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The Differences Between Tow Trucks and Wreckers

Wed, 17 May 2023 14:40:19 GMT

Numerous situations may force you to contact roadside assistance. For example, your vehicle could have broken down on the highway or been involved in a minor accident and needs to be moved from the scene.

In such cases, you may have two options: a tow truck or a wrecker. While these may look similar and are sometimes used interchangeably, tow trucks and wreckers differ. By understanding the differences, you can decide which is more suitable for the situation.

What Is a Tow Truck?

A tow truck often features a flatbed setup, basically a bed with chains attached to the back of the vehicle. The design allows for easy vehicle pickup, meaning that a tow truck is best for cars not trapped in the middle of a roadway or stuck in a difficult place.

A tow truck is handy if your car is not drivable, perhaps due to a breakdown or after an accident. The truck is also sometimes used to reposition poorly packed vehicles from an accident scene or to move them to a repair shop.

What Is a Wrecker?

A wrecker is a more sophisticated and larger tow truck than the ordinary flatbed. This vehicle comes in complex situations that a standard tow truck may be unable to handle.

This truck has a large boom and cable winch for retrieving vehicles, making it ideal for a vehicle stuck in the mud or snow or a hard-to-reach place.

A wrecker is also the best option when the involved car has rolled over or is trapped between other cars. For this, a wrecker is also known as a recovery vehicle since it helps retrieve cars that would otherwise be hard to tow.

Additionally, wreckers are powerful enough to lift vehicles off the ground and move them off the accident scene comfortably. Also, note that a wrecker can be two-in-one: a flatbed and a regular setup.

Which Should You Choose?

Ultimately, the best option depends on your situation. Learn about some differences that can help you select the most ideal choice.

Job Description

These vehicles' operators are specialized in different areas. For example, a tow truck driver's job description includes moving a car that has broken down and needs transportation to the mechanic. The specialist can also help move a poorly parked car.

For example, if your car suddenly feels challenging to drive, smells weird, produces odd sounds, or has warning lights, you can stop by the roadside and contact towing services. While you may be able to drive to the mechanic, you might risk further damage to the car or get involved in an accident.

A wrecker driver, on the other hand, does not only help recover your car but can also offer repairs and maintenance. Also, wreckers are for heavy-duty towing and recovery operations.

Services

Ideally, wreckers can be tow trucks too, but tow trucks are not necessarily wreckers. A tow truck can only move a car from one place to another, but a wrecker can move cars and remove them from stuck places.

Now that you understand the differences between tow trucks and wreckers, you can easily decide which one to use in your case. The ideal service provider will also advise you on the best option, depending on your situation.

You can trust us at Hix Wrecker Service for reliable towing services. We aim to take away roadside worries with our quick and quality services. We will listen to your issue before advising you on the best service between towing and recovery. We also offer auto maintenance and auto parts to ensure your car is in the best condition. Contact us for a consultation.

When Is a Flatbed Towing Service Necessary? 6 Instances

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 06:02:24 GMT

People underestimate the importance of towing services until they get stuck on the road. Besides, you might encounter situations that require a towing company's intervention. Highlighted below are the situations that require flatbed towing services.

1. You Want to Move Low Cars

Many auto enthusiasts look for lowered cars or even undertake such a project themselves as they modify an existing vehicle. Unfortunately, moving low-ground clearance vehicles from point A to B can be challenging. Most roads can't accommodate low-profile cars.

Therefore, attempting to drive low vehicles on such roads will only damage the car's suspension and body. You can transport your vehicle with a flatbed tow truck. Flatbed towing protects your low-profile cars from road damage. At least your car will arrive at its intended destination without a scratch or dent.

2. You Have a 4-Wheel Drive Vehicle

Towing a 4WD vehicle isn't as easy as you think. People who haul their own 4WD trucks destroy the transmission system. But why would you risk damaging the transmission when you can use a flatbed tow truck? Transmission damage only happens when you drag the front or back wheels of the vehicle. But as long you load the car on the flatbed, the transmission will remain in good condition.

3. The Towing Distance Is Long

Towing a car from one state to another can be challenging. You will have to haul the car for hundreds of miles. The long distance jeopardizes your car's safety. So if you choose to use a dolly, it will exert immense pulling pressure on the back wheels of your vehicle. As a result, the tires will wear at a fast rate. Instead of using a wheel lift tow truck or a hook and chain truck, always opt for a flatbed tow truck.

4. You Want to Tow a Classic Car

Transporting a classic car requires a lot of care. These cars are rare and valuable. Therefore, you wouldn't want your vintage vehicle to sustain any damage. Unfortunately, you risk damaging your classic car if you haul it with a wheel lift tow truck. The car's exterior can get scratched or dented during transportation.

Also, driving the car to the intended destination isn't an option, as it will add unnecessary miles to the engine. Transporting the vehicle on a rollback tow truck is the only viable solution. At least the car won't sustain any damage to the exterior, and the engine mileage will remain low.

5. You Have Multiple Vehicles to Transport

Classic car owners and race car enthusiasts will often need to transport two vehicles to auto shows. Unfortunately, you can't drive the cars to the venue, especially when dealing with classic or race cars. Your only option is to transport both vehicles on a tow truck. Luckily, flatbed tow trucks allow you to transport two vehicles simultaneously. You won't need to hire multiple trucks to tow your cars.

6. Your Car Is in Bad Shape

Some auto accidents will leave your car in horrible shape. It's hard to transport a badly-damaged car using a wheel lift tow truck. Maybe the wheels are completely damaged, or the vehicle's body is misshapen.

If a collision has caused severe damage to your car, you will have to use a flatbed instead of the standard tow truck. The flatbed tow truck will secure the damaged car nicely, protecting other road users. Besides, transporting a severely damaged car on a flatbed tow truck is faster and easier.

If you find yourself in the above situations, seek the assistance of Hix Wrecker Service. We offer excellent flatbed towing services. Contact us today for dependable towing services.

Do You Need Traditional, Recovery, or Heavy-Duty Towing?

Thu, 02 Feb 2023 04:52:55 GMT

When you find yourself with a non-operational vehicle on the side of the road, you call a wrecker service for a tow. But if you do not convey your exact situation to the dispatcher, the wrong tow truck or one without the correct equipment may show up. It is essential to identify if you need a traditional, recovery, or heavy-duty tow. But what is the difference between these three?

Here is some information to help explain the differences so you can know what kind of tow you need.

What Constitutes a Traditional Tow?

There are many reasons you may need a tow at one point or another. Some of these reasons include the following:

Breakdowns
Flat tires
Lack of gas
Car accidents

When most people think about a tow, it is safe to assume that they perceive a traditional tow. But even a standard tow can be conventional or non-conventional.

A conventional tow utilizes your vehicle's tow ball, pintle hook, or similar configuration to pull your car behind the tow truck or wrecker. Your driver may use a hook-and-chain tow truck or a wheel-lift tow truck.
A non-conventional tow hooks up to your vehicle's chassis or body. When using non-conventional towing, the tow truck driver normally loads your car onto a flatbed wrecker.

Both conventional and non-conventional towing allow tow companies to move your vehicle off the side of the road and get it to the shop or wherever it needs to go.

What Constitutes Recovery Towing?

When you need recovery towing, it is often because your vehicle has left the road or is in an emergency situation. Your car may or may not be operable. Some of these reasons you may need recovery towing include:

Accidents
Weather
Road conditions
Vehicle weight

The first part of recovery towing is when your wrecker driver uses special equipment to safely get your vehicle back on the road. When responding for a recovery tow, the wrecker company may send a truck with an adjustable boom with a winch. This equipment allows the tow truck driver to reach and hook up your vehicle. Without the equipment, your car would typically be too far away for them to get by other means.

Your vehicle may be in a ditch, down a ravine, in the woods, or stuck in the mud. Once your vehicle is recovered, you may or may not be able to drive away without further assistance from a tow truck.

What Constitutes Heavy-Duty Towing?

You may need heavy-duty recovery services if you drive an oversized vehicle, an RV, an 18-wheeler, or a bus. The most significant difference between light-duty recovery and heavy-duty is the size and weight of the vehicle needing services.

Average cars can range in weight from 2,600 for a subcompact car to approximately 6,000 pounds for a large SUV. According to RV and Playa, an average 40-foot camper can weigh anywhere from 12,000 to 30,000 pounds. Depending on its load, a fully loaded 18-wheeler can range from 35,000 to 80,000 tons.

Unfortunately, due to the massive weight of larger vehicles, they do not stop as quickly as smaller vehicles. This continuing momentum means that when they go off the road, they tend to go further than the average car.

Their massive weight also means that when they need recovery, they need larger and heavier equipment to perform the task. Heavy-duty tow trucks and wreckers are designed to handle vehicles of this size. Heavy-duty tow truck drivers receive training to work with these size vehicles.

Hix Wrecker Service is prepared to offer you any wrecker service you need. We are ready to tow you or recover you. Give us a call today so we can get you back on the road.

What's the Difference Between Light-Duty and Heavy-Duty Towing?

Wed, 16 Nov 2022 00:22:28 GMT

Nobody likes to deal with the fear that they'll have to tow their vehicle. Yet, vehicle malfunctions and traffic collisions can occur. When they do, you'll need the help of a reputable towing firm.

Towing firms can handle anything from a motorbike to a huge cargo truck. Somebody must recover and tow vehicles whenever anything breaks down on a roadway. But some towing trucks differ from others. One may divide these trucks into two primary groups: light and heavy.

Read on to learn the key differences between light-duty and heavy-duty towing trucks.

Light-Duty Tow Trucks

Light-duty towing encompasses most typical towing operations that need ordinary tow vehicles. Light-duty tow trucks may handle small-to-medium-sized towing operations such as towing deserted automobiles and personal vehicles. These trucks weigh between 8,500 to 10,000 lbs .

Light-duty tow trucks may tow a variety of vehicles. They include minibuses, sport utility vehicles, motorbikes, and station wagons. Light-duty towing trucks are also often smaller and more agile than other classes of tow trucks. This makes them ideal for use in congested metropolitan environments.

Light-duty towing vehicles have basic equipment and tools and they're a lot more straightforward to use than heavy-duty towing trucks. Also, light-duty towing trucks have a lesser load capacity. Thus, the towed automobile must not be heavier than the tow truck's load limit to prevent any damage.

Most light-duty towing vehicles come with a cable system and a winch for effective towing. These trucks also have modern wheel systems that elevate the affected vehicle's rear or front wheels off the ground while the other two wheels remain on the road while the vehicle is being towed.

Heavy-Duty Towing

The goal of heavy-duty towing is to transport heavy construction equipment, excavators, garbage trucks, shipping containers, and dump trucks. They are bigger than typical light-duty towing trucks to enable them to tow heavier-duty vehicles and machinery.

Hence, heavy-duty tow vehicles can undertake towing jobs of any size and weigh an average of 26,000 lbs . These vehicles also have powerful horsepower and torque. Heavy-duty towing trucks can handle the full weight of the towed automobile. This results in high-efficiency towing outcomes at reduced prices.

Because of the advanced nature of this towing machinery, heavy-duty tow truck drivers must also have in-depth mastery of powerful engines. These operators must also know how to operate specialized towing techniques for heavier-duty vehicles. Tows for heavy-load vehicles are lengthier than those for light-duty vehicles.

Towing heavy-duty vehicles over lengthy distances places immense strain on towing trucks. Thus, heavy-duty towing companies need more comprehensive insurance to cover any damages.

The Value of Weight in Towing

The weight of your automobile will determine whether you need a light-duty or heavy-duty tow truck. Light-duty tow trucks are not the best choice for long-distance towing and cannot move objects that need a heavy-duty tow. Conversely, the use of a heavy-duty tow truck to carry a small automobile would be more expensive and less effective.

To Sum Up

Towing is not a one-size-fits-all task. Hence, towing companies must have a diverse fleet of towing trucks to handle various towing jobs. Always conduct research to identify towing providers with towing expertise and an outstanding track record. Also, ensure that you hire an operator who has the resources to complete the duties you have requested in a professional and timely manner.

Do you need any services for towing or recovery? Please get in touch with us at Hix Wrecker Service to learn how we can serve you. We provide a comprehensive range of towing services for customers, such as light-duty, heavy-duty, and motorbike towing. Also, we offer recovery services and 24-hour emergency roadside help.

Four Critical Safety Tips While Waiting for Emergency Towing Services at Night

Fri, 02 Sep 2022 16:45:17 GMT

Problems can arise at any time, day, or place, regardless of how well you maintain your vehicle. In particular, it can be horrifying if your car breaks down in the middle of the night. Fortunately, most professional towing services offer 24/7 assistance for stranded motorists. Nonetheless, you must keep safe as you wait for towing services.

You may feel terrified when you experience a car breakdown at late night hours. However, feelings of terror can lead to poor decision-making that might compromise your safety. Although you cannot control how quickly towing services arrive at your location, you can manage your safety. The following tips will make you feel secure while waiting for 24-hour towing services.

1. Park Off the Shoulder

When your car breaks down at night in a poorly lit area, you will naturally want to remain visible to oncoming vehicles. After all, it is safer if oncoming cars can illuminate their headlights on your vehicle for visibility. But you should never park on the road when stuck in the dark for safety reasons.

Visibility drops significantly at night, especially in inclement weather. Therefore, you should not assume that every motorist will notice and dodge your car. Therefore, you should park as far away from the road as possible. The best move is to direct your car to the road's shoulder to keep clear of oncoming vehicles and prevent collisions.

2. Share Your Exact Location

If your car breaks down in familiar surroundings, sharing the exact location is not difficult. You can use landmarks like buildings, billboards, and street signs. However, being stranded at night in an unfamiliar area makes it challenging to share your location. Unfortunately, it can prolong the time towing services take to reach your location.

Modern technology has made sharing of location with towing services straightforward. For example, services such as Google Maps allow you to drop a pin in your location. The app saves the GPS coordinates of your exact position, which towing services can use to know where you are. Besides, sharing your exact locations means that a tow truck driver spends less time reaching you.

3. Avoid Unsolicited Rides or Tows

Some people would gladly accept unsolicited offers for rides or tows. The decision would not be a problem in a perfect world where all help was genuine. However, you should consider the adverse implications of accepting such assistance from strangers. Even if you feel terrified and need help immediately, do not fall for unsought roadside assistance, however genuine they seem.

Professional towing services advise motorists to avoid assistance offers from people other than the service provider you called. Instead, confidently tell good Samaritans that you have already called towing services, and they are a few minutes away, even if the ETA is inaccurate. Doing so will keep you safe as you wait.

4. Stay Off Phone

Waiting for towing services at night can feel lonely and boring. So naturally, motorists turn to their smartphones for entertainment. For instance, you can watch videos, play games, or even talk to a friend as you wait. Unfortunately, using your phone drains the battery fast, especially if you use power-intensive applications. Eventually, your phone will die, impairing your ability to communicate with towing services.

Unless you are in a location where you can charge your phone, you should avoid using the gadget while waiting for towing services. The precaution saves the battery so that a tow truck driver can reach you to verify your exact location. Besides, you might need your phone for other emergencies, such as communicating with your worried family.

Nighttime car breakdowns can be terrifying. Our mission at Hix Wrecker Service Inc. is to provide the best towing services for clients. Therefore, contact us when you need fast and reliable towing services.

5 Ways to Prepare Your Car for Towing

Fri, 15 Jul 2022 14:55:25 GMT

It's a sad reality, but car accidents and breakdowns happen. And when they do, you'll likely need a tow truck to get your car into the nearest repair shop. But what many drivers don't know is that before the tow truck arrives, there are some things you can do to help make the process easier for both you and the tow driver. Here are five ways to prepare your car for towing.

1. Remove Personal Belongings and Necessary Items

While you may not want to leave your essential items in the open, it's best to remove them from your vehicle as much as possible before it gets towed. This includes anything that might fall out of the car and get damaged, such as CDs, DVDs, or other loose objects.

Even if you think your dashboard will protect them from harm, there's a chance they could get loose during the towing process and break on their own.

You should also remove personal items from the driver and passenger seats, such as cell phones or backpacks. Whatever you can take off safely should be removed before the tow truck arrives.

2. Unlock the Doors

Make sure all of your doors are unlocked, as well as the trunk. A car that is difficult or impossible to access will only make things more complicated for the tow truck driver and could potentially cause damage if they need to force open a door to get inside.

3. Close Your Windows

Not only can this be dangerous if the weather is stormy or cold, but it can also keep out moisture, which can cause mold and mildew in your car.

And if you have a convertible, you may want to put the top up before the tow truck arrives. Although this might take a few extra minutes, it'll help prevent dirt and other damage during transit.

4. Take Pictures of Your Vehicle

Before a tow truck arrives to move your car, it's always a good idea to take a few pictures of the vehicle, so you have something to compare to later. If you notice significant damage when the towing company returns your car, having pictures on hand can help prove that the damage wasn't there when it left your possession.

It's also a good idea to take pictures of serial numbers for major components and parts, such as your engine or VIN. If you need any insurance settlements, your insurer will have proof of what happened.

5. Turn Off the Engine and All Accessories.

The last thing you want is your dead battery to damage anything else in the vehicle after it's been towed! Ensure you turn off the engine and all accessories such as the lights, radio, and air conditioning. These accessories can draw power from your car even when you're not using them.

Hiring a reputable company can be challenging for many reasons, but finding the right fit is essential. If you're ready to hire the best towing company in your area, check on the tow company licensing and insurance, the tow truck availability, the reputation of the company, and the standard of the towing company equipment.

At HIX Wrecker Service, we know what it's like when you're stuck on the side of the road with a broken-down car or waiting desperately for an emergency service call to come through. That's why we're always on time, ready to work, and available to you.

Contact us today for prompt, reliable service. We offer a complete line of towing services for all your needs: Emergency towing services, accident recoveries, light-duty tows, local & long-distance towing, and more.

4 Reasons to Hire Professional Towing Services

Fri, 13 May 2022 03:34:38 GMT

69 million auto breakdowns happen annually in the United States. That makes these incidents more common than most people think.

Breakdown issues have many sources. The main culprits include faulty batteries, flat tires, damaged electrical systems, or overheating. Either way, when car trouble manifests, the best thing to do is call for help.

One of the reliable entities you should contact when your car breaks down is a towing company. Discover four reasons why you should hire such a service provider.

1. They Have Extensive Towing Experience

Towing can be a tricky and daunting task, especially when heavy-duty vehicles are involved. Always rely on haulers with extensive experience rather than a friend, relative, or fellow driver.

Calling a driver with zero towing experience is detrimental for several reasons. First, a novice may fail to correctly set up the weight distribution bars, leading to hitch and frame damages or problematic steering. An amateur may also overwork the rescue vehicle's engine. If that happens for a considerable period, the other automobile can break down, meaning you now have two problems on your hands.

But established towing companies use professionals who have handled vehicles like yours before. This quality makes them able to haul your car with fewer complications and problems.

2. They Respond Fast

Some places make breakdowns more than minor inconveniences due to high crime rates, expensive mechanic costs, or lack of public transportation. One such location is a tunnel.

If your vehicle breaks down in a tunnel, you might have cause for concern. First, most tunnels lack shoulders and breakdown bays. And you need those to get the automobile out of harm's way. Plus, such an incident can lead to severe congestion and expose other road users to danger. Other bad places for breakdowns include busy roads and some US cities.

Reliable towing companies quickly help you get out of such fixes by dispatching rapid response teams. These get to you in record time and haul you to safer locations or convenient repair shops, thereby saving you from issues like theft and animal attacks.

3. They Are Readily Available

Cars often break down when you least expect it and at the most inopportune time. So, yours may fail at any hour, either on a highway or in the middle of nowhere.

Fortunately, reputable towing service providers offer their services 24/7. Therefore, if a crashed or faulty automobile gets you stuck in your driveway, on the road, or any other place at any time, all you have to do is call a company that provides readily available hauling services.

4. They Operate in Harsh Conditions

Car owners might dread the harsh conditions that prevail in seasons like winter because they often usher in numerous vehicle problems, such as battery issues.

Many car batteries fail in cold weather because the conditions negatively impact the chemical processes occurring inside the component. That, in turn, undermines the battery's ability to hold a charge for a long time.

If your automobile breaks down in harsh weather full of heavy rains, ice, or rising floodwaters, don't seek help from anyone who isn't a towing expert. Remember, extreme weather coupled with elements like narrow roads pose considerable risk to the hauler and their cargo.

Luckily, established haulers have all the equipment and professionals necessary to tow vehicles, even in adverse weather. For instance, most companies have heavy-duty tow trucks designed to hold their ground and drive smoothly on icy or muddy roads.

There is never a good time for any vehicle to get stuck or break down. And many of these problems strike at the worst times. That is why every driver should always be ready for a worst-case scenario.

You can ensure a breakdown doesn't derail your day or aggravate into a risky affair by calling a trustworthy towing company like Hix Wrecker Service Inc. immediately after it happens. We offer fast and reliable towing and emergency assistance service 24/7 in Indianapolis and surrounding areas. Our skilled team can handle different heavy-duty and light-duty vehicles at affordable prices. Contact us now if you need to hire our services.

7 Things to Do After a Motor Vehicle Accident

Mon, 21 Mar 2022 13:51:44 GMT

Car accidents happen so abruptly that you might forget the common-sense steps to take to ensure your safety. Some of the common mistakes people make include fleeing the scene in a panic, failing to involve the police, or oversharing information with the at-fault party's insurance provider.

So, what should you do after a motor vehicle accident to ensure your physical and legal safety?

Discover seven crucial steps to take.

1. Pull Over

Depending on the severity of an accident, your vehicle may come to a sudden stop or have a few scratches. In either case, you are legally required to pull over immediately. Take a minute or two to cope with the shock. If you are not hurt, step out and assess the situation.

Your safety and the safety of other people involved in the crash are of paramount importance. Be aware of your surroundings, and move away from possible danger without leaving the scene.

2. Check for Casualties

If other people are involved in an accident, you have a legal obligation to check on them and seek medical help if necessary. Do not move seriously injured persons and instead wait for the medics to move them safely. Be sure to keep them as comfortable as possible, and administer first aid if need be as you wait for the ambulance.

3. Call 911

Call 911 whether accident victims are severely injured or not. Note that some auto injuries typically have delayed symptoms that can have a long-lasting impact on your health. Calling 911 also ensures that the police arrive at the scene within the least time possible.

Once the police arrive, be sure to:

Give an accurate record of what you believe happened without guessing or speculating
Avoid making self-incriminating statements

Also, exchange information with the other driver(s) if the police don't arrive at the accident scene. The information must include:

Full name, address, and contact details
Insurance provider and policy number
Driver's license and vehicle registration number

4. Call Your Attorney and Insurance Company

The next step is to call your car accident attorney and inform your auto insurance company about the collision. Depending on the location of an accident, your insurer may send an adjuster to assess the scene and the damages. If the liable party in a car crash is not clear-cut, your attorney will dispense legal guidance to ensure your rights and best interests are well-protected.

5. Document the Scene

The police report will play a key role in helping insurance companies to assign fault. However, you should protect your best interests by documenting the accident scene and gathering other vital information.

Follow these steps:

Take pictures of the scene, including the positioning of the cars after impact, visible damages, and road skid marks, if any.
Take photos of your injuries.
If the police respond to the accident, get their names and badge numbers.
Note down the contact information of any eyewitnesses.

6. Move Cars

Accident scenes can cause so much traffic and even increase the likelihood of causing other accidents. Once you have taken clear pictures of the scene and the police have created a report, move your cars.

Contact a reliable towing company to lend a hand if you cannot safely drive your vehicle to an auto repair shop. Remove all your personal items from the car before the towers arrive.

7. Check In With Your Doctor

With your vehicle towed and your attorney working on filing your auto accident claim, you might just want to go home and relax. Resist the temptation and instead visit your doctor for a thorough checkup. Rule out common concerns like mild concoctions and whiplash that often take hours or days to manifest.

If you’ve been in an accident, turn to Hix Wrecker Service Inc. We are a leading towing company in Indianapolis. Call us for a prompt response whether you need general towing, heavy-duty towing, or roadside assistance. We operate 24/7/365 and will provide a detailed, customized quote.

9 Unmistakable Signs Your Car Battery Is Dying

Tue, 15 Feb 2022 12:57:32 GMT

Car batteries are some of the most unpredictable parts of your vehicles. Unfortunately, in most cases, you are not prepared for battery failure. For example, you may be running late for work only to find your battery is dead. Such experiences may leave you frustrated and inconvenience your day's plan.

Fortunately, some signs can help you know when your vehicle battery is on the verge of failing. Discover nine signs of a dying car battery.

1. Dimming Headlights

One of the best ways to know your battery is dying is to check the headlights. If your battery charge is low, your lights will appear dimmer and duller than usual. Although you may try to adjust the brightness, the headlights will get back to being dim. This occurrence is a possible sign of a dying car battery.

2. Starting Difficulty

When your battery dies, you will realize your engine takes more time to start. You will likely have one or two instances of the same warning sign.

3. Consistent Backfiring

A failing car battery can cause sparks that can lead to fuel accumulating cylinders, causing your vehicle to backfire. However, different faults can cause backfiring. Conduct a battery test to establish the exact problem.

4. Clicking Sound

A failing battery will make the electrical current sent to the starter weak when you turn on the key. In this case, when the starter receives insufficient power for the engine start, it will cause clicking sounds. If you hear these noises, make sure to check your battery.

5. Cold Weather

Your battery is more likely to fail due to cold weather, especially if you have exposed your car to cold temperatures for an extended period. You cannot recharge it, leaving you with no option but to buy another one. Therefore, ensure you do regular checkups to ensure your battery is in good condition.

6. Bad Smells

You may notice an awful smell when you start your car and open the hood. This odor may indicate your battery is leaking and needs replacement or repair. This predicament can result from external damage, internal short circuit, or old age.

7. Corroding Battery Terminals

Corrosion is one of the reasons why vehicle batteries die. In this case, acid from the batteries leaks to the connectors and reduces contact between the connecting points and the terminals. As a result, your battery cannot recharge using your car's alternator.

You can easily detect corroded battery terminals associated with the blue-green powder. While you can wipe the leaked acid using a dry piece of cloth, you should replace the battery to enhance its reliability.

8. Bulging Battery Case

Continued exposure to heat or cold may lead to your batteries taking different shapes. Car batteries should maintain their rectangular shape. Taking another form is dangerous as it can lead to a crack that could leak the battery acid.

9. Aging Battery

Have you replaced your car battery in the recent past? Typically, car batteries last a few years, except for electric vehicles. You can know the manufacture date of your battery on the case. If you have not replaced it in the last few years, test it.

A dying battery can leave you frustrated and unsure of what step you should take. While you may avoid total battery failure, you may need professional assistance in cases where you cannot restart your vehicle. Hix Wrecker Service Inc. is here to help you get a new battery or tow your car to the nearest repair shops. Feel free to seek out our available 24/7 services. We look forward to helping you out soon.

Don't Allow Your Vehicle to Be a Victim of a Non-Consensual Tow

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 07:38:27 GMT

Have you ever broken down on the side of a major highway, left to get help, and come back only to find your vehicle missing? Knowing that your vehicle was not running and did not leave on its own, you can assume your vehicle was towed. Unfortunately, this is what has probably taken place. You are likely a victim of a non-consensual tow.

What is a non-consensual tow? Read on for more information.

What Is a Non-Consensual Tow?

A non-consensual tow is when a towing company picks up your vehicle without your prior consent or knowledge. Usually authorized by law enforcement, these are typical tows for abandoned vehicles, accident scenes, or cars in no parking zones.

In some areas, law enforcement will tag your broken-down vehicle, giving you 24 to 48 hours to move it before towing it. Once your time is up, a tow company picks up the car and takes it to their storage lot. If law enforcement feels your vehicle poses a hazard where it is, they can pick it up quicker.

Parking your wrecked or non-working vehicle on the street in front of your house may still not protect you from a non-consensual tow. Many cities have local ordinances limiting the amount of time your car can park there. This time frame may be as short as 72 hours.

Where Will Your Vehicle Go?

One of the most significant hurdles with a non-consensual tow is figuring out who towed your vehicle and where it is. If you broke down on the side of a major highway, several different law enforcement agencies might have ordered the tow. These include the:

Highway patrol
Local police department
Local sheriff's department

Depending on which agency seizes control of your vehicle and orders its tow will often depend on which towing agency law enforcement contacts. Most law enforcement agencies have tow companies on a contract that they use on a rotating basis.

The contracted tow company will then pick up your vehicle and tow it to their local storage yard. Depending on who picks it up will determine where your vehicle ends up.

The tow company will then hold your vehicle on the lot until they receive payment or receive authorization to release the vehicle. If your vehicle stays there without being claimed, the tow company can place a mechanic's lien on your vehicle and eventually auction it off.

How Much Will A Non-Consensual Tow Cost?

A non-consensual tow can get expensive quickly. In Indiana, a tow company can charge a tow fee of $150.00 . Unfortunately, they can tack on other fees for other services they state they render at the time of your tow. Extra fees may include extra personnel or specialized equipment. An example of this would be an additional dolly or winch fee.

Once your vehicle goes to the storage yard, you can then receive a charge of $30 per day for storage. Do not allow your vehicle to be a victim of a non-consensual tow. Always know who to call when you find yourself on the side of the road.

Hix Wrecker Service will come and get you no matter where you are. We possess a wide range of tow vehicles and can move any size vehicle you own. Give us a call and your consent, and we will be on our way to take your vehicle where it needs to go. We look forward to helping you with all your towing needs. We are available 24/7 so that you never have to leave your car unattended. Please let us know how we can assist you today.

5 Helpful Tips to Prevent a Vehicle Breakdown

Tue, 14 Sep 2021 05:55:20 GMT

Car breakdowns are frustrating, stressful, and a major inconvenience, especially when the car breaks down at night or in the middle of nowhere. While some breakdowns are beyond your control and occur unexpectedly, most of them are preventable. Learn five easy ways to prevent vehicle breakdowns and their associated costs and headaches.

Don't Ignore Warning Signs

Before a car breaks down, it sends several warning signs. Perhaps you hear strange sounds or notice a change in the way your vehicle drives. Also, thanks to advances in technology, your car alerts you of a potential problem using the warning signs on the dashboard. You may get a battery alert, check engine light, oil pressure light, or temperature warning sign.

Regardless of the warning sign, never ignore it. The problem intensifies when overlooked, and you could end up with an enormous repair bill. Heeding to warning signs is an inexpensive way to avoid a vehicle breakdown.

Drive Properly and Safely

Your driving habits affect your vehicle's health tremendously. Poor driving habits such as slamming into potholes and bumps, riding the clutch or brakes, and hard starts and stops wear out essential parts of your vehicle that then compromise its performance. For instance, hitting a pothole at high speeds damages the suspension, tires, and steering.

Good driving habits maintain your car's health, ensure optimal performance, and prevent a costly breakdown. You can practice good driving habits when you adhere to speed limits, stay focused on the road, maintain safe following distances, and schedule regular vehicle maintenance. Also, refrain from aggressive driving, don't overload your vehicle, and avoid late braking.

Inspect Tires

A flat tire will require that you call a tow truck for towing services. While some causes of a flat tire are beyond your control, like bad road conditions, others are preventable. For instance, over-inflated tires can result in a flat tire. You can prevent this when you ensure your tires have the correct tire pressure.

You can also prevent a majority of tire issues that result in a breakdown when you examine the tires often. A visual inspection can reveal uneven tire wear, deeply scuffed areas, and bulges in the sidewall. Visit a mechanic immediately if you detect any tire problems. Also, driving carefully can go a long way to prevent tire damage.

Get Your Vehicle Serviced

A good way to avoid a breakdown is to get your vehicle regularly serviced - based on your manufacturer's recommendation. While you may think that skipping service saves you money when the car does not have any problems, it is costly in the long run.

During service, a professional examines all the crucial components in your vehicle, from the engine and engine oil, steering, suspension, battery, brakes, tires, and lights. Any problems are identified before they require extensive and expensive repairs and replacement and lead to a breakdown.

Stay on Top of Your Battery

A dead battery is a leading cause of car breakdowns. Luckily, a battery on its deathbed has various signs, including dim headlights, a clicking sound when you turn on your vehicle, and your engine cranking sluggishly. Also, if your battery has reached its average lifespan of 3 to 5 years, it could die at any time.

You can take several actions to avoid draining your battery, such as turning off your headlights and unplugging devices such as navigation systems when exiting your vehicle. Also, check your battery regularly, ensure all connections are intact, and fix any problems such as cracks and bulges before they leave stranded in the middle of the night.

Even the best-maintained vehicles can break down. When it happens, stay calm, turn on your hazard lights, pull off the road, and be visible. Then, call the professionals at HIX Wrecker Service for roadside assistance and towing. You can count on our friendly, skilled, and fast services to get you back to the road in no time at all.

4 Ways Hot Weather Can Leave You in Need of a Tow

Thu, 15 Jul 2021 06:06:15 GMT

For many people, summertime means driving time. Whether you and your family have decided to take an extended vacation road trip or you simply need to maintain your daily commuter in searing weather, the extreme heat can make your car more vulnerable to critical breakdowns that require you to call a towing service.

The more awareness you have about how hot weather affects your car, the more easily you can take steps to minimize your risks of a summertime automotive failure. Give special consideration to the following four issues.

1. Summer Heat Raises Your Tires' Blowout Risk

Even during cooler times of the year, your car's tires warm up whenever you drive on them. The heat comes from the way tires' sidewalls flex and bend as the tires grip the road surface. The lower the air pressure inside the tires, the more the tires will flex. Over time, a tire's sidewalls can weaken until a blowout results.

Summer temperatures can greatly accelerate this kind of tire wear. The combination of heat buildup inside underinflated tires and the high heat radiating up from the road can increase your chances of a blowout.

Since tires naturally lose about one pound of pressure per square inch each month, check your tire pressure monthly and top it up to the recommended range in your owner's manual, especially in the summer. At the same time, inspect the tread and sidewalls for any bulges, nicks, and other signs of potential weakness.

2. Heat Can Damage Your Engine Oil

The oil in your engine protects it against the extreme heat from combustion and friction. Eventually, though, heat will cause the oil to oxidize and break down. Hot weather speeds up this deterioration. It can also affect the health of the oil filter and seals, cause unwanted gunk to build up in the engine, and raise your risk for an oil leak.

Check your oil level before your next summer road trip, and maintain the habit of checking it periodically. Watch out for any telltale black spots beneath the car that might indicate a leak. Change the oil according to the manufacturer's recommended schedule.

3. Hot Weather Can Shorten Battery Life

Car batteries can provide reliable starting power and general electricity for years at a time. However, the chemical reactions within the battery that make this power possible can suffer from extreme temperatures on both ends of the thermometer. Extreme heat, in particular, can cause your battery to meet a premature demise.

Watch your battery life and performance, especially during the hotter months of the year. Regular auto inspections can reveal any worrying drops in voltage output. Your mechanic can also check the battery terminals, tighten the battery to keep vibrations from hurting its performance, or replace a battery near the end of its lifespan.

4. High Temperatures Can Overwork Your Coolant

The coolant in your car's radiator stabilizes the vehicle's operating temperature range by keeping the radiator's water in liquid form, from the dead of winter to the dog days of summer. The lower or higher ambient temperatures get, the harder the coolant must work to maintain this safe range.

If you let your coolant get too old, dirty, or low, a summertime drive could pose more of a challenge than it can handle, causing your car to overheat quickly. If you see your temperature gauge shoot up past normal levels, pull over immediately and stop the engine. If you see a coolant leak, have the car towed.

You can protect yourself against this unhappy situation by checking your coolant reservoir periodically and adding coolant when the level looks low. Carry some coolant with you on road trips for this purpose. However, you'll still want your mechanic to check for coolant leaks or flush and replace dirty, discolored coolant.

If you find yourself stuck on the side of the road due to a heat-related car breakdown despite your best preventative efforts, contact Hix Wrecker Service Inc. for prompt, professional towing. We'll make sure that your car makes a safe journey to your auto repair shop of choice.

Dos and Don'ts When Your Check Engine Light Comes On

Thu, 27 May 2021 06:26:40 GMT

Your modern car likely has a check engine light. When it lights up, you may need to call a tow company immediately. Or, you may be able to get to a repair shop on your own. Either way, the check engine light indicates a problem that needs prompt attention.

The check engine light usually lights up or flashes when one of your sensors detects a problem with certain parts of your engine. Here are some dos and don'ts when you're on the road and you see your check engine light come on.

Do Pay Attention to the Light

When the check engine light illuminates, don't ignore it. Your car may still run fine, and you may not feel anything has changed. However, that doesn't mean nothing is wrong. For example, if your light has come on simply because you have a bad oxygen sensor, that faulty part could risk damage to your catalytic converter. A catalytic converter costs much more to replace than an oxygen sensor.

Do Pull Over if Needed

Much of the time, you won't need to pull over immediately if your check engine light comes on. However, if you get additional warning signs, like an oil light indicator or battery signal, you may need to stop driving as soon as possible. Some manufacturers make their check engine lights different colors or have them flash to indicate serious problems. If this is the case with your car, you should heed the warning.

Do Check for Simple Solutions

Sometimes, the check engine light comes on for small, easily fixable things. For example, if your gas cap is loose or missing, the light may come on. Pull off the highway and check for small things like a loose gas cap as soon as the light comes on.

Do Have Your Car Diagnosed

If you work on your own car, don't do any work until you have a proper diagnosis. Many mechanics, and some auto parts shops, will diagnose your car with a hand-held scanner. Newer cars will give a specific code that will tell the mechanic exactly which part or circuit needs repair. This tool gives you more information about the seriousness of your problem.

Don't Panic

Many people panic when they see their check engine light come on. However, a check engine light is rarely a life-threatening situation. You should be able to pull over safely within a reasonable time. Just don't drive your car for too long if your light flashes or shows additional warning signs. The worst that is likely to happen is that you'll damage expensive parts.

Don't Skimp on Repairs

Just because your check engine light isn't tied to something serious doesn't mean you can forgo repairing the problem. Some people forgo the repair if the car otherwise runs fine. In addition to the risk of further engine or exhaust damage, however, your car may put out more pollution. If you need an emissions inspection for your vehicle, an active check engine light will immediately cause you to fail the test.

Don't Drive Too Much

Even if your car is drivable, limit driving it as much as possible until you have it repaired. The more you drive, the more chance a minor issue will become a bigger one. A small problem like a bad spark plug can turn into a more serious exhaust or emission issue down the road. Drive too much, and you could end up with a problem that may leave you inconveniently stranded.

Most of the time, the check engine light won't leave you stranded. However, for those rare cases when you have a serious problem, you may need a tow truck to take you to the next repair shop. Hix Wrecker Service can help you if you are unable to drive to a repair shop or back to your home. If you do your own repairs, we can help you find parts as well. Call us anytime, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, if you need a tow.

5 Common Types of Tow Trucks

Wed, 28 Apr 2021 03:58:21 GMT

Tow trucks are special types of equipment that carry disabled, impounded, or scrapped motor vehicle vehicles. Mostly, the trucks move those broken car materials from garages or accident scenes to repair and recovery sites.

Tow trucks transport not only heavy vehicles but also heavy trade goods and farm tools. Tow trucks come in different designs, and according to your needs, you should choose the truck that works for you. Discover the five main types of tow trucks.

1. Flatbed Truck

As the name implies, a flatbed truck comes with a long empty flatbed. The flat surface makes the flatbed truck one of the easiest tow trucks to use because the loading and unloading proceeds are easy. Flatbed trucks do not have any encasements on their sides, but the back part is easy to adjust to facilitate the loading and unloading activities.

Modern flatbed trucks come with an inbuilt hydraulic system at the back part to reduce the offloading efforts. The hydraulic controls the truck's weight by providing signals whenever you add an excessively heavy vehicle. Flatbeds are often the most common types of tow trucks, but the trucks require careful driving because the trucks do not have sideways encasement.

2. Hook-and-Chain Truck

A hook-and-chain truck helps vehicles that get stuck on the road. Hook-and-chain trucks come with a large hook that goes around your car's frame to secure it. After tightly holding your car, the hook-and-chain truck uses a long chain to lift the car or the heavy equipment from the ground to the surface of the tow truck.

The hook-and-chain trucks remove vehicles stuck in the mud or a ditch, or those involved in minor accidents. However, the hooks and the chain may cause slight scratches on your vehicle, depending on how strong the chain holds the car. Nevertheless, a few scratches are better off than allowing your vehicle to stay in the ditch.

3. Integrated Tow Trucks

An integrated tow truck comes with a strong elongated arm that supports the item or the vehicle that you need to carry. Unlike other types of tow trucks, the integrated tow trucks do not carry the load on their inbuilt surfaces but rather push the load using another carrier.

The arm axle's stability entirely depends on the weight of the vehicle or load that you need to carry. If you have a heavy truck or load that needs transportation, you should choose a tow truck with the strongest axle for maximum support.

4. Oversized Tow Trucks

Oversized tow trucks boast a large capacity that can carry more than one vehicle. You can easily spot them on the road by the large collection of cars or boats that the oversized tow trucks take.

You usually do not see oversized tow trucks when your car gets stuck in the middle of the road because oversized car trucks transport large-scale vehicles for commercial purposes. However, you can book these tow trucks when you need to transport many construction equipment types or a fleet of cars.

5. Wheel Lift Trucks

The wheel lift tow trucks are similar to the hook-and-chain trucks, but the wheel lifts hold the vehicle on the wheels. The wheel lift trucks use a large vehicle holder known as the yoke, which captures the car to be transported on the front wheel. The wheel tow truck only supports the front wheels, which means that the towed vehicle moves on the ground with its back wheels.

Do you need to hire a tow truck? Hix Wrecker Service Inc. offers quick and reliable towing services. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our team.

What to Do If Your RV Breaks Down

Fri, 15 Jan 2021 16:08:54 GMT

RVs are a great way to travel with more of the comforts and conveniences of home and avoid costly hotels, but like all vehicles, they do run into trouble on the road from time to time.

Being prepared for what to do if your RV breaks down during your travels will help keep you and your passengers safe and get your home away from home safely back on the road as soon as possible.

Get to Safety

The first priority when your RV breaks down is to get to safety. Get your vehicle as far off the road onto the shoulder as you can while staying a safe distance from ditches so your vehicle doesn't tip over. If the interior of the vehicle is safe, keep people inside the RV with their seat belts secured until help arrives.

It's best to set up reflective cones around your RV until you have it back on the road or towed. Place a large safety cone about 10 feet behind your RV, then place additional cones at 100 and 200 feet behind it to alert motorists to your stopped RV ahead.

Deal With Accidents

If your RV breakdown was due to an accident, it's important to contact emergency services for anyone hurt first, then contact the police to file an accident report. Take as many pictures of your RV, any other involved vehicles, and the scene of the accident as possible.

Get the insurance information from everyone involved so you can file your own insurance claim as quickly as possible.

Assess the Problem

Once your RV is safely off the road and everyone is out of harm's way, you'll need to determine what's wrong with your RV to see if it's something you can manage yourself or if you need to call for help.

You might be able to change a flat or jump-start an RV with a dead battery (if you have another running vehicle to help you), but some RV repairs require an experienced RV mechanic to deal with.

Call for Service

Once you have an idea of what's wrong and have determined you can't solve the problem yourself, it's time to call for service. Make sure to let any services you call know that you're in an RV and give them the size, make, and model. Depending on the size and type of your vehicle, it might require a heavy-duty tow truck like trucks used to tow semis or even two trucks.

Many RV owners opt to pay for national roadside assistance services to make sure they have access to emergency services wherever they travel. If you have roadside assistance, they'll usually arrange for wrecker service, locksmith, mobile mechanic, or whatever you need to get your RV drivable again.

If you don't pay for roadside assistance, it's a good idea to check with a local tow company. Most wrecker services will know which local mechanics and dealers service RVs if you need to have it towed to a mechanic. Campgrounds are other good places to check for information on good RV mechanics in the area.

Preventative Maintenance

Not all breakdowns are preventable, but you can greatly reduce your chances of a breakdown on the road if you perform any scheduled maintenance as directed by the RV manufacturer or warranty company. Many RV warranties require owners to keep up with scheduled oil changes and other maintenance to keep the warranty valid.

Do a thorough inspection on your RV before you head out on a trip, especially if the vehicle has been sitting undriven and/or unlived in for any length of time. Check all fluid levels, including the radiator coolant. Check that the air filter is clean to keep the engine running smoothly.

Examine radiator and heater hoses to check for worn areas, cracks, or holes. Tires should have plenty of tread and be inflated according to the manufacturer. Make sure your emergency kit is stocked with a first aid kit, basic tools, a flashlight, jumper cables, and road flares or cones.

Hix Wrecker Service offers convenient emergency 24/7 towing services throughout the Indianapolis area. Contact us today to see how we can help.

5 Steps to Preparing Your Tires for Winter

Thu, 19 Nov 2020 17:07:10 GMT

Driving in the winter isn't exactly enjoyable. The constant threat of sliding and skidding is nervewracking, especially if you haven't taken the steps to prepare for it.

Along with checking your car's battery, oil, wiper blades, and fluids, make sure to prioritize your tires. After a good wash with high-quality cleaner and proper tools, take these five steps to ensure your tires are ready for winter.

1. Check Tread Depth

Tread refers to the rubber on the circumference of your tires. As the tread wears out, traction is compromised. If your tire tread is worn out past winter requirements, you need to change your tires.

Try this at-home test to check your tire tread. Insert a penny into the grooves of your tire. If Lincoln's head is visible, this means the tread measures under 2/32 of an inch, and the tires won't be able to grip the road sufficiently.

Some professional tools can also accurately measure tread depth. If you have any questions as to whether your tires ought to be replaced, take your car to a shop.

2. Consider Purchasing All-Season or Snow Tires

Snow tires are made of a softer rubber, so they are more flexible in the cold. They also have grooves that are specifically designed to grip slippery surfaces. Snow tires are effective not only in snow but also rain and sleet.

All-season tires are similarly equipped, just not to the same degree. On slippery surfaces, they are only as effective as their tread depth. Your climate will determine whether you ought to invest in all-season or snow tires.

Remember that all-season and snow tires won't eliminate skidding - you still need to drive carefully to avoid accidents. However, they significantly improve traction.

Additionally, consider purchasing a set of rims dedicated to your winter tires. This way, you won't have to remount them every year.

3. Maintain Appropriate Tire Pressure

Properly inflated tires have better contact with the road. This makes them more efficient, and they experience less wear. While you need to keep tires appropriately inflated throughout the year, it is crucial in cold temperatures.

Cool air contracts - so tire pressure will drop when temperatures drop. Remember to check tire pressure throughout the season, as the colder it is, the more extra air your tires will need.

You can check your owner's manual for tire pressure recommendations in every season. You may also find this information in the doorjamb.

4. Check Your Four-Wheel-Drive

Four-wheel-drive supplies power to wheels that need extra power, providing them extra traction on slippery roads. Make sure your four-wheel-drive is working correctly before winter arrives.

Additionally, since you don't use four-wheel-drive throughout the year, you may need to get a refresher on how to use it. Your owner's manual can tell you at what speeds and in what climates four-wheel-drive is recommended.

5. Consider Whether You Need Tire Chains

Tire chains are recommended only in areas that get several inches of snow. In areas where plows regularly clear snow from the roads, chains will not only make for an especially bumpy ride, but they will also damage tires and the surface you are driving on.

If you are in an area where you could benefit from tire chains, learn how to use them before the season changes. Practice laying chains on the ground, driving into them and fastening them by reaching under the car's fender.

Keep in mind that you will need to drive very slowly with chains. You will also need to stop and remove the chains if you turn onto a road that has been plowed. If you do decide to purchase chains, make sure you get the right size for your tires.

OVERHEATING ENGINE? WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Thu, 10 Sep 2020 19:25:35 GMT

An overheating engine is considered a roadside emergency, since continuing to drive the car will usually result in major engine failure. Knowing the basics of why an engine overheats and what you can do about it can help you handle this problem if it happens to you.

Learn Why Engines Overheat

Although many factors can lead to overheating, these are three that are the most likely culprits.

Fan Failure

A fan under your hood helps keep the engine cool when you idling in traffic. If the fan malfunctions, then heat can't dissipate properly, and overheating becomes possible. The fan is often the culprit when a car overheats in traffic, as opposed to overheating when traveling at highway speeds.

Leaks

A leak in your coolant system, such as a crack in the radiator or a burst hose, means that no antifreeze is in the system to help keep the engine cool. Minor leaks may lead to low coolant levels, while a major leak can leave your radiator completely dry.

Water Pump Malfunction

If the water pump goes out, then the coolant can't move through the system. Your antifreeze levels will be at the required level, but the car will still overheat quickly whenever you try to drive it.

Discover What Precautions to Take

Knowing a few things about overheating before it occurs can help you avoid major engine damage. A little knowledge makes it easier to not just spot a problem but also to deal with it when you are stranded on the side of the road.

Learn the Signs

The most obvious sign of an overheating engine is a rising temperature gauge, especially if the check engine light also comes on. Smoky steam coming from under the hood means that the coolant has bubbled out of the radiator and that you need to pull over immediately - or major engine damage may occur.

Stock Supplies

If your car overheats, the following supplies may get you safely to a repair shop. Heavy gloves or a thick rag are a must because the radiator cap will be hot. Goggles are also useful to protect your eyes from any steam. Keep a 50:50 mix of coolant and water in a jug in the car, but you can use just plain water in a pinch. A quart of oil can also be helpful, since low oil levels can lead to engine overheating.

Know the Emergency Steps

Once the temperature gauge rises, you must act quickly to prevent major engine damages. Three steps may get you back on the road.

Divert the Heat

Sometimes, you can't safely pull over right away. In this case, turn on your car's heater as soon as you notice the temperature increasing on the gauge. The heater in a car works by actually pulls heat away from the engine, which can help keep it cool until you can pull over.

Cool It Down

For the sake of safety, you must wait after you are able to pull off the road. The steam and heat from an overheating radiator and engine can cause severe burns. Wait several minutes so that most of the steam stops, then open the hood cautiously so you don't get a steam burn from any trapped heat. Use heavy gloves or a thick rag to test the radiator cap to see if it is cool enough to remove.

Top It Off

Once you can safely remove the cap, you can then add coolant or clean water to the radiator to top it off. Once you have done so, you must watch the temperature gauge in the car and wait until it is back in the safe zone before attempting to drive slowly and cautiously to a mechanic.

In some cases, you won't be able to move the car after overheating, such as when the radiator won't hold coolant or if engine damage has occurred. If this occurs, then call Hix Wrecker Service for more assistance.

PRACTICAL CAR ENGINE MAINTENANCE TIPS TO KEEP IN MIND

Fri, 10 Jul 2020 15:37:20 GMT

The engine is a critical part of your vehicle, and it requires proper care and maintenance. Most cars break down on the road due to engine problems. If you don't want to get stuck on the highway due to car engine failure, you need to pay attention to the early warning signs such as engine light and loud noises. You also need to adhere to the recommended auto service schedule.

Discover the top car engine maintenance tips you should keep in mind.

Change Engine Oil Regularly

The engine oil lubricates car parts so that they can work effectively. However, the oil may collect sediments and other dirt particles in the process. These particles often cause friction, which leads to mechanical wear. Also, a typical buildup of carbon deposits on the engine could affect your vehicle's performance. Thus, you should change your oil often to enhance engine efficiency.

Change the oil once every three months or after driving after several thousand miles. Use an oil filter in your engine to reduce the rate of dirt accumulation and change the filter after the buildup of debris.

Other than changing the engine oil, you should regularly check the oil levels with a dipstick. Engine oil reduces over time since some of it burns off or degrades. Always check the oil levels and refill when necessary so that your engine has enough to lubricate its moving components.

Clean the Air Filters

Your engine runs for as long as you are on the road. Therefore, it needs to breathe to reduce the chances of developing mechanical problems. Clean your air filters often to allow enough air in. If they are clogged beyond a cleanup, then change them.

Check for Leakage

Always inspect your car for signs of leaks before you hit the road. Check your parking spot for drops of oil or antifreeze. You could even smell these fluids even before you see them.

If you detect leaks, get professional help to cover seals that might have broken. Fluids may leak out to the sensitive components of the engine, which can lead to failure, and thus you need to act accordingly on time.

Refill Your Coolant

A car engine has a cooling system that helps prevent overheating. One of the critical components of the cooling system is the coolant. Due to the impact of combustion, coolant levels can get low and cause your engine to overheat.

Ensure that the coolant level is above the minimum mark and below the maximum mark. Add a 1:1 ratio of coolant and water to refill up to the recommended range.

Inspect Your Rubber Belts

The rubber belts transfer power from the engine to the steering, alternator, cooling fan, and AC. Therefore, make sure that these belts are in good shape and don't have mechanical wear. If they have damage, they may cause harm to the engine or other components since they are directly connected to them.

If one of the belts breaks when the engine is running, it can result in severe engine problems. Thus, you should check all rubber belts regularly to protect your engine.

Don't Drive on Low Gas

Gasoline contains various sediments that accumulate at the bottom of your gas tank. After you have used the car for a long time, the buildup will be enormous. If you drive on low gas, therefore, the sediment may also be pulled to the fuel pump.

Some sediment can pass through the filters and damage the engine or increase wear and tear. Always fill your gas tank to a higher level to protect your engine.

Despite observing the above maintenance tips, engine failures can still occur due to unforeseen problems. Our company offers reliable roadside assistance and towing services. If your car breaks down, we can come to your rescue. Contact us for quality services.

CAR ISSUES THAT SHOULD ALERT YOU TO PULL OVER

Wed, 13 May 2020 15:53:40 GMT

You probably know to pull off the road when an emergency vehicle passes in the opposite lane, when a policeman instructs you to leave the lane, or when foul weather makes visibility impossible. However, you should also recognize when a vehicular problem alerts you to stop driving immediately and seek assistance.

Some mechanical issues may not present an imminent threat, while others can seriously damage your car within minutes if you keep driving despite the warning signs. Here are some signals that you need to pull over and contact a towing company from the safety of the shoulder.

Dashboard Warnings

Your dashboard lights and gauges may serve as your first (or only) warning that you have a serious mechanical problem in the making. Most commonly, you may see your check engine light come on. This light means that your car's computer has detected some sort of malfunction.

A solid check engine light doesn't necessarily indicate an emergency, but it does mean that you need to take your car to the nearest auto shop for an inspection as soon as you reasonably can. By contrast, a flashing check engine light may mean a catastrophic failure or potential fire hazard. Stop driving the car immediately.

Your temperature and oil indicators may also warn you of an urgent problem. If your oil light comes on or the pressure level suddenly drops, you need to pull over before you destroy engine components. A temperature gauge needle rising into the red zone usually means a dangerous overheating issue.

Smoke or Steam

If your temperature gauge fails to get your attention regarding an imminent cooling system failure, steam coming out of your hood sends an undeniable message to pull over. If you keep driving on an overheated engine, you can damage your car's pistons or other critical engine components.

Smoke coming from beneath your hood also signals an immediate need to pull over. In the worst-case scenario, your engine may actually have caught fire. If the smoke smells like fuel, you may have a serious fuel system malfunction. Black tailpipe smoke usually indicates a less-urgent fuel or emissions system problem.

Sudden, Abnormal Noises

Vehicles normally make a variety of noises when in motion, but a sudden, loud, unfamiliar noise merits immediate attention. If you hear an isolated banging noise, for instance, pull over and examine your car for issues such as a blown-out tire or ejected spark plug.

A roaring noise coming from somewhere under the driver's seat often indicates a leaking exhaust manifold. Even if other aspects of the car's performance seem normal, you should treat this symptom as a potential emergency. Continued driving under such conditions might expose you to harmful or fatal amounts of carbon monoxide.

Bear in mind that you might not hear certain automotive noises if you always drive with your stereo at high volume. Get into the habit of driving without the audio system engaged from time to time, just to catch any odd noises that may spell trouble.

Sudden Loss of Steering Control

When you lose control of your vehicle on a patch or water or ice, careful steering and braking responses can help you regain normal control of your vehicle. However, if you suddenly lose control on dry ground for no good reason, you may have blown a tire.

Resist the urge to drive on the flattened tire to the nearest auto shop. Driving on an unprotected wheel can damage the wheel and other suspension components. If you can't restore air pressure to the tire or change the tire yourself, schedule a towing service and wait for the tow truck to arrive.

If you suddenly find your car extremely difficult to steer, you may have lost your power steering due to a fluid leak or mechanical failure. While you might manage to keep driving anyway, the loss of maneuverability makes you vulnerable to accidents. Keep yourself and your occupants safe by scheduling a tow instead.

When an unexpected vehicular problem runs you off the road, Hix Wrecker Service can come to your rescue. Contact us to request towing services from any of our locations.

THE TOP REASONS DRIVERS NEED A TOW TRUCK

Tue, 17 Mar 2020 17:16:22 GMT

Why would you need a tow? While no motorist wants to call a tow truck, sometimes this service is unavoidable. Prep for the unexpected, and take a look at the top reasons to call a tow truck.

Auto Accident

A collision with another car, tree, or building can leave your car completely or partially not drivable. Obvious issues, such as a crushed car body or an engine that won't turn over, make it impossible to drive after an accident. But these aren't the only potential problems that warrant a tow. Call for a post-collision tow if you have:

Wheel or tire damage. Flat or sliced tires, bent wheels, or misalignment can cause a secondary crash if you attempt to drive. If the problem extends beyond a simple tire change, you'll need a tow.
A fluid leak. Any fluid leak could pose a serious safety hazard. Whether that leak is gas, oil, or brake fluid, don't drive your car. You need a tow truck to transport the car to the mechanic or collision center for you.
A new engine light on. If your engine light suddenly turns on after the crash, let a tow truck driver take over.
Missing or broken signals. You can't legally turn without signaling first. Beyond the legal issue, this is also a safety hazard. If the accident damaged the lights or signals, you can't drive it to the mechanic yourself.
Loose parts. If anything is loose, rattling, or seems like it might fall off, call for a tow. A bumper or piece of metal could cause an accident if it falls off as you drive.
Along with these issues, anything that impacts your ability to safely turn or brake requires a tow. If your car shakes, shimmies, smokes, or won't move in a straight line, don't drive it.

Total Breakdown

Your turn the key or press the ignition and nothing happens. Provided a jump doesn't start the battery, you'll likely need a tow. The top causes of breakdowns include:

Transmission trouble. Age-related wear or failure to fix an existing issue can cause transmission failure. If your car makes strange sounds, has performance problems, or jerks out of gear, transmission trouble may result in a breakdown.
Engine issues. Overheating, broken hoses, or damaged belts can result in a breakdown that requires a tow.
Battery failure. While a jumpstart can recharge a low battery, it won't fix the problem in every case. If your battery is completely drained or another issue exists (such as a faulty or corroded connection) at fault, you may need a tow.
No gas. Did you forget to put gas in the tank? If a gas station isn't nearby, and you don't have someone to bring you a container of the fuel, you'll need a tow.

Some breakdowns have no apparent cause - that is, unless you're a mechanic or have expert-level car knowledge. If the transmission works well, your car hasn't overheated, the battery is charged, and you remembered to fill the tank with gas, but the car still won't start, you'll need a tow.

Tire Problems

A flat tire doesn't always require a tow. Even if you don't know how to change the tire, a roadside assistance service provider can help to remove and replace it (with your spare). But this doesn't mean every flat or damaged tire issue is fixable without additional help.

While some tire problems are the result of a collision or road hazard, others happen after time or wear. If you don't have a spare or the alignment is off, a tow is in order.

Do you need a tow? Contact Hix Wrecker Service, Inc. , for more information.

MUST-HAVE WINTERTIME CAR EMERGENCY SUPPLIES FOR FAMILIES

Thu, 23 Jan 2020 17:21:07 GMT

Wintertime driving can differ from summertime driving and presents many challenges with ice, snow, and sub-zero temperatures. An unexpected emergency may force you to spend time in your car. Your car may slide off the roadway or become trapped or stranded for a few hours or even days in more remote areas.

The best way to prepare your family for a winter driving emergency is to stock your car with an emergency kit. A few necessary supplies can help your family get out of a bad situation or wait comfortably until help arrives. Take a look at these must-have wintertime car emergency supplies for your family.

Portable Air Compressor

A battery-operated or rechargeable portable air compressor is a quick way to inflate a tire in a pinch when you're away from home. Some units resemble a cordless drill or have an optional electrical plug for when you are at home. Look for a unit that can also perform other necessities like jump-start a dead battery or charge a phone via a USB port. These features increase its usefulness and negate the need to carry jumper cables.

Traction Aids

Chains that increase your traction in snow and ice are a must when snowfall accumulates and your car gets stuck. If you don't have tire chains, other methods can help your car out of a slick spot. Pour a bag of cat litter or sand beneath your tires to improve traction.

Road Flares

Include a few road flares as part of your kit for when you need to bring attention to a stuck or disabled car. Their bright light is visible against snow and ice in both daytime and nighttime conditions. You can place flares nearby to show distress and to attract help.

Flashlight and Extra Batteries

Dire situations require a flashlight to improve visibility as you perform necessary emergency tasks like change a tire or add chains. A flashlight can signal for help or assist you if walking for help in the dark becomes a necessity. Any children with you often find its steady light a source of comfort and even entertainment during an anxious wait for help.

Extra batteries provide an essential backup for those already in your flashlight that may weaken over time.

Warm Clothing

You may become stranded in very cold weather. If you cannot rely on the car's heater for warmth, you'll be glad you have warm clothing or blankets for your family. Include gloves, hats, and extra socks to build protective warm layers for better insulation.

Food

Food will sustain your family if you are stranded on the road in your car. Pick temperature stable foods with very little moisture content so they store well for long periods. Make sure picky family members enjoy the food you store. Food with better nutrient and caloric content include:

Nuts, seeds, trail mix, and granola
Energy bars
Dried fruit
Crackers and pretzels
Beef jerky

Remember to check expiration dates, and rotate your food storage regularly for use throughout the year for times you're stuck in a traffic jam, during errands, after school, and after exercise.

Other Essentials

Each family has individual needs that need to be met even during emergencies. Include other essential supplies for your family like diapers, formula, medication, and pet food. Children need comfort and familiarity during a crisis, so include items to help them cope and occupy their minds like toys, a stuffed animal, or books.

Good preparation will help your family during a roadside emergency until assistance arrives. Be sure to include in your kit contact information for Hix Wrecker Service, Inc. , for help when your car is disabled in winter weather.

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR CAR BREAKS DOWN ON THE ROAD

Sun, 10 Nov 2019 17:27:33 GMT

At some point in your life, you will most likely experience a break down with your vehicle and have to decide what to do. You should be prepared for any emergency. If you know what to do when your car breaks down, you can stay safe and address the car's problems effectively.

GET OFF THE ROAD

At the first sign of a breakdown, get the car off the road and to a safe place. You may not be able to drive very far with the car, but if the road has a shoulder, use it. The further off the road you can get, the safer the situation will be.

If your car breaks down on a corner, try to move the car off the corner. It is harder for oncoming traffic to see you on a corner, and this is worse at night. If you are on a highway, try to get off an exit if there is one close. If there is not an exit near you, get as far off the road as you can.

ALERT ONCOMING TRAFFIC

One of the best ways to keep from getting hit on the side of the road is to let people know you are there. Carrying some roadside reflective triangles is a good practice. If you break down, place the triangles on the shoulder about ten feet behind your car to let drivers know you are there. If you have additional triangles, place them one to two hundred feet behind the car for early warning to other drivers.

Turn on your emergency flashers to get other motorist's attention, and hang a white cloth on the driver's window to signal that the car is not functional. You may also want to open the hood. An open hood is a universal sign of a disabled vehicle and can help alert drivers as they approach.

CALL FOR HELP

Sometimes you can call a family member for help with your car repair, but more than likely you are going to need a tow company to come and move the car off the road. If you have a regular mechanic that you use, call them first and see if they can come get your car. If you don't have a preferred shop, you can call any local tow company to come assist you.

If you are a member of an auto club or roadside assistance club, call them. The club can help arrange a tow for you, and many times it is covered by the club, not you. You may want to look under the hood and see if you can tell what is wrong so you can let the tow company know when you call them.

If you don't know anything about cars, you might be better to let the tow operator look at the car when they arrive.

SEEK REPAIRS

While people commonly try to fix their car road side, you should not. You can't see traffic coming at you while you under the hood or working under the car. Even if the repair is very minor, get the car off the road before you attempt any repairs.

You may be able to push the car into a parking lot or onto a side road and make it safer to work on the car, but pushing the car can be dangerous, so use caution if you try this.

At Hix Wrecker Service, Inc. , we have over 50 years of experience in the towing business. We can help get your car off the road, change a tire, handle lockouts, or tow your car to the repair shop for you. Give us a call and we will send a truck out right away and get your car home safely.

6 ITEMS YOU SHOULD ALWAYS KEEP IN YOUR CAR

Tue, 10 Sep 2019 17:31:08 GMT

No one plans for their car to break down, but you should be prepared. While there are many items you can or should keep in your care, there are some that can literally save your life. If you want to better protect yourself when driving, check out these six items you should always keep in your car.

1. Jumper Cables

Jumper cables can be used to restart your battery if it dies. Of course, you can only use them if there is another car around that can provide the power. With jumper cables, you may not even need to contact a tow service to take your car to the shop, saving you money and time.

As an added benefit, if you happen to come across someone with a dead battery, you can use your own jumper cables to help them if they don't have any.

2. Seat Belt Cutter/Glass Breaker

Seat belts are designed for safety, but if they get stuck, they may pose a threat. For example, if you crash into a lake and the seatbelt won't unlock, you can drown. With a seatbelt cutter, however, you can just cut yourself free.

If you are in water, however, it may be impossible to open the door and/or roll down the windows. Luckily, most seat belt cutters also come with a glass breaker, which you can use to escape. If you don't have a glass breaker, the headrest can often be removed and used instead.

3. Flashlight

A flashlight is another must-have. If your car breaks down at night, you may need power to fix the car or find help. A basic flashlight is fine, but remember to carry spare batteries too. Instead, however, a crank flashlight may be a better choice. These allow you to twist a crank for power, so you don't need to worry about batteries.

These crank flashlights may also have a crank radio attached. This is a great way to find out what's going on. For example, if a natural disaster caused your car to crash, you can use the radio to see how severe the damage was.

4. Spare Tire

One of the most basic items everyone should keep in their car is a spare tire. Tires are durable, but they eventually wear down. Plus, you never know when you might run over a nail or other item that may pop a tire. Keeping a spare tire in your car allows you to replace the damaged tire and keep driving. Again, this can save you money and time.

If you don't have the right tools, however, the spare tire is useless. You need to keep a car jack and lug wrench, so you can actually replace the tire.

5. First Aid Kit

If you do get into an accident, help may not arrive immediately, so it's important to keep a basic first aid kit with you. While you can't fix broken bones with it, you can clean and bandage wounds while you wait for help.

Your first aid kit should come with different types of bandages, adhesive tape, antibiotic ointment, hydrocortisone cream, sunscreen, cotton balls, tweezers, gloves, etc. if you have special needs, such as medication, keep some in the first aid kit too, and make sure to replace it before it expires.

6. Traction Mat

A traction mat is a device that can help provide traction when you get stuck in the snow or mud. You simply place it under the tires. The tires grip it like they do the road to pull the vehicle out of the snow or mud.

If you can't afford a traction mat, you can also use kitty litter. Just keep a bag of litter in your vehicle, and if you get stuck, pour it by the tires. The grit will help provide some grip and traction.

With these necessary items, your driving trips will be much safer. Of course, in some cases, you simply need help from a tow service to take your car home or to the shop. If you would like to know more about towing services, contact us at Hix Wrecker Service.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE LOCKED OUT OF YOUR VEHICLE

Mon, 12 Aug 2019 17:34:55 GMT

Getting locked out of your vehicle can be a frustrating experience. However, the best thing you can do is stay calm and follow the steps below.

CALL FOR PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE

If you have your phone on you, call your roadside assistance program or local towing company. Let them know where you are. If you do not know the exact address, provide information about the nearest intersection or landmark.

They will then send a lockout professional who has the training and skill to get into your vehicle and retrieve your keys without damaging the vehicle. If you are located within the city limits and are not somewhere remote, help should be able to get to you within the hour.

EVALUATE YOUR SAFETY

Check and make sure you are in a safe situation. Is your car parked somewhere well-lit or dark? Is your car somewhere isolated or public? Are you parked on the street or in the parking lot of a public business? Is the weather nice outside or is the weather poor?

If your car is parked in a dark or isolated area, find a nearby public space where you can wait for the lockout service to arrive. If the weather is bad outside, find some cover. Call the towing company and let them know where you are so they can locate you when they get to where your vehicle is.

If you think you are in danger, call 911 and see if a dispatch unit can be sent to your location.

BE CAREFUL WITH YOUR VALUABLES

While you are waiting for the lockout service, be careful with any valuables you have on your person. Secure your wallet, jewelry, and smartphone inside of your purse or pockets.

DECLINE HELP FROM OTHERS

If you are locked out of your vehicle in a public area, such as the parking lot of a grocery store or a gas station, others may offer you assistance while you wait. Decline assistance from well-meaning individuals who offer to help you get back into your vehicle.

Although they may know tricks for getting into a locked out vehicle, this does not mean they will be able to get into your vehicle without causing any damage. If they cause damage to your vehicle, you are responsible for the damage.

Wait for a trained professional to arrive who will be able to get you back into your vehicle without causing additional damage along the way.

CHANGE YOUR HABITS

If getting locked out of your vehicle is something that occurs on a regular basis for you, you should likely change your habits.

When you take your keys out of the ignition, have one place where you always put your keys. For example, you could immediately put your keys inside of your purse or in your pocket, or you could clip them to your clothing. Developing this habit will help you stop the lockout cycle you are in.

You can also make sure a friend or family member who you trust has an extra copy of your keys. That way, if you get locked out in the future, you can call them to bring the spare set of keys and let you into your vehicle. You should always open your car with a set of keys if possible.

If you find yourself locked out, please give us a call at Hix Wrecker Service, Inc. , right away. We know the importance of speed in these stressful situations, so we will get to your location as fast as we can and get your keys out of the vehicle without damaging it. We look forward to speaking with you.

TIPS FOR HAVING YOUR CAR TOWED AFTER A CRASH

Mon, 17 Jun 2019 17:40:37 GMT

A car accident can be an emotionally and physically difficult event. The dynamics of a car crash often make it difficult to think clearly or strategically. One vital element of the post-crash scene includes calling for the assistance of a tow truck. Here's what to know now to better prepare you for a tow in the event of a car crash.

DETERMINE WHETHER YOU NEED A TOW TRUCK

Chances are your car is not drivable after a medium to large car crash. Damage to areas of the car that impede the motion of your tires prohibits a safe drive. Extensive damage that impacts the mechanics of your car won't allow an engine to start and move.

Your car may still run even with little visible damage, but this does not mean you should drive it. Broken headlights, blinkers, and other safety lights mean your car is not very visible and should stay put. A cracked or broken windshield or missing mirrors are a danger to your ability to safely see.

You also should not drive when other safety features on your car are compromised, such as a dangling bumper or missing windshield wipers.

If your car is safe to drive, then you probably won't need a tow truck. However, let this accident be a lesson to double check that you have a few names and phone numbers of reputable towing companies on hand for future reference.

STICK TO YOUR TOWING COMPANY OF CHOICE

If your vehicle is not drivable, it's time to make the phone call to request a tow truck. You can ask the police for a list of available tow services in the area, or ask your insurance company for a referral. Sometimes referrals simplify the process of billing or reimbursement, but this does not mean the company is right for you.

You already keep your driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of auto insurance handy in your glove compartment. Make it a practice to keep the name and phone number of a reputable towing company handy as well. Take the time to read reviews, if any, to help you in your choice.

DECIDE WHERE TO TOW YOUR DAMAGED CAR

The variety of destination options makes the decision of where to tow your damaged car confusing. Unless you're emotionally or physically unable to inform the tow truck driver, you do have a say in where the car ends up. Unless you specify, the driver will probably take the car to their tow yard.

Otherwise, it's best to have the driver tow your car to your shop of choice. Even if the car appears totaled, still insist on a mechanic or body shop over salvage yard. This way, the insurance adjustor can make the decision to move it to salvage if the car is indeed totaled. Restorative work or repairs can begin sooner when the car is already at the shop.

KNOW WHAT TO DO WHEN THE TOW TRUCK ARRIVES

Before the tow truck arrives at the scene of the accident, you have some preparation to do. First, take pictures of all the damage to the car to give you a record of evidence. Include the interior of the vehicle to show the presence and condition of items like an upgraded stereo, expensive floor mats, or steering wheel cover.

Next, remove everything personal and of value you can't afford to lose in case of theft. You don't know how long the car may sit at the shop, or the vehicle locks may not work properly. Empty the glove box entirely, and check the trunk as well as other storage spaces.

Hix Wrecker Service, Inc., is a reputable towing company that strives to meet all your towing expectations and will tow your crashed car anywhere you desire. Call us and ask us why you need our name and phone number in your glove box for future tows.

DRIVING HABITS THAT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF AN ACCIDENT

Wed, 24 Apr 2019 17:44:42 GMT

While you may like to think that if you were in any type of auto accident that it wouldn't be you at fault, someone will be at fault and it may be you if you have certain habits. You can learn about some of the things that lead to many accidents here. If you are guilty of any of these things, then you should stop those habits to decrease your odds of being involved in an accident.

TEXTING AND DRIVING

Texting while driving has been found to account for one out of every four automobile accidents in the US. In fact, driving a car while texting puts someone more at risk of an accident than driving while intoxicated by 3.6 times. While using a cell phone at all greatly increases the risk of accidents, texting poses the biggest threat due to the amount of time a person's eyes are taken off the road when texting.

If you know the urge to take a call or peek at a text message is difficult for you to pass up, then turn your phone off while you are driving and turn the phone back on when you get safely to where you are going.

Another thing that may help is leaving the phone in the back seat, where you know you won't be able to reach the phone while driving. This lets you know you have a call to check when safely pulled over and prevents you from thinking about answering.

DISTRACTED DRIVING

Distracted driving includes things such as putting on makeup, putting out a cigarette, reaching for something in the console of the car, and eating and drinking while driving. A survey done in 2014 found that the distraction of eating and drinking while driving will make you 3.6 times more likely to have an automobile accident than someone who is not distracted while on the road.

If you know you are going to want to eat before you reach your destination, then pull off at a safe location and eat. If you are on a long drive and will need to drink while driving, put your drink into a container with a tall straw. Set the container in the easiest-to-reach cup holder. This way, you can reach for the container and drink without taking your eyes off the road.

SPEEDING

Not only can speeding get you a hefty fine to pay but speeding also increases your chances of being involved in an auto accident. Speeding was a factor in over a quarter of all traffic accident related deaths in 2017.

If you are driving more than the posted speed limit for the road or highway you are on, then you are speeding. When you speed, you are more likely to lose control of your automobile, you will not have enough time to react to hazards safely, and you have an increased risk of the accident being more serious.

You may end up unintentionally speeding because you aren't paying attention. Also, you can do some things to lessen the likeliness of you feeling the desire to speed.

These things include making sure you leave with plenty of time to make it to your designation, always pay attention to posted speed limit signs, and set cruise control to the posted speed when driving in conditions where using cruise control would be safe.

WHEN YOU NEED HELP

If you have been involved in an accident and you need a tow, contact us . Not only can we help to tow your car to your home or the mechanic shop where you plan on having it repaired, but we can also take care of your automobile wrecking needs if your car is considered a loss.