Safe Driving Tips to Prevent Hydroplaning

Like a rock skipping on the surface of a pond or an Olympian ice skater gliding across the ice, hydroplaning is much similar in terms of physics, but incredibly more dangerous. To hydroplane in a vehicle while driving is a scary experience that makes drivers feel out of control. During times of heavy or constant precipitation, like snow and rain, the formation is ice and puddling on the road can cause seriously hazardous driving conditions. One of the most common driving mishaps during these times of year is hydroplaning.

Continue reading to learn more about hydroplaning, most importantly, how to prevent it from happening to you and your loved ones.

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

Aquaplaning

Hydroplaning is also referred to as aquaplaning. It is something you might have already experienced before. A vehicle hydroplanes when the tires make contact with only the top layer of a water puddle and skids across. A driver then loses all traction and control over the car. You see, the grooves in your car tires that make up the tread pattern are specially designed to divert water away from them, thus maintaining perfect traction on the road. But when there is too much water to divert, the tire tread can become engulfed, causing a wedge of water to build at the front of the tire. As a result, the tire drives onto the wedge of water, disconnecting contact with the road, and then aquaplaning.

Hydroplaning Prevention is Possible

Hydroplaning is incredibly dangerous, especially if you are on the road with a lot of other vehicles, or surrounding by caverns, ditches, and bodies of water. Although road conditions and inclement weather are not things you can control, there are several things you can do as a driver and car owner to lessen the likelihood of experiencing a traffic accident that results from hydroplaning.

From routine car maintenance and car care to best driving practices, road awareness, and more, you can help yourself and others from hydroplaning on the road with these tips:

Tire Care

Tire care is the ultimate way to prepare your vehicle for safe driving. After all, they are the point of contact with the road. On a regular basis, and always, before leaving on a long trip, be sure to check your tire pressure and the condition of your tire tread. Have you ever heard of the penny test? Using a just a penny, you can measure your tire tread to ensure that there is plenty left for safe driving. Place the penny inside a tire groove, headfirst, then check if Lincoln’s head is visible. If you can see Lincoln’s head, your tire tread is too low, so you will need to replace the tire.

In addition to tire tread, maintaining proper tire pressure is a critical step to preventing hydroplaning on the road. In the colder seasons, tire pressure can decrease by 1 PSI a month. Check that your tires are properly inflated using a tire pressure gauge. Refer to your owners’ manual for tire pressure measurement recommendations for your make and model vehicle. If you have a newer car, you can look for a manufacturer sticker on the inside of the door that should have tire pressure information. For most passenger cars, the general rule of thumb is 32 PSI to 35 PSI.

Safe Driving Practices

Aside from regular tire car and car maintenance, practicing safe driving and road awareness are more effective strategies for preventing hydroplaning and emergency roadside situations. One of the most common combinations that causes hydroplaning is speeding and wet roads. The first way to prevent hydroplaning is to not speed. When it’s wet outside or raining heavily, it is encouraged to slow your speed even lower than what the recommended speed limit is for the road.

Another common cause of hydroplaning in terms of driving practices is using the cruise control feature. It is not recommended to use cruise control when conditions are wet and icy. It is important for you to have complete control over your vehicle at all times, especially when it is wet or slippery outside.

When the roads are covered in deep puddles, hydroplaning is more likely to occur. So, it is important to pay attention to the road and where you drive to avoid the deeper puddles of water. When road conditions are bad like this, it is strongly encouraged to avoid driving at night.

How to React to Hydroplaning:

If you begin to hydroplane, do not slam on the brakes. Instead, gently release your foot from the gas pedal. This will initiate your car to slow down.

If you are using the cruise control feature, immediately turn it off, but by hand. Do not tap the brakes to turn it off.

Try not to turn the wheel until your car tires have regained traction. If your car begins to spin, slowly turn the wheel in the opposite direction.

Once you regain traction and control, use the brakes to come to a stop.

If you ever find yourself stranded out there on the road after a hydroplaning accident, no need to worry. Contact Zore’s Indy at 317-247-8484 for prompt and affordable tow truck and roadside assistance in Indianapolis, Indiana. We operate 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, including all National holidays. We are known for the fastest response times around.

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5 Essential Car Fluids Every Vehicle Needs to Stay Safe on the Road
Your Top 4 Spare Tire Options

Zores Inc. Indianapolis Indiana 317-247-8484
Zore’s Inc. 317-247-8484

Avoid Hitting Potholes With These Driving Tactics

Potholes are the worst; aren’t they? Especially the ones that seem to creep up out of nowhere. BANG! Your front tire hits the crater with no warning and your whole car feels like it suspends out of its structural boundaries. What follows is an anxiety-ridden drive to the side of the road, or home, to see if any damage has been done.

In the worst scenarios, vehicles experience immediate damage after suddenly diving into a pothole, from tire punctures and warped rims to exhaust system damage, suspension damage, and even engine damage. And now that the freeze-thaw cycles are in effect and potholes will continue to form all season, it is the right time to review your safe driving habits, and possible even a adopt a few more.

This strategy, plus the ones listed below, can help you avoid hitting potholes until the city repairs them again come spring!

24 Hour Roadside Assistance Service Indianapolis 317-247-8484
24 Hour Roadside Assistance Service Indianapolis 317-247-8484

Safer Driving Habits Can Prevent Pothole Accidents

Stay Alert and Keep Your Eyes on the Road at All Times

Potholes seem to get us the most when we are least expecting it, which is why driving alertness is such a critical habit this time of year. By keeping your eyes on the road, and not on your phone, in your purse, or under the back seat, you can better dodge potholes and prevent serious vehicular damage.

Part of staying alert on the road is avoiding drowsy or fatigued driving. Be careful taking certain medications that can cause sleepiness, as this can reduce your alertness and awareness while driving. Impaired driving is another bad decision that can lead to serious vehicle damage or worse, bodily injury.

Keep a Safe Distance Between You and the Car in Front of You

In drivers’ education, they teach students to keep at least one car lengths distance between you and the car in front of you. Well, this principal teaching point remains pertinent no matter how many years you have been a licensed driver.

During peak pothole season, one car lengths distance is the least amount of distance you should be keeping around you while driving. To divert potholes, you must be able to see them well in advance. If the cars in front of you are too close, you will not have enough time to defensively react to a pothole.

Maintain a Reasonable Speed

Many people will tell you that swerving to hit a pothole is a dangerous reaction, and they would be telling you the truth. Swerving to miss a pothole can put you and your passengers, as well as other drivers on the road, at risk of a serious collision. It can also cause you to lose control of the vehicle, especially in slick or wet conditions.

In order to avoid swerving when attempting to avoid potholes, maintain a reasonable driving speed at all times. Not only should you obey the set speed limit, but you should also slow down a bit more on roads that are known to be bumpy or old.

Has a pothole caused you some tire or suspension damage, and now you are stuck on the side of the road? Not to worry! Just contact Zore’s Indy at 317-247-8484 for 24 hour roadside assistance and towing in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve all of Central Indiana with prompt service.

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Zores Inc. Indianapolis Indiana
Zore’s Inc. 317-247-8484

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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Zores Inc. Indianapolis Indiana
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

Your Car Care Checklist for the Fall Season

The winter snow is not here quite yet, which means there is still plenty of driving to do this season. Before you are stuck inside for the winter, be sure you take full advantage of our beautiful and ambient fall Indiana weather. But be sure you also take good care of your vehicle so that it remains a safe and reliable means of transportation for you all season long.

Continue reading to review your car care checklist for fall, and who to call for new and used auto parts, towing, body shop work, or 24 hour roadside assistance in Indianapolis.

Indianapolis Roadside Assistance Towing
Indianapolis Roadside Assistance, Tow Truck & Auto Parts 317-247-8484

Automotive Maintenance Checklist for Fall Driving

Use these bullet points and tips in accordance with your vehicle’s owners’ manual instructions to ensure your car is ready to hit the pavement, safely and efficiently. After all, you don’t want a fuel leak or breakdown to get in the way of your Fall fun!

Heating and Cooling

Although the fall is known for cooler temperatures, here in Indiana, you never know when a hot front might come in. Be sure that both your heating and cooling systems are functional and working optimally, for season-long comfort.

Windshield Wipers

Your windshield in the front and rear should have functional wipers. Check them out and be sure they are quality products. Also check that your car has plenty of windshield wiper fluid for as-needed cleaning and visibility.

Vehicle Lights

Both interior and exterior vehicular lighting should be perfectly functional. This includes interior lights like overhead lights, visor lights, and trunk lights, as well as, exterior lights, such as parking lights, hazards, brake lights, brights, turn signals, and more.

Brakes

Your car brakes are the most important for both safety and property damage protection. Have them inspection if you suspect that they are functioning less than manufacturer standards.

Tires

Tires should have proper air pressure, at around 45 or 50 psi. They should also be routinely balanced and rotated for optimal driving and fuel efficiency. Also be sure your spare tire is in good condition, and replace it if necessary.

Automotive Fluids

We already mentioned windshield wiper fluid, but be sure the remaining 6 vital automotive fluids are filled and replaced as needed. This includes motor oil, brake fluid, battery fluid, transmission fluid, radiator fluid (coolant), and power steering fluid. Also be sure your gas tank is filled!

Filters and More

Your car’s filters should be replaced on a routine basis, as instructed by the auto manufacturer. This includes air filters, fuel filters, and transmission filters.

Be sure your car battery is charged and ready to go, especially if you are setting out on a long-distance road trip. Remember, cooler temperatures can affect your battery’s condition and overall performance.

Have your vehicle’s exhaust system inspected for any damage or carbon monoxide leaks. With the windows typically closed in a car during fall, a CO2 leak can be especially dangerous.

Equip your car with essential tools and supplies, such as the spare tire mentioned before. Other handy tools include an ice scraper, emergency roadside kit, tire pressure gauge, and jumper cables.

Towing, Auto Parts, Body Shop and More in Central Indiana

Call Zore’s Inc. at 317-247-8484 for auto parts, body shop work, and more in Indianapolis, Indiana. We provide a wide variety of community services for all of Central Indiana, including towing and recovery, roadside assistance, new and used auto parts, metal recycling services, auto salvaging, property management, and much more. We operate on a 24 hour basis, 7 days a week and 365 days a year, so we can always be there for you no matter what time or day you need us! And as a fully-certified and licensed company, you can expect prompt and professional service you can trust.

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

3 Primary Parts of a Traditional Car Wheel

Today’s technology is quite impressive, and for the automotive world, it delivers a wide range of benefits. But regardless of how innovative or advanced vehicle manufacturers design their products, even the highest-tech car on the road has a traditional car wheel set up. There are three primary parts of a car wheel for most vehicles.

Continue reading to learn what they are, and where you can get a quality set of replacement auto parts for wheels and more in Indianapolis.

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

Basic Car Wheel Anatomy

Although arguably one of the most important features of a vehicle, the car wheels are a fairly simple setup. The central components of your average car wheel are the tires, the wheel hubs, and the rims. All three parts work together to initiate the same function simultaneously, all while delivering a smooth, streamlined transit along the road.

? Car Tires – Most people assume that car tires are the wheel, when in fact, they are the wheel’s outer covering. Composed of rubber and similar synthetics, tires are designed to provide a means of cushioning the weight of the vehicle while controlling traction with the surface of the road. Tires are not one-size-fits-all; they come in thousands of different brands, and many different shapes and sizes. As for maintenance, they must be filled with proper air pressure to remain in good working condition.

? Car Rims – Another common misconception about car wheels is that the rims are the actual wheels. The truth is that the rims are the bones of the car tires, which are fitted around the rim. Rims can come in different sizes, from 15 inch rims to 22 inch rims or more. They also come in a vast assortment of brands, designs, colors, and composition. They can even be customized. Most rims are made from aluminum due to the metal’s lightweight properties, however some also contain steel, or made from pure steel.

? Wheel Hubs – Wheel hubs are arguably one of the most important features of a car wheel since they do all the connecting. Hubs connect the wheel to the axle of the vehicle, and thus, the entire brake system. Basically, the middle hole of a wheel hub is the opening for axle, and the small holes surrounding the middle are for the lug nuts, which hold the wheel onto the vehicle.

Having Car Wheel Problems in Indianapolis?

Request 24 Hour Towing and Roadside Assistance

Call Zore’s Inc. at 317-247-8484 for 24 hour towing and recovering in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer a wide range of services for Hoosiers, including new and used auto parts, roadside assistance, scrap metal recycling, cash for junk cars, towing and recovery, storm damage, traffic clearance, and much more. We are open and operational, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. Request a free quote, anytime.

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

How to Take Good Care of Your Car in the Summer

Just like many other important assets in life, your car can be affected by seasonal changes. This is even truer for summer. Summertime comes with hotter weather, which in turn, increases the heat produced in a car while driving. Not only can this cause trouble to the engine, excessive heat can also negatively impact other automotive systems within your car. Furthermore, heat is not the only threat to your vehicle in the summer. So, be sure to stay on top of car care this season in order to prevent untimely automotive replacements, breakdowns, hassles, and more.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about summer car care, and what to do if car problems arise on the road unexpectedly.

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

Summer Car Care Tips

When your care is well-cared for throughout the summer, you can expect enhanced performance, efficiency, dependability, and even visual appeal. That’s right; your car can look better when you take care of it properly! Before you begin your new summer car maintenance plan, be sure to refer to your owners’ manual for advice that is customized to your particular make and model vehicle.

Once you have an idea of what your car’s unique needs are, use these additional tips for summertime automotive care:

Keep Your Car Cool

As mentioned, heat is a threat to your car engine. It is important to maintain the heat production of your engine with routine cleaning, flushes, and fluid changes. Keep your coolant topped off, and avoid idling or driving for long periods of time during the hottest parts of the day. Also, try to park in shade, or purchase a windshield cover to block out sunlight.

Refill Your Fluids

Not only should you make sure your coolant stays topped off this summer, it is also important that you maintain optimal levels of all other vital automotive fluids, including the motor oil, brake fluid, power steering fluid, battery fluid, transmission fluid, and windshield wiper fluid. When your fluids are fresh and filled, your systems remain lubricated and your car performs better.

Mind Your Tire Pressure

Many drivers do not realize that tires lose pressure in the summer as a result of dry climate and hot weather. In addition to keeping your car tires properly inflated, you need to also ensure that your tires are properly aligned and balanced. Factory scheduled maintenance covers this service, which should be implemented at least once per year.

Protect Your Car Battery

Heat can cause damage to a car battery, causing it to lose power faster and ultimately fail. In the summer, be sure you are keeping your battery fluid topped off, as mentioned earlier, but also clean it to increase battery life. If your car battery is older than three years, or your ignition makes grinding sounds when you turn it on, you may need to replace it entirely.

If Your Car Breaks Down on the Road…
Call Zore’s for Prompt and Professional 24 Hour Roadside Assistance in Central Indiana

Call Zore’s Inc. at 317-247-8484 for affordable Indianapolis towing and roadside assistance 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.