Your Road Safety Car Care Checklist for the Fall Season

Now that cooler weather is in full, exponential force, it is that time of year to ensure our vehicles are road safe. Continue below for the ultimate safe driving car care checklist for Fall, including information on what to do if you are ever confronted with a roadside emergency in Central Indiana.

Roadside Emergency Towing Indianapolis IN 317-247-8484
Roadside Emergency Towing Indianapolis IN 317-247-8484

Car Care Inspection Checklist for Safe Fall Driving

Before the temperatures can drop any further, give your vehicle some tender love and care by implementing a full inspection and addressing any automotive needs. Use this checklist to navigate your way through your road safety initiative but be sure you know a thing or two about auto work before attempting any mechanic-type service on your vehicle.

Systems Check

It is important to ensure that all of your vehicular systems are functional and operating efficiently. Check your heating system to ensure that your vehicle is receiving adequate heat support. You do not want to be stranded on the side of the road or stuck on a long road trip without any heat, especially when the temperatures really start to plummet. Also ensure that your electrical system is in good shape, such as your lights, power windows, power seats, on-board navigation, and anything else operated by a computer or electricity.

Wipers

With Fall and Winter comes varying degrees of precipitation, which poses several visibility challenges while driving. Snow, ice, rain, mud, and more are all road hazards that are best avoided with safe and alert driving, as well as top-quality windshield wipers. Be sure to check that yours are in good condition. Consider keeping a backup set in your trunk in the case of an emergency.

Interior and Exterior Lights

Check all interior and exterior lights in your vehicle. All lights matter, including interior cabin lights. Inspect your taillights, headlights, and turn signals, replacing any bulbs that are dim or burnt out. If your lights are dimming, you could be experiencing problems with the battery or alternator.

Automotive Fluids

All automotive fluids should be clean and full before you hit the road this Fall. Top off your windshield wiper fluid, coolant, and motor oil. Also check your transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and battery fluid levels. You likely have to bring your car into an auto shop to have these fluids inspected. Consider keeping an extra bottled of windshield wiper fluid in your trunk for on-the-go refills.

Tires and Brakes

With precipitation like rain and snow ahead of us this year and next, your tires and braking system will be your ultimate points of road safety. Not only should your tires have adequate tread, but they should also be properly inflated. Consider purchasing snow tires for the upcoming winter season. Your car brakes will require an inspection this season too. Pads and rotors should be in good condition, so have them replaced as needed. If you need your brakes bled, take your car into a mechanic.

Are you wondering what you should do if you are ever faced with a roadside emergency? Contact Zore’s Indy at 317-247-8484 for fast tow truck roadside assistance in Indianapolis, Indiana. We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, including all National holidays.

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Zore’s Inc. 317-247-8484

The Fundamental Tips for Safe Trailer Towing

Learning to tow can be a challenging experience because there are so many different parts, procedures, and skills to learn, which simply takes time. In fact, experience is what sets apart good towers from poor ones. Also, hauling any type of cargo or heavy freight is a big responsibility, so as a novice you should do everything in your power to learn how to tow safely in order to protect yourself, your passengers, and other drivers on the road. Even the smallest mistake on the easiest tow can lead to disaster.

Below are some helpful tips for safe towing. Brush up on these and more before hitching your trailer for the first time!

Indianapolis Indiana Tow Truck Assistance 317-247-8484
Indianapolis Indiana Tow Truck Assistance 317-247-8484

How to Tow a Trailer or Other Cargo Safely

Know Your GCWR

Learn your towing vehicle’s gross combined weight rating (GCWR). You need to figure out how much total weight your vehicle can tow, including occupants, cargo, trailer, and additional equipment.

Know Your Tongue Weight

You must also learn your trailers tongue weight. This is the weight of force the trailer’s tongue places on the hitch receiver. Too little weight will cause swaying, while too much will take weight off your vehicle’s front tires, making it harder to steer and maneuver.

Focus on Your Towing Set- Up

Fully understand your towing set-up and how to install it properly; and always double check it before hitting the road. This includes making sure all your brake and signal lights are operational and match up.

Keep Good Distance Between Traffic

Always keep a safe distance between cars on the road, and remember to give yourself more room for turns and extra time for braking. Practicing in an open lot is the best method for learning how to tow.

Avoid the Need for Backing Up or Reversing

Try to avoid parking in a place that will require you to reverse. Driving in reverse with a trailer can be tricky, so practice as much as possible to improve your confidence and your skills.

Keep Your Flashers On

Always use your emergency lights or flashers while towing, even in the daytime. This warns other drivers to watch out for wider turns and slower stops.

Have a Roadside Assistance Kit With You

Keep an emergency roadside assistance kit in your vehicle at all times and learn how to use it. This includes the spare tire and jack! If you are stranded on the road, never leave your vehicle in the middle of traffic; instead, pull over to the RIGHT side of the road where it is safer to exit. And be sure to turn your hazard lights on.

Trust a Professional Towing Company for Help

Never tow something if you are unsure or ill-equipped. Call a professional Indianapolis IN tow truck service for safe towing assistance. They have the equipment, staff, and training to deliver light to heavy duty towing services, as well as heavy equipment transportation and long-distance towing.

Would you prefer a professional tow truck operator to help you with your equipment transport or towing needs? Contact Zore’s Indy at 317-247-8484 for affordable towing services in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties. We serve all of Central Indiana with 24 hour tow truck solutions.

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Zore's Inc. 317-247-8484
Zore’s Inc. 317-247-8484

4 Things You Need to Know Before Buying a Replacement Auto Part

Whether you are buying a new, used, or refurbished auto part, it is important that you first know these four facts about your car. This will help you optimize your auto part buying experience, and ensure your vehicle is perfectly compatible and capable of performing for years to come.

New and Used Auto Parts Indianapolis Indiana
New and Used Auto Parts Indianapolis Indiana 317-247-8484

Buying New and Used Auto Parts

One of the most important considerations for drivers looking to buy a replacement auto part for the car is price; everyone wants to get the best deal, whether buying a used auto part or a brand-new auto part. But really, the most important aspect you need to keep in mind when it comes to buying new and used auto parts is compatibility. Without adequate compatibility, your auto part can cause more internal damage to your vehicle, plus put you at risk of getting in a car accident or injured as a result of unsafe driving conditions.

Aside from ensuring that the auto part you are going to use as a replacement is compatible with your car, you want to look for a fair market price. The best way to do that is to purchase auto parts from a scrapyard or auto parts store, and avoid going to the dealership. Dealerships will charge all sorts of fees in addition to the cost of the part itself, plus pressure you into using their shop to perform the labor needed for the replacement. This can end up costing you 20 to 30% more than if you were to simply shop around a local or private auto parts dealer.

What You Need to Know About Your Car When Replacing an Auto Part

Type of Transmission –

Is your car an automatic transmission or manual transmission? This is one of the most important factors you need to know about your vehicle before replacing auto part with a new or used one. Many auto parts like CV joints, radiators, and engine mounts are directly connected to the type of transmission in a vehicle, making it an important consideration when the process of purchasing new parts.

Vehicle Identification Number –

You will of course need to know your vehicle identification number, colloquially referred to as your car’s VIN. Finding of the VIN number is simple: simply refer to your owner’s manual. If that doesn’t work, look inside the driver’s side door jamb for a sticker containing information about the car. The vehicle identification number should be posted there, or it might be displayed on the actual dashboard. If you’re still having trouble finding the Vin number, contact a local auto salvage yard for help.

Special Edition Packages –

Not only should you know the make and model of your vehicle that you are purchasing replacement auto parts for, but it is also important to know whether or not it’s a high-performance or special edition version. You can buy a car off the lot standard, or you can buy it spruced up with a bunch of different options and custom amenities, such as the AMG sports package often offered for Mercedes-Benz, or similar high-performance packages.

Auto Part Number –

Along with your vehicle identification number, you will also need to know the actual part number for the part you are replacing in your car. Typically, you can locate this number through any of the literature advertise for the part you are buying. This is important because the auto part for your vehicle is subject to change from time to time, so what it was last year might not be the same as it is this year. For this reason, you need to know your auto part number for a smoother, streamlined auto part buying process.

Are you looking for the best deals on new, used, or OEM auto parts here in Indiana? Contact Zore’s Indy at 317-247-8484 to learn about our Indianapolis Indiana auto parts store. We buy, sell, and trade new auto parts and used auto parts at the best prices in town! Fill out an auto parts request form, today!

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Zore's Inc. 317-247-8484
Zore’s Inc. 317-247-8484

Car Care Tips for Better Gas Mileage

Fuel today is expensive, and people are always looking for ways to get more out of every gallon of fuel they purchase and put into their vehicles.  To get more miles per gallon, all you have to do is care for your vehicle and adjust your driving habits.  Continue reading to learn a few simple ways on how you can save money and obtain better gas mileage.

Indianapolis Towing and Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484
Indianapolis Towing and Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484

Stay Current on Regular Car Maintenance

Factory scheduled maintenance for vehicle of any kind is imperative to obtaining better gas mileage.  Be sure to keep up on fluid changes, brake pads, tune-ups, engine cleaning, and other minor car maintenance requirements in order to get optimal performance from your vehicle.

Ensure Proper Tire Pressure

Having the proper tire pressure in your car allows for the vehicle to get better gas mileage.  Low tire pressure can cause the car to work harder and use more gas.  Check your tire pressure monthly before driving, and don’t let radial tires trick you!  Radial tires can look inflated but actually be low on air.

Mind Your Car Air Conditioning Consumption

Using less air conditioning in your car can reduce the amount of energy your car uses by almost ten percent.  Instead, roll your windows down and park in shady areas to maintain a comfortable temperature while driving.  Keeping a cold beverage in your cup holder also helps.

Practice Patient Driving

Avoid jack-rabbit driving and aggressive driving.  Abrupt stops and starts cause your car to use more fuel.  By simply driving the speed limit and driving less, you can save a substantial amount of fuel every month.

If you ever find yourself stranded out there on the road and in need of fuel, no need to worry. Contact Zore’s Indy at 317-247-8484 for prompt and affordable tow truck roadside assistance in Indianapolis, Indiana. We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, including all National holidays.

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Zore's Inc. 317-247-8484
Zore’s Inc. 317-247-8484

How to Boost the Performance of Your Towing Vehicle

No matter what it is you intend to haul with your car or truck, it is important that your towing vehicle is in tip-top shape. This importance is especially heightened during the winter season, when Indiana experiences a vast array of unpredictable, inclement weather conditions like snow, ice, hail, and freezing rain. Whether you own a car, sports utility vehicle, van, or truck, there are plenty of things you can do to boost the performance of your vehicle before you choose to tow any kind of cargo.

Continue reading to learn what you need to do to improve the performance and overall safety of your towing vehicle, and where you can get help with towing.

Indianapolis Roadside Assistance and Towing 317-247-8484
Indianapolis Roadside Assistance and Towing 317-247-8484

Car Care is a Top Priority for Winter Towing

In order for your towing vehicle to perform safely and optimally, you must stay current on all factory scheduled maintenance. This includes routine fluid changes, inspections, tune ups, filter changes, tire service, brake service, and much more. When it comes to winter driving, there are some key car care points to focus on more than the others. To combat harsh winter weather conditions, and remain safe and efficient on the road, your winter car maintenance To-Do list should include a heightened focus on tires, brakes, automotive fluids, and windshield wipers.

Windshield Wipers and Wiper Fluid

Winter poses all sorts of unanticipated precipitation, such as ice, snow, and freezing rain. For this reason, it is vital that your visibility remains vivid at all times while driving. This is especially important when hauling something behind you. Be sure that your vehicle’s windshield wipers are in good condition, and ready to take on the worst of Indiana winter weather. But do not stop there. Take it a step further by keeping your windshield wiper fluid filled at all times, and keep an extra bottle in your vehicle for emergency re-fill needs. Do not forget about your back windshield too.

Automotive Fluids

A car or truck performs best when it is topped off with all its proper automotive fluids. In the winter, between the cold temperatures and extreme climate, your vehicle needs its lubricants and fluids more than ever. For more power, control, comfort, and safety, be sure all of your car’s fluids are filled, and stay filled. The 7 car fluids include battery fluid, power steering fluid, coolant (radiator fluid/anti-freeze), motor oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and as mentioned, windshield wiper fluid.

Tire Care

Your tires are the first and only point of contact with the winter roads. Better navigate salty, slushy, snowy, wet, or icy roads with premium tires that are well-maintained. Not only will improved tire care enhance your vehicle’s performance in wintry conditions, but it will also give you more power and control when towing cargo behind you. Be sure to get your tires rotated, balanced, and kept at the proper tire pressure at all times. Also be sure you have good tire tread before hitting the road. Refer to your owners’ manual for factory recommendations for your car’s tires.

Car Brakes

Your brakes are arguably the most vital safety feature of your vehicle. When towing especially, it is critical to have full braking capabilities. Add in winter weather conditions, and you can see why proper brake care are so important for safe driving and safe towing. Have your car brakes inspections annually, and opt for brake pad replacements and caliper upgrades prior to winter.

Where to Get 24 Hour Towing and Roadside Assistance in Indianapolis

Call Zore’s Inc. at 317-247-8484 for affordable Indianapolis towing and roadside assistance services if your car breaks down unexpectedly. Our licensed and insured wrecker operators provide punctual and prompt tow truck services throughout all of Central Indiana, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week! We also provide a wide range of municipal services, roadside wrecker and recovery services, and much more. Request a free estimate, anytime.

Zore's Inc. 317-247-8484
Zore’s Inc. 317-247-8484

Does Your Car Overheat on Road Trips?

If your car is prone to overheating on long trips, don’t let that hold you back any longer! Learn what options you have for taking road trips with an unpredictable car engine.

Roadside Assistance Service

Roadside Assistance Tow Truck 317-247-8484


There are many reasons why a car engine might overheat. Sometimes the coolant or motor oil runs out, while other times it’s more serious, like a radiator malfunction or broken cap seal. Regardless of why an engine overheats, the chief priorities are identifying the cause and finding a solution.

Fortunately, many overheating car engines are simply a result of minor issues, such as lack of fluids (i.e. coolant, motor oil, etc.). If this is the underlying cause of your overheating car engine, your best course of action would be to first load your trunk up with extra bottles of motor oil and radiator fluid (coolant).

Second, you need to start a routine car maintenance schedule to keep your vehicle operating safely and efficiently. Allowing your car to overheat frequently is not good for the engine. And last, you need to have a sufficient and modern-day roadside emergency kit in your vehicle at all times. This can help you in a wide range of vehicular emergencies.

If Your Car Engine Begins to Overheat…

If your car engine begins to overheat, you need to immediately find a safe place to pull over. If you are on the interstate or highway, be sure to pull all the way over on the shoulder, and do not exit your vehicle on the traffic side. From there, you can try a few things to get your car to stop overheating. If it is not a simply fix, like refilling coolant, you need to contact a local Indianapolis towing company for 24 hour roadside assistance and tow truck service.

Here’s what you can try before calling a local tow truck:

Turn on all the heaters. This will extract the excess heat out of the engine. If this doesn’t work, you need to try other options to effectively cool off your vehicle if you want to have it driven to the nearest service shop.

Check your coolant levels. Safely exit the vehicle and check if you are out of coolant. If you are, refill with more radiator fluid. If you do not have radiator fluid, try adding one cup of water to your antifreeze.

Check the hose to the antifreeze. You should only remove the hose to the antifreeze if you know where it is under the hood. If you do, you can remove it and check it for blockages. Blow into the hose to loosen or eliminate any obstructions.

Roadside Assistance and Tow Truck Service Near You

Zore's Inc. 317-247-8484

Zore’s Inc. 317-247-8484

If nothing works, you need to have your vehicle towed to your choice of automotive service shop. Choose Zore’s Inc. for prompt and professional, 24 hour tow truck and roadside assistance. We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, and we serve all of Indianapolis and Central Indiana. Call 317-247-8484 to request a free estimate or information about our services, today.