Tips For Defensive Driving In The Rain

July 6, 2020 By WebGuy

It’s essential to drive safely and stay aware of road conditions at all times. However, when driving in the rain, vehicles should be extra careful. Rain on the road is not just a minor inconvenience. It can be highly dangerous for unprepared drivers. Using caution and staying alert when rainwater fills the streets. This way, the risk of accidents and injury is reduced. Rain might not seem like a big deal, but with less visibility, and relaxed driving, it can be a recipe for disaster. That’s why drivers need to be smart and vigilant whenever they get behind the wheel. Defensive driving is a must in adverse weather conditions. So let’s review the top driving tips to help drivers stay safe on the roads during rain.

Drive Slow and With Caution

It’s tempting to drive faster to get out of the rain, but this is a mistake. When rainfall starts, drivers should always slow down. Rainwater makes the road slick and slippery especially at the beginning of the storm. If a driver is going too fast, the car could hydroplane and cause an accident. So slow down and stay cautious, especially on the streets with standing water.

Keep Your Distance

In general, cars should keep a safe amount of space between them. When it rains, though, drivers should extend this distance. Water will make it harder to break and come to a complete stop. And if a car isn’t far enough away, they could crash into another close-by vehicle. A lot of car accidents occur this way. So take this driving tip seriously, and create vehicle distance on wet roads.

Turn Off Cruise Control

Cruise control is convenient when driving in good weather. However, when it starts to rain, this feature should be turned off. Cruise control can decrease a driver’s ability to control a car. Lessened control is not ideal in inclement weather.

Use Headlights

Headlights should be used in the rain to improve visibility as well. Drivers should make their vehicles more visible, but they don’t need to use high beams. High beams can make visibility worse in the rain.

Stay Aware of Large Cars

Trucks and other large cars are more likely to lose control in the rain. When driving in bad weather, make sure to keep track of these larger vehicles and give them space.

Overall, these driving tips are essential to consider during lousy weather. Driving defensively will keep drivers safe and accident-free. Still, mishaps can occur. If you ever get in a crash during the rain or need roadside assistance, call Unlimited Recovery at 919-790-9393. We are dedicated to helping drivers and providing them with roadside assistance and towing at any hour of the day!

First Things To Check For If Your Car Won’t Start

December 2, 2019 By WebGuy

Stay Calm, it’s Not the End of the World

Do you freak out when you turn that key, and nothing happens? Are you late getting places because your car won’t start? Have these embarrassing moments become so frequent that you have thoughts of selling your vehicle?

Wait! Let’s take a second look. Here are some troubleshooting points to consider to narrow down the problem.

Steering Wheel Lock – If you insert your key, but the key will not turn, chances are your steering wheel is in a locked position. To unlock, wiggle the steering wheel back and forth until the ignition locking device releases. This is a frequent problem, but easy to solve.

Empty Fuel Tank – Yes, it happens. An empty fuel tank is one of the most common reasons for a car not starting. Ensure that your fuel tank is always sufficiently filled with gas, to avoid a disrupted start.

Dead Battery – The moment you turn the key, the battery delivers current to the alternator, which triggers the whole ignition system. A dead or weak battery will result in no or insufficient flow of current to start the engine. There will be no sound when the key is turned if the battery is dead. If the battery is weak, the first turn may make a sound, but the engine will not start or the start will be sluggish. Any additional key turns will have no sound.

Listen Closely, Look for Uncommon Causes

Snapped Starter – Starter plays a pivotal role in starting a car, as it cranks the engine. A damaged starter will not allow the engine to start. A clicking noise will be heard when you turn the key. This clicking sound reveals a broken starter.

Busted Ignition Switch – If the car’s headlights turn on, but the car fails to start, then the battery is not to blame. A more suspicious culprit is a bad ignition switch.

Fouled Fuel Filter – Your fuel filter is responsible for supplying gasoline to the engine. A clogged filter cuts the fuel supply from the engine and makes the whole system dead.

Most people can solve a loose wire, dead battery, or empty fuel tank. A blocked fuel filter or broken starter will need to be done by a technician. If you troubleshoot these problems and the car still won’t start, it is time to take it to a mechanic for evaluation.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

If your car won’t start – we can help. Just call Unlimited Recovery and Towing at 919-790-9393 for all your roadside assistance and towing needs.

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.

Why Do You Need to Have An Emergency Towing Service on Call?

January 10, 2019 By WebGuy

Be Ready For Anything With Emergency Towing Services

Is your car prepared for any weather condition? If you live in an area with unpredictable weather, chances are low that you’re truly ready for anything. You should make sure that the car is serviced regularly and just in case the weather becomes harsh abruptly, you should have a towing and recovery service in Raleigh NC through Unlimited Recovery on call. This read will help you understand why you need to have a towing service on standby.

You need to take all the precautions before starting any journey. Check the pressure and tread of the tires. Make sure that the emergency kit in your car is loaded with the necessary equipment and tools such as the basic first-aid supplies, jumper cables and a high-visibility vest. You should also consider having paper towels, a phone charger, blanket, and water just in case.

Summer: Since the winter seasons is over, make sure that you change your tires to accommodate the summer season to help the vehicle perform better when driven on dry and wet roads. Top up the vehicle fluids such as the windscreen washer fluid and coolant or brake fluid, and make sure that you perform regular oil checks. During the summer, your tires lose a lot of pressure, which affects your fuel economy. You should check the pressure regularly to make sure you’re not getting too low. If your battery is old, make sure it still functions properly. Your battery tends to use more energy and get more general wear over the summer months.
Winter: The conditions are unpredictable so make sure that you are always ready. Switch to the winter tires when required because they offer better grip and traction when dealing with snow and the effects of low temperature. Getting stuck in the snow or ice can be a nightmare!

You could include studded tires if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions in the winter season. The plastic or metal tire studs help when maneuvering through the tough conditions and mountainous roads. Take note that the studded tires are not fit for use during other weather seasons, so you need to stay conscious of that.

Benefits of Having a Towing Service on Standby

Meet deadlines: If your vehicle encounters a problem along the way, you do not have to worry about it, let the towing and recovery in Raleigh, NC do the worrying for you. All you have to do is to call them and the car will be towed away for repair as you go about your business
Maintain the profit margins of your business: The last thing you want to stop you from getting to that job interview or meeting that client is simple car trouble, with roadside assistance you can at lease ensure that you’ll be back on the road in a reasonable amount of time, which could save you in the long run.
Time efficient: It saves a lot of time that would have been spent looking for and calling the nearest towing company when you already know who you’re going to call.
Consistent: Instead of having to research the nearest towing companies that meet your budget, you could simply secure standby services and have a secured cost that can be estimated. A standby service offers financial security to you, you better know what you’re going to get

If you need any towing services at all, from emergency roadside towing to long-haul towing, Unlimited Recovery has got you covered.