Tag Archives: towing and recovery services

Common Types of Spare Tires

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Indianapolis Towing Company 317-247-8484

Indianapolis Towing Company 317-247-8484

Whether they hide in the dark corners of car trunks, or exist as an exterior accessory to SUVs, spare tires are vital components to vehicle safety and convenience. It is important to check your vehicle’s spare tire as often as you can to ensure it is inflated and ready for use if needed. Some cars come with a spare tire, while many newer models do not. You can purchase a spare tire at any local automotive parts store, tire store, or any store with a large automotive department.

Decades ago, most spares used were full-sized standard tires; but today, there are more options to choose from depending on your vehicle type, driving habits, and personal preferences. Continue reading to learn about the most common types of spare tires in the automotive market, and how to determine which one is right for your vehicle.

Full Size Spare Tires

Several years ago, most new cars were equipped with full size spares. Full size spare tires are the same size as standard tires, so they can be used for an extended period of time. This is helpful for drivers that cannot take their vehicle to a shop right away or for those who drive a truck or SUV. They come matching and non-matching forms. A matching full size spare is one that is identical to the other tires on a vehicle. And a non-matching spare is not identical. Unless driving a large truck or SUV, non-matching spares are more common and preferred nowadays since they are lighter in weight and have shallower tread. This makes the spare easier to store and install, thus improving on fuel economy.

Compact Spare Tires

Also known as “donuts”, compact spare tires are the most frequently used spare for small to mid-sized vehicles. This is because they deliver the best balance in terms of function and size. They are also more-cost effective compared to full size spares. Although they are highly-effective and convenient, compact spares are not meant to be driven on for long distances or extended periods of time. They provide a temporary means to get your vehicle back on the road so you can drive directly to a tire shop.

Run Flat Tires

Some vehicles are manufactured with a sort-of “built-in” spare tire system. These are called run flat tires and are only found on certain make and model vehicles. Run flats contain reinforced tire walls that allow a vehicle to continue driving without using any tire pressure. They are monitored by a vehicle’s tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), which alerts drivers when the run flats have been punctured and are “in mode.” So vehicles that are equipped with run flats do not come with a spare tire at all.

Zore’s Towing

Tow Truck Service Indianapolis Indiana

Tow Truck Service Lawrence Indiana 317-247-8484

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 if you have a flat tire in Indianapolis, Indiana and need a quick tow. Our tow truck operators are certified, trained, and professional, offering a wide range of friendly and affordable towing and recovery services for all make and model vehicles, as well as, planes, duplexes, boats, semi-trucks, and more! Call us at 317-247-8484 for prompt 24 roadside assistance for flat tires in Indianapolis, IN any time!

How to Use Your Mirrors When Towing

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Indianapolis Towing Company 317-247-8484

Indianapolis Towing Company 317-247-8484

The most important part of towing is safety. And one area of towing safety to practice and perfect is your ability to use your vehicle’s mirrors. They are there for a very good reason: to provide a wider scope of vision for drivers on and off the road. They should be used for backing up, driving in reverse, changing lanes, and more. Are you guilty of the head turn? Or perhaps the popular twist and turn to see behind you? These are poor driving habits that can cause minor to major accidents, muscle strains, and backaches.

If you are a driver, especially one that tows a trailer on a regular basis, you ought to learn the right method to using your mirrors when towing. Continue reading for tips to do just that!

Clean Mirrors

It may sound obvious, but it is a step that can be easily overlooked in the tedious process of hooking up and loading your trailer. Keeping your mirrors clean will give them more clarity, and will provide better depth perception and detailed view. It can be easy to forget, and often, mirrors won’t even appear dirty enough for a wipe-down. But don’t let that fool you. After grabbing a paper towel and some glass cleaner, you will be surprised to see just how much dirt actually comes off!

Install Bigger Mirrors

If you are towing loads with a trailer recurrently, consider larger mirrors. The general rule is for every 10 feet of vehicle, your mirror should be 1 inch in diameter. This includes the length of your towing vehicle plus the length of the load or trailer you are towing. So if your towing vehicle and trailer’s total length equals 50 feet, your mirrors should be 5 inches in diameter. Be sure your mirrors are the proper height and width, and if they are not, it is wise to replace your stock mirrors with larger ones. You can find specialty-sized truck and vehicle mirrors that are wider, bigger, and fold backwards, all for a reasonable price.

Adjust Mirrors Properly

It is important that your mirrors are not only big enough, but adjusted properly as well. While in the driver’s seat, you want to maximize the visible ground area below the vehicle. This improves on blind spots and enhances child safety. Test or reset the position of your mirrors by first sitting in the driver’s seat with the mirrors pointed straight so they are perpendicular (think of the letter “t”) with the road. Then one at a time, starting with the left, begin to move the mirrors outwards. Stop when you can see at least 200 feet behind the left side of your vehicle. Have a friend sit in the passenger seat to help with the right side.

Indianapolis Towing Service

Indianapolis Towing

Indianapolis Towing 317-247-8484

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for friendly and professional tow truck service in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding towns. We offer a wide range of 24 hour towing and recovery services, including roadside assistance, light duty tows, heavy-duty tows, storm and traffic clearance, and much more. When you need a towing company in a moments’ notice, we are the professionals to call. Just dial 317-247-8484 for fast and affordable Indianapolis towing service you can trust.