepared for it or not, Hoosiers all across the state woke up to a winter wonderland. Although beautiful and serene, snow can pose several dangers to drivers on the road. One of the most common vehicular incidents related to snowy weather is getting stuck. If you are stuck in the snow right now and searching for the easier way out, you have found the right blog.

Continue reading to learn how to free your car from the snow, including how to obtain the fastest solution if nothing you do seems to work.

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What NOT to Do

Before getting to the part on how to free your car that is stuck in snow, you need to review some important safety standards to ensure you and your vehicle are not in any danger. First, be sure you and any passengers are far away from the road and out of the way of traffic. Next, it is important to put your blinkers, or hazard lights, on to warn oncoming traffic of your post. When stuck in a ditch, it is important to never stand behind the downward sloping end of the vehicle. This poses the risk of being run over by the car if it frees and rolls down on top of you. Furthermore, never attempt to push a car out of a ditch, as the same risk applies.

How to Get Started

Now that you are familiar with some of the most important safety points, you are ready to do what you can to free your car from the snowy impound it is in. To start, surround your vehicle’s perimeter with roadside assistance triangles, if you have them. If not, start by clearing out as much snow as you can from behind and in front of each tire, as well as underneath the car. Use your hands, ice scraper, cup, or anything else you have that can help you scoop and clear snow. If part of your wheels are on a road, it is important that you take extreme precaution against oncoming traffic. In fact, it is recommended to abort the project and call a professional if your vehicle is along a busy road.

After you have cleared a few feet of snow in front of and behind your tires, you can choose to attempt the “rocking method”, which literally involves switching back and forth from drive to reverse until the car springs free from the snow or ditch. However, be warned that this approach is not recommended since it can damage the transmission if done improperly.

If you feel confident in this method, just be sure the car is motionless before switching gears by hitting the brake as soon as it is in the peak of each “rock.” Just do not “floor” the gas. You may need to try this step a few times before it works. If it doesn’t work after a few attempts, you still have one more option. According to Consumer Reports, it is important to keep the wheels straight while doing this. Avoid spinning your tires because this will only dig you deeper into the mud.

If this approach doesn’t do the trick, you can try to add more traction behind every wheel of the car with anything you have on hand that will provide a driving surface, such as cat litter, cardboard, floormats, old shirts, and similar items. For cars that are front-wheel drive, put the items in the front of each tire.

Still Stuck?

Contact a 24 Hour Roadside Assistance Truck

Call Zore’s Inc. at 317-247-8484 for friendly 24 hour towing and roadside assistance and advice 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.

How to Tell if Your Car Needs Alternator Replacement

Posted on November 29, 2019 by Zores

When a vehicle is experiencing mechanical malfunctions, it will let you know. This is especially true for a car’s electrical system. In fact, one of the most common automotive electrical malfunctions has to do with the alternator. Since the alternator is a significant component to all vehicles, it is important to keep it in good working condition, and address any problems early on.

Continue reading to learn more about alternators, including how they work, common signs of trouble, and what to do if yours breaks down unexpectedly.

An alternator, as mentioned before, is a significant engine component in a vehicle’s electrical system. Its job is to turn mechanical energy into electrical energy to recharge a car battery. As an extension of a car engine, an alternator is generally powered by the timing belt. It works by producing electrical energy as the car’s motor runs and the alternator spins. Its role is important because this entire operation is meant to run a vehicle’s electrical system, such as electronic safety programs, personalized comfort settings, and screen displays.

Signs of Alternator Malfunction

When an alternator is experiencing mechanical trouble, it will show in various ways. The key is to know what to look for. The most common signs that suggest your alternator needs repaired or replaced include:

⚠ Illuminated Check Engine Light (MIL)
⚠ Dimming or Flickering Headlights
⚠ Dead Battery
⚠ Smell of Burning Plastic
⚠ Stalling Engine
⚠ Squealing or Grinding Noises
⚠ Electrical Issues (i.e. power seats, power windows, stereo, etc.)

Alternator Repair and Replacement

The cost of a new alternator varies depending on several factors, including the make and model of a vehicle, the retailer, and the cost of installation. You can expect to spend anywhere from $200 to $600 for a new alternator, including the cost for paying a mechanic for installation. Keep in mind that purchasing a new alternator for a luxury and foreign vehicles will likely be more expensive. For those on a tight budget or have an old car that may not last much longer, there is the option to purchase a used or refurbished alternator at a reduced price. Most refurbished alternators come with a warranty, so you can feel confident in your purchase.

What to Do if Your Car Breaks Down Suddenly

If your alternator breaks down suddenly while you are driving, remain calm and attempt to roll or coast along the shoulder of the road or highway. When doing do, avoid turns and curves in the road behind you so that oncoming traffic will see you in advance and have time to react and drive around you. This also helps when you are ready to get back on the road, you can see the oncoming traffic too. Then, contact a local and trusted 24 hour roadside assistance service for a tow to your house or auto repair shop.

Need Some Towing 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.

The 7 Automotive Fluids Required for All Cars

Posted on November 22, 2019 by Zores

A vehicle operates best when its fluids are well-maintained and kept at their proper levels. There are seven chief fluids in every vehicle that work together to promote a smoother drive and optimal vehicular performance. These fluids assist in the main functions of various automotive parts; such as the engine, transmission, and braking systems. Without these essential fluids, a vehicle will quickly deteriorate and experience complications. This leads to costly repairs, parts replacements, or a totaled vehicle.

Continue reading to learn about these seven critical solutions and fluids, and how they work together to support a well-operating vehicle.

Motor Oil

The first fluid to mention is motor oil, because it is the most valuable and important. Without motor oil, a car’s engine is running without any lubrication between its moving parts. This can cause high heat and friction, leading to piston damage, valve damage, and more. It is dangerous and can cause severe and irrevocable damage to a vehicle’s engine. Any car with an internal combustion engine requires motor oil to lubricate its moving components.

Brake Fluid

Brake fluid is another important and vital necessity for any vehicle. A brake line system is a sealed network that applies hydraulic pressure to control a vehicle’s ability to come to a stop. When pressure is applied to a brake pedal, brake fluid compresses. This causes the hydraulic force to transfer to the brake pads and shoes and produce the required friction necessary to stop. Without brake fluid, a vehicle will have complications with stopping and using the brakes. This is very dangerous. A car must be able to stop!

Power Steering Fluid

Power steering fluid is used to assist the driver in turning the car easier. The power steering fluid is pressurized by a small hydraulic pump that is powered by the vehicle’s engine. It releases enough fluids that make the steering mechanism easier to direct and operate. Without power steering fluid, turning a steering wheel would require an abundant amount of effort and force.

Coolant

Coolant is another very important fluid in a vehicle. It is a heat-transfer fluid that controls the temperature levels within your engine. Without it, a car engine would quickly overheat, causing severe damages to the engine and its components. Coolant is generally a half and half formula, containing fifty percent water and fifty percent radiator coolant solution. It works by cycling through the engine as it runs, collecting heat and returning it to the radiator, then into the air.

Transmission Fluid

This fluid is not one commonly checked by car owners, but rather by a mechanic during an annual tune-up or inspection. Transmission fluid is important because it lubricates and cools the inner components of the transmission. This allows everything to engage and work properly. It’s job is very similar to motor oil.

Battery Fluid

Many vehicles today are manufactured with maintenance-free batteries; however, some older models will require a vehicle owner to manually replace the battery fluid on a regular basis. In these type of vehicle batteries, the individual cells need to be filled with the proper type of battery fluid in order for the vehicle to run.

Windshield Wiper Fluid

Although commonly overlooked, a driver could almost not live without windshield wiper fluid! Mud, dirt, water spots, insects, fingerprints, and more can be distracting on a vehicle’s windshield. Windshield wiper fluid is a soapy viscous solution that can be controlled manually by a push of a button inside the car. This button or attachment is generally near the steering wheel. Depending on how often it is used, windshield wiper fluid should be refilled every few months or so.

Emergency Towing and Roadside Assistance in Indiana

If you find yourself stranded and in need of automotive fluids in Indianapolis, trust Zore’s Towing for help anytime! Call us at 317-247-8484 for prompt, 24 hour towing and roadside assistance in Indianapolis and throughout Central Indiana. Our licensed towing and recovery division retains an extensive fleet of over 35 tow trucks and wrecker equipment, allowing us to assist drivers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, rain, snow, or ice. Request a free estimate, anytime.

Did You Know Towing Companies Offer More than Just Tows?

Posted on November 11, 2019 by Zores

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

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Wrecker Services

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

Roadside Assistance

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

Light-Duty Tows

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

Medium-Duty and Heavy-Duty Tows

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

Special Services

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

Indianapolis Towing Services You Can Trust

How to Jump Start a Dead Car Battery

Posted on September 20, 2019 by Zores

If you have never jump started a dead car battery on your own, it is time that you learn! It is one of the easier automotive troubleshooting repairs a driver can do on their own, without professional assistance or invasive operations. All you need is a set of jumper cables and another working car battery to recharge your car or truck on your own.

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Why Car Batteries Die

Automotive batteries typically last anywhere from three to five years, depending on make, model, and the condition of the vehicle. It can also depend on the number of miles driven. Car batteries run on battery fluid, which eventually runs out, causing a battery to die. Other reasons why a car battery can die include exposure to extreme temperatures, leaving the lights on for an extended period of time when the car is not in use, not driving a car in a long time, and more. In some cases, a car battery cannot be jump started, and instead, will require a whole new battery.

How to Jump Start a Dead Car Battery:

➀ Position the working vehicle’s engine close to your car engine so the jumper cables can touch both.

➁ Turn both vehicles off and remove keys from ignition.

➂ Locate the car batteries for each vehicle.

➃ Attach the negative and positive jumper cable clamp to the matching negative and positive sides of each battery. Refer to the owner’s manual for help identifying these cells. Be sure the clamps are secured and the cables are not touching the engines.

➄ Return the keys to the operational vehicle’s ignition and turn the engine on.

➅ Allow the operational vehicle to run for 5 or 6 minutes.

➆ With the jumper cables still secured, return the keys to the dead vehicle and turn the engine on. It should start right up!

If the Engine Does Not Turn Over….

⛿ Keep the jumper cables on and allow the battery to charge for an additional 5 minutes.

⛿ Now turn the engine on again. If the engine turns on, still allow the cables to charge the battery a few minutes longer. If the engine does not turn on, you likely need a mechanic.

⛿ Be sure to turn both vehicles off before removing the jumper cables. Then just close the hood and wait for an Indianapolis tow truck to transport your vehicle to your auto shop of choice!

No Jumper Cables? Use Roadside Assistance

Roadside assistance services are a fantastic convenience for all drivers of all ages, but even more so for adolescents just starting out. Roadside assistance offers services for flat tires, dead batteries, overheating engines, fuel assistance, and more. When your car or truck battery runs out of juice while driving, you can simply contact one of these roadside services for a jump start.

Towing and Roadside Assistance for Indiana

Will My Car Overheat in Hot Weather?

Posted on July 19, 2019 by Zores

When the Indiana heat index reaches extremely high temperatures in the summer, many of us start to have concerns about health and safety. As a result, we take certain precautions to ensure we are not at risk of heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and other serious heat-related illnesses and conditions.

However, there is one thing we tend to overlook when it comes to protecting ourselves in hot weather, and that is our vehicles. Not only can the hot summer sun and climate affect the performance and safety of your car, it can also put you in a dangerous position if your vehicles breaks down.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about driving in hot weather, including what to do if your car overheats or breaks down on a hot summer day.

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Cars and Hot Weather

A car will overheat if it is operated in excessive sun and high temperatures. As the outside temperatures increase, so does the rate at which your car engine produces and retains heat. As a result, engines can quickly become too hot and stop functioning properly. Also, if your car overheats on a hot summer day, you can be subjected to your own set of health and safety risks, especially if you do not have access to water or air conditioning. This is even more dangerous for children and individuals with existing health conditions.

What To Do if it Happens to You

Operating a vehicle that is overheating is extremely dangerous and should never be attempted. Instead, if your car or truck overheats, your first step is find a safe spot to pull over immediately. Once you are safely pulled over to the side of the road, turn off your ignition and wait for your car to cool down enough to check the coolant. If your coolant (antifreeze) is low, top it off with the extra bottle you hopefully carry with you at all times. See our blog, “What to Put in Your Summertime Roadside Emergency Kit” to learn what you should have on hand.

If your car cools down enough to start it back up, do so, but without the AC on. The air conditioning uses a lot of energy, so instead, drive with the windows down until you reach your destination. In fact, it helps to put your heat on max; although very uncomfortable, it will pull heat away from your engine and cool it off. If your car will not cool down, contact a local Indianapolis tow truck for assistance. You do not want to be sitting in a hot car in hot weather for too long, as this is extremely dangerous.

Call an Emergency Tow Truck in Indianapolis

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for prompt, 24 hour towing and roadside assistance in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties. Our licensed towing and recovery division retains an extensive fleet of over 35 tow trucks and wrecker equipment, allowing us to assist drivers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, rain, snow, or ice. Request a free estimate, anytime.

3 Things You Should NEVER Do When a Car Engine Overheats

Posted on June 28, 2019 by Zores

An overheating car could be caused by a variety of reasons. It could be a broken radiator, a kinked radiator hose, a faulty thermostat, and maybe even a lack of coolant. There are many more reasons as well. No matter what the cause, if you are ever in a similar situation, there are three major things you should never do while your car is still hot or overheating.

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❶ NEVER Continue Driving

When you first notice that your vehicle is overheating, it is crucial to pull over and stop the car immediately. An overheating car should never be driven. This can be very dangerous. Wait until your car is entirely cooled down before starting the engine again.

❷ Never Check Radiator Fluid

Checking your fluid levels in your radiator when the car is overheating is simply asking for trouble. It can be extremely dangerous. There is a lot of pressure built up beneath the radiator cap. Boiling hot fluids and steam can shoot out at high speeds, potentially burning and injuring anyone in its path. Determine whether or not you are on an inline for accurate fluid readings. If the car is not level, the fluids cannot be level.

❸ Never Use Cold Water

When a car’s engine has overheated, do not put cold water in the vehicle. Not only can this damage the engine block and cause it to crack, it can lead to other severe auto damages and costly repairs. Let a car cool down completely, as mentioned earlier, before tending to an overheated engine.

Causes for Overheating Engine

The most common reason a car overheats is because it is out of coolant! If you use the improper coolant concentration in your vehicle, you can definitely expect it to overheat at some point. It is important to have the proper water-to-coolant ratio for proper cooling operation. Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual to learn the proper coolant concentration recommended for your make and model car or truck. If you don’t have your owners’ manual, look online for a replacement copy. You can download one for free by visiting your vehicle’s manufacturer website.

What You SHOULD DO

First and foremost, always be sure to let the engine cool down completely before opening the hood. Now, since the most common reason a car overheats is because it is out of coolant, always keep a bottle of radiator fluid in your trunk so that you can be prepared in the case of an emergency. If you are stuck on the side of the road with no one to call for help, contact a local 24 hour roadside assistance tow truck for help.

24 Hour Roadside Assistance in Indianapolis

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

Long Distance Driving Tips for Summer

Posted on June 11, 2019 by Zores

If you have a summer road trip planned, be sure you are prepared to take on the road, safely and efficiently. Continue reading to learn the top tips for driving long distances.

Road Trip Safety

Long distance driving can come with many risks and dangers. This is especially true since you cannot trust what other drivers around you do on the road. With this in mind, it is wise to review how you can be a safer, better driver when crossing the state borders with friends and family. Whether you are loading up the family for a road trips to the beach, or getting ready for a cross-country visit to Grandma’s house, there are many things you can do to make the drive safer and more convenient, for yourself and your passengers.

Here are some of the most recommended long distance driving tips to consider when planning your summer road trip:

🚗 Diagnostics and Maintenance

Before taking any road trip that requires long distance driving, your first priority is to ensure your vehicle is up for the job. Have your mechanic inspect and service your ride before hitting the road. You do not want to find yourself on the side of the road with an overheating engine or in a storm with broken windshield wipers.

📲 Cartography Basics

It is helpful to both your time and patience to map out your route ahead of time. It also helps to map out secondary routes in case you run into road construction, backups, and perhaps some attractions you want to stop and see. Be sure to download your route on Google maps on your smart phone in case you find yourself without any WIFI or reception. This way, you have your map at all times.

💽 Entertainment

When you set out on a long-distance road trip, there is not much entertainment you can provide yourself as the driver; after all, your priority is the road. However, there are still things you can do to make the trip more comfortable and convenient, and therefore, more efficient. Include coolers with snacks and drinks, music, blankets, pillows, phone and tablet chargers, and a comfortable seat cushion. Also, be sure you have a medical kit and a roadside emergency kit on hand.

Additional Tips:

⛿ Map out gas stations and schedule stops so you never run out of fuel.

⛿ Map out rest stops and take breaks along the way.

⛿ Avoid driving long distances alone.

MOST IMPORTANTLY: Never drive fatigued or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Long Distance Towing and 24 Hour Roadside Assistance

If you find yourself in a jam while on your road trip, trust Zore’s Towing for help anytime! Call us at 317-247-8484 for prompt, 24 hour towing and roadside assistance in Indianapolis and throughout Central Indiana. Our licensed towing and recovery division retains an extensive fleet of over 35 tow trucks and wrecker equipment, allowing us to assist drivers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, rain, snow, or ice. Request a free estimate, anytime.