Professional Tow Company Tips for Driving In The Rain
April showers may bring May flowers but they also bring many driving hazards. A professional tow company will see a surge in car accidents every time it rains. To help keep you on the road, we’ve developed some great tips for staying safe while driving in the rain.
Be Cautious
Awareness is a huge aspect of driving safety. There are so many things happening out on the road, so many vehicles, so many distracted drivers and so many hazards to be aware of. While you should always be cautious while driving, kick things up a notch when it starts to rain. Reduce your speed and keep your eyes peeled on the road. Avoid making sharp turns or slamming on the brakes. This could send your vehicle spinning out of control. Stay focused, slow down, and remain in control.
Following Distance
The distance between you and the car in front of you makes all of the difference in the world. The normal rule of thumb is that you should have 2 seconds of distance between you and the car in front of you. For example, if the car in front of you passes a stop sign, you shouldn’t pass that stop sign for at least two seconds. Wet roads require at least double the following distance as usual. If the car in front of you stops short on a wet road, you won’t be able to slow down in time if you aren’t following from far enough behind. Failing to maintain the proper following distance is a great way to end up in need of a tow company for roadside assistance.
Cruise Control
Cruise control is a great feature that makes driving a lot easier in many situations. However, during or shortly after rainfall is not the time to use cruise control. For one, a driver using cruise control is much less responsive than one pressing the pedal manually. You will continue moving forward at full speed until hitting the brakes. This makes reaction times worse and increases the possibility of spinning out of control. If it’s raining, avoid cruise control. It could result in you waiting for a tow company.
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is a phenomenon that occurs when fast-moving cars travel over water molecules. The wheels lift off of the ground and temporarily ride on top of the water, causing the driver to lose complete control over their vehicle. This happens after slamming on the brakes on a wet road or traveling over a puddle above 35 miles an hour. Keeping your speed under control can help reduce the risk of hydroplaning. It’s also important to properly inflate your tires before heading out on the road.
Headlights
Rainstorms can cause great visibility issues for drivers. Without being able to properly see the road and other vehicles, you have an increased likelihood of getting into a car accident that requires a tow company. Make sure your headlights are on while driving but not your high beams. Your headlights will improve visibility but high beams cause the light to reflect off the rain, which reduces visibility.
Larger Vehicles
Most of us have a natural inclination to be wary of large vehicles on the road. This healthy fear should be increased when it rains. The larger the vehicle, the more inertia it has, and the further it will slide on a wet road. Steer clear of large vehicles when the roads are wet.
Expert Tow Company
Even if you follow all of the best practices for safe driving, accidents happen. Whether you make a mistake or someone else on the road does, anyone could find themselves stuck on the side of the road. When something goes wrong, make sure you contact a tow company that will assist you quickly and efficiently.
At Accurate Towing Service, we offer reliable off-road towing services whenever you find yourself stuck in a bad situation. All of our drivers are trained and certified in all aspects of towing and recovery, from off-road recovery and emergency vehicle recovery to towing services and tow truck repairs. Our high-quality tow trucks can get your car off the road before you know it. If you’re in need of a tow, contact us now!
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Avoiding The Need For A Towing Service Near Me In The Winter
We’ve all had that dreaded moment. After an accident or vehicle breakdown, we find ourselves on the side of the road Googling ‘towing service near me.’ While it’s convenient we have smartphones and local towing services to come to the rescue, it’s rough when your vehicle brakes down. Waiting for a tow truck to arrive is even worse during the winter. Here are some ways to help you avoid the need for a towing service and keep you safe on the road this winter.
Preparation
Thorough preparation is one of the best ways to avoid the dreaded ‘tow service near me’ situation. Preparation starts with your car. Before the next time you go for a drive, make sure to check the car battery and tire treads. A dead battery could leave you out in the cold with no way to stay warm and worn tire treads could send you sliding off the road. Make sure you have the proper levels of antifreeze and that you use a non-freeze windshield wiper fluid – you don’t want your vehicle icing over on you. Check to see if your tires are properly inflated as well – cold weather can affect tire pressure, which in turn affects your safety on the road.
The next part of preparation is what you bring with you. Make sure your vehicle has jumper cables, a snow brush/ice scraper, and flares. You should also consider bringing some sort of rough material like kitty litter or sand to put down in case you get stuck in the snow and need extra traction under the tires. During the winter you should always carry blankets, food, and water in your car, you never know what kind of frigid situation you could find yourself in. It’s also advisable to always bring a cell phone, even better if it is a smartphone to search ‘tow truck near me.’
Cold-Weather Driving
Now that you’re prepared, you need to practice cold weather driving. For example, did you know that you should steer into the skid if your car ever starts to skid on an icy road? You also should know whether or not your car has anti lock brakes. If it does, stomp on the brakes. If it doesn’t, you need to pump the brakes to a halt to reduce the chances of skidding out. Always give yourself longer stopping distances to the cars in front of you during the winter. If you give yourself the same stopping distance on an icy road as you would normally, you are more likely to hit the driver in front of you.
Accelerate and decelerate your vehicle slowly. Slamming on the gas or brakes will increase the likelihood of the wheels losing traction with the ground, causing you to skid out. Make sure to drive more slowly than you would normally, especially on snow-covered roads. If you don’t need to make a sudden stop, don’t do it. If you are on the edge about whether or not to stop for a certain yellow light, it probably means you’re already too late to stop.
When going up a hill, try to gain some inertia and avoid slamming on the gas, as your tires could spin out and send you back down the slope. Also, make sure to never try to come to a stop while on a hill – it’s a great way to slide back into the car behind you. Keep your eyes peeled on the road for pedestrians or cyclists and, of course, always buckle up. These are some of the best ways you can avoid having to Google ‘towing service near me.’
Best Towing Service Near Me
If you Google ‘towing service near me,’ the experts at Accurate Towing Service will probably show up first! We are an exceptional towing service full equipped for emergency roadside assistance. No matter the size or condition of your vehicle, we have the experience and the equipment to handle it.
With decades of experience and dedication to superior service, you can trust Accurate Towing to get your vehicle off the side of the road safely. They also offer expert repair services to get you back on the road. It’s always good to have the phone numbers of towing companies in NJ before you need it. Save our number on your phone today.
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What you Need to Know About Car Carrier Transport Services
Businesses and individuals around the world rely on car carrier transport services to get their vehicles from point A to point B. However, unless you are holding your breath driving next to one on the highway, you probably don’t give them much thought. If you recently found yourself in need of a car carrier, we offer the following information to help you with your research.
Car Carrier Transport Costs
Often the first question people ask is “how much does it cost to ship a vehicle?” It really depends on the type of vehicle you need transported, the equipment used, and the time of year. To ship a car from New York to California, the average shipping costs range from $1,400 to $2,500.
Types of service
There are several different levels of car carrier transport service. The least expensive option is the flatbed tow truck. Flatbeds will get the job done, but they don’t have the same security precautions other options have. On a flatbed, your car will be exposed to the weather and debris, which could damage your car on the route. Flatbeds are not designed for long distance transport, so you should really only use this service for breakdowns or short distance towing.
When it comes to long-distance transport, open car carriers are your least expensive option. This second type of car carrier transport can be risky. Like flatbeds, they are exposed to weather and debris but the risks don’t stop there. Open car carriers force vehicles to sit on a steep incline, which can exotic and classic cars. They also have two levels of vehicles stacked on top of each other. If oil leaks or a piece falls off one car, it can damage another. It’s important to get a full understanding of your insurance coverage when using this car carrier – they often have lower levels of coverage than you can get with enclosed trucks.
To avoid the risks of flatbed and open car carrier transport services, you will need to spend some extra money. Enclosed auto transport vehicles are more expensive but are your best option for safe, smooth shipping. Enclosed carriers keep vehicles safe from the elements and debris. If you are going to spend the money on an enclosed car carrier, make sure they have the right features. Things like liftgate loading and covering your car included should be included in the price.
Hiring A Car Carrier Transport Service
It’s important you have the right hands behind the wheel when choosing a car carrier transport service. If you are working with a broker, it’s a good idea to ask them for an opinion on the service. Car transport brokers work to connect car carriers with people who need their services so they may have already screened and approved several companies. It’s also important to look for an auto carrier that is registered with the Department of Transportation and properly insured.
Accurate Towing has the equipment and experience to handle various types of car carrier transport service. We are dedicated to superior service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All of our drivers are trained and certified in all forms of towing. We have a fleet of trucks and equipment including landolls, lowboys, tow trucks, flattened trailers, sliding axle trailers, and (you guessed it) car carriers to mold our services around your needs. For over 30 years, we have provided the best towing service in Central Jersey. Contact Accurate Towing Service for all of your towing needs.
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How Do I Find The Best Towing Company Near Me?
When your car slows to a halt on the side of the road, it can be stressful not knowing what to do next. After a few moments, we begin to wonder “How do I find the best towing company near me?” Just because you are in a tough situation doesn’t mean you should call any random towing company. There are a few tips to help you pick the best towing service to get you back on the road.
Google Reviews
After searching ‘best towing company near me’ on your smartphone, you will be faced with countless options. One way people decide on a towing service is through the Google reviews the towing company has received. While this is often a great way to judge the quality of a business, it’s a bit more complicated when it comes to towing companies. Because towing services are responsible for towing illegally parked vehicles, not everyone is going to be a happy customer. Make sure to read through the negative reviews to see what the situation was. If they were towed away for parking illegally, it’s safe to take that negative review with a grain of salt.
Services List
When asking yourself “What’s the best towing company near me?” Keep in mind that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all type of tow truck. The best towing company for your situation should have the right equipment for the job. Check out the services list on a towing company’s website to see if they offer the type of tow you need. Motorcycles, large vehicles and standard sedans all require different types of tow trucks. It also depends how far off the beaten path your vehicle breaks down. Off-road towing is a completely different service than standard roadside assistance. Make sure the company you choose provides the service you need.
Service Areas
The last thing you want when you’re stranded on the side of the road is to spend the time looking up a towing company near me, reading reviews, and evaluating their services only to be told you are outside of their service area when you call them. Scan the website for the service area first or make a call to the towing company directly to find out the areas they serve and the services they offer.
sk For Pricing
Many people who search for ‘towing company near me’ make the mistake of asking for the price after their car has already been towed. Getting hit with an exorbitant surprise bill is harsh, especially at a time where you will likely be paying for vehicle repairs as well. Make sure to ask for an estimate before the towing service comes to pick you up.
Expert Towing Service Near Me
Even if you follow all of the best practices for safe driving, accidents happen. Whether you make a mistake or someone else on the road does, anyone could find themselves stuck on the side of the road. When something goes wrong, make sure you contact a company that will assist you quickly and efficiently.
At Accurate Towing Service, we offer reliable off-road towing services for whenever you find yourself stuck in a bad situation. All of our drivers are trained and certified in all aspects of towing and recovery, from off-road recovery and emergency vehicle recovery to towing services and tow truck repairs. Our high-quality tow trucks can get your car off the road before you know it. If you’re in need of a tow, contact us now!
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The Difference Between Normal and Off Road Towing Services
If you like to go off roading, whether it be on ATVs, dirt bikes or trucks – you’re probably pretty comfortable with vehicles. Since you already change your own oil and do tune ups for your off-road adventures, surely you can handle towing your vehicle right? Unfortunately, off road towing is not as simple as one might think. There are complications off the beaten path that are best left to the professionals. So what makes off road towing different?
Wait Times
When you get stuck in the mud off roading, the natural inclination is to keep revving the engine and trying different techniques to escape. Unfortunately, this usually just gets your vehicle more stuck and covered in mud. Rather than spending an hour trying to take care of things by yourself, it’s best to call for off road towing immediately. Even the most proactive, fast acting towing service can be a long wait depending on how far off the beaten path you are. Attempting a DIY tow can be especially problematic considering some of the dangers that come with an off road locale. Instead of waiting for hours without food or water in the middle of nowhere, make the call ASAP.
The Right Equipment
Attempting to tow your vehicle off road without the right equipment is a bad idea. You need the right tow truck, hitches and tow points required for off road towing and without it, you may make the problem worse. Many people will attempt a DIY tow only to get the second vehicle stuck or cause damage to both. Make sure you not only hire a professional towing company but one that explicitly offers off road towing services. Hiring an unqualified towing service can be as problematic as a DIY tow.
Maneuvering
It isn’t only the equipment that’s important, it’s also the experience. There are driving techniques that are essential to off road towing. The driver must be highly aware of their speed. Slowing down puts less stress on vehicles. If your vehicle got damaged off roading, speeding will exacerbate the damage. There is also the greater risk that rocks or debris will fly off the tires and cause damage when you are off road. The tow truck driver must have experience in cornering during off road applications. They need to know how to slow down and accelerate at the right moment while turning a corner so neither vehicle loses traction or flips.
Then there is the issue of water crossings. There are many off road towing applications where the tow truck needs to cross water while towing a vehicle. The driver needs to know which water crossings are safe to traverse, while looking out for large debris, rocks, current and other potential danger in the waterway. They must also know how to approach the water at the correct speed and angle to keep both the tow truck and your vehicle being towed safe. If they aren’t experienced in this type of maneuver, both vehicles could end up in danger.
Expert Off Road Towing Service
Before you go out on your next off road adventure, make sure to have the phone number of an off road towing service ready for a worst-case scenario. At Accurate Towing Service, we offer reliable off road towing services for whenever you find yourself stuck in a bad situation. All of our drivers are trained and certified in all aspects of towing and recovery, from off road recovery and emergency vehicle recovery to towing services and tow truck repairs. Our specially modified tow trucks can get your car out of the snow before you know it. If you’re in need of a rescue, contact us now!
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An In-Depth Breakdown of a Breakdown Tow Truck
When you think of a breakdown tow truck, what do you think of? Wheels? A flatbed? A cape (because they offer roadside rescue of course)? Whatever comes to mind, we assure you there’s more to it. That’s why we are going to give you an in-depth breakdown of a tow truck, from the parts that make it up to its different types. Let’s break it down.
What is a Breakdown Tow Truck?
Breakdown tow trucks are simply any type of tow truck used to recover broken down vehicles. If your car breaks down and you call a towing service, they will surely send you a breakdown tow truck. You may have heard them be called recovery trucks or even wreckers. Regardless, they serve the purpose of getting your vehicle safely off the road and transported to a repair facility.
How Does a Breakdown Tow Truck Work?
Brackets
Most modern tow trucks use bracket systems for easy towing. Large steel frames are usually installed on the back of the truck to support whichever vehicle the truck is towing. This is the safest and quickest method of towing, as it requires very little manual labor for drivers who only need to touch the wheels of the towed car.
Once the wheels are fitted within the steel beams and secured in place with steel pins, the car is positioned for the yoke (the machinery that raises and lowers the beams) to be lowered. Then, pins are put through the wheel to safely secure the car. Applying this method ensures that the towed vehicle will not be damaged at any point during the towing process.
Chain and Hooks
Other breakdown tow trucks use chains and hooks. These work similarly to the bracket system. However, the major difference is that a strong hook attaches to the underside of the towed vehicle instead of a mechanical steel fixture. Additional chains may be used to secure the vehicle’s connection to the tow truck.
Flatbeds
Breakdown tow trucks can also include flatbeds. This type of tow truck functions like the previous two; however, it uses a mechanical system to angle its bed like a ramp so the towed vehicle can be maneuvered in. Chains are used to fasten the wheels before the flatbed is lowered back down to a flat state.
A perk of using a flatbed tow truck is that basically any vehicle can be towed, not just a car. Vehicles ranging from motorcycles to dump trucks can all be towed using this method. If your vehicle has AWD (all-wheel drive), then a flatbed is required to tow it. When dealing with these AWD vehicles, keeping them off the ground is the safest option. That’s why flatbed breakdown tow trucks are necessary to prevent damage.
re There Other Types of Breakdown Tow Trucks?
We already talked about tow trucks that use flatbeds as well as hooks and chains. There are two other major types of breakdown tow trucks: integrated tow trucks and wheel-lift tow trucks.
Integrated
Integrated tow trucks are for heavy-duty hauls. Their additional axels provide enough strength to support towing large vehicles like buses or other heavy rigs. Also, their arms are embedded into the body of the truck to increase stability.
Wheel-Lift
Wheel-lift tow trucks are similar to hook and chain trucks. However, they use a metal yoke instead of chains which prevent damage to the towed vehicle. A hydraulic lift is used to raise the wheels off the ground to prevent further wear and tear.
Will The Right Breakdown Tow Truck Be Used For My Vehicle?
If you use the right towing service, you’ll never have to worry about the wrong truck or rig. And the right towing service is definitely Accurate Towing. Our experienced professionals will send you the right breakdown tow truck, every time. We have the knowledge to effectively assess your situation and provide you with the rig you need for your rescue.
Reach out to us today for more information or give us a call if you need a tow. We’ll be there within 30 minutes, guaranteed.
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Towing Services – How to Choose One
Towing services are needed for many reasons. Some of the most frequent reasons drivers need towing companies to be called are Accidents with another automobile—overheating engine and towing a trailer that has sunk into the ground. Any other reason you might need to tow a trailer is also fair game for a towing company.
When a car or truck is stranded on the road, many hazards can happen if the driver cannot get off the vehicle safely. If the abandoned vehicle contains dangerous material, like glass or metal, it could be shattered if it crashes into the side of a road. There is also the danger of falling debris getting into the vehicle and embedding itself in the soft parts of an engine or transmission. If a car or truck is left stranded on the side of a highway or other busy street, there is a genuine possibility that large rocks will be thrown through the windshield or smashing into the windows.
No one enjoys being stranded on the side of a busy freeway or bridge. That’s why anyone who finds themselves in this situation must have someone they can call for help as soon as possible. When a towing service arrives, they can safely remove the stranded vehicle from the road, and if needed, they can also securely strap the car to a tow truck. The tow truck services will also bring in tools to safely remove the trapped motorist from the vehicle.
Some people may choose to call out their towing service, while others may prefer to hire a professional. Many towing companies specialize in different types of towing. Even if the brakes are still working, they have the equipment and knowledge to remove a car or truck from the road safely. They also know where to take the vehicle once it is removed from the road. They can also often arrange for a car to be taken to a mechanic to ensure it is safe after being towed.
Before any tow truck towing activity occurs, it’s essential to be aware of all the insurance company rules and regulations. In some cases, a person must wait a certain amount of time after a crash before they can tow the vehicle themselves. It’s also essential to make sure the tow truck driver insured by the insurance company has insurance to pay for the damages to the car and the property. Once all of these things are sorted out, the towing will likely occur smoothly and without any problems.
All good drivers make sure they use their turn signal and brake lights in tandem with all the other traffic around them. A driver mustn’t just pull into a towing service stand, put the vehicle in reverse, and start towing. Some towing services will try to do this, but it’s essential to do it safely. The goal isn’t just to get the car out of sight, and it’s also to prevent other motorists from colliding with the rear of the stopped vehicle. In most areas, it’s illegal to operate a car without the appropriate automobile lights and brake lights installed.
It’s always wise to look into the history of any towing services you use. You want to be able to trust them to tow your vehicle to the specified location safely. If they’ve never done an excellent job with pulling before, you may want to consider other options. It can be a wise idea to research a few different towing companies online and ask for quotes. You should also contact the local Better Business Bureau to find out if there have been any complaints against any of the companies you’re interested in. This will help you decide whether or not you should use them when towing your vehicle.
There are lots of different benefits to having a professional tow truck service. The most important thing is to ensure that you’re insured and that the company you use has insurance. Using a professional towing company, you can rest assured that you won’t be making any mistakes when it comes time for the vehicle to be towed. By making sure that these things are taken care of, you can be sure that you’re traveling safely, and you won’t need to rely on roadside assistance to get your vehicle back on the road.
Preventative Vehicle Maintenance
Here at Chicago Towing, we’re big advocates of providing regular maintenance to vehicles in order to prevent automotive breakdowns before they occur. If, of course, your car does experience a breakdown, our team of expert roadside assistance experts can assist you. In the meantime, however, here’s a list of some excellent preventative maintenance tactics you can implement on your vehicle to help prevent car issues from arising.
Battery Checks
Make sure to check your car’s battery. First off, check the battery terminals for signs of possible corrosion or build-up. Build-up can be cleaned with baking soda and a soft toothbrush – the baking soda will neutralize any battery acid. By regularly cleaning battery terminals, you can ensure that they stay working properly . Coca-cola can also be used to clean car battery terminals by pouring it over the battery to remove corrosion.
Tire Checks
Make sure that your tire tread and tire pressure are at proper levels. Thinning and worn out tires can be more easily punctured. Use a penny to check that your treads are one eighth of an inch thick – at least. Make sure your tires have no cracks or uneven wear, or cuts – any underinflated tire can rapidly incur stress. Make sure to use a tire gauge to check that your tire pressure is meeting the proper level in your vehicle owner manual.
Coolant Checks
Check under the hood of your vehicle to make sure that your coolant levels aren’t super low. If there’s fluid on the ground, coolant may be leaking. You don’t want to see any of the hoses that transport coolant to the car’s engine – so check them when the car is fully off and cooled down. If coolant is low, fill it to proper levels.
Oil Checks
Use your dipstick to check your oil levels. If your motor oil is low, have it properly changed by a mechanic or automotive service. If you can’t get to an oil check soon, just try to add more of the proper matching motor oil in the meantime. If you think you have an oil link, rush to get to a mechanic as soon as possible.
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3 Tips for Never Locking Your Key in Your Car
Getting your keys locked in your car can be a minor inconvenience or a major frustration – even dangerous, based on the time and place. In this blog entry, the emergency roadside assistance team here at Chicago Towing will provide 3 great tips to prevent you from locking your keys in your car.
Only Lock Car Doors from Outside
The majority of modern cars utilize key fobs that allow you to lock your car doors with the press of a button. By making sure that you only lock your car’s doors when you leave the vehicle, rather than pressing the lock inward while you’re still in the car, you’re much less likely to lock your keys in the car.
Chains and Carabiners
We recommend utilizing keychains or even carabiners to attach your car keys to objects or items like purses, wallets, or phones that you are much less likely to leave inside your car.
Spare Keys
If you have a pair of spare car keys on hand – either at your home, or in the hands of a trusted friend or family member, you will save yourself a ton of stress. If you do in fact lose or misplace your car keys, you won’t have to stress about an extended lockout, as you can easily gain access.
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