Tag Archives: 24 hour towing services

Drivers Beware of Common Towing Mistakes

Posted on by

Indianapolis Towing and Recovery 317-247-8484

Indianapolis Towing and Recovery 317-247-8484

No matter what type of tow you have planned, it is vital to beware of the most common towing mistakes made, and how to avoid them at all costs. Road trippers, RV owners, trailer hitchers, and more should all be well-versed in towing regulations, laws, and practices.

Continue reading to learn the most common towing mistakes seen on the road, and how to properly navigate around potential towing problems and more.

Failure to Know Tow Ratings

Each vehicle has a certain towing capacity and limit. Depending on the make, model, and towing accessories you own, your vehicle’s towing ability will differ from others. Overloading your car or truck is a very dangerous situation because it can lead to serious problems; such as brake failure, overheating transmission, lost trailer connections, broken hitches, busted suspension, and much more. These circumstances can lead to serious and even fatal motor vehicle accidents. The responsible tower always knows his or her tow ratings. These ratings will allow you to determine if your hitch system matches your vehicle’s towing specs. All numbers must be checked, double checked, and entirely complied with at all times. Look at the vehicle’s owners’ manual, inside the driver’s side door, or online for these specifications and towing guidelines.

Failure to Acknowledge Local Towing Regulations

Towing laws, regulations, and restrictions differ state to state; so before leaving on your next road trip, be sure to research the towing laws for each state you intend to pass through. Otherwise, you can expect to get pulled over and issued a ticket. Things like towing speeds, trailer lights, safety chains, and braking equipment are regulations known to exist in certain states.

Improper Cargo Loading

Improperly loading your cargo you intend to tow is a very dangerous situation for yourself, your passengers, other drivers, pedestrians, your vehicle, and much more. This situation can lead to a load of chaos. An off-balance trailer is almost impossible to navigate and control. This puts other drivers, vehicles, and property at risk of a collision. Cargo must be loaded properly, and weight-distribution needs to be even at all times.

Forgetting Trailer Insurance

One big mistake many novice towers make is failing to purchase proper insurance coverage for their trailer. If your vehicle is insured, it doesn’t mean that your trailer is, so it is important to contact your insurance provider to see if you have adequate insurance coverage for your tow. All you really need is basic liability coverage for a trailer; a very affordable policy.

Zore’s Inc.

Zore's Inc. Indianapolis Indiana

Zore’s Indy 317-247-8484

Call Zore’s Inc. at 317-247-8484 for prompt and professional towing service in Indianapolis, Indiana. You can get a fast, friendly, and affordable tow, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week when you call our licensed tow truck operators! On top of fast and affordable towing services, we also hold weekly auto auctions, pay cash for junk cars, recycle scrap metal, and much more! Call 317-247-8484 for information about Indianapolis towing and recovery services you can trust.

6 Spare Tire Facts You Need to Know

Posted on by

Flat Tire Service 317-247-8484

Flat Tire Service 317-247-8484

Being the responsible driver and vehicle owner that you are, you are sure to renew your license plate when necessary, pay your insurance on time, maintain a valid drivers’ license, stay on top of all scheduled maintenance, go the speed limit (most of the time anyway), and wear your seat belt. There is not much you’ve missed over the years in terms of driver/vehicle responsibility.

But there is one way you can kick it up a notch: Learn important and relative information about your vehicle’s spare tires! Your spare tires are a very important and beneficial component to you and your vehicle, but they tend to go unnoticed until they are needed. So simply review some facts about spare tires and be better prepared the next time you get a flat. Now, continue reading if you wish to increase your driving knowledge!

Spare Tires are Not For Permanent Use

Factory direct spare tires are not the same as conventional tires. They are smaller, lighter, and more compact, making them more vulnerable than standard vehicle tires. For this reason, spare tires are not manufactured nor intended to be a permanent replacement for regular tires. Check your owners’ manual for details about your vehicle’s tire specs. And always have a spare tire swapped out for a standard one as soon as possible.

Additionally, it is important to note that replacement spare tires are full size tires. Although they are narrower and more compact, they are still the same diameter as your vehicle’s standard issued tires. This ensures driving maintains stable and even. On the other hand, there are some replacement spare tires that are not the same size as standard ones. It all depends on the brand and model.

Smaller Spare Tires are Limited Use Tires

Smaller or compact spares, popularly known as “donuts”, are limited-use tires. This means they are not manufactured to provide the same benefits and performance levels as regular tires. Compact spare tires are meant emergency tire replacement and short travel. They are supposed to safely get you to the nearest tire shop as soon as possible, not replace your old tire entirely.

Driving on a Spare Can Reduce Miles Per Gallon (MPG)

Your vehicle’s MPG can be negatively affected if you drive on a spare tire for a prolonged distance or period of time. This applies whether it’s a full size spare or a compact. It is recommended to use the lightest option spare tire for your vehicle to avoid dragging around more than you need.

Not All Vehicles Need Spare Tires Anymore

With the new tubeless tire technology entering the market, many newer model vehicles are not even equipped with a factory direct spare tire because they don’t need it. Tubeless tires do not “go flat” in the conventional sense, making them drivable for longer after taking on sudden damage or stress. This is one technology that has influenced the next fact.

Many Spare Tires are Becoming Obsolete

Not all spare tires that once were, are still today. There are several spare tire brands and models that are not manufactured anymore. So older vehicles may come with an outdated folding spare tire, or another type that is not available on the market any longer. Also, the future of spare tires may be bleak with the new and on-going advancements in tire technology.

Spare Tires Still Need Proper Tire Pressure

Even though spare tires are not our vehicle’s “real” tires, they still need to maintain proper inflation, which means the tire pressure needs checked every so often. You can use any standard tire pressure gauge to accomplish this.

Indianapolis Roadside Assistance

Zore's Inc. Indianapolis Indiana

Zore’s Indy 317-247-8484

If your tire goes flat and you don’t have a spare, call Zore’s Inc. at 317-247-8484 for prompt and affordable roadside assistance and towing services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We provide a wide range of roadside assistance services, including flat tires, fuel runs, lockouts, engine trouble, and towing. With more than 75 years in business, you can rest assure that our Indianapolis roadside assistance services are both trustworthy and effective!

Tips for Towing Uphill and Downhill

Posted on by

Indianapolis Towing and Recovery 317-247-8484

Indianapolis Towing and Recovery 317-247-8484

It is critical to practice safe driving when towing a trailer. This is because trailers can add a substantial amount of length and weight to your whole operation, and can change the way your vehicle handles. Couple in complicated variables like hills, inclines, and declines, and you have even more to think about. But with a little knowledge and a lot of practice, you can minimize your chances for an accident and increase your confidence in towing altogether.

Continue reading for some helpful towing advice that will give you the know-how you need to manage hills, declines, and inclines.

Hills and Inclines

More stress is placed on your vehicles brakes, transmission, suspension, and engine as more weight is added to its load. For this reason, inclines and downgrades can be especially stressful on your rig. To relieve the pressure and manage these grade changes safely, simply consider these tips:

Downshift on Declines. By simply switching your vehicle to a lower gear and reducing your speed when driving down a hill, you can relieve extra pressure and stress on your vehicle’s engine, brakes, and transmission. It will also give you much more control, especially in wet weather conditions.

Upshift on Inclines. Do the opposite of above. When heading up a hill, switch your vehicle into a higher gear for extra power and boost.

Minimize Braking on Declines. Try not to go crazy with braking on a decline. You need to give your braking components time to cool, so go easy on them when driving downhill. If you must apply the brakes on a decline, firmly tap your brakes with brief presses (one to two seconds). Pause for a few moments in between each press.

Watch the Temperature Gauges. Since extra weight puts extra stress on certain components in your towing vehicle, more heat is also produced while managing this extra pressure. Be sure to watch your temperature gauges for increases in engine or transmission heat output. Use a quality transmission cooler for frequent towing.

Zore’s Indy

Zore's Inc. Indianapolis Indiana

Zore’s Indy 317-247-8484

If you need affordable towing services, don’t hesitate another minute! Call Zore’s Inc. at 317-247-8484 for prompt and professional towing and recovery services in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties. We are licensed, bonded, and insured towing contractors with decades of experience in the industry. We retain one of the city’s largest fleets of towing trucks and rigs for heavy duty tows, light duty towns, quick clearance, storm cleanup, disaster response, and more! Call 317-247-8484 today for affordable and fast tow truck services in Indianapolis, Indiana.

How to Assemble a Roadside Emergency Kit

Posted on by

All vehicles, cars and trucks alike, should have an adequate emergency roadside kit in them at all times. Emergencies are unexpected, so being prepared can make a stressful or dangerous situation a lot more manageable; not to mention, safer and more efficient. Many drivers prefer to keep theses kits in their trunks, but for those without extra storage space in their vehicles, the backseat is fine.

To avoid sacrificing space in this case, you can use storage accessories that attach to the back of the driver and passenger seats. They contain sleeves and slits that hold things like books, roadside kits, and more. Continue below to learn what you should get in order to assemble a roadside emergency kit for your car.

Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484
Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484

Store-Bought Roadside Kits

You can purchase a pre-made emergency roadside kit at any local automotive or hardware store. These pre-made kits range in styles, varieties, and price. There are small basic kits, medium-sized kits, specialty kits, large kits, heavy-duty kits, and much more. These are great options because they come with everything you need for basic roadside assistance, or something more complex.

Decide on a pre-made kit by considering your vehicle’s specific needs. For example, trucks will need a heavier duty kits, while people who rarely drive will need something much more basic. Ask to your local towing company for advice about a roadside emergency kit that’s right for your vehicle and driving specifications.

Make Your Own Emergency Roadside Kit

If you would like to choose specifically what goes into your emergency roadside kit, you can simply assemble one on your own. Visit your local automotive or hardware store, and look for all the items you might need. Every emergency roadside kit should contain AT LEAST the following items:

• Jumper Cables
• First-Aid Gear
• Flashlight and Extra Batteries
• Car Jack
• Spare Tire
• Blanket

The above items are the base essentials that every roadside emergency kit should contain. For those who drive trucks, long distances, in inclement weather, or on rough terrain, you might want to consider adding some more gear. Here is a list of some highly recommended supplies to consider for your homemade emergency roadside kit:

• Road Flares
• Portable Lantern
• Rain Poncho
• Ice Scraper
• Change of Clothing
• Hand and Feet Warmers
• Small Fire Extinguisher
• Coolant
• Motor Oil
• Windshield Wiper Fluid
• Case of Bottled Water
• Energy Bars (or Granola Bars)
• “CALL POLICE” Distress Flag
• Reflecting Road Triangles
• Light Sticks
• Tire Inflator/Sealant
• Tire Pressure Gauge
• Utility/Army Knife
• Wrench
• Phillips Head Screwdriver
• Work Gloves
• Whistle
• Duct Tape
• Towing Rope

Learn More About Roadside Assistance Services

For more advice or information about roadside assistance, contact your local trusted towing company. Although it is strongly recommended to have your own emergency roadside kit in your vehicle at all times, it doesn’t mean that you can’t still call for help in the case of an emergency. Just because you own the gear doesn’t mean you have to use it! Professional towing companies offer reputable and affordable roadside assistance services 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Call them if you are stranded on the side of the road.

Zore’s Indy

Call Zore’s Inc. at 317-247-8484 for professional and prompt roadside assistance services in Indianapolis, and its surrounding towns. We are highly trained and licensed tow truck operators that provide fast and friendly roadside assistance services all week long and all year long! We service all make and model vehicles, including boats, trailers, semis, and more! Call 317-247-8484 to hear about our Indianapolis roadside assistance services, service areas, and rates.

How to Use a Tow Dolly

Posted on by

Indianapolis Towing 317-247-8484

Indianapolis Towing 317-247-8484

There are three primary ways to tow a car: all wheels off the ground, all wheels on the ground, and just two wheels on or off the ground. To tow a vehicle with all four tires off the road, you would use a trailer. To tow a vehicle on all fours, you would require a tow bar. But to tow a vehicle with only two wheels in contact with the road, you would need a tow dolly. The type of tow you use depends on a variety of factors. Continue reading to learn these facts and how to use a tow dolly if it’s the right towing set-up for you.

Using a Tow Dolly

A tow dolly elevates the front two wheels of a vehicle in tow. Whether or not a tow dolly is the best option for vehicle towing depends on a few important factors. These factors include the size and weight of the vehicle you wish to tow, whether or not that vehicle has front, rear, four, or all-wheel drive, towing capacity of the vehicle doing the towing, and how much time and money a person is willing to spend setting it all up.

Any front-wheel drive automatic vehicle can be pulled with a tow dolly. This is one of their advantages. And in comparison to using a tow bar (four wheels down), it never adds mileage to the odometer since the front tires never make contact with the road. Some vehicles, if towed with a tow bar, will rack up miles even if the ignition is off. To safely tow a front-wheel drive automatic vehicle with four wheels down, certain towing accessories are generally required, like axle disconnects and lube pumps, in order to avoid damaging the transmission. This makes towing a vehicle on all four wheels more expensive than towing with a tow dolly. And towing with a trailer is even more complicated and expensive. For these reasons, a tow dolly could be the best option for your towing needs.

It is important to keep at least 750 pound weight difference between your towing vehicle and the vehicle being towed. And the width of the vehicle in tow should be within the tow dolly’s maximum width rating. These widths should never be exceeded. It is recommended to review your owners’ manual for recommended towing instructions and guidelines. Or contact a local wrecker service for immediate answers to your towing questions.

Zore’s Inc.

Indianapolis Auto Auctions 317-247-8484

Indianapolis Auto Auctions 317-247-8484

Call Zore’s Indy at 317-247-8484 for 24 hour towing services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our professional tow truck operators are highly trained and licensed to provide a wide range of towing and recovery services in Indiana. We are happy to answer any questions about our wrecker services and more. Call 317-247-8484 for Indianapolis tow truck services you can trust!