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.

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.

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.

Safe Driving in The Rain

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!

Fluids Under Your Car- What Do They Mean?

June 1, 2020 By WebGuy

Different Fluids, Different Causes, Different Concerns

Most of us are very attached to our belongings, and when it comes to the car, some people are highly protective. When there’s a minor issue, there’s a rush to the service center to get our precious baby repaired. There are some things you can and should do on your own, but many more that are best left to your mechanic.

Are Leaking Fluids An Emergency?

Car maintenance is generally at the top of peoples’ priority list. However, this doesn’t mean that for every minor issue, a call for roadside assistance or towing company (Durham area) is required. Many of these issues are false alarms. Knowing the difference can save a lot of worries, time, and money.

Have you ever walked out into your garage or returned to your car in a parking lot and seen fluids oozing out from under your vehicle? What do you do? Does it worry you? Do you call your mechanic? Let’s look at a few things you should do before taking any drastic steps.

What Is That Fluid?

The first thing to do is to check the color and texture of the fluid. Narrowing down the type of fluid will help troubleshoot the severity of the problem.

Brake Fluid: If the liquid is brown-colored and slippery to the feel, it is probably the brake fluid. In this case, the car may be dangerous to drive. Without brake fluid, the brakes may fail. So, call for a tow and get your vehicle to a service center.

Radiator Fluid: A green or yellow-colored spill indicates radiator or coolant fluid. The radiator keeps the car from overheating when driven, so if the service center is nearby, fill the radiator with water and go, otherwise call for transport.

Transmission Fluid: A reddish-brown spill with a thick texture is the leakage of transmission fluid. You won’t be able to start the car if the transmission fluid has drained out.

Power Steering Fluid: The color and texture of power steering fluid and transmission fluid are very similar and easy to get confused. If it’s a power steering fluid leakage, the spill is generally under the front side of the car, but a transmission fluid leak will be towards the center of the vehicle.

When To Call For Assistance

Being able to identify the different auto fluids assists you with deciding on your next step. It’ll also help when speaking with an auto mechanic about your car problem. If you’re not sure about what the problem is and you’re away from home, play it safe and call for roadside assistance. Mechanical failures and breakdowns can result in considerable risk to your life, so be safe and cautious.

Unlimited Recovery And Towing To The Rescue

When it is time to call for a towing company in Durham area, call Unlimited Recovery and Towing for quick and professional service. Call 919-790-9393.

When To Fix It Yourself And When To Call The Tow Truck

May 4, 2020 By WebGuy

Sometimes, you Just Can’t do it Yourself

More often than not, we get stuck in situations when we least expect it. Car troubles are one of these situations. How frequently these situations happen depends on how old your car is and how well you maintain it. Getting stuck with a car breakdown on a busy road is always a bad experience. With people staring at you and horns blowing continuously, it’s embarrassing and stressful at the same time. So let’s look at some situations when you should try fixing the car yourself and when to call for towing.

Flat Tires

A flat tire is the most common problem which you can come across. Now you may be a pro at fixing this issue, but it’s not always safe to fix the tire yourself. You can evaluate the threats and then decide whether to fix it yourself or call a tow truck.

Calling a towing service is mainly crucial if the locality is not safe or during late-night hours. Busy roads and highways are not a safe place to change a tire. There is always risk involved in sitting down on the roadway to fix a tire. It’s better to call a tow truck in such situations to avoid placing yourself in a dangerous situation.

Carry Essential Repair Tools

Have jumper cables and the lug wrench for your wheels in your vehicle at all times. This small act of preparation keeps you from having to find someone with those tools when these common car problems occur. Do not wait for help from a stranger in the case of battery issues or a flat tire. If you don’t have the tools, call a tow truck.

Poor Weather Conditions

If you get stuck on the road during poor weather conditions like rain, hailstorm, or snowstorm, abandon the thought of self-repair. Other drivers may not be able to watch out for you due to poor weather conditions. Hence, during such situations, always opt for tow service.

While Away From Home

Having a breakdown in an unknown location can be very daunting, and you do not want to invite any more trouble. Hence, it’s better to call for help than trying to act smart in such situations. A local tow service will know the location of auto repair shops if required.

If you ever find yourself in any of the above situations, a towing service is ready to help. They can often make a repair on-the-spot and if not they can get the car to a place where it can be repaired. For one of the best towing companies in Raleigh, NC area, 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.

When You Might Need a Towing Service

March 2, 2020 By WebGuy

You Can Never Really Know When You’ll Find Yourself Needing an Emergency Tow

It always seems to happen when it is the most inconvenient – your car dies. It’s night. It’s raining. You’re late for an appointment. No matter the circumstances, a reliable towing service is just a phone call away. In these emergency roadside situations, drivers should call a towing company. Contrary to what many believe, towing companies are not limited to towing cars away. Towing businesses are equipped to help drivers in various circumstances, and if the car is undrivable, they can tow the vehicle to a secure location.

A Towing Service can do the Following and More

Flat Tires: Changing a flat tire on the side of a road might seem easy and risk-free, but many drivers don’t know how to do this task. Changing a tire without any experience can be frustrating and dangerous. To get the job done fast, call a towing service. Unlimited Recovery will get you back on the road in no time.

Out of Gas: Not all car trouble is serious. Some drivers run out of fuel in the middle of the road. Drivers don’t have to get out of their car and risk getting hit by a passing vehicle. Instead, call a towing service. They can bring enough gas to get the car running. This way, the automobile can be driven to a gas station for a fill-up.

Dead Car: Cars can unexpectedly stop running, and sometimes won’t start up even when jumper cables are used. This situation is another where a towing company can help. Any number of issues could be at play. Maybe there is something wrong with the spark plugs. Or perhaps the battery in the car is dead. Towing companies can assist drivers and bring a spare battery. If the battery isn’t the issue, they can deliver the vehicle to the nearest mechanic.

Repairs: Not all cars need to be towed away. Sometimes, they need an emergency repair. Towing companies like Unlimited Recovery have mechanics on hand that can help customers with car issues. If the problems are more serious, they will also be able to tow a car away to a nearby shop. They can even provide customers with estimates for repairs.

Need to Move a Car: Maybe a car needs to be moved, a motorcycle, or other recreational vehicles. Towing companies can move both damaged and undamaged vehicles from one location to another.

No matter the situation, a towing service can help you. Contact Unlimited Recovery for any car trouble. Call 919-790-9393.

Tips for Combating High Gas Prices

February 3, 2020 By WebGuy

Gas is Expensive, but you can Keep it Affordable

Are you looking to combat the ever-increasing prices of gas but aren’t sure where to start? It’s a lot easier than you think! There are all kinds of simple tips and tricks you can use to help you save money on gas by lowering your fuel consumption. Most of these involve adjusting your driving habits slightly. A few small changes and you will notice a big difference to your wallet. Some helpful tips are discussed here:

Inflate Your Tires

Only 17 % of cars have their tires inflated correctly, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA). Having the proper pressure level in the tires can increase fuel efficiency by 3%.
Use the manufacturers recommended tire pressure (usually found on a label on the driver’s door). Always check the tire pressure if the car has not been driven or when the tires are cold. If the tires have low pressure, that increases the surface area touching the road, which will result in more fuel consumption.

Buy a Fuel-Efficient Car

Investing in a fuel-efficient car when gas prices are escalating can make an impact. Be sure to review the fuel rating when looking at new cars.

Drive Calmly

Avoid aggressive driving and slow down just 5 miles per hour. This small change will make a significant impact on your gas mileage. It costs 20 cents per gallon on average for every 5 miles above 50mph. Continually accelerating, braking, and speeding reduces fuel efficiency, so drive more wisely.

Drop Extra Weight

The vehicle consumes more fuel when there is more weight. So over the long term, you can save a fair amount of cash by reducing the total weight. Dropping 100lbs would save 3 cents per gallon, which adds up over time. So empty the trunk and remove any other unnecessary stuff from the vehicle.

Tune-Up The Engine

Gas mileage can be improved by an average of 4%, depending on the kind of repair needed. Fixing a serious problem, such as repairing a faulty oxygen sensor, can improve mileage by 40%.
As people are becoming more affluent global demand for gas continues to rise. Natural disasters and political changes can unexpectedly cause gas to get more costly. Your best step is to make adjustments to balance the added cost.

If you ever need a towing service, Unlimited Recovery and Towing is ready to help. Call 919-790-9393.

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.

Electric Cars VS Gas Cars

April 5, 2019 By WebGuy

Electric Cars VS Gas Cars

With so much talk and controversy going on now about gas VS electric cars, we figured we’d share some of our insight with y’all! The advancement in technology is slowly earning electric cars more and more of the market share. A lot of people just haven’t been exposed to much good information, so it’s harder to make a good informed purchase. By understanding their differences, you will be able to make the right choice to suit your needs. Times are changing and with many advocating for going green, they are embracing new technology. Below is a comparison of the two types of vehicles.

Performance and Maintenance

When comparing gasoline cars to their electric counterparts, electric vehicles are easier to maintain and they require very little maintenance. Internal combustion engines are high maintenance considering that it comes with several systems that come into contact with emissions and dirt. You truly hardly ever need to even have an electric car checked out, while gasoline powered cars are a lot more sensitive and need to be maintained regularly.

In regards to performance, driving an electric car is more exciting depending on how you look at it. First, it starts up fast and react fast even when in motion. If you are looking for a more responsive car with good torque between these types of vehicles, the electric car comes with greater advantages. No gasoline cars can really compete with the equivalent electric when it comes to sheer torque, acceleration, or overall speed. Electric motors are just far better for all of those things.

Emissions

Many people are advocating for the reduction of gas-powered vehicles because of the amount of pollution they put out. Electric cars do not produce any tailpipe emissions and getting electricity is a much cleaner and eco-friendly process than fossil fuels. This translates to less pollution in the environment, which is a good thing for all parties involved.

The rechargeable batteries also mean that they do not come with a number of other pollutions such as noise pollution. Gasoline vehicles can be extremely noisy at times, especially when it comes to larger engines. Diesel is the noisiest and while some manufacturers are looking to reduce as much noise from their vehicles, it’ll never be on the same playing field as electric cars already are. In the past they have had to add regulations to make electric vehicles louder because people couldn’t hear them at all and we’re getting run over while crossing the street!

Energy Efficiency

The efficiency of a car refers to the amount of energy your car converts into actual energy to power your wheels. Electric cars batteries are more energy efficient with the ability to convert more than 50 percent of energy into motion. On the other hand, gas powered vehicles can convert about twenty percent of energy into motion.

This aspect goes a long way into making you feel like you are getting much more value to the same amount of energy. It is getting your money’s worth when spending on energy refills. However, it is important to note that electric cars take more time to “refuel” with some taking hours to fully recharge its battery. Again it all just comes down to your personal needs and preferences.

Travel Distance

Looking at statistics, you can maneuver and pull stunts with your electric car, but you will not cover more distance as compared to gasoline cars. They are designed to act as luxury cars so far and not the heavy-duty long distance type of car. Even the highest end electric cars now can only go 300-350 miles on a charge. That’s by no means something so scoff at

Looking at the benefits and challenges of the two types of vehicles, it is evident that the future is going electric. It has the ability to save the environment, has a better response, and it provides better performance. While they may cost more in the market, they are definitely worth it. It seems that in the very near future electric cars will be the new norm, and that means prices will go down and your options will increase in a reasonable amount of time!

One thing that’s always true regardless of car is you never know when you’re going to get stuck somewhere and need a tow, whether your battery has died or you’ve run out of gas. Unlimited Recovery is here for all of your towing service needs. Contact us now if you need help!