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.

Preventative Maintenance to Help Avoid Breakdowns

November 8, 2021 By WebGuy

No one anticipates a breakdown. But, unfortunately, a breakdown can happen out of nowhere and spoil any driving trip in a matter of minutes. While many car owners overlook essential maintenance, following these guidelines will help minimize the chances of a breakdown and the need to hire a towing company. Here are some simple maintenance procedures a person may do to prevent the most prevalent breakdown reasons.

Tow Services in Raleigh: Maintenance Tips

The Battery

Checking the battery is the first essential of preventative maintenance. A car owner can inspect their battery terminals for corrosion visually. Corrosion can cause electrical connections to fail. It is a quick remedy for a potential breakdown. Clean the terminals with baking soda and a toothbrush if there is any build-up. Using baking soda neutralizes any battery acid. Regular cleaning will ensure that the terminals and connections are in good working order. In a pinch, Coca-Cola can be used. The slight acidity of Coke does not react, so it can be used over the battery and let it clean terminal corrosion.

The Tires

For road journeys, having tires in good condition is critical. Double-check the tread and tire pressure before heading off on an expedition. Punctures are more likely to occur in thin, worn tires, which might lead to a breakdown. Make sure the car tire treads are at least 1/8 inch thick using a simple coin test (Insert a penny, Lincoln head down, into the tread. If any part of Lincoln’s head is covered – you’re good.) Check for cuts, cracks, and uneven wear while evaluating the tires, as these could indicate a problem with wheel alignment or tire pressure. When the tires are under-inflated, they are subjected to increased tension, resulting in stress and uneven wear. Check the tire pressure level with a tire gauge regularly to ensure it meets the guidelines in the owner’s manual.

The Coolant Level

Several things can cause an engine to overheat – a low coolant level is one reason. To prevent overheating, first, check beneath the hood to see if the coolant levels are low. If there is fluid on the ground, the vehicle may have a coolant leak. Next, visually examine the hoses that bring the coolant to the engine for any signs of damage (do this only when the automobile is not running and the engine is cold). If the coolant level is low, add more immediately.

The Oil Level

Over time, old motor oil can become thick and dirty and lead to engine damage. Pull out the dipstick and physically inspect the oil level regularly. If it’s a dark color, make an appointment to have it replaced as soon as possible. If the level is low, add oil right away. If levels are low and you suspect a leak (dark, oily spots on your garage floor are one clue), take the vehicle for repair as soon as possible.

Other Fluid Levels

Regularly check the transmission fluid levels, braking fluid, power-steering fluid, antifreeze, and windshield wiper fluid to spot any problems early. If the levels are low, it could mean there are leaks or other issues. These fluids are critical for an automobile to run smoothly.

Unlimited Recovery and Towing

Even well-maintained cars can have a breakdown occasionally. If a breakdown happens and you need tow services in Raleigh, contact Unlimited Recovery and Towing. Our professionals know how to handle any roadside emergency. Call us at 919-790-9393.

Everyday Driving Is Dangerous – Here’s Why You Need A Tow Company

October 4, 2021 By WebGuy

Driving is risky. Most people don’t think about the risk because they consider themselves a “good driver.” However, the more frequently you drive, the greater chance you have at some point needing a tow service. The risk in driving involves uncertainties that can affect even the most careful drivers. For instance, if someone veers and hits your car, or your car suddenly stops working while you’re on the highway, you’ll need a tow service to help you to safety.

Moreover, people who drive daily are more likely to be exposed to stressed or negligent drivers or experiencing a breakdown while trying to reach their destination. Even if you have to be on the road daily, you should minimize your risks by having a backup plan with a reliable tow company in case the unexpected happens.

Needing a Tow Service: Risks You May Encounter

Distracted Driving

This problem is so common on roads nowadays. With the advent of technology, it takes even more discipline to ignore distractions while driving. Distractions can come in many forms: eating while driving, texting, or answering phone calls. Unfortunately, those few seconds of looking away can result in an accident. Although most states have enacted regulations to curb these distractions (i.e., drivers being required to use hands-free devices), it seems impossible to stop this act completely.

Bad Weather

Driving in bad weather is not an easy thing to do. You constantly need to watch out for debris and avoid other drivers while trying to make your way through – even a slight mistake could lead to an accident. So don’t be stranded in bad weather, have the phone number of a reliable tow service on speed dial.

Unsafe Areas

One of the first things drivers are advised to do when their car breaks down is to navigate it to the side of the road. But drivers cannot leave their vehicle there for too long because other vehicles driving along the route could hit them, leading to additional damage or injury. So instead, contact a tow service as soon as possible to move the car to a safer location.

This advice also goes for any unsafe areas that threaten your safety or that of your car. In these situations, drivers will want to get a tow service and leave the environment as quickly as possible.

Unlimited Recovery & Towing

Waiting until your vehicle breaks down before searching for a reliable tow service provider is not an intelligent choice. It’s better to be safe than sorry; hence you need to find a trusted tow company like Unlimited Recovery and Towing, whose service covers the areas you travel daily. That way, you know you’ll always be in safe hands whenever you need help with your vehicle while on the road. So place 919-790-9393 on your phone and call us when you require tow service.

How to Safely Avoid Reckless Drivers

July 5, 2021 By WebGuy

When it comes to wreaking havoc on the roads, reckless drivers are dangerous culprits. Whether using their phones, chatting to their buddies, or playing their music too loud, reckless drivers cause accidents and should be avoided. So, how do you evade them? How can you keep your family safe on the road? Here are four top driving tips that will help you to avoid reckless drivers safely.

Defensive Driving Tips

Keep Your Distance

When you’re taught how to drive, distance is something your instructor focuses on a lot. They tell you to hold back and maintain two car lengths between you and the car ahead of you. When you notice a reckless driver, distance is even more critical. Give yourself some extra distance so you can maneuver out of their way and leave them to their careless pursuits.

Don’t Speed

When you’re speeding, it’s hard to control your vehicle, and it’s harder to react to unexpected situations that you encounter. Stick to the speed limit of the road and pay attention to the cars around you. Adjusting your speed will give you the best chance of avoiding reckless drivers and reacting to any problematic encounters.

Don’t Drive Impaired

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is not the only way you can be impaired. If you get behind the wheel when you’re angry, upset, or tired, your decision-making is impaired. Instead of hanging back and avoiding a reckless driver, if you’re mad, you might be tempted to take them on, shout at them, or do something equally as reckless. But if you’re calm and collected while driving, you won’t get drawn into making a poor decision in response to their carelessness.

Move Out of the Way

If you see someone hurtling towards you at an excessive speed, move out of the way. While they’re almost certainly wrong, and you shouldn’t have to move for them, being stubborn in this situation isn’t the best idea. It can result in your vehicle getting hit and possibly sustaining a severe injury. While it can be tempting to flash your lights and sound your horn in protest, it’s much better to take evasive action and get out of their way.

Unlimited Recovery and Towing

If you need roadside assistance due to an accident caused by a reckless driver, contact Unlimited Recovery and Towing. Our driving tips will help you avoid an encounter, but when an emergency happens, our expert team is professional and dedicated to helping drivers. Give us a call on 919-790-9393.

Why You Always Need An Automotive Locksmith On Call

June 7, 2021 By WebGuy

Few issues in the course of travel can bring a day to a needle-scratching halt, like getting locked out of a vehicle. Whether in a residential, municipal, or commercial setting, not getting back into a car is a huge inconvenience, especially if said vehicle is still running.

People like to think they know better than to lock themselves out of their personal or company cars. As technology advances, it is getting easier to re-enter a locked vehicle. Still, accidents happen, people forget their keys or fobs, and the doors automatically lock. And with electronic locks, a slim jim doesn’t usually work on newer cars.

Lockout Service

Some people think breaking a window is the solution, but that can be pretty costly to repair. The answer is to call a locksmith skilled with such vehicle locks. Many of them offer 24/7 lockout service because they understand that people can get locked out of their cars any time, day or night.

Locksmiths

On-call locksmiths are beneficial for companies with large motor pools. Not all businesses can afford to have a locksmith on staff. Utilizing a 24/7 locksmith service from a different company helps save money and keep the fleet moving. For that matter, it’s a good idea for anyone to have the contact information for a 24/7 lockout service since no one knows when or where they might need one.

Locksmiths with auto experts on staff maintain reliable hours, but accidents can happen any time. Someone accidentally bumps a door closed as they wrangle their grocery cart on a Sunday morning, a driver steps out to stretch their legs during a long drive, or a nightguard exits their car for a moment to check out a problem – any of these situations could lead to a lockout.

Emergency Assistance

When any of a thousand situations happen, regular hours might not cut the mustard. That’s why most vehicle locksmiths maintain emergency services for any time of day. Knowing a locksmith is only a phone call away is especially important because of the panicked feeling experienced when getting locked out of a car, especially at night. In such situations, having someone reliable to contact to help resolve the issue is a reassuring feeling. It doesn’t matter if the person involved is a person on the road or part of a company fleet. If that person gets locked out of their vehicle, they need a way back inside. That’s why having an on-call lockout service is vital for anyone.

Unlimited Recovery and Towing

Emergency roadside assistance is our business, and that includes lockout service. When you find yourself stranded and in need of help, contact Unlimited Recovery and Towing. Call 919-790-9393.

The Most Simple Way To Change A Flat Tire

May 3, 2021 By WebGuy

As a driver, you will have to change a flat tire at some point. Changing a flat tire can seem like a hassle, but it’s pretty simple if you have some idea of the process. In this post, we’ll talk more about the most straightforward way to change a flat tire.

If you still have trouble fixing your flat, there is no need to worry. Unlimited Recovery can help you change your flat tire with speedy roadside assistance service.

Changing a Flat Tire

Get Your Tools Out

To change a flat tire, get out all necessary tools – the spare tire, a lug wrench, and a jack. All these items are essential for a tire change. You can use the lug wrench to loosen and remove the hubcap from the tire.

Loosen the Wheel

Use the lug wrench and start loosening the lug nuts on the flat tire. It would be best to loosen them before lifting the car with the jack. Move the wrench handle in a counterclockwise motion to loosen the nuts. Do not remove the nuts at this time.

Lift the Car

When all the lug nuts are loosened, use the jack. First, block the tire diagonal from the flat tire to keep the car from shifting. Place the jack under a sturdy part of your car (the car frame is ideal) and near the damaged tire. Turn the jack handle clockwise to raise the vehicle. The jack should contact the car and start to lift the flat tire off the ground.

Remove Your Tire

Once the tire is off the ground, take off the lug nuts. Be careful and make sure not to misplace the lug nuts. Remove the flat tire. Align the spare tire holes and gently place the spare in position. Put back on the lug nuts, but only hand tighten until they are all in place. Now use the lug wrench to tighten all the lug nuts. Check each nut secure and tight before lowering the car.

Lower Your Car

When the spare tire is securely in place, start lowering the car. Use the jack to lower your vehicle turning the handle counterclockwise, and place the flat tire and all your tools in your trunk.

Unlimited Recovery and Towing

Although changing a flat tire is not a complicated process, contact Unlimited Recovery for roadside assistance if you lack the right tools or need help. Unlimited Recovery and Towing offers fast and dependable roadside services for any car or vehicle. We can be reached by phone at 919-790-9393 or on our website, and we are available 24 hours a day.

Why You Need An Active Roadside Assistance Membership Whenever You Can Afford It

April 5, 2021 By WebGuy

With a pandemic going on, the tables have turned on vehicle ownership. With people unwilling to travel on public transportation, the demand for cars increased. Not everyone can afford to make new car payments, so sales of used vehicles have grown. With the unemployment rate so high, people worldwide are cutting back on spending. That is why the idea of roadside assistance membership may seem like a luxury right now. However, in these times, it is a necessity. Here are the reasons why.

Need for Roadside Assistance

Less Maintenance

When was the last time you got your vehicle serviced? If it has been an extended time, either due to not using the car or not wanting to take it to a service location, you need a roadside assistance membership. If you do less maintenance, there is a higher chance of your vehicle breaking down on the road. You may be saving on maintenance costs right now, but it will cost you more to fix the car later. Roadside assistance can help you when a breakdown occurs.

Less Stress

Everyone is stressed out financially and mentally during this time. Many people have lost jobs and can’t afford necessities. However, with a roadside assistance membership, you have one less stressful item. If you commute to work, you will have peace of mind that you can always rely on roadside assistance no matter what. That is especially true for people that commute long distances.

Increase in Used Cars

As the pandemic continues, spending money worldwide keeps falling. If people need to commute, many are switching from public transportation to used cars. Used cars cost less and allow people to commute without being in contact with other people. However, with the increase in used vehicles, there is also a higher probability that they will break down on the road. Having a roadside assistance membership rids you of any issues faced on the road.

Roadside Assistance

Most people know AAA (American Automobile Association) offers emergency roadside assistance but check your car insurance company. Many car insurance companies provide roadside assistance in some form. Some companies pay for the service, and others offer a concierge service that will contact a service station near your breakdown location. Keep the contact information in your glove compartment.

Unlimited Recovery & Towing

Having roadside assistance service ready to help will give you peace of mind. If you find yourself needing assistance in the Raleigh, NC area, contact Unlimited Recovery and Towing. We’re ready to help. Call 919-790-9393.

So You Get In An Accident – What Next?

February 1, 2021 By WebGuy

It happens to the best drivers: we end up in a car accident despite our best efforts. Whether it was a fender-bender or a head-on collision, there are some necessary steps to take in case this happens.

Causes of Car Accidents

Many car accidents have the same set of causes:

Drivers distracted by eating, texting, or phone calls
Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Drivers speeding or driving recklessly
Drivers failing to adhere to traffic signs
Inexperienced drivers
Drivers following too closely
Drivers falling asleep
Hazardous weather

After an Accident

Before doing anything else, assess yourself and any passengers for injuries. If there are injuries that require medical attention, call 911.

If you’ve determined there are no injuries in your car, then check with other vehicles involved. If there are no life-threatening injuries and you’re coherent, follow these steps.

Call the Police. You will need a police report to file an insurance claim. Before the police arrive, write down or photograph the other driver’s car model, make, and license plate number in case they drive off.

Collect Information. Exchange contact information and insurance information with the other driver involved in the accident.

Document. Take photos of the scene, your vehicle, and any injuries you may have sustained during the accident.

Safety. Always be aware of the traffic around you. Don’t walk into the road or the highway. It is your responsibility to remove your car from the roadway after an accident, assuming there are no severe injuries and that your vehicle is functional. Move your vehicle into the right roadway shoulder or a parking lot to avoid disrupting traffic as much as possible. Turn on your hazard lights.

Towing. If your can is not drivable, call a towing company. It’s a good idea to have a towing company and auto shop you trust in case of an accident and for general maintenance. It’s essential to build a good relationship with the people who work on your car. Call ahead to explain to your mechanic what has happened.

Safe Transport. Get a ride from someone you know to either follow your car to the auto shop or take you home.

Medical Follow-Up. If you have non-life-threatening injuries, get checked out at a doctor to verify everything is okay. Many injuries may not manifest immediately.

Unlimited Recovery and Towing

Though car accidents are scary, it makes it much less stressful if you already know what you should do when one occurs. Unlimited Recovery and Towing stands ready to assist you when needed. Keep our phone number 919-790-9393 in your car.

You Get a Flat Tire – What Should You Do?

January 4, 2021 By WebGuy

For many drivers, suddenly getting a flat while driving, especially on an open highway, is a complete nightmare. It’s scary, it’s stressful, and it’s inconvenient to have your plans derailed to deal with your vehicle’s issues.

A sudden flat tire isn’t anything to worry about, even though it’s inconvenient. Here are a few tips on what you can do and when to call for roadside assistance.

Changing a Flat Tire

When you notice you have a flat tire, follow these tips.

Stop. Pull completely off the road on the right side and turn on your emergency lights. Give yourself a large gap between your car and the oncoming traffic so you can enter and exit your vehicle safely. Extra spacing is critical when the weather or time of day makes it difficult for other drivers to see you.

Stay in car. Call any loved ones or associates to inform them you have a flat and you’ll be late for any engagements or to request assistance if needed.

Spare Tire. If you are lucky enough to have a spare tire and know how to install it, or know someone who does, go ahead and put it on. Avoid using tire plugs. They don’t work very well and could cause further damage.

Roadside Assistance. If you aren’t equipped with a spare tire or don’t know how to put it on, call a roadside assistance service such as Unlimited Recovery and Towing. We’ll be there in no time to help you get back to your life and help lift the flat tire burden off your shoulders.

Don’t Continue To Drive

The worst thing you can do when you notice a flat tire is to continue to drive on it.

Tire Damage. The tire could be damaged beyond repair. A simple problem like a nail puncture that can be quickly and cheaply repaired while driving on a flat tire will cause irreparable harm requiring buying a new tire.

Rim Damage. Driving on a flat tire can cause damage to the rims causing them to bend and warp.

Other Damage. Damage to your car’s internal components like brake lines, rotors, and suspension can be caused by driving on a flat tire for extended periods. Failure of these systems can also make driving dangerous, and you could get into an accident.

Unlimited Recovery and Towing

Flat tires are annoying, but calling a towing company like Unlimited Recovery and Towing will make your life so much easier and get you back on the road in no time. Call 919-790-9393 if you need roadside assistance.

How to Drive Safe During the Holidays

December 7, 2020 By WebGuy

The holiday season can be a time of joy and wonder for many. Regardless of what life has thrown at people, the holidays are a time to gather and enjoy the company of others safely and securely. Part of the holiday season’s wonder is the transition from fall to winter, including rain becoming snow. Both can be tricky to drive through. Safe driving tips are essential to keep the holiday season merry and bright.

Distracted Driving

One issue during the season can be complacency. Families on the road and overeager shoppers tend to be distracted while driving. Distractions increase the likelihood of accidents, missed stopped signs, and other potential road dangers. Staying focused while driving is essential, whether it’s the holidays or not.

The need to stay focused on the road is incredibly real during crummy weather, and the holiday season can feature plenty of that. Rain makes roads slippery and vision precarious, which inhibits turning and travel times. Make sure to plan for longer commutes during the holiday season. Snow adds even further dangers thanks to roads frozen over with ice.

Road Dangers

Icy roads are dangerous, and heavy snowfall or rain impedes vision. Slow and steady helps one to drive safely and keeps all four tires on the road. Longer nights in the season also make for more precarious travels, as does the increased alcohol consumption. Drunk drivers are always a danger, but the holidays tend to mean more drinkers, so be on the lookout for erratic drivers, and never drive while drunk or high.

The best driving tips for the holidays are staying focused on the road, slowing down, and getting distracted. Driving with distractions is often dangerous, but even more so during the holidays because more people are doing it, which increases the chance of accidents occurring.

Slow Down, Stay Safe

The holiday season should be a time of fun, excitement, and family. There is a temptation to drive quickly from place to place to get everything done in time, but this is dangerous. Safe holiday driving requires caution on the roads, slower speeds, and an eye on the other drivers. Doing so not only keeps everyone alive, but it also makes for a less stressful holiday experience. Travel and shopping might take longer as a result, but keeping everyone safe so they can enjoy the holidays is well worth taking it slow and enjoying the season.

Call Unlimited Recovery and Towing

If you need emergency roadside help during your holiday travels, Unlimited Recovery and Towing is ready to help. Call 919-790-9393.