You never want to have to call for tow services right after you’ve bought a car, but for owners of the following cars, this may become a reality.
According to Consumer Reports’ 2015 reliability survey, certain makes and models cause more trouble than others, whether it’s one recurring problem or a host of little issues that add up over time.
If you own one of these five cars, maybe you’re just as dissatisfied as some of the car owners surveyed.
Read MoreHeavy duty hauling isn’t easy, and it won’t magically be done correctly by just any company you hire. It takes dedication, attention to detail and years of experience to flawlessly complete a heavy duty hauling job.
Here are four steps that must be included in order for large, heavy and oversized equipment to be successfully transported any distance:
Read MoreUtah’s Highway 6 has claimed hundreds of lives in the past few decades. Its curves, narrow shoulders and lack of a divider has directly contributed to the carnage.
Highway 6 is the main connector for Interstates 15 and 70, helping truckers get from Salt Lake City to Denver more quickly, and it’s also the main road for travelers headed to southeastern Utah and all the national parks found in the region.
Read MoreWaiting for a tow truck can be boring, but don’t let that boredom give you any ideas. After a car breakdown, it’s vital to remember that if you stay smart, you will stay safe.
Here are four things NOT to do when you’re on the roadside waiting for rescue:
Read MoreAn accurate, detailed towing invoice is essential for your records, for insurance reimbursement and for documentation in case you need to contest charges. Some charges listed on your towing invoice may even be required by law.
Make sure your tow truck driver gives you a receipt with the following six pieces of information included:
Read MoreCommercial truck drivers have a difficult, dangerous job. They have to transport heavy, sometimes hazardous cargo across long distances through every type of weather. It can be perilous.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 438,000 large trucks were involved in crashes in 2014, 3,903 people were killed and 111,000 people were injured.
How can commercial truck drivers increase their safety and the safety of other motorists? Here are five guidelines to help:
Read MoreDrowsy driving is a serious threat even by conservative estimates.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 72,000 crashes, 44,000 injuries and 800 fatalities were caused by drowsy driving in 2013. These figures are likely lower than the actual numbers, since researchers rely mainly on self-reporting by the drivers, but they also can look for clues in accident reports.
Drowsy driving accidents are characterized by no signs of braking, no passengers present in the vehicle and the vehicle driving off the road at a high rate of speed, usually in a remote location. Some research methodology shows drowsy driving may be a much bigger problem than the conservative approximations show, with as many as 1.2 million crashes caused by this issue every year.
If you’ve ever found yourself blinking fast to keep your eyes open behind the wheel, you need to adopt these six strategies for staying awake, alert and safe while driving:
Read MoreTeen drivers are among the most at-risk on the road. As a parent, you’re hoping that educating your teens on safe driving behavior will help protect them from harm.
What should you say to the teen drivers in your life to prevent accidents, injuries and fatalities?
Read MoreFinding a commercial towing company that can serve your business’ individual needs isn’t easy. They must have the equipment, professionalism and training to meet your company’s needs, and offer it all at the right price.
Before you sign a contract with a commercial towing company for your business’ fleet, you should get a quote detailing costs and services.
Read MoreChoosing a truck for towing your boat, ATVs or camper is a complex process.
It’s hard to recommend one specific truck for towing, because everyone has different driving and towing habits. You must evaluate what you’re primarily going to use the truck for and how often you will need it to take on a heavy load.
Ask yourself these questions to narrow down your purchasing options before you visit a dealer.
Read MoreWhen you’re renting a vehicle and it breaks down, immediate rental car towing helps minimize the risk of additional vehicle damage and lowers the chances you will be held financially liable for the car’s problems. Also, if you’re renting a car, you’re probably on a trip. Whether it’s for business or pleasure, who wants to spend any traveling excursion on the side of the road?
Read MoreHeavy hauling isn’t a task you can leave to just anybody. Get a professional to handle the project, so you don’t wind up with damaged cargo or fines from state or local authorities.
Heavy hauling is necessary for any load considered oversized — those exceeding the legal dimensions of the roadway. Whether you’re transporting a mobile home or construction equipment, you should make sure the company can handle all the tasks before you hire them for the job.
Read MoreWhen you need towing, it can completely derail your plans for the day. You may be late to work, have to explain your car issues to your boss and end up with a headache. It’s not the best way to spend your morning, or worse, your evening, especially if it means less time relaxing after a long day.
The good news is you won’t need towing (hopefully) if you stay on top of your car’s maintenance. Preventive service keeps your vehicle running and minimizes the chances of surprise problems.
Here are five ways you can take care of your car:
If your car suffers engine belt failure, it will need to be towed to the closest mechanic — you won’t be able to fix it on the roadside.
Why does an engine belt slip off, crack or break?
Read MoreIf you learn new ways to improve gas mileage, you could bank significant savings this summer.
When your car is your main mode of summer travel, finding ways to cut the fuel bill can give you extra money for dining out and exploring at your destination.
Here are the top suggestions on how to improve gas mileage and fatten your wallet in the summertime:
Read MoreYour car won’t start and you need to be at work on time for an important meeting. Don’t panic.
You might not be feeling positive when you’re stuck and you’ve got someplace to be, but if you have a reliable tow service on call that’s always at the ready, you have the resources you need to turn your day around.
And by finding out why your car won’t start, you can get your vehicle repaired quickly and get back on the road faster.
Here are four common reasons your engine won’t turn over when you need it to:
Read MoreRemember to find out which cars have 5-star safety ratings when you’re shopping for a new vehicle.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests models and ranks each vehicle according to how it performs. Five stars is the highest NHTSA rating. Other organizations also test the safety performance of cars, such as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
It’s easy to forget about safety and focus more on gas mileage and functionality, but you shouldn’t settle for any vehicle that has less than a 5-star safety rating.
Here are the top five reasons a 5-star safety rating is important:
Read MoreWhen is towing illegal and how do you know if you have a valid complaint?
It’s more than frustrating when you return to where you parked and your car is gone — it can make you angry, especially if you believe you followed parking rules closely.
Predatory, illegal towing is a common problem in many states and cities, and local governments have been passing laws to limit the practice and regulate the towing industry, especially when it comes to non-consent tows.
Here is what you need to know if you think you’re on the right side of the law and believe you have a reason to be upset over illegal towing:
Read MoreWhen you find yourself stranded on the roadside, you probably assume you need towing. Depending on the issue, you might be right.
But before you call a tow service, it’s smart to double check: Does your car problem actually require towing, or could a quick fix help you continue on your way?
Read MoreTowing specifications tell you how much weight is safe for your vehicle to haul. It’s not simply a suggestion, it’s a strict rule.
When you exceed the towing capacity, you risk damaging your engine, brakes and transmission, and voiding any manufacturer’s warranty coverage.
Towing specifications provide guidance when you’re trying to figure out what size hitch to buy or when you’re determining whether your boat, trailer or camper is within the weight regulations. As a responsible car owner focused on maintenance and roadway safety, you need to know your vehicle’s towing specifications. Where can you find them?
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