In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the common extreme weather conditions that affect roadside assistance, the strategies our team employs to adapt, and the importance of driver preparedness. Remember, when you’re caught in the midst of extreme weather and need a helping hand, Reliable Guys Towing Service is just a phone call away at (314) 325-1016.

Common Extreme Weather Conditions Affecting Roadside Assistance

Heatwaves and Extreme Temperatures

Heatwaves and extreme temperatures can take a toll on vehicles and roadside assistance equipment. High temperatures can cause tire blowouts, engine overheating, and battery failures, leading to an increase in stranded drivers. These conditions also pose risks to the health and safety of both drivers and roadside assistance providers, who may face heat exhaustion or heatstroke while working in the scorching sun.

Heavy Rain, Thunderstorms, and Flooding

Heavy rain, thunderstorms, and flooding can create visibility issues and road hazards, making it challenging for roadside assistance teams to reach stranded vehicles. Flooded roads may be impassable, forcing providers to find alternative routes or wait until the water recedes. These conditions also increase the risk of hydroplaning and accidents, further complicating the work of roadside assistance teams.

Snow, Ice, and Blizzards

Snow, ice, and blizzards can create treacherous road conditions and increase the number of accidents, making it difficult for roadside assistance providers to access and tow vehicles. Cold temperatures can also cause vehicle issues, such as dead batteries and frozen fuel lines. Roadside assistance teams must take extra precautions to ensure their own safety and the safety of stranded drivers in these harsh conditions.

High Winds, Hurricanes, and Tornadoes

High winds, hurricanes, and tornadoes can cause debris to accumulate on roads and lead to structural damage, creating safety concerns for roadside assistance teams. In some cases, providers may need to suspend services temporarily until the danger has passed. These extreme weather events require a coordinated response from roadside assistance providers, local authorities, and emergency services.

How Roadside Assistance Providers Adapt to Extreme Weather

Specialized Training for Roadside Assistance Teams

At Reliable Guys Towing Service, our roadside assistance teams undergo specialized training to handle vehicles in severe weather conditions. This training ensures that our technicians can safely and effectively assist stranded drivers while also protecting their own well-being. We emphasize the importance of staying alert, assessing the situation, and making informed decisions to ensure the best possible outcome.

Investing in Weather-Resistant Equipment and Vehicles

To better serve our customers during extreme weather, we invest in weather-resistant equipment and vehicles. Our tow trucks and recovery vehicles are designed to withstand harsh conditions, ensuring that we can reach stranded drivers even in the most challenging circumstances. When necessary, we also utilize all-terrain vehicles to access remote or hard-to-reach locations.

Enhancing Communication and Coordination

Effective communication and coordination are critical when providing roadside assistance in extreme weather conditions. We maintain close contact with weather monitoring agencies to stay informed about potential hazards and adjust our operations accordingly. Our team also works closely with local authorities and emergency services to ensure a swift and coordinated response when needed.

Implementing Contingency Plans and Protocols

To manage the increased demand for extreme weather roadside assistance , we implement contingency plans and protocols. This may involve prioritizing assistance based on the severity and urgency of each situation, adjusting service areas, and extending response times as needed. By remaining flexible and adaptable, we can continue to provide essential services to our customers even in the face of adversity.

The Importance of Driver Preparedness in Extreme Weather

Maintaining Vehicles in Optimal Condition

While roadside assistance providers play a crucial role in helping drivers during extreme weather, it’s equally important for drivers to take proactive steps to maintain their vehicles. Regular check-ups and preventive maintenance, such as ensuring proper tire tread and pressure, can help minimize the risk of breakdowns and accidents in severe weather conditions.

Packing Essential Emergency Supplies

Drivers should always carry essential emergency supplies in their vehicles, especially when facing extreme weather. This includes items such as blankets, warm clothing, non-perishable food, water, flashlights, batteries, and a first-aid kit. Having these supplies on hand can provide comfort and safety while waiting for roadside assistance to arrive.

Staying Informed and Aware

Staying informed about weather forecasts and alerts is crucial for driver safety. Before embarking on a trip, drivers should check the weather conditions along their route and consider adjusting their plans if necessary. During extreme weather events, it’s best to avoid non-essential travel altogether and seek shelter until the danger has passed.

Conclusion

Roadside assistance providers face significant challenges when operating in extreme weather conditions, but their dedication and adaptability ensure that help is always available when drivers need it most. At Reliable Guys Towing Service, we are committed to providing exceptional roadside assistance services in the St. Louis metro area, including both Illinois and Missouri, no matter the weather.

By investing in specialized training, weather-resistant equipment, and effective communication and coordination, we strive to keep our customers safe and get them back on the road as quickly as possible. Remember, if you find yourself in need of roadside assistance during extreme weather, don’t hesitate to give us a call at (314) 325-1016.

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Most people might not bother too much with this because the winter season in St Louis can be short and brief. They are also not known for having extremely cold temperatures. However, that doesn’t mean you should skip caring for your tires during the winter season. Temperatures still go down and that still has a negative effect on your tires. 

Learning to care for your tires is essential in making them last longer. Depending on the season you are in, there are different things you can do. For today, we are going to tell you about the things you should do to care for your tires during the winter season.

Monitor Tire Pressure

Tire pressure should be monitored during any season. During the winter season, close monitoring of the tire pressure should be done because they tend to drop as the temperatures also drop. 

This isn’t good for your tires because it could lead to uneven wear of the tires. Eventually, it damaged the tires and would be in need of a replacement. 

We often think of tire blowouts during the summertime. However, it can also happen during the wintertime as well. Tire blowouts are due to the improper pressure level of the tires. Apart from tire blowouts, the car will also not react as expected when you use your brakes when the tire pressure is low. 

Tire Swapping

You could swap your tires for those that are specifically made for winter climates. However, some may get away using their regular tires during the winters at St Louis. Snowfall is not that high so high-quality tires that are properly maintained will do. 

However, there are still many benefits of using winter tires. First of all, they are specifically designed to reduce slipping due to the tight tread patterns that they have. These are useful on icy roads everywhere. 

Apart from that, the rubber materials used are more rigid and more compatible with low temperatures. If you switch to winter tires, make sure to swap back again when the season is over. Using two sets of tires alternately throughout the year increases the life of the two sets. 

Inspect Your Tire Treads

As we’ve mentioned, some may choose to skip swapping their tires for winter tires. If you do, then you should at least inspect the tire treads regularly. Do this even before the first snow day starts to happen. The reason for this is that tires with worn-out treads are likely to skid and slide on the road. This will make you lose control of your vehicle and can cause a fatal accident. You can get hurt, other people can get hurt and you can even crash into some wildlife.

There are various ways on how to check if the tire treads are still good or not. The first is to look at the tire tread wear indicators. These are located in the grooves on the tire surface. Once the tire treads are worn down, they’d be at the same level as tire tread wear indicators. This means that you better replace your tires because they are already worn out. 

The penny test is another way to check whether the treads are worn out or not. With this test, you place the penny with Lincoln’s head upside down. Check if you see the top of Lincoln’s head. If you do, then it is time to replace the worn-out tires. Tires that could still be used should have treads that are at least at the level of his forehead. 

Apart from those, there are also other tools that are specifically made to accurately measure the tire tread depth. These are probes and will tell you the exact measurements. If your tire tread depth is less than 0.16 cm, then it needs to be replaced already. 

Final Words

Cold temperatures have an effect on your tires. It can very well cause your tires to perform poorly if you do not take care of them properly. The three mentioned above are the three essential things you should do to make sure your tires perform well even during the winter. 

Tire blowouts are popular during summer but they can happen during winter too. For any tire trouble in St Louis, call on Reliable Guys Towing to come to your rescue…

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Different roadside companies offer different services. However, they cannot provide their services if they do not know exactly where you are. Although telling them which road you are is helpful, a better way to have them locate you is through GPS. With GPS tracking technology, they’ll be able to pinpoint your location so they can easily find you. 

The Benefits Of Using GPS

While there are still some roadside companies who use the traditional way of finding their clients on the road, many have already turned towards using GPS tracking to help them provide better roadside service assistance. Here are the benefits of using such technology:

Enhances Safety Of Clients

If it was only possible to select where your car breaks down, you would. However, more often than not, cars break down at the most inconvenient place and time. In the best case scenario, the car breaks down in a safe area where the client can comfortably call for help and wait for it. However, being stranded in the middle of nowhere on the side of the road is also a possibility.

With GPS tracking, the time it takes for the service providers to find clients is minimized. In that way, they’ll be able to provide immediate service. Whether they simply need to work on your car on the road or if they need to tow it off the road. A speedy response is possible when they know exactly where their clients are. Without having to wait for too long, there is a decreased risk in the safety of clients. 

Better Customer Service

Some clients can be demanding and it’s understandable because they are in a stressful situation With GPS tracking, roadside assistance companies can provide a more accurate estimated time of arrival. When this is met or when they arrive earlier, clients are better kept because they know they are working with reliable professionals. 

Real-time tracking on where the tow trucks are would also help ease the mind of clients as they wait for someone to help them. This makes them feel more safe and calm because they know someone is already on the way to help them. They’ll just need to wait for them for a few more minutes. 

Also, being able to track where the tow trucks are would be of great help in the identification of the roadside assistance company. This can prevent clients from being scammed by others who might take advantage of the client’s current situation. The clients would better trust whoever arrives by being able to track them. 

Save On Expenses

Many roadside assistance companies don’t just have a single tow truck for their clients. They can have multiple vehicles dispatched at a time to attend to different clients. When a call comes, managers can see who would be best to assign to a specific client. They may already be in the area or may be the closest to the client. This can help the company save on gas expenses and also reach their clients in as little time as possible.

Better Monitor Tow Truck Drivers And Mechanics

GPS tracking isn’t only used to locate clients. It can also be used to monitor where your dispatched tow trucks are. In this way you’d see whether they are being used efficiently. It can tell whether the trucks have been idle for a long time. 

Additionally, it can also help managers make sure the employees don’t overwork. Overworking isn’t good for the employees or the company because it puts them at risk of accidents. That can cost a lot and could damage the company’s assets. 

Take Better Care Of Vehicles

GPS tracking could also help assess how much your trucks have traveled. The data can also help managers identify how many have been serviced using that specific vehicle. This would be a very useful information when it comes to following maintenance and inspection schedules for your vehicles. Properly maintained tow trucks would last a lot longer and you wouldn’t have to replace them as often.  

Better Theft Recovery

Tow trucks are expensive vehicles and some people with criminal intent can be tempted to steal your vehicle. A GPS tracking system is a great tool to protect the vehicle from that. The GPS tracking can help authorities to locate your vehicle quickly and recover it. 

Need roadside support in St Louis? Check out why Reliable Guys should be on your speed dial for fast 24 hour assistance…

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But because your electric car has moving parts, tires, and batteries, you still can’t escape the fact that you may still need towing services for your electric vehicle from time to time despite all it’s benefits.

Reasons Why Your Electric Car Gets Towed

Let’s face it, electric cars are pretty neat but they aren’t perfect nor are they indestructible. Like other vehicles they act up too especially if you don’t maintain them properly. To set things clear, here are a few reasons why your electric car may need a towing service.

• Flat Tire – A flat tire is a common problem for both electric and non-electric vehicles. There is a simple fix and that is to change the tire but electric cars mostly do not have a spare tire. Instead they have some sort of patching kit. Unfortunately, they are not the best solution at all times.
• Battery Problems -The battery of your electric car is its life. Charging it is essential but sometimes, you or the last person to use the car forgets to charge it. Unlike diesel or petrol that you can easily buy from a gas station and bring to refill your stalled vehicle, you cannot charge your electric car in the middle of the road. Another scenario related to your batteries is when they get worn out and need to be replaced.
• Break Problems – Like gas powered vehicles, your car’s brakes should also be maintained because they can be worn out due to use. If you notice the start of brake problems, don’t risk driving the vehicle and end up crashing it. Call a towing company and get your car to the nearest car shop servicing electric vehicles.

Before get your electric car towed…

If you are getting your electric car towed, make sure you call a service provider with a flatbed tow truck. Why? Because flatbed tow trucks carry the whole vehicle and don’t drag them down the road.

Many electric cars don’t have a neutral position which allows the car to move the wheels without affecting the motor. If you have your electric car towed with a hook and chain tow truck, you’ll be damaging the motor and will be risking more damage to your car.

Charge Instead Of Getting Towed

Instead of getting your electric vehicle towed the nearest charging station, you can ask the towing company if they have a charging truck that can charge your vehicle wherever you are. There specifically designed trucks for this purpose but not all offer them.

Charging trucks can only be an alternative to towing your electrical vehicle when the problem is a drained battery. If other problems exist, there is no other way to get your car to the shop than to have it towed by a flatbed tow truck.

Can Towing An Electric Car Really Recharge It?

There have been claims of of electric car owners who were able to recharge their electric cars by having it towed by another vehicle. Although many have claimed to do it, it isn’t advisable because you can break the warranty on your vehicle and it is even illegal to do in some US states.

In order to recharge the electric car with the towing method, the wheels should be touching the ground and a driver should be using the brakes. This triggers recharging through regenerative breaking. Control over using the brake is very important and the driver should not simply step on the breaks because it can trigger the real brakes.

To Wrap Things Up…

No matter what kind of car you own, it is best to be prepared. Although proper care and maintenance of your vehicle can prevent the need of a tow service company, there can still be unforeseen emergencies.

You should always have a contact number of a towing service provider no matter what type of vehicle you are driving. You also have to make sure that the towing company you are trying to contact offers the right kind of tow service for your vehicle.

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Your car is actually a sophisticated machine made up of many mechanical and electrical parts. You can compare your vehicle with your own body. Just like you need regular exercise, healthy and balanced diet, and good sleep to keep your body fit, your car also requires regular maintenance and care.

When it comes to maintenance of your car there are many things that you, as a car owner should be doing. To make it easier, we have decided to create a checklist that can help the car owners keep their vehicle in top shape.

Car Maintenance Checklist

After every 3-5 months or 3,000 – 5,000 miles

• Oil Change: Changing the engine oil is probably the most important part car maintenance. You should do it before or on time. Oil should be changed after 3 months or if you have driven the vehicle for 3000 miles. Other than that, you should also keep an eye on the oil light, if your engine starts to make weird noises or the temperature of engine runs hot.

After every 6-8 months or 6000-8000 miles

• Tire Rotation:  Check the tires for uneven rotation. Also, this is the time when you should get your car inspected by a qualified mechanic even if there is nothing noticeably wrong with the vehicle.

Annually or after every 15000 miles

• Air conditioning: It is time to check thoroughly the air conditioning system of your car. Look for warning signs like strange odor coming out from the vent when you turn the AC on. Is your AC sufficiently cooling your car? When you turn on the AC, is it overheating your engine? Or are there any strange noises?
• Wheel alignment: You need wheel alignment when you have you recently changed your tires or when your tire becomes noisy. The other warning signs may include bubbling in the tires or your steering not being in level when traveling on a straight path

After every 2 years or 30,000 miles

• Brake Check: Brakes generally wear out in two years. If the brake pedal feels too soft or becomes hard to press on cold weather, you should immediately get your braking system inspected.
• Coolant System: After every two years, you need to be extra careful about the coolant system. Keep an eye on the temperature indicator – check if your engine is overheating. Also, make sure to check the coolant level and observe its color. If it’s turning brown, it indicates that inside of the radiator might be getting rusty.
• Transmission Fluid: This is the time when you should change the transmission fluid – more commonly known as the gear oil.
• Fuel System Check: After every two years, the engine tends to misbehave. If you are observing things like loss of power, drop in the acceleration, engine knock ups, etc, you should consult a qualified mechanic.
• System Diagnostics:  Most auto repair or lubrication businesses have a diagnostic checkup, which can be used to help you identify any vehicle system errors that have been logged.  While many are maintenance related, others error codes need to be immediately addressed.

The Maintenance Bottom Line

This checklist also identifies some common warning signs, however your particular car may begin to show some problems earlier (or later) than those prescribed here.. So, keep those warning signs in mind and book an appointment with a mechanic as soon as possible.

Next up —>  Ever wonder how we get cars and trucks “unstuck” from the side of the road?  Well, check out our latest article on How To Properly Winch A Vehicle…

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In this article we will list down some of the most common errors while maintaining your car.

For most, the car you drive or keep is usually a big investment. And just like any other investment, keeping an eye on your asset is crucial. Without any further ado, let’s get down to our list of errors in car maintenance…

Overlooking Small Problems

Through our experience we have gathered that most big problems in a vehicle often starts with small ones and the owners usually tend to ignore them. Keep a closer look on warning signs like the change in engine sound, the engine check light, small vibrations while driving, etc. For top-notch maintenance, always pay closer attention to details.

Neglecting Air Filters

Air filters are the lungs of your vehicle. It breathes through them…so, yes, they are very important but often overlooked by car owners and mechanics. Yes, you can clean and reuse them but changing the air filters is important too. The air filters are cheap and must be changed when the dirt begins to block the airflow. It’s a small exercise, which can result in engine issues if not done in time.

Essential Fluids

Motorists can do great damage to their vehicle if they don’t change the essential fluids on time. These fluids include engine oil, gear oil, coolant, brake oil etc. The most important is the engine oil, which should be changed after 4000 to 8000 kilometers, depending upon the age of the vehicle, type of engine, and the type of engine oil used. Gear oil needs to be changed after 50,000 to 80,000 kilometers.

If everything is fine with the radiator, the level of coolant remains constant but should be checked periodically.

Brake Pads & Brake Oil

This is one of the most commonly overlooked part of car maintenance. Faulty brake pads can put drivers, vehicles and other people at great risk. Weird, sharp noise, and vibrations while applying the brakes are the main warning signs of a faulty brake pads. We advise our readers not go on a DIY route when changing brake pads.

The brake oil level generally remains the same but should always be checked periodically.

Neglecting Tire Pressure and Worn Out Tires

Many serious accidents can take place if your tires are not in perfect conditions. Worn out tires or inappropriate pressure can cause the tire to burst especially when driven for extended period of time.

Reliable Guys Towing Service St Louis MO

Despite your best vehicle maintenance efforts, there might be times when you need to call a roadside assistance company.  If you need a reliable tow service in St Louis, why not choose the towing team with over 20 years experience exclusively in our proud Gateway City.

Fully insured, licensed and bonded in the states of Missouri and Illinois, the folks at Reliable Guys Towing pride themselves in clear communication to ensure that services, prices and quality far surpass our competition. We know our talented technicians are the best in the business, and we go that extra mile in resolving our clients issue so that they feel comfortable and assured for their Roadside Assistance needs.

Whether you need immediate 24 hour towing service, or perhaps you’ve locked your keys in your car, or have a dead battery, we’d be more than happy to serve you. Give us a call at (314) 325-1016 and one of our knowledgeable towing service reps will help assist getting a tow truck to you so we can quickly get you on your way.

The post Commonly Overlooked Vehicle Maintenance Items appeared first on Reliable Guys Towing Service.

As towing service provider for over 20 years, we’ve about seen every possible service situation there is to see.  From flat tires, to ditch recoveries, there’s not much we haven’t seen out there on the road.  We’ve also got some good ideas on emergency preparedness should the unexpected happen.  In this short write-up, the team of Reliable Guys Towing Co. explains small but important things you should do after your car unexpectedly breaks down.

Pull Over

Getting yourself and the car to safety must be your number one priority when your vehicle starts making strange noises or completely shuts down. Most people try to find out the root cause while driving and often ends up in more trouble. Again – getting your vehicle off the road is the most important thing. Don’t apply brakes suddenly but pull your foot off of the pedal and by using the indicators and hazard lights slowly pull over to the side. Once you’re off harm’s way, turn off the engine and set the emergency brake.

Make The Car More Noticeable

If the battery is still operational, keep the hazards on. Other than that keep the safety triangles at the back and front of the car. This is really important and should not be taken lightly, especially if you’re stranded on a busy highway at night or in poor light.

P.S Although it is not recommended to exit the vehicle but if for some reason you do that make sure that you don’t stand anywhere near the vehicle.

Call For Roadside Assistance

It’s time to bother the road assistance team now! For that, you should always keep their number handy. Keep it at all times in your wallet, contact list or someplace safe in your car. It doesn’t matter which time of the day it is as most towing companies are operational 24 hours. Call them up, give every single detail and wait for the help to arrive.

Remain In The Car

Sometimes exiting the vehicle is inevitable but where ever possible, we recommend our readers to stay inside the vehicle and keep the seatbelts on.  Once secure, patientely wait for your roadside assistance contact or local authorities to arrive. When stranded, keep in mind that your vehicle is more visible than you are, so staying inside will prevent more damage. If the situation demands you to exit the car, be very cautious. If possible wear a fluorescent jacket and put a T-shirt or a white bag in the window to signal the incoming traffic while getting back inside.

Steps above might sound very elementary but believe us, most roadside accidents happen due to negligence. Always stay alert, in the moment, take nothing lightly and keep a close check on your surroundings when stranded on the road.

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If you should find yourself in this type of situation, it would be highly advantageous to have a roadside emergency kit.  An emergency kit can ease the pain and remove the hassle of a vehicle breakdown.  Most people may not consider car kits until it is too late, then you will wish you did not leave home without one.  This article will provide information on the top essential items required for a quality roadside emergency kit.

Charged Cell Phone:  While this item will more than likely be on the individual, it can be the difference between receiving help quickly and not gaining help at all.  According to the AA organization, it is recommended that the cell phone is fully charged each time you climb into your car to avoid being left without any means of contacting help.

First Aid Kit:  In addition to an assortment of Band-Aids, a first aid kit should include gauze pads, adhesive tape and antiseptic wipes to clean any injuries that may be experienced.  Antiseptic cream or ointment is also important as part of the first aid kit as this will help reduce the development of infection in any injury.

Fire Extinguisher:  The fire extinguisher should be rated for Class C and Class B fires by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).  According to the NFPA, Class B fires include fires involving flammable liquids such as diesel fuel, gasoline and kerosene.  Class C fires include those with electrical equipment such as batteries, panel boxes and switches.

Tire Gauge:  The AA states that all drivers should place a tire gauge in their roadside emergency kit as an instrument to regularly check the air pressure in their current and spare tires.  Unfortunately, the majority of people ignore spare tires until they have a flat and then discover the spare is not inflated.  In this situation, they will find the spare tire worthless and this is why it is recommended that the spare tire is regularly inflated.

Jumper Cables:  The jumper cables included in the car emergency kit should be at least ten feet in length and coated with approximately 8-gauge rubber.  This instrument is highly effective when dealing with a flat battery.

Foam Tire Sealan and Compressor:  In the situation where a spare tire is not available or is not inflated, there is a means of repairing a flat without changing the tire.  By using a foam tire sealant, it is possible to repair the current flat quickly and without any high cost.  Of course, the foam sealant is only temporary and a flat tire will need to be dealt with as soon as possible.

A Roll Of Duct Tape:  Duct tape can be considered the universal solution to almost any problem.  The AA recommends carrying at least ten feet of duct tape as a means of repairing any issue experienced during a break down.

Tow Strap Or Tow Rope:  Tow straps or tow ropes are beneficial when attempting to remove a broken down vehicle.  The rope or strap in the emergency kit should be strong enough to tow approximately 6,000 pounds.

Blankets:  In addition to keeping you warm during the cold month, blankets can help you get your car out of a ditch by helping to provide traction under the tire

Bottles of Water:  You never know when, or where emergency roadside assistance will be needed.  For all you know it could take place in the middle of nowhere.  The human body needs water and so does your radiator if it ever loses fluid.

A Set of Tools:  Include a set of tools in your roadside kit.  While it depends on how far you want to go here, but more is definitely better, Plyers, a wrench and screwdriver are a bare minimum

A Flashlight:  Keep a flashlight handy with extra batteries

Lighter:  A robust lighter should be a staple in any emergency roadside kit

Need Emergency Roadside Assistance?

Stranded roadside and need emergency roadside assistance St Louis? Why not choose the towing team with over 20 years experience exclusively in St Louis.

Fully insured, licensed and bonded in the states of Missouri and Illinois, the folks at Reliable Guys Towing pride themselves in clear communication to ensure that services, prices and quality far surpass our competition. We know our talented technicians are the best in the business, and we go that extra mile in resolving our clients issue so that they feel comfortable and assured for their Roadside Assistance needs.

Whether you need accident assistance, general towing service, or have a dead battery;  we’d be more than happy to serve you. Give us a call at (314) 325-1016 and one of our knowledgeable towing service reps will help assist getting a tow truck to you so we can quickly get you on your way.

The post 13 Essential Items Required For A Roadside Emergency Kit appeared first on Reliable Guys Towing Service.

Hydroplaning happens when there is water separating your tires from the ground causing a sudden loss of traction. Usually happening at higher speeds, you should know what to do – and not do – if you suddenly lose control of your car as a result of hydroplaning.

Step 1:  Stay Calm

When your car hydroplanes, the first reaction for most people is to panic. It is very important that you try not to panic because this will make it harder for you to think clearly. When you panic, you will also be less likely to avoid danger in these situations and this is something that you want to avoid.

Do Not Hit The Brakes

It is very tempting to hit the brakes when your vehicle starts to hydroplane. This is something that you need to avoid because slamming on the brakes will cause your vehicle to hydroplane more. Hitting the brakes could also cause a spinout depending on the braking system that your vehicle has. This will put you in even more danger.

What To Do With A Front-Wheel Drive

If your vehicle is a front-wheel drive model with ABS and traction control, you need to head for an open area. This should be the lane ahead of you or the side of the road because you should not swerve. The hydroplaning will generally not last long, but it is important that you have a bit of space to regain control.

Once you have space, you need to push lightly on the accelerator and steer toward the empty area. This provides your vehicle with enough time to adjust to the new driving area. You will also have greater control over the vehicle as you do this.

What To Do With A Rear-Wheel Drive

If you are driving a rear-wheel drive vehicle that does not have ABS or traction control, you will need to take a different approach to hydroplaning. You will need to find an empty space where you can gain control of your vehicle. You should steer toward the empty area and slowly ease off the accelerator. You may not need to slow your vehicle to a complete stop to regain control.

You should be able to regain control of the vehicle before it comes to a full stop. However, you need to be focused and aware of the fact that you might need to stop. If you feel you need to bring your vehicle to a complete stop, you have to move to the side of the road and put your emergency lights on.

Turn Off Cruise Control

In order to reduce the chance of hydroplaning, you should avoid using cruise control in heavy rain. You will be less likely to lose control when you are in complete control of the vehicle. While cruise control can make it easier to drive, it will not help when you hydroplane.

There are a number of steps that you should take when your vehicle hydroplanes. The steps you take will vary depending on the vehicle and whether it is a front or rear-wheel drive.

Need Emergency Roadside Assistance?

Stranded roadside and need emergency roadside assistance? Why not choose the towing team with over 20 years experience exclusively in our proud Gateway City.

Fully insured, licensed and bonded in the states of Missouri and Illinois, the folks at Reliable Guys Towing pride themselves in clear communication to ensure that services, prices and quality far surpass our competition. We know our talented technicians are the best in the business, and we go that extra mile in resolving our clients issue so that they feel comfortable and assured for their Roadside Assistance needs.

Whether you need emergency towing service, you’ve locked your keys in your car, or have a dead battery, we’d be more than happy to serve you. Give us a call at (314) 325-1016 and one of our knowledgeable towing service reps will help assist getting a tow truck to you so we can quickly get you on your way.

The post What To Do When Your Car Hydroplanes appeared first on Reliable Guys Towing Service.

When you are trying to determine if you need new brakes, what do you look for?  What are the signs?  In today’s article we’ll examine the indicators and best practices on when to change your brakes.

The Brake Pads

The break “pads” are the actual wear items that will eventually fail if not replaced in time.  If you can see them, you can determine yourself if the pads are a 1/4 inch thick. You also have to be watchful when it comes to your brakes in regards to both vibration and pulling. If you are noticing these things happening, then again, it is time to get your car to the shop for service.

Do you have to take your vehicle to a shop that specializes in brakes? No, but that may be a good start. Just remember that having your brakes checked often enough can help to prevent you from having to deal with these warning signs. Some of the warning signs are rather common, and people use them to finally get around to dealing with the brakes on their vehicles. However, that doesn’t mean that is the right way to handle things.

You can’t do it all, but staying on top of brake maintenance is important. Brakes have everything to do with safety, and so they demand attention if you are going to be using them all the time. Vibrating brakes were mentioned while ago, but what exactly does that mean? It means that the brake pedal suddenly can move on its own. It starts vibrating or pulsating, and you don’t want to be ignoring that.

Checking the Pad Thickness

If you notice any problems, get down there and check those brake pads. Or, you can leave it to the auto repair shop to take a look for you. Are you familiar with the rotor? If you are, that likely means you are versed enough about vehicle maintenance to check to see if there are any grooves in the rotor. Not everyone is going to take the time to do that, but Mr. Fix It would. The rest of the population looks out more for the other warning signs, and they have their brake pads changed out by the professionals.

Most of the time, people that wait too long to give their brakes some attention just end up running into the brake pads wearing thin and making noises. However, brake pads can wear down and show other warning signs as described. They can also come loose, so that should tell you that you need to watch your brakes at all times. All you are required to do is be diligent, not worrisome, and stay on top of brake maintenance so that you can drive that car all over the place with a good set of brake pads.

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