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.  

Related Posts:

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

Check Out the Heavy Duty Tow Truck Fleet at Zore’s Towing

Zore’s Towing is a leading Central Indiana wrecker company that has reputably served the surrounding Hoosier communities, businesses, and municipalities with premiere towing and recovery services at competitive prices. Want to know how we have earned our 90+ year reputation of outstanding service, fast response, and unparalleled professionalism? Well, it all starts with our mission to deliver a higher standard in the wrecker industry, and ends with our state-of-the-art fleet of tow trucks, flatbeds, lowboys, landolls, and innovative wrecker equipment.

Continue below to check out the extent of our towing and wrecker fleet, and some additional information about our advanced GPS and dispatching technologies, which allow us to serve our communities with the best towing, roadside assistance, and auto recovery in Central Indiana.

24 Hour Towing and Roadside Assistance
24 Hour Towing and Roadside Assistance

Our Indianapolis Indiana Towing Services and Wrecker Recovery Equipment

Crane

Zore’s Inc. uses a state-of-the-art heavy-duty crane that has impressive dual-winching capabilities of 60,000 pounds per winch, and a boom capacity that ranges from 45 tons to 85 tons!

Winching

Our state-of-the-art tow trucks and skilled wrecker operators allow us to provide professional winching for a variety of vehicles and equipment.

Landoll Trailers

We have state-of-the-art landoll trailers with load capacities up to 70,000 pounds. This gives us an advantage when recovering heavy vehicles in large equipment.

Tow Trucks

Zore’s Inc. retains an extensive fleet of tow trucks that provide a wide range of services. In fact, we have 14 flatbed tow trucks, five heavy-duty wreckers, and 16 other assorted tow trucks.

Air Cushion Recovery

Not only does Zore’s Inc. have recovery air cushions, but our teams have also completed hundreds of hours of classroom and field training to learn proper air cushion recovery techniques. So far, we’ve saved over $1 million in property damages!

Recovery Equipment

Zore’s Inc. doesn’t just use fancy tow trucks and cranes to provide their services. We also use the latest advancements in technology for recovery equipment, which allows us to facilitate safer and more efficient service.

Equipment Hauling

We also provide large-scale equipment hauling. So, we retain resources to safely transport heavy equipment like pumps, generators, compressors, booms, bulldozers, forklifts, bobcats, scissor lifts, excavators, trenchers, and more.

Wrecker Technologies

In addition to our extensive fleet of state-of-the-art tow trucks, including flatbeds, winches, semi dollies, cranes, and more, our trucks are all managed through 24 hour live computerized dispatching and equipped with innovative GPS navigation systems and trackers.

But the latest advancements in wrecker equipment and technology are not the only elements of our company that make us great; additionally, all of our tow truck operators are fully-trained and certified, have decades of experience, and continue with instruction and certification courses to stay current on all new wrecker technologies and regulations introduced in the industry.

Are you in need of towing or roadside assistance? We operate 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, so contact us anytime at 317-247-8484 for prompt and professional Indianapolis IN tow truck service or roadside service you can afford.

You Might Also Like:

Zore’s Towing Offers 24 Hour Roadside Assistance and Recovery Services Throughout Central Indiana
Check Out the Impressive Fleet of Trucks and Equipment at Zore’s Towing

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

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 Improve Your Gas Mileage and Fuel Efficiency

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

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

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

Fuel Economy Hacks Any Driver Can Do

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

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

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

How to Deal With an Emergency Car Breakdown in Indianapolis

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

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

You Might Also Enjoy:

Why Do Some Vehicles Have Spare Tires and Others Don’t?
How to Save Money on Gasoline for Your Car
DIY Roadside Assistance Tools to Always Have in Your Car

Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484

3 Steps to Choose the Right Ball Mount for Your Tow Hitch

When it comes to properly setting up your vehicle and trailer arrangement, one of the most vital elements to get absolutely right is your ball mount. Choosing the correct ball mount for your trailer hitch is important for guaranteeing a safe towing connection, as well as staying within state and local regulations for towing a trailer.

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

Why is a Proper Ball Mount So Vital?

Ensuring that you match the correct ball mount to your trailer hitch is important for many reasons. Not only does it mean that you have a balanced and level connection between the trailer and your towing vehicle, but it also means that your towing weight rating is equal to or higher than the weight of the load in your trailer. These two factors provide a safe and efficient tow.

How to Measure Your Ball Mount

To check that your ball mount is the proper height for your trailer, and therefore a suitable match, all you need to do is follow this 3-Step Rule:

1. Calculate Trailer Hitch Height

Your first step is to find out what your trailer hitch’s height is so that you can match your ball mount perfectly. Do this by measuring from the top of the hitch receiver tube all the way down to the ground.

2. Calculate Coupler Height

Your next step is to calculate your coupler height. Begin by ensuring your trailer is perfectly level. Then, measure the distance from the bottom of the coupler to the ground.

3. Calculate the Difference

The third step requires you to calculate the difference between the first and second values. Subtract the trailer coupler height from the hitch receiver height to get your result. This new value is how much drop you need in your ball mount.

Here is an Example:
Receiver Height = 24 inches
Trailer Coupler Height = 18 inches
Math = (24 – 18 = 6)
Drop Amount = 6 inches

≫ Higher hitch height? A drop with your ball mount is necessary.
Higher coupler height? A raise with your ball mount is necessary.

Do you need towing service in Indianapolis, Indiana? Contact Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for 24 hour tow truck and roadside assistance services at competitive prices. We serve all of Central Indiana.

You Might Also Read:

3 Simple Steps to Using a Trailer Hitch Adapter
Do I Need a Hitch Ball When I Buy a New Ball Mount?
3 Factors to Consider When Buying a Trailer Hitch

Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484

Top 3 Attributes of a Dependable Towing Company

When you are looking to hire a towing company, it is important to choose wisely. Whether you need pulled out of a snowy ditch, some light roadside assistance, or a long distance tow, the right towing company makes all the difference in terms of quality and value. Not sure how to distinguish among all the different wrecker operators out there? Well, a truly dependable and capable tow truck service will retain certain qualities that prove their worthiness.

Continue reading to learn the top 3 attributes of a dependable towing company.

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

How to Find a Trusted Tow Truck Operator

Finding a towing service in your community is very easy. There are likely thousands of options in your area alone. So, how do you know which company to choose? Well, you must look for the signs that indicate you are dealing with a truly professional and capable tow company. The top 3 qualities of a professional towing service are experience, competitive pricing, and 24 hour service.

Experience – A reputable towing company will have a lot of experience, because the process of towing and recovery is not for novices. It takes years of hands-on training and experience, as well as the proper certifications and equipment to deliver safe and proper tow truck services. Aim for at least 10 years of experience when choosing a towing service, but the higher the better.

Competitive Rates – A tow truck company that has successful business is a company that has a great reputation for customer service, community support, and skills. With such success and likability, a towing company can offer better rates than their industry competitors. They simply have the adequate business model to do so, including sufficient capital and full fleets of wrecker trucks and recovery equipment.

24 Hour Service – If a tow truck company is a serious business, they will offer their services around the clock. But not only will they provide 24 hour towing and recovery service, they will have the resources to do so with ease. This indicates that you are dealing with reputable and long-established wrecker professionals.

But that’s not all; you can take it a step further and find a wrecker company that also retains a full fleet and a broad service area. All of these qualities and more will tell you that you have chosen wisely for your tow truck needs.

Fortunately, You Have Already Found Your Leaders in Towing and Recovery in Indiana!

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

Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484

3 Safe Ways to Pull a Car Out of a Ditch

There are many contributing factors as to why your vehicle is now stuck in a ditch on the side of the road. It could be a combination of anything from oil spills and slippery roads, to poor vision, bald tires, low tire pressure, distracted driving, and all types of harsh or dangerous weather conditions. Overall, there are many reasons why car wind up in ditches. The good news is that you have several options to choose from, all of which will help to ensure your safety, protect your vehicle, and get you back on the road again.

Continue reading to learn what you can do to pull your car out of a ditch in the safest way possible.

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

Secure Your Safety Before You Begin

Even though you are on the side of the road, you are still vulnerable. So, the very first task you have after driving into a ditch is ensuring your safety and the safety of your passengers if you have any. Do this by first by turning off your ignition and putting your hazard lights on. Next, you will need to also put your parking brake on to prevent sliding down further into the recession. If you are in a high-traffic area or on a dangerous roadway, you should contact police and inform them of your accident so they can help block traffic.

3 Ways of Getting a Car Out of a Ditch:

Alter Your Vehicle’s Weight

If your vehicle was not damaged, you might be able to drive it out of the ditch yourself. Do this by adjusting your vehicle’s weight. If you have heavy items in the backseat or trunk, get rid of them temporarily. This includes all passengers. Just be sure they are safe and far from the side of the road. A lighter load can help your car get out. Also be sure to remove your parking brake before trying to drive out. If you are stuck in snow or mud, you will actually need the extra weight to gain traction. This brings us to your next option.

Add Some Traction

Your car is stuck because it lacks a sufficient amount of traction to grab the ground and propel itself out. To remedy this problem, find some traction. If you have rear wheel drive, place something that will provide traction behind the rear tires. If you have front wheel drive, place these items in front of the front tires. Items that may work include carpet mats, sand, cardboard, clothing, and blankets.

Contact a 24 Hour Tow Truck for Emergency Roadside Assistance

It is pointless to try over and over again if your car is stuck. After a few attempts, if you are not successful, it is time to contact an Indianapolis roadside assistance towing company. They have the proper equipment to safely pull your car out of a ditch. They operate on a 24 hour basis, and can respond to your location quickly because they are dispatched from the road. Their rates are fair as long as you choose a reputable and experienced towing service.

Affordable Indiana Tow Truck and Roadside Assistance Services

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.

Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484

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

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

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

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

Old and Defective Car Batteries Show Symptoms

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

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

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

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

Additional Signs to Look Out For:

⚠ Dimming Headlights and Interior Lights

⚠ Headlights Brighten When the Engine is Revved

⚠ Visible Corrosion on Battery Terminals and Cables

⚠ Slowly Operating Power Windows

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

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

Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484