Roadside Assistance for Electric Cars

November 3, 2021 by Carl Lambert Posted in Towing

There’s tons of benefits for using an electric vehicle, including lower vehicle emissions, and a reduced cost of operation. Today, an increasing amount of people are joining the electric vehicle market today, and tons of new electric cars are being developed that can even marry the best qualities of a typical combustion engine and electric varieties. However, electric vehicles experience issues just like normal vehicles do; in this blog entry, the roadside assistance experts here at Chicago Towing will details the most common reasons that electric vehicles require our services.

Battery Drainage

When an electric vehicle runs out of battery charge its the same of a regular vehicle running out of gas. While the majority of electric vehicle batteries have vastly improved in recent years, their ability to hold a charge is still limited, and since there’s very few public areas where electric cars can be recharged, it’s often hard for people to recharge their battery when they’re out on the road.

Broken Battery

A more serious issue than a battery simply running out of charge, the lithium-ion based batteries in electric vehicles can decay and break like any other type of battery. While newer models of electric vehicles have newer and better constructed batteries than older models, the batteries will still need to be replaced at some point – just hopefully not when you’re driving.

Brakes

Brakes in electric cars, just like those in cars with normal combustion engines, can wear down over time, and require their rotors and pads to be replaced. Electric vehicles utilize special regenerative braking systems that limit the amount / exponential increase of degradation – however their brakes aren’t immortal, and will need to be repaired or replaced at some time.

Tire Issues

Many electric cars are actually much heavier than normal combustion engine cars, due to the extra weight of the battery system. This can place additional force and pressure on tires, causing an acceleration in tire tread wear, and also potentially raising the chances of a tire puncture or flat. Tire issues can affect vehicles of all types, and electric vehicles are certainly no exception.

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Top Misconceptions about Towing

November 3, 2021 by Carl Lambert Posted in Zone Towing

There’s a range of common myths, misconceptions, and stereotypes about towing companies and towing services widely held by the public today. In this blog entry, the towing experts here at Chicago Towing will detail some of the top forms of these misconceptions, and dispel them.

Towing Companies Tow Illegally Parked Vehicles Only

Many people wrongly assume that towing companies mainly focus on parking illegally parked vehicles. However, although many municipalities tow illegally parked vehicles, the main trade of towing companies is much more altruistic. Towing companies mostly rescue people stranded on the side of the road by providing roadside assistance service – and provide a range of other, non-towing related services as well, from vehicle jump-starting to fuel delivery.

Towing Companies Aren’t Available 24/7

Many people think that if their cars break down in the middle of the night that they will have to wait until towing companies open up in order to receive service. This is a myth! Professional towing companies, like the expert team here at Chicago Towing, specialize in providing service to our customers on a 24/7 basis, 365 days a year, even during holidays. This is to ensure that you get the service that you need, when you need it!

Towing Companies can’t Tow Large or Unique Cars

Many people think towing companies stick to servicing SUVs or sedans, but this is another misconception! Towing companies can provide expert towing services to a wide range of vehicles, from RVs and campers to semi-trucks and motorcycles. We even tow busses, antique cars, and exsotic vehicles here at Chicago Towing!

Tow Trucks Take their Time

In actuality, towing companies make efficient service and fast-arrival windows their priority! This is an ideal for customers who find themselves broken down or stranded in poor weather, on the side of the road, or in dangerous areas. Chicago Towing prides ourselves on rapid-arrival times, ensuring that you will swiftly receive custom-tailored service at the direct location of your vehicle, as soon as you need it.

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Towing New Jersey For Over 30 Years: Why You Need Experienced Pros

November 3, 2021 by Carl Lambert Posted in Flag Towing

You wouldn’t get your car towed by just any company, would you? Experience is necessary.

There are plenty of companies that are currently towing in New Jersey. With that said, it’s necessary that you do your due diligence when choosing a towing service. You want your car to be cared for by a trusted team right? Let’s review why experienced pros are needed as opposed to any other towing service.

Track Record of Success

When working with a towing service, they need to be reputable. Why get towed by a company that has scores of bad reviews when you can work with a company that is heavily praised by their customers. Look for keywords like “professionalism, quality, and punctuality” when searching through online reviews. If the company has those three characteristics according to their clientele, you’ll surely have a pleasant experience too.

Here’s an actual example of a great review:

“He was genuinely concerned for my classic car (1966 jaguar) and the 100 miles we needed to travel. Seamless and excellent service. Will totally use Accurate again.”

Clearly, they made sure to choose the towing company that provides unmatched care to their customers and their vehicles. When it comes to providing exceptional service and care to your car while towing in New Jersey, you don’t want to deal with amateurs. That’s why a track record of success is necessary.

dditional Services Offered

When towing in New Jersey with inexperienced companies, they often only offer a handful of services. If your car needs a tow and subsequent repair, you may be out of luck. However, if the team you’re working with has years of experience and countless services, you may be in better shape.

Being able to provide services such as repair, recovery, and heavy hauling on top of towing not only makes things more convenient for you but also demonstrates their authority in the field. Companies with a wide range of offerings clearly employ experts who have mastered their crafts and all related aspects of the job. Why pay premiums on outside repairs or hauling when you can continue working with the company that towed you in the first place?

Trust in Emergencies

Many companies towing in New Jersey offer 24/7 services to help you get back on the road or to a repair facility in the event of an emergency. With that in mind, would you trust any old towing company to rescue you at 3 in the morning? Probably not.

Trust is extremely important in emergency situations. Imagine you’re in need of recovery services in the early morning but have to get to work by noon. Would you trust an inexperienced team to arrive fast enough in order for you to get to work on time?

We don’t think so. In these kinds of situations, your best bet is a towing service with decades of experience handling emergency rescues and tows. In fact, experienced professionals will be able to arrive on the scene in 30 minutes or less, regardless of where you are or what time it is. With the right towing company, you will receive quick and effective service.

Which Pros Are Experienced Enough With Towing in New Jersey?

There should only be one answer that comes to mind: Accurate Towing. Our professionals have all the necessary experience to tow your vehicle. Period. We’ve been towing New Jersey for over 30 years and there is no end in sight. Whether you need a heavy-duty tow or an off-road recovery, you can trust Accurate to do it all. Call us today and we’ll give you a free quote.

The post Towing New Jersey For Over 30 Years: Why You Need Experienced Pros appeared first on Accurate Towing Service.

What to do during Sudden Brake Failure when Driving

November 2, 2021 by Carl Lambert Posted in Towing

Brake failure – especially when it occurs in the middle of driving, is a major safety risk – and one that unfortunately can occur suddenly when car mechanical operation is overlooked for a while. In this blog entry, the towing and vehicle recovery experts here at Chicago Towing will detail exactly what to do if your vehicle’s brakes suddenly fail while you’re in the middle of driving.

Remain Calm

Make sure to stay even keeled and try not to panic – this is vital to keep you and those around you safe. By staying safe, you can act well under pressure. Just breathe deeply and try to be aware of your surroundings and regain as much control of your vehicle as you can to get it safely off the highway or road.

Keep your Car On

Don’t turn your car off, even if it seems like a good idea to slow it down – this can cause it to skid further by disabling your steering or even fully locking your steering. This will cause you to have LESS control of your car. Keep the engine running until you’re fully stopped. Also, keeping your car on will make it easier to bring it safely to the side of the road.

ctivating Hazard Lights

Turn on your hazard lights to let other drivers on the road know you’re broken down – especially at night! If there’s people around you, also honk the horn to warn the people around you to steer away from you.

Turn Down the Shifts

Try to downshift your car gradually, one gear at a time – don’t downshift to the 1st gear of the car at once, as this can cause skidding. If your car is automatic, removing your foot from the accelerator will help it shift. This will help you get your car to a safe distance where you can safely activate the emergency brakes.

Trying Brakes Again

Try applying steady and hard pressure on the brake pedal and see if you can get at least one half of your dual brakes to slow the car down – sometimes, only one half of the brakes have failed. Be careful doing this and don’t press TOO hard, just steadily and firmly.

Careful Emergency Brake Application

Emergency brakes will slowly slow down your vehicle – but they must be engaged carefully in order to keep as much control of the car as possible, since they are separate from the normal hydraulic based braking system you’re used to. They will take longer to slow your vehicle down.

Calling for Assistance

Once your car is in a safe area, fully stopped, or off the road, call your trusty towing provider like the expert roadside assistance team here at Chicago Towing for rapid assistance and instant, convenient solutions!

The post What to do during Sudden Brake Failure when Driving appeared first on Towing Blog – Chicago Towing.

How to Avoid Car Accidents

November 2, 2021 by Carl Lambert Posted in Towing

In this blog entry, the towing and vehicle recovery experts here at Chicago Towing will detail the top reasons that car accidents occur, and the best ways you can stay safe driving and avoid them.

Lackluster Vehicle Maintenance

If your car is in poor condition and hasn’t been maintained well – including issues such as worn down tires, regularly overheating engines, radiator issues, shock problems, or broken car mirrors – you shou;dn’t take in on the road as it can be dangerous. Ensure your tires and engines, and other vehicle parts, are working properly before driving.

Rear End Collisions

This common accident occurs when people don’t have a good amount of distance between the car behind or in front of them. Its common that the rear driver is liable for this accident, as they’ve driven too close to the front car. Make sure you leave a time distance of 3 seconds to pass through the same area as the car in front of you, and that your brake lights are working properly.

Red Light Accidents

Crossing through a red light is a common cause of car accidents. Always follow all traffic rules and make sure nobody is approaching the intersection as you cross it – and be careful approaching yellow lights! It’s not a bad idea to be careful and aware when crossing green lights as well.

Weather Condition Based Accidents

Rainy, snowy, and slippery roads can cause accidents due to hydroplaning. Worn out tires make this more of a risk. Thick fog is another common weather based issue that causes accidents. You can avoid these issues by ensuring proper maintenance of your vehicle, checking that your tires are in safe condition, and driving slowly in bad weather.

The post How to Avoid Car Accidents appeared first on Towing Blog – Chicago Towing.

3 Reasons Why Tow Trucks Get So Busy in the Spring Time

November 1, 2021 by Carl Lambert Posted in Flag Towing

While Winter is certainly one of the busiest times of the year for tow trucks, Spring is far from being an incident-free season for drivers on the road. Yes, the weather has improved so there are fewer risks when driving, yet the impact that the long winter has on your vehicle often rears its head come Spring time.

This leads to a surprising amount of vehicle breakdowns, with all kinds of issues causing drivers to require roadside assistance. As a result, tow trucks get very busy during Spring time, so let’s take a closer look at some reasons why this happens!

1. Better Driver Conditions Means More Drivers on the Road

This one is surprisingly simple – Spring brings better driving conditions so people tend to drive more frequently compared to winter. Icy and snowy conditions have subsided for the most part, so people can drive longer without any risks, leading to a notable increase in vehicles on the road.

As you can image, more vehicles mean more possibility of breakdowns, whether from long-term issues that developed over winter or general auto accidents like a fender bender or getting locked out the car.

2. The Effects of Winter

Winter is a harsh time for any vehicle. Beyond the inherent risks of driving in ice, snow, sleet, and rain, the extreme conditions can wreak havoc on various parts of your vehicle. These problems sometimes don’t rear their heads until spring, where the changing conditions and/or increased use of your vehicle cause the issues to become very apparent.

For example, the low temperatures in winter force the car battery to work harder than normal, and when the temperatures rise in Spring the fluids in the battery evaporate much quicker, increasing the chances of the battery completely dying.

Similarly, constant changes in temperature between Winter and Spring cause tire pressure to fluctuate, leading them to be over or underinflated. When this happens, tires are susceptible to bursting, with many people needing to call a tow truck in spring for a tire change.

These are a just a few examples of the various auto issues that start to develop in winter and come to head by the Spring time. Always make sure to get your car checked and serviced for Spring time!

3. Spring Break
One of the busiest times of the year for travelling, Spring break sees students across the country head home or away on vacation while schools take a short break. Colleges have different dates for Spring break, so for most of Spring time you will find a lot of students driving on the road, often across long distances as they head home for vacation.

Tow trucks often find themselves assisting students that are travelling during Spring break, often in vehicles that aren’t in the newest condition. These breakdown issues can be something minor like a failed tire or something more serious with the engine, which can often happen when making a long-distance drive.

Plaza Towing has been serving the roadside and vehicle transporting needs of Coachella Valley since 1969. With locations in Palm Desert and Indio, and a fleet of over 30 tow trucks, Plaza Towing is able to handle every roadside service challenge and meet every towing need. Offering light duty towing, medium duty towing, heavy duty towing, specialized trailer transport, and private party impounds, one or more of our tow vehicles are always out on the road providing quality service to both individual and commercial customers somewhere in Coachella Valley. Readily available 24/7/365, contact Plaza Towing to get a truck dispatched to your location either now, or at a planned time of your choosing. Reach us online, or call us now at (866) 775-4314!

The post 3 Reasons Why Tow Trucks Get So Busy in the Spring Time appeared first on Plaza Towing.

5 Common Reasons That Big Rig Trucks Need Roadside Assistance

November 1, 2021 by Carl Lambert Posted in Flag Towing

As some of the largest vehicles on the road, it is little surprise that big rig trucks are susceptible to frequent breakdowns. Add in the fact that these vehicles travel long distances for prolonged periods and it’s easy to see why most big rig trucks need to call for roadside assistance at some stage!

There are other factors that make the huge vehicles more prone to breakdowns, from the age of the rig to the current driving conditions, leading to various types of auto problems that typically appear at the worst time possible.

Let’s take a look at the 5 most common reasons that big rig trucks need roadside assistance – being aware of the causes may help you avoid a breakdown in the future!

Tires

Without a doubt the most common cause of big rig breakdown is tire problems, accounting for around half of all breakdowns. The reasons that tires fail on big rigs are much the same as any other vehicle, with things like under or over inflation, worn treads, and misaligned axles on being contributing factors for tire failure.

Additionally, give the massive weights that these tires are carrying over long distances, wearing tends to occur at a much quicker pace than a car, even if the huge tires are designed to withstand larger loads.

Brakes

Damaged brakes account for roughly 30% of big rig breakdowns, making it the second most common cause for needing roadside assistance.

The reason brake failure is so common on big rig trucks is the immense pressure that the drum brake and discs are under – they are exposed to more friction, heat, and pressure than brakes on other vehicles.

Most of this can be avoided with regular maintenance, checking for signs of wearing on the brakes like rusting, corrosion, air leakages, water contamination etc.

Refrigeration Issues

With a large portion of big rig trucks transporting temperature-controlled goods, such as food and medicine, they require special refrigerated trailers to maintain the correct temperature to avoid spoiling the goods.

Should any sort of problem arise with the refrigeration unit then roadside assistance is quickly needed to prevent the products from going to waste. It’s the type of problem truck drivers cannot overlook or their entire load could end up ruined.

Cooling System

Lots of connections are needed in big rig trucks to operate the coolant system, yet these connections are susceptible to breaking and disconnecting during transit, leading to coolant loss that will cause issues with the thermostat.

Thankfully, it can be fixed with relative ease, although the need to stop wait for roadside assistance is still a huge inconvenience for drivers.

Electrics

Big rig trucks have a lot more electrics than your average vehicle, including cranking and charging systems, along with standard electrics like the truck’s lights. These complex electrical systems need regular maintenance to avoid failure, which is a common cause for big rig breakdowns.

In fact, there are three electrical systems that need maintained, with start motor, alternator, and battery all playing an important role in the vehicle functioning. Any issues with these will require immediate roadside assistance, whether it’s the truck failing to start or battery dying mid drive.

The post 5 Common Reasons That Big Rig Trucks Need Roadside Assistance appeared first on Plaza Towing.

4 Tips for How to Know When to Handle Roadside Trouble Yourself and When to Call a Tow Company

November 1, 2021 by Carl Lambert Posted in Towing

Dealing with car troubles is never fun but it gets even worse when the problems start on the road. It’s important to understand your limits and be able to identify what auto issues you can deal with yourself and when it’s time to call a tow truck – the difference can literally be life and death!

With a bit of understanding you will be able to see the situation clearly and take the correct course of action, whether that’s dealing with the trouble on your own or calling in a tow truck for some assistance.

Here’s 4 tips for how to know when to handle roadside trouble yourself and when to call a tow truck:

Know When its Safe to Change a Tire

Flat tires are the most common type of roadside issue and they can certainly be dealt with yourself in many instances. However, it’s important to identify whether it is safe to change the tire where you are stranded.

For example, if it happens in a city street or a quiet country road during the day, then you may be able to handle it yourself, as the traffic isn’t too bad and you will be very visible to other drivers.

Never make the mistake of thinking it’s safe to change a tire anywhere though! If it’s night time or you are one a busier road like an interstate or highway, call the tow truck and wait for help, as the risks just aren’t worth it.

The same can be applied for most minor car issues – always avoid doing it yourself on busy or poorly lit roads, as there are no guarantee other drivers can see you when making repairs.

Don’t Do it Without the Tools

It’s an obvious one but still worth mentioning – if you don’t have the tools to fix the problem then call for a tow truck. Sometimes this seems like overkill, especially when dealing with a tire change or dead battery, yet it’s always better to call for help for a quick fix rather than waiting for another driver or walking miles to try source tools.

Never Take the Chance in Poor Weather

You should never risk repairs of any kind during poor weather conditions, including snow storms, heavy rainfall, high winds, frost, and any other extreme conditions. While some repairs may seem possible, other drivers may not see you on the road or be able to react safely when they do due to the poorer driving conditions.

Always Call a Tow Truck in Unknown Locations

Another important thing to remember is to always call a tow truck when you breakdown somewhere unfamiliar. Being a long way from home and stuck on the roadside is a daunting prospect, and while it may seem like you can fix the issue and get back on track, it’s not really worth the risk when you are so far from your home or a garage.

The post 4 Tips for How to Know When to Handle Roadside Trouble Yourself and When to Call a Tow Company appeared first on Plaza Towing.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://aandbtowing.com/?p=151

6 Ways to Avoid Breakdowns When You Drive a Classic Car

October 30, 2021 by Carl Lambert Posted in Towing

Whether you are looking to enjoy the scenery while driving your classic car or planning a road trip, you will need to make sure that your car is prepared. Although all types of cars should be prepared before the road trip, classic cars particularly require you to do a little bit more work.

Here are 6 ways to avoid breakdowns when you drive a classic car:

Tune-Up

A simple tune-up can go a long way when it comes to preventing classic car breakdowns. It is a great way to prepare your vehicle for what it will endure. The following are some things you should take care of:

• Look for clogged air filters and issues with the fuel system.

• Change the oil and filter.

• Check the spark and also check for any suspicious oil or carbon deposits on the plugs.

Check the Tires

The correct tire pressure helps minimize wear. If your classic car has been in storage for a while, then it is highly recommended that you check tires for flat spots. Replace cracked or worn tires. Check the air pressure of your spare tire as well. There is no point in having a backup if it is not even ready to be used.

Check for Worn Rubber

Check the status of belts, seals, and gaskets. Any cracks or wearing will require replacement. This quick step will help you prevent having to replace a broken belt while on the road.

Check the Brakes

Check the brakes and make sure that the level of fluid in the master cylinder is correct. Check all the wheels of your classic car for brake fluid leakage. Owners of new vintage or classic cars usually don’t know when the brake lines or pads were last changed.

Check All the Cooling Systems

You want to make sure that the engine of your car is running cool. It is recommended that you flush the cooling system and replace it with new fluid. You should also make sure that the radiator cap fits tightly and there is no debris in the radiator pads.

Take the Car Out for a Road Test

Before you go on a road trip, it is highly recommended that you take your classic car out for a road test, driving both highway roads and city streets to get the vehicle in various road conditions. This will help you determine whether the car operates in every condition and what may possibly go wrong so you can tweak it before your trip. If you know that your trip will take your classic vehicle over certain types of terrain, then test the vehicle first on that type of terrain to make sure that it will be able to handle it.

No one wants to worry about the risk of their vehicle breaking down while on the road. Properly preparing your classic car before going on a road trip will help you prevent breakdowns and make your journey so much better.

The post 6 Ways to Avoid Breakdowns When You Drive a Classic Car appeared first on Plaza Towing.

Have a More Enjoyable Road Trip by Doing These 6 Things Before You Go

October 30, 2021 by Carl Lambert Posted in Towing

Going on a road trip is something everyone should experience at least once in their life. Nothing quite compares to hitting the open road in search of adventure, although it always helps to do a bit of planning before your trip to ensure its fun and enjoyable for everyone.

Here are 6 things to do before you head on your road trip for even better experience:

Make a Flexible Plan

Part of the fun of a road trip is driving into the unknown, which is why you shouldn’t focus too much on creating a tight plan with a packed itinerary.

Yes, you want a rough destination to travel towards and probably have a few things you’d love to check out on the way, but other than that try to remain very loose and flexible with your plans.

There is likely to be a few delays, pitstops, and detours along the way, so give yourself plenty of time to do whatever the day brings you. Over planning is only going to make the trip more stressful and less spontaneous!

Set a Budget

Road trips are more affordable than most other types of travel, but that doesn’t mean its going to be cheap. By setting a budget, you avoid overspending and won’t need to worry about how much money you have, giving more time to enjoy the trip.

Be sure to set aside cash for essentials like gas, food, and accommodation, unless you plan on camping or sleeping in your vehicle!

Give the Vehicle a Good Clean

Nobody wants to travel long distances in a car filled with trash, so make sure you give it a good clean before heading out. Plus, mess will quickly accumulate on your trip so by cleaning it before hand it means just some minor cleaning each day to keep the inside nice and clean.

This is especially true if sleeping in the car – nobody wants to share their bed with all kinds of junk!

Get the Vehicle Checked

The last thing that you want in the middle of a road trip is for vehicle problems, so take it to get checked by a mechanic before you leave. Have them check fluids, tires, brakes, and electronics to make sure no issues arise.

Make Sure to Buy a Map

Yes, Google Maps is a fantastic tool for road trips and it should be part of your navigation setup. You may also have GPS built into the vehicle but it’s still a good idea to purchase a physical map just in case there are connection issues or problems with the devices.

Also, checking out the map and finding hidden gems on your route only enhances the road trip experience, so grab a map and some pens and mark down places you may want to check out alone the way.

Prepare for the Worst

Nothing beats the peace of mind knowing you are safe should the worse happen on the road, which is why you should always have some emergency plans in place. Pack a medical kit, join a roadside assistance program, bring some repair tools in case something breaks down, and make sure your insurance is up to date!

The post Have a More Enjoyable Road Trip by Doing These 6 Things Before You Go appeared first on Plaza Towing.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://aandbtowing.com/?p=145