Needless to say, it’s extremely important that a driver understand how to avoid getting into such a accident, while knowing what to expect should a rollover occur.  So today, we at Reliable Guys Towing Service wanted to share few tips on how you can prevent and be prepared for a rollover situation.

What Is A Rollover Accident?

A rollover accident is where a driver has lost control of their vehicle and it has flipped at least once.   The end result is the vehicle is on it’s side, or it has flipped over onto its roof.  Due to the extreme volatility of the accident, the driver is often unconscious, and in some cases, has been ejected from the vehicle.

Reduce Your Chances

There are a couple of ways to prevent these types of accidents from occurring. First of all, it has to do with the vehicle that you are driving. For example, you could drive an SUV, and because they have a high center of gravity, they are susceptible to these types of accidents. To prevent injuries in any type of rollover accident, always make sure that everyone is buckled in.

You can prevent the possibility of flipping over by driving around turns much more slowly than you would the straightaways. Always be aware of the road conditions as they can become slick or icy. You should have your vehicle brought in to make sure that your tires are in balance. Obviously, no one should be driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs which can lead to rollover accidents. But during a rollover accident, you need to use certain strategies to stay safe.

How To Protect Yourself During A Rollover Accident

If you have any warning at all that a rollover is about to occur, you’ll need to prepare yourself to rollover. Take your feet away from the petals, something that can help prevent your ankles from breaking, and cross your arms over your chest. You need to push your body as far into the seat as you can, and do not lean forward at all. Remain calm until the vehicle has stopped rolling. Then to protect yourself even further, there are things that you can do once the vehicle has come to a stop.

How To Protect Yourself After A Rollover Accident

You need to turn off your engine as soon the vehicle stopped running. You then need to plan some type of exit strategy. If you are upside down, but you are not injured, you may find a way to unbuckle yourself and climb out through the door. It is also possible for you to roll down the window, or even break the window if it is necessary. Always be aware of shards of glass, and once you are out, signal for help. If you are injured, you may want to stay where you are, as this may prevent further injuries from occurring.

These are just a few tips to consider on how to prevent rollover accidents, and what to do during and after the accident has occurred. By following these simple tips, you should have no problem minimizing the possibility of having one, and you can stay as safe as possible during and after a rollover accident. These tips also apply to people that are going to be riding with you, and will help them stay safe as well.

Use these strategies and you will have a much better chance of reducing injuries, and also surviving, any type of rollover accident that you may experience in the future.

Need Emergency Roadside Assistance St Louis?

Stranded roadside in St Louis and need emergency roadside assistance? 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 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 Stay Safe When Your Vehicle Rolls Over appeared first on Reliable Guys Towing Service.

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.

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.

Need Reliable Roadside Assistance Near Me?

Stranded roadside and looking for reliable roadside assistance near me? 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 24 hour roadside assistance, 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 Warning Signs You Need New Brakes appeared first on Reliable Guys Towing Service.

Now while you can’t completely eliminate the risk of an accident or a breakdown, there are proactive, common sense steps that you can take to significantly decrease the chances.

Reduce the Need of a Emergency Help

Based on the most common service calls they get, the pros at Reliable Guys Towing Service have  put together a list of things you can do proactively to cut down on the probability of a car failure…

1. Service Your Vehicle:  Get to know your car’s service manuals.  Note the service intervals and get a tune up based on the recommended mileage or time.
2. Proper Engine Oil:  Use oil that’s suited for the particular climate and temperature where you’re driving. The oil should have the right thickness, or viscosity, for your vehicle during winter months.
3. Windshield Wipers:  We’ve seen too many accidents as a obvious result of poor visibility out of the windshield.  Be sure your windshield wipers are in good working condition.  If smearing occurs, it’s time to replace them. Fill up your windshield washer reservoir regularly with wiper fluid, which, unlike water, won’t freeze.
4. Battery Checks:  Check your battery posts periodically to be sure they are free of corrosion, especially in the winter months. If your battery is more than three years old, have it checked. Clean or replace your battery, as needed.
5. Exhaust Systems:  Because the exhaust can potentially emit harmful carbon monoxide into your vehicle, get your exhaust system checked for leaks.
6. Rubber Components:  A belt failure is a one-way ticket for a breakdown.  Get your belts and hoses checked by a mechanic because cold weather can be tough on them.
7. Tires:  Rotate Your Tires every 5,000 – 7,000 miles and make sure your tires have the right amount of pressure, to achieve the best traction and wear. In winter conditions, traction is especially important. Be aware that 10-degree drops in temperature cause a loss of air pressure.
8. Four-Wheel Drive:  If you have a four-wheel drive, check to be sure the system engages and disengages easily. Educate all the drivers in your home on how to operate the 4WD, as needed.
9. Don’t Run Out of Gas:  Keep your gas tank at least half full at all times. Reliable Guys Towing St Louis, your go-to place for battery jump starts and fuel service, urges you to be safe on the road this winter.

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 Avoiding Emergency Roadside Assistance appeared first on Reliable Guys Towing Service.