What to Do If My Car Breaks Down on the Highway

December 6, 2021 By WebGuy

Nothing puts a damper on your day, like your car breaking down on the highway. It can be an aggravating and anxiety-inducing experience. Fortunately, by following a few simple steps, you can ensure you and your car stay safe. Below we will talk about what to do if your car breaks down on the highway and one of the best car towing services to call in Raleigh, Unlimited Recovery.

Six Safety Steps for a Roadside Breakdown

Although your car breaking down on the highway can be frustrating and sometimes scary, here are six steps to take to help you handle the situation.

Move Car. Try your best to get your vehicle off the road and a reasonable distance from the roadway. It is essential to remain visible but minimize the risk of someone hitting you or your car.

Stop Somewhere Safe. Pull off the road somewhere where you feel safe. But, if your car is smoking or smells odd, get out of the vehicle immediately. If it is nighttime, stay in the car and lock the doors.

Car Emergency Kit. Put together a car emergency kit (or buy one). The kit should include:

Jumper cables
Tool kit or a multipurpose utility tool
Flashlight and extra batteries
Reflective triangles or flares to make your vehicle more visible
Reflective vest to make you more visible
Fire extinguisher
First aid kit
Nonperishable, high-energy foods, such as unsalted nuts, dried fruits, and hard candy
Drinking water
Car charger for your cell phone
Duct tape
Rain poncho
Cold weather items: snow brush, shovel, windshield washer fluid, warm clothing, cat litter for traction, and blankets

Be Mindful. If you need to exit your vehicle, take caution as other motorists may not see you well. Stand off the road, if possible.

Call for Help. Contact friends and family to let them know the situation and where you are. After that, call a car towing company to come out to help you.

Plan for the Future. If you experience a breakdown, plan to be better prepared for the future if you missed things you needed the last time.

By being prepared, thinking calmly, and taking the proper steps, you can stay safe even in a frightening situation and get back on the road in no time.

Unlimited Recovery & Towing

If your vehicle needs to be towed to a shop or back to your home, you will want to find a reliable car towing service. In Raleigh, an excellent choice is Unlimited Recovery & Towing. We have a fleet of light-duty trucks with state-of-the-art wheel lift systems designed to haul all types of cars, including 4-wheel drive and specialty vehicles. We also offer roadside service for dead batteries, empty gas tanks, and flat tires. Keep our number 919-790-9393 on your phone and give us a call when you need help.

Different Types Of Towing Services

March 8, 2021 By WebGuy

When looking for tow services in Raleigh, it is essential to understand what is being offered and what you need. There are various types of towing services that provide different things. Here are some of the most common towing services offered.

Types of Tow Services

Flatbed Towing Services

Flatbed towing services utilize a flatbed truck. This truck has a hydraulic system that allows it to move up and down. It is one of the most popular towing methods because it offers safety and optimal functionality.

Once the hydraulic system tilts the bed to the ground, the vehicle is attached to an anchor. It is then steadily pulled to the rear of the tow truck’s bed. These towing services work the best for heavy-duty vehicles, cars, and trucks.

The best part about flatbed tow services is that you can tow your vehicle over a great distance. The car is under less stress and will not sustain damage while transported in this way.

Light And Medium-Duty Towing

Almost all towing service companies deal with light and medium-duty towing. These terms refer to lightweight vehicles. Such services include lockout, jumpstarts, towing, and other emergency roadside services.

If your vehicle is in an accident or runs out of gas, this is the service to call. These services are for vans, bikes, small trucks, and cars.

Wheel-Lift Towing

Wheel-lift towing services are best utilized for small, lightweight vehicles. The trucks that offer these towing services have a hydraulic boom with tow bars. The bars are placed under the back wheels of the car.

The car is lifted in the air with two of the wheels on the ground. These services are ideal for when you want to tow a vehicle for a short distance. If your car is stuck in a small space, this service is perfect for accessing tight areas.

Ultimate Recovery and Towing

If you need tow services in Raleigh, feel free to get in touch with us. Unlimited Recovery and Towing has provided these services for a long time and ensures your vehicles’ quick recovery. You can contact us at 919-790-9393 for more information on the towing services that we offer.

Why You Have To Be Careful Towing With Electric Cars

August 3, 2020 By WebGuy

With gas prices unpredictable and the continued viability of fossil fuels in the 21st century increasingly questioned, more people are purchasing hybrid and electric cars. Unfortunately, America’s obsession with fossil fuels is deeply ingrained, and that means the infrastructure to support electric vehicles can be lacking in many areas. For instance, it can be hard to find a recharging station in some cities.

Electric Cars Mean a Sustainable Future

This problem of infrastructure not only affects people who own electric vehicles (EVs) for personal use, but also companies looking to upgrade or augment their business fleets. The problem isn’t just a limited infrastructure. A lot of EVs also suffer from a lack of long-distance capability and high capacity towing. Companies looking to haul cargo long distances may not be able to use EVs.

The problem stems from the vehicle’s battery power being challenged by the increased weight with towing. Though technology and developments continue to improve electric vehicle design, they lack the power for long-distance hauling. This reason is why using electric cars for towing can prove problematic.

EV’s Are Limited but Improving Daily

As an example, personal EVs tend to have a limit of 3,000-5,000 pounds of towing and hauling capability. By comparison, a fossil fuel SUV can pull as much as 9,000 lbs. depending on the vehicle. Combined with the limited support infrastructure, EV’s are ill-suited to long-distance heavy hauling, at least for the time being.

That said, as long as the load is reasonable and the distance is within the vehicle’s range, using an EV for hauling and towing is possible. That means the overall viability of using EVs for towing and hauling depends on the needs of the company in question. Companies performing a lot of long-distance heavy hauling will have to wait for an electric vehicle powerful enough and with enough charging stations to undertake such an investment. For short distance medium loads, EVs should do the trick.

We Don’t See the EV Trend Stopping Any Time Soon

The development and support for EVs is improving and continues to grow. Unfortunately, the vehicles’ persistent problems are the need for infrastructure support such as charging stations, trained mechanics, and versatility of the cars. Hauling capacities and distances are improving, as Tesla’s claims seem to indicate. For the time being, however, fossil fuel vehicles are superior for long-distance hauling and towing. For shorter distances and lighter loads, at least, EVs will perform just fine.

If you require tow services in Raleigh NC, contact Unlimited Recovery and Towing at 919-790-9393.

What You Need To Do Right After An Accident

April 6, 2020 By WebGuy

Accidents Happen, Stay Calm

A car accident is a common but serious event that could have significant implications for an individual’s mental and physical well-being. Each year, millions of people get into car accidents. Some drivers and passengers sustain injuries and in the worst cases lose their lives. Keeping this in mind, everyone should know what to do when involved in a crash. There are some necessary steps that all drivers should take after an automobile accident.

Call the Police and File a Report

Alerting law enforcement to a crash is not something that every driver wants to do. Some drivers might not feel they are at fault for the accident. In some cases, neither driver is to blame – the circumstances were entirely out of their hands. Regardless, this is a necessary step. No one wants to deal with the hassle of talking with an officer. But if a driver wants to ensure having the required information for an insurance claim, the police should be called. In severe crashes, notifying police is an absolute, especially when someone is injured or killed.

Seek Medical Attention

In the worst-case scenario, drivers and passengers in a crash can sustain serious injuries. Some people underestimate the extent of their injuries and brush off medical attention. This in-the-moment decision can be due to shock and emotional trauma. Don’t make this mistake. Get checked over by a professional to ensure it is safe to leave the crash site and return home. Not getting medical treatment can be deadly and dangerous. Don’t risk your life. A medical professional can advise what to watch for and when to seek additional medical attention. Having a medical record of care after an accident can help later if a delayed injury reveals itself.

Get Roadside Assistance

If the car is damaged, roadside assistance should be called. A good towing company will get the vehicle out of the road and to a safe location. Crashed vehicles can be a dangerous hazard for other drivers on the road. A towing company will also be able to assess the damage of a crashed vehicle and help determine if the car is repairable.

Drivers based in the Raleigh area can call Unlimited Recovery. Unlimited Recovery will assist drivers in all emergencies. We are highly trained, quick, and prepared to deal with any vehicle crash. The best towing service is needed in a stressful situation. Unlimited Recovery provides customers with all their needs after a car accident. Call 919-790-9393 for assistance.

The Safest Places You Can Wait for Roadside Assistance

October 7, 2019 By WebGuy

No Roadside is Always Truly Safe

One of the most unfortunate incidents that can happen to anyone is getting stranded on the road. Being forced to wait for help by the roadside where uncertainties arise is irritating. Many drivers are not ready to deal with an emergency where they have to wait by the roadside. No one feels good when their trip is cut short by an emergency car breakdown.

To make matters worse, most drivers don’t know where and how to park and be safe as they wait for roadside assistance. Many people get injured today when waiting for roadside assistance. In case of an emergency breakdown, the safety of the driver is dependent on where the car is parked. Are you visible to all the other drivers on the road? Can you see everything going on in your car and around you? Below are safe places you can wait for roadside assistance:

Right Shoulder of the Road

Most of the highway roads have a lane where drivers park in case of any emergency. In the case where the engine is running, and you can drive the car, maneuver to the right shoulder of the road. Pull off to the right as far as possible. Here, the vehicle is safe as it stays clear of the oncoming traffic. Blocking the roadway is dangerous for you and other road users. Not all drivers can dodge your car quickly, and you might end up getting hit.

Stay Inside the Car

If the car engine is running and not smoking or overheated, stay seat-belted in the car. The car is more visible than you, and if it’s on the right shoulder of the road, everyone is safe. Waiting for roadside assistance inside the vehicle is safer, especially if it’s night and the ETA for your road assistance is not definite. Keep the car door locked, engine running and windows closed.

Stay Away From Traffic

In case the car breaks down on a highway, and it’s safe to exit the vehicle, do so through the passenger door. If the car is in the middle of the road, the emergency kits help keep the car visible and warn other drivers on the roadway of a broken down car meters ahead. Wear a fluorescent jacket if possible and stay far away from the traffic. Never stay in the broken down car at the middle of the road waiting for roadside assistance.

Getting stranded on the road is frustrating but remember your safety is much more critical. Calling roadside assistance is the best thing to do in such a situation. If you can steer the car off the road in any way, do so before roadside assistance arrives.

If you are ever stranded on the road and need assistance, call Unlimited Recovery at 919-790-9393.

Will Having My Car Towed Cause Damage?

October 7, 2018 By WebGuy

Towing Your Car Should NOT Damage It

At some point or another, we’ve all experience or been party to a car breaking down for some unknown reason that we can’t diagnose or fix. In most cases, you end up having to call in a towing service to get you to the next step in your journey. However, many people are skeptical about having their cars towed, believing that it will be damaged worse in the process. Unfortunately, this skepticism is truly baseless and has hindered people from using towing services when they really needed to. As a result, they likely caused further damage to their cars. The good news is that there exist towing companies in Raleigh with very competent operators and new technology. Consequently, the chances of your damage to your car are very minimal if there at all. Beyond bad operator error, you really should expect no damage what so ever. Unlimited Recovery is one of the most competent companies that offers towing services in Raleigh and all around.

The Process Of Towing A Car

Towing companies always advise that a vehicle should not be towed with the parking brake on. Most vehicles will not be able to be towed with the parking brake on. Doing so will generally cause severe damage to the car if it can be towed at all. Make the job easy, go ahead and make sure it’s off before anything gets started.

There are different ways to tow a car, all of which guarantee your car’s safety. The first way is to winch the vehicle onto a flatbed tow truck. Towing companies limit the chances of car damage by shifting the car into neutral brake and releasing the park brake as the car is being winched. Having your car on a flatbed is probably the safest way to transport it anywhere, you have that extra security of being totally off of the ground.

The second towing option is to have two non-driving wheels on the ground. This way, the park brake can be set to off which guarantees that your car will not be damaged regardless of the distance you have to be towed.

The third option is to tow with two driving wheels. This means two-wheel-drive on the ground. In such cases, towing will depend on the transmission. Manual transmissions and two-pump automatic transmissions can be left in neutral. Your car will not give way to damages even for extended towing distances. The situation is quite different for automatic transmissions with one pump. In such a case, the towing should not be done for long distances and should be done at moderately low speeds. Unlimited Recovery has got you covered whether your car has manual or automatic transmissions. Most of us wouldn’t even think of these things, but they are things that very much need to be thought about by someone before your car gets hooked up.

The fourth option is relevant for four-wheel-drives or all-wheel-drives which are towed with any driving wheels on the ground. This process can get complicated and predominantly depends on both the transfer case and transmission design. For some designs, the car is limited to towing for only short distances and at slow speeds. Towing companies will often take the safest approach which is to temporarily remove the rear drive shaft and tow with the rear wheels on the ground. However, companies always look at the owner’s manual to check for the towing procedure recommended by the manufacturer.

Towing does not damage your car unless something goes wrong at some point. Trust that the towing companies around the Raleigh area such as Unlimited Recovery are sufficiently qualified when it comes to towing. Let go of your skepticism and trust the process. And if any damages do occur, your insurance or the towing company should take care of it promptly.

When you need a tow truck call Unlimited Recovery at 919-790-9393.

Why You Need Someone Patrolling Your Parking Lot

April 9, 2018 By WebGuy

You Need Someone Patrolling Your Parking Lot

If you own space in a parking lot or if you own and manage a parking lot, it is important to have patrol ensuring that all is working as it should. While most parking lots have surveillance cameras that monitor the movement of vehicles and people, these cameras are limited in that they serve to help you see what is happening but cannot tell you much about the people parking there.

There are many benefits to having someone patrol your parking lot if you hope to exercise good parking lot management.

Cost of Business

If you have non-customers parking in your lot, then you risk losing business because if your client or potential client comes to your business premises and finds the parking lot full, they might be tempted to go elsewhere for the products and or services they are looking for. Let’s face it, no matter how clearly and appropriately you mark your parking space, some people can’t help but try and take advantage. Having someone patrolling will ensure that only your clients park in the designated area.

Security concerns

While cameras are great for surveillance, they cannot see everything and everywhere. Unscrupulous individuals will take time to figure out the cameras’ blind spots and get into mischief. You cannot risk having your client’s cars broken into or worse still stolen and therefore having some patrol the parking lot at all times is imperative for security.

Illegal parking

I cannot count the number of times I’ve spotted cars illegally parked in loading zones, handicap parking spots, name it. Some people can’t resist breaking their rules and when they do, it could cost you a lot. Suppose you run a business that expects deliveries at a certain time but you are unable to offload what is needed because the loading zone is occupied. Or if you have a handicapped client who can’t find a parking spot because some inconsiderate individual parked in one of the few spots set aside for the handicap. If in such situations you have someone patrolling the parking lot, they will ensure no cars are parked where they shouldn’t be and if they do, then they can quickly resolve the situation by calling a towing company to remove the vehicles.

Now that you know you need someone to patrol your parking lot, why not work with the best? Unlimited Recovery is a company that offers parking lot management services that include illegal parking management. They will remove any and all illegally parked vehicles which are parked in No parking zones, in a fire lane, in a reserved company parking. They move the cars non-consensually but not illegally.

They also monitor parking spaces in shopping centers, apartment buildings, business parking spaces and off-street parking lots. This way the people intended to use those parking lots can do so without any inconveniences.

Hiring them means your parking lot stays clear and friendly to users, and you get peace of mind for not having to deal with the drama behind the scene. Get more information on how to hire them from their site, Unlimited professional services offers the highest quality parking lot management in the Raleigh area!

Whenever you need a tow truck, call Unlimited Recovery at 919-790-9393.

What Kind Of Tow Truck Do I Need?

March 5, 2018 By WebGuy

In most instances, hiring the services of a towing company is often the last resort and is not always a planned agenda. Despite this, vehicles can suddenly break down at any time and when that happens, hiring a towing company becomes inevitable.

What many do not also know is that towing a vehicle is a complicated process that requires using the appropriate tow. Towing trucks have specific designs, and each of them comes with their particular uses and benefits. It is therefore crucial that you know which type suits your needs so that you do not end up wasting your time, efforts and money.

Types Of Towing Vehicles And Their Uses

Flatbed Tow Trucks – this tow truck works using a hydraulic system. It is usually long and empty at the back. The hydraulic system makes it easy to drive a vehicle up an inclined plane, or if broken down, it can be pulled up quickly. Flatbed tow trucks are most suitable for vehicles that developed a fault on the roadside or with cars that have been in an accident.

Hook And Chain Tow Trucks – this one can be used to tow all kinds of cargo. A hook is attached to the vehicle, and it is lifted off the ground such that two of its wheel remains on the ground. Hook and chain tow trucks can apply a lot of pressure on the towed vehicle, and this sometimes results in further damage. All-wheel drive and 4X4 cars/trucks cannot be pulled using this type of truck. It is best suited for a wrecked car.

Integrated Tow Trucks – this tow truck is specially built for heavy-duty purposes. It is used to transport rigs or buses, with its extra axles producing stability and strength.

Wheel Lift – its setup consists of a metal yoke that is placed under the rear or front wheels of a vehicle(depending on which wheels are the drive wheels). It lifts the automobile without place stress on the bumper. It is very cheap, and the weight of the yoke on the vehicle is evenly distributed. It is suitable for towing coaches, caravans, motorhomes, trucks, etc.

Knowing the tow trucks listed above are quite essential and will guide our decisions in those moments when our vehicles break down unexpectedly.

When calling for a towing service, be prepared to tell the company the type of vehicle and the condition of the vehicle being towed. With that information, the towing service will send the proper equipment to get the job done.

When you need a tow truck call Unlimited Recovery at 919-790-9393.

Stuck in the Snow? 5 Things To Try Before Calling A Towing Service

February 5, 2018 By WebGuy

It is not unusual at all to call a roadside emergency towing service when your car gets stuck in the snow, but depending on the weather there may be a long wait for help to arrive. Still, with a little bit of imagination and manual effort, a car can sometimes get unstuck without professional assistance. Here are five things to try before calling for professional towing help. However, it is strongly recommended to call roadside emergency towing if the car has met with an accident or is off the road in a ditch.

Rock the Car

You should straighten the wheels and start the engine. Using a low gear, drive forward. Then reverse and back the car up a bit. Again, move forward and then back. This back-and-forth motion (rocking) can tamp down loose snow causing the tires to gain traction. Continue this several times until you feel the tires grip. However, if the tires just spin (you’ll hear it), stop this method. Spinning tires will only make the situation worse.

Pushing

If you can find a couple of people to help, you can try pushing the vehicle. Be sure to start pushing the car and applying gas at the same time (like on the count of three). Again, using a low gear, apply the gas gently, so movement is slow and smooth. Also, be extra cautious about the safety of the pushers.

Chain Up the Wheels

If you have snow chains, this is the time to use them. In fact, the application of snow chains can get your vehicle out in most of the cases. If you don’t know what snow chains are, you probably live in the South so just move onto the next suggestion.

Add Some Traction

Sprinkle some sand in front of the tires to add traction. If you don’t have access to sand, any of these items can also be used to help with traction: kitty litter, newspapers, cardboard or car floor mats.

Reduce the Air Pressure

Try letting some air out of your tires. This move will increase the surface area of the tire in contact with the ground to create additional traction and may help a bit to move the car. Don’t let out too much; you don’t want a flat tire.

If none of the above tricks work, it’s time to call the nearest roadside emergency towing service. Call Unlimited Recovery and Towing at 919-790-9393.

I’m Going To Tow My Own Car – Not

December 4, 2017 By WebGuy

If you ever have a breakdown or have an accident, the idea of not using a car towing service might pop into your head. While it may sound like a good idea at first, it probably isn’t. Towing a vehicle using a ball hitch is unsafe and could cause injury to yourself or others.

Here are four reasons you don’t want to tow a car using another car.

Vehicle Towing Capability

Every vehicle has an amount of weight it can pull without issue. Many people who have trailer hitches assume that they can tow a car, but that isn’t necessarily true. A variety of incidents can occur when you pull something more massive than your car’s tow vehicle rating. Too much weight on the tires can result in blowouts. Going up a hill can result in an overheated transmission. Too much pressure on the frame can result in a broken suspension, and when you need to stop your brakes may not be able to handle the additional load.

Legality of Self Towing

Many states require towing companies to get licenses and insurance to be able to operate. You don’t have any of that. In addition to that, towing in many states requires safety chains, proper tail lighting, and sometimes warning lights. Visibility requirements might also be spelled out in the law and towing a car might violate that.

Braking System

Tow trucks are specifically designed to have exceptional braking capabilities due to the extra load they are pulling. Your car isn’t designed or equipped with that. Without the enhanced braking system you may be unable to stop, or the car you are towing could collide with you. Having a proper braking system while pulling is essential.

Liability for Car Towing

When you are towing a car, you are responsible for everything that happens. If you damage someone else’s car, you may be found at fault. In addition to that, many insurance companies will not cover liability when towing a car is done by anything other than a professional service. You don’t want to end up footing the bill.

Instead of using your car to tow a car, start by calling your insurance company. Some insurance plans include car towing service, as does AAA. If that fails, call a recovery company such as Unlimited Recovery. They can help you get your car where it needs to go, in one piece at a reasonable price. Call 919-790-9393.