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.

Related Posts:

What You Really Ought to Know About Your Car’s Tires
Car Care Tips for Better Gas Mileage
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

FAQS About Cars Getting Towed

When it comes to towing, drivers and lot owners have millions of questions. Some of the most frequently asked questions are listed below. Review them to see if your questions are answered here. If not, contact a local wrecker company for professional advice and information you can trust.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Cars That Get Towed

What Do I Do If Someone is Parking in My Private Parking Spot?

You have a couple options here. You can either have the vehicle towed, or you can contact the company that owns the parking spaces and talk to an office manager or representative.  They can typically have someone tag the car, or give the person a warning to not park in that spot anymore.

If you want to call a tow truck, refer to your parking lot’s company.  They will usually have signs hung or posted in and around the parking lot with instructions on how to contact them.  They may have a tow service that performs these private jobs for them full-time. 

If they do not, call a local tow company and give them the information you have about the vehicle in question.  They can even look into your parking lot’s jurisdiction and see if there is a tow company already assign to that area.  If you do call a tow truck, the person will have to pay a fine to reclaim their vehicle from the lot or impound.

How Long Before a Car is Towed after it Breaks Down?

The amount of time a vehicle sits before being declared “abandoned” by authorities and towed away depends on where the car breaks down. If a car breaks down on public property, like a public parking lot, the police can legally tow it after it has been registered as an abandoned vehicle. 

In the state of Indiana, if a car is left unattended for more than 30 days, and is never reported stolen, it is labeled “abandoned.” If a vehicle breaks down on private property, there is very little time before it will be towed. As long as the tow company has written authorization from the property owner or police, it can be towed immediately.

What Should I Do if My Car Breaks Down on the Road?

If your car breaks down on the road, coast along the shoulder of the road and slowly come to a complete stop out of the way of traffic.  It is very dangerous to get out of your car on a busy highway, so remain inside until help arrives. You may contact a friend or family member, or you can contact a local roadside assistance towing company for prompt and professional help. They operate 24 hours a day and should be available to help you. You may have to wait an hour or two, but they will arrive to get you back on the road.

What Should I Do if My Car Has Just Been Towed?

First, look for a sign in the parking lot, or near the parking spot, that contains the tow company information.  These signs are usually rectangular in shape and white.  They have the contact information of the assigned tow company that handles the towing for that parking lot.  Just call the number and talk to the receptionist. They will check their inventory and see if your particular vehicle is in their possession.  If it is, they will give you directions on how to get to their establishment. 

Do you have more towing questions that need answered? Contact Zore’s Indy at 317-247-8484 to learn about property management towing, tow truck assistance, and towing and recovery services in Indianapolis, Indiana.

You Might Also Like:

What Do I Do If My Car is Towed?
Should I Call a Tow Truck if My Check Engine Light Comes On?
What To Do If Your Car is Stuck in a Ditch

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

How to Get Pulled Out of a Ditch in Indianapolis

The snow is still being managed by the city, so there are plenty of drivers still sliding off into ditches. If you are one of these unlucky drivers stuck in a snowbank, you need to get pulled out, ASAP. Continue below to learn how to get pulled out of a ditch or anywhere you might be stuck in snow, and all before dinner hits the table this evening.

24 Hour Emergency Towing and Roadside Assistance in Indianapolis, Indiana 317-247-8484
24 Hour Emergency Towing and Roadside Assistance in Indianapolis, Indiana 317-247-8484

Stuck in Snow in Indianapolis? Need a Tow?

Zore’s Inc. Towing and Recovery fleets can help get you out FAST! We tow any vehicle, in any condition, anytime, and anywhere! Our tow truck operators are standing by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, and snow can’t hold us back! Need to get pulled out or towed? Here’s how:

Step 1 – Contact us at 317-247-8484

Step 2 – Tell us your location and vehicle information.

Step 3 – Remain inside your vehicle unless you are sure you are safe from oncoming traffic or inclement weather conditions.

Step 4 – Allow our wrecker operator to set up our rig and watch in amazement at how fast and careful we are with your vehicle!

We accept all forms of payment, including credit cards, debit cards, cash, check, and in some cases, electronic payment.

Zore’s Inc. Has Your Back on the Road, Day or Night, Snow or Ice!

Zore’s Inc. has over 35 tow trucks and wrecker equipment in their private fleet! This includes the one crane truck, 14 flatbed tow trucks, 5 heavy duty wreckers, bulldozers, forklifts, portable car crusher, and 16 other assorted types of tow trucks! This makes us one of the largest towing and recovery operations in the state!

Indianapolis Indiana Towing and Recovery 24 Hours a Day

Contact us toll-free at 1-800-523-7304 from anywhere in Indianapolis or Central Indiana when you need emergency towing and recovery service. We serve over 30 counties, so you can rest assure that we’ll get to your location faster than anyone else around. Ensuring the complete safety, convenience, and satisfaction for our Hoosier communities is our primary objective, and we continue to work around the clock to provide the highest standards of excellence in terms of professionalism, service, and support for all clients. Request a free estimate for tow truck or roadside assistance in Indianapolis, IN.

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

Zore’s Inc. Offers Many Roadside Services Other Than Towing

Whether you need a flat tire fixed, your fuel filled up, or your truck pulled out of a ditch, our fleet of state-of-the-art trucks and team of skilled wrecker operators have your roadside and towing needs covered! Best of all, as a family owned and operated business that has served the surrounding Hoosier communities for more than 80 years, we remain dedicated to maintaining economy-based prices on all our services!

Continue below to learn what we can do for you, and even your commercial property!

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

A Leader in Wrecker and Roadside Service

Did you know that Zore’s Inc. is our city’s leading towing and recovery company?  We have been serving the Indy communities for over 80 years! We tow everything from airplanes to semi-trucks, and of course, cars, buses, vans, and more. Along with our fantastic towing amenities, Zore’s offers many other professional services too! Don’t miss out an all the convenient services Zore’s Inc. can do for you!

Serving Our Community for 8 Decades

We are proud to say that we are more than just a standard towing company; we are an all-around auto service business.  Along with towing, we offer a wide range of specialized community services and amenities for all of Central Indiana, including recovery, roadside assistance, property management, new and used auto parts, metal recycling services, cash for junk cars, auto body repair, auto salvaging, auto auctions, and much more!

You can count on us to respond in a moment’s notice as we operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. We are even open and operational on National holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Why Choose Us?

Here at Zore’s, we are deeply committed to providing the highest standards of excellence in terms of professionalism, service, and support for our clients and surrounding communities. Ensuring your complete satisfaction and safety is our top-priority, which is why we work around the clock to continually improve our skills and resources in order to better serve our surrounding Hoosier communities. And our dedication to the betterment of our communities keeps our drive strong.

Contact Us for a Free Estimate!

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

Call Zore’s Inc. at 317-247-8484 for 24 hour tow truck roadside assistance, auto auctions, body shop, and more in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are a family owned and operated company with more than 75 years in business here in Indiana! We offer a wide range of services for Hoosiers, including roadside assistance, scrap metal recycling, cash for junk cars, towing and recovery, storm damage, traffic clearance, and much more. Request a free estimate, anytime.

Consider a Roadside Assistance Company for Safe Driving in Indianapolis

Roadside Assistance Service 317-247-8484

Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484

Safe driving is a must, and considering a roadside assistance company to have your back while on the road is a very smart choice. If you find yourself on the side of the road with a flat tire, they can help with that. If you are stuck in a muddy ditch, they can help with that too! Even if you lock your keys in your car, some even have technology that can unlock car doors from miles away! Roadside assistance companies vary in terms of the services they offer and the technologies they use to provide their services. Basically, there are many options out there when choosing a roadside assistance team.

Third Party Roadside Assistance Programs

Depending on the amount of roadside assistance you think you might need, and the situations you feel are most common and likely to happen to you, are the primary deciding factors in adopting a roadside assistance program. If you are a mother or father of young drivers, perhaps you would want a consistent program that you and your family can rely on, no matter what time of day or night. This type of roadside assistance is a bit more costly, like OnStar and AAA. They assist you with many problems, and can instruct you on what to do if your car has just been towed, if it breaks down or has a flat tire, if you’re locked out, if you are out of gas, and much more

Professional Towing Company

Another roadside rescue option would be calling a professional tow company. There are many Indianapolis towing companies that work around the clock, 24/7, to help people who are locked out of their cars, have flat tires, need pulled out of snow embankments, and more. Their services are usually al-a-carte and much cheaper than corporate roadside assistance companies like AAA and OnStar. This is a great option for mature and experienced drivers that may only need roadside assistance every once in a while. This way, the driver isn’t wasting money paying monthly fees to a big company when they hardly need to utilize the actual service. A professional towing company charges only when the service is requested and provided.

Not a lot of people realize that some professional tow companies in Indianapolis provide roadside assistance in addition to towing and recovery. But not all companies are alike. It is important to choose a company that has a long-standing god reputation in the Indianapolis communities, and has been in business for a long time. This ensures you are doing business with a reputable and well-established company that is still around because of their integrity and quality of service.

Zore’s Indy

Zore's Inc. Indianapolis Indiana

Zore’s Indy 317-247-8484

Call Zore’s Indy at 317-247-8484 for prompt and affordable roadside assistance in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are a family owned and operated company with more than 75 years in business here in Indiana! We offer a wide range of services for Hoosiers, including roadside assistance, scrap metal recycling, cash for junk cars, towing and recovery, storm damage, traffic clearance, and much more. Call us today at 317-247-8484 for more information about our
professional roadside assistance services in
Indianapolis
, IN.

How to Choose a Proper Tow Hitch

Towing and hauling any type of load is a serious job that requires meticulous attention, preparation, and knowledge. If you are new to towing and intend on hauling a boat, vehicle, or trailer, read on to learn the first few steps to take when in the market for a tow hitch for your truck.

Towing Indianapolis Indiana

Indianapolis Towing and Recovery 317-247-8484

Tips on Choosing the Right Tow Hitch

The first step to taken when in the market for a new tow hitch, it to expect to purchase one larger than you think you’ll actually need. This gives DIY towers an advantage down the road if they find themselves towing larger hauls after a few seasons of experience. Having the larger hitch avoids having to purchase a new one for every type of tow. If you decide to buy a larger trailer or family sixed camper, you’ll already be set with a hitch that can handle the load.

If it is a trailer you are towing, the next area to keep in mind when it comes to hitches is weight ratio. Check out your trailers factory manual that it comes with; in the manual should be the actual weight of the camper without cargo. After you find the true weight of the trailer, add on the weight you’ll be hauling to get an accurate assessment of how much weight will be towed. This calculation will allow you to know which hitch suits your tow best. For example, if a person is hauling a trailer that weighs less than 2,000 pounds, and the tongue weight, (the downward force that the front part of the trailer applies to the hitch), is under 200 pounds, then you would only need to purchase a Class I Hitch for safe towing. The tongue weight is also identified within the trailer’s manual.

Zore’s Inc.

Zore's Inc. Indianapolis Indiana

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

Call Zore’s Inc. at 317-247-8484 for towing information and advice you can trust in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our knowledgeable and friendly staff is happy to answer any questions about auto auctions, auto salvaging, property management, scrap metal recycling, obtaining new and used auto parts, towing and recovery services, and all other road, vehicle, and traffic needs. We all the aforementioned services, as well as, free estimates, DIY advice, junk car removal, free haul-away services for recycled metal, and more! Call us today at 317-247-8484 for towing and roadside assistance services in Indianapolis, IN and its surrounding counties.

Basic Towing Terms and Definitions

If you are new to the industry, or have never towed anything with a car, truck, or trailer, then you might come across some industry terms that you haven’t heard of or learned quite yet. It is important to understand the basic terms and towing language, as well as, all the necessary parts and safety rules, before attempting to tow or haul any size load. Review some basic introductory towing terms and their definitions below, and improve your towing knowledge and understanding even more!

Indianapolis Towing and Recovery 317-247-8484

Indianapolis Towing and Recovery 317-247-8484

Common Towing Terms:

Trailer

A trailer is anything that is built to be towed behind another vehicle. The most common types are designed with wheels and a flat bed, but there are several other versions as well. There are commercial trailers, farming trailers, and recreational trailers, all used for different loads, freights, and purposes. Examples of trailers include RV’s, campers, livestock trailers, auto haulers, gear haulers, flatbeds, open utility trailers, watercraft trailers, car-towing dollies, and tow bars.

Tow Dolly

A towing dolly is a light-duty half-sized flatbed trailer with only two wheels. The front end is without wheels and lifts off the ground so to connect to another vehicle, while the two wheels in the back remain in contact with the ground. These are best used for short distances.

Tow Hitch

A tow hitch is the connecting point between the vehicle doing the towing and the trailer itself. There are several types of hitches available on the market for light, medium, and heavy-duty towing. It is one of the most vital components in the towing assembly. It is important to match the proper size hitch to the vehicle’s towing capacity, and match all that with the trailer’s specifications as well.

Hitch Ball

The hitch ball is part of a flexible joint that permits a towing vehicle and its trailer to make turns and take bumps in the road. Hitch balls are manufactured in many different sizes, from 1 7/8th inches to over 2 5/16th inches.

Coupler

The coupler makes up the other half of the flexible joint that is also the hitch ball. It is mounted above the hitch ball and circulates around it for smooth transport over dips, bends, and bumps in the road.

Hitch Ball Mount

Hitch mounts are also referred to as draw bars or stingers, and connect to the hitch using hitch clips and pins.

Hitch Pin/Clip

Metal devices that are used to secure connections between hitch mounts and hitches.

Tow Bar

Also called a sway bar, this V-shaped towing accessory is used to prevent trailers and other loads from swaying back and forth on the road during a tow. It keeps the trailer in a straight line behind the tow vehicle. They are used in conjunction with a tow coupler for dinghy towing or flat towing another car or SUV.

Safety Chains

These are an important towing accessory because they make sure nothing will come apart on the road. In the case that a towing component defects or comes loose, the safety chains ensure that the trailer or vehicle doesn’t disconnect from the tow vehicle and harm other drivers on the road. Never tow anything without them!

Indianapolis Towing

Towing and Recovery Indianapolis Indiana

Towing and Recovery Indianapolis Indiana 317-247-8484

Call Zore’s at 317-247-8484 for prompt and professional towing services in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties. We have been in the towing and recovery industry for more than 75 years! Our tow trucks are state-of-the-art and out wrecker operators are highly trained, licensed, and courteous to all customers. Call 317-248-8484 when you need fast and friendly Indianapolis towing services or roadside assistance.

Wrecker Companies Offer More than Just Towing Services!

Indianapolis Towing 317-247-8484

Indianapolis Towing 317-247-8484

Wrecker companies are more than just a towing service. They offer a wide variety of roadway, transportation, and recovery assistance. Sure they are equipped and eager to provide tows for illegally parked vehicles, broken down cars, abandoned vehicles, and more; but they are also equipped and trained to provide much more than that! Continue reading to learn what a wrecker company is truly capable of and the standard services they offer their local communities.

Wrecker Services

When it comes to wrecker services, towing is not the limit. Most well-established and veteran wrecker companies retain an extensive fleet of trucks, rigs, trailers, wreckers, and more that allow them to provide comprehensive towing and recovery services for anyone and everything in town. This means impounding, airplane towing, accident and traffic clearing, disaster emergency response, general roadside assistance, and much more. Here is a breakdown of the principle categories for towing and recovery, and the additional services offered by most wrecker companies near you:

Roadside Assistance

Wrecker companies generally offer roadside assistance options for individuals who experience minor vehicular issues or breakdowns on the road. If someone gets a flat tire, a wrecker service will provide tire changes and replacements. If a battery goes dead, a roadside assistance technician for a wrecker company will drive to them and provide a jump-start. If someone is locked out of their vehicle, a wrecker service can get them back in! With just one simple phone call, a short wait, and a small fee, you can have a professional wrecker company provide roadside assistance services any time, 24 hours a day.

Light-Duty Tows

Light-duty towing includes regular vehicle towing and recovery. Cars, trucks, vans, small to mid-sized vehicles, motorcycles, jet skis, and more are all included in this category. If a car accident happens, a professional wrecker service is called to promptly remove the damaged vehicles and clear the roads of traffic congestion as soon as possible. Illegally parked vehicles and property management towing also fall into this category of light duty tows. These services are available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week; like most towing services.

Medium-Duty and Heavy-Duty Tows

Medium and heavy-duty tows include larger-scale recovery and towing missions. Trucks, semi’s, rigs, trailers, boats, airplanes, mobile homes, construction materials, piping, and more are included in this category of towing. Wrecker companies extensively train their technicians to be able to clearly and efficiently react and handle sudden recovery emergencies, disasters, and situations. They are fully prepared to recover large equipment or vehicles on dangerous terrain or hazardous conditions. Severe storm damages, fallen trees and power lines, erupting dams, and more are all circumstances when a professional wrecker company is needed and called on.

Special Services

Wrecker companies often work together with their local municipality in road and traffic management. They also buy and sell junk cars and trucks, and offer auto auctions open to the surrounding communities. On top of auto auctions, junk car buying, light towing, medium towing, and heavy-duty towing, wrecker services also train and provide disaster response as mentioned before. Mostly wrecker companies that have been around the longest are the ones capable of offering these kinds of services because they have the local community trust, the proper and specialized equipment, licensing, and training.

Zore’s Indy

Wrecker Services Indianapolis Indiana

Wrecker Services Indianapolis Indiana 317-247-8484

Call Zore’s Indy at 317-247-8484 for more information about our Indianapolis wrecker services, towing, and recovery. Our company has been serving the Hoosier communities for more than 80 years, and continues to hold a first-class reputation in towing and recovering services among the local communities, and throughout the state. We offer light towing, heavy duty towing, roadside assistance, auto body repairs, auto auctions, and much more!