Driving Safely on Ice: Keeping Your Car on the Road

December 5, 2022 By WebGuy

Driving is a fun and enjoyable activity. However, under some circumstances and conditions, driving may become challenging. Certain conditions, such as weather, may affect the quality of the roadways. To be specific, one of those conditions is snow. Driving during winter is usually arduous, requiring the driver to be very cautious. In addition, snow produces icy and slippery roadways that make driving tricky. In some cases, when the road is already icy, it is advisable to avoid driving. However, if there is a need to go out in the winter, following these tips could help.

Tips from a Towing Company in Durham: Driving on Icy Roads

Winter or All-Season Tires

During winter, there is usually a lot of ice and snow on the road, and the car must have tires that are in good condition and can handle the streets. Winter tires help maintain good traction on an icy road. The proper tires are essential whether your car is AWD, 4WD, or 2WD.

Speed Reduction is Crucial

On an icy road, the grip between the tires and the road is reduced, even with winter tires. The right tires make this connection much better. However, speed is another factor that helps maintain control. Like hydroplaning on water, reducing speed keeps more of the tire in contact with the surface – keeping the car in control.

Keep Extra Distance with Other Vehicles

One mistake most drivers make even when the road is not icy is following other vehicles too close. Ideally, drivers should learn to avoid tailgating vehicles because the car in front could suddenly brake, requiring avoidance maneuvers. However, keeping proper distance becomes more important when the road is icy – because of the reduced surface friction, safe braking distances are much longer. On an icy road, drivers should keep ten times the usual gap between their car and the car in front of them.

Drive With Chains

Drivers use tire chains to compensate for reduced friction on snow and ice-covered roads. Only use chains if there is a layer of snow or ice on the road. Using chains on a bare road can damage the tires and the road. Chains are most effective if used on all four tires.

In general, avoid driving on icy roads if possible. But if there is a need, follow these tips to make your driving experience safe.

Unlimited Recovery & Towing

In the winter, safe driving is critical due to the challenging road conditions. However, Unlimited Recovery & Towing can help if you run into trouble. In addition, our emergency roadside assistance can be there to help with any situation. Contact our towing company in Durham at 919-790-9393 when you run into trouble on the road.

How to Avoid Recovery Towing

November 7, 2022 By WebGuy

A recovery tow vehicle’s approach can be a welcome sight if you find yourself stranded on the roadside in a snowstorm, in the dead of night, or in the middle of a deserted area. If your car engine has stalled, you’ve got a flat tire, are struggling with extreme weather conditions, or have been in an accident – a professional, expert towing service will be able to tow your vehicle to a suitable location safely. However, there are some steps you can take ahead of time to ensure that you are fully prepared the next time you run into trouble on the road. For example, if you are adequately supplied, the next time you have an emergency on the road, you may not need to call a recovery tow service at all. Below we will look at the steps you can take to avert disaster.

Top 5 Tips on How to Avoid Recovery Towing

Have Emergency Numbers

Ensure you have your local mechanic’s and other emergency phone numbers programmed into your phone or keep a list of them in your glove box.

Put Together an Emergency Kit

Keep a kit in your car filled with helpful gear. Here are some items to have in your kit:

Flashlight with spare batteries
Tire jack and air pump
Tire repair kit
Tool Kit with extra nuts and bolts
Work gloves
Reflective triangles and road markers to warn oncoming vehicles
High visibility vest
Emergency flares if you regularly travel in isolated areas or at night
Some food bars and bottled water
Sweater or Coat to keep warm at night
Walking shoes/boots in case you need to travel to find assistance

First Aid Kit

Buy a complete first aid kit for your vehicle so that you can treat injuries or illnesses in the case of an emergency. Make sure to include:

Bandages
Scissors
Band-Aids
Hygienic Wipes
Rubbing Alcohol
Over-the-counter medicines to deal with Nausea, Headaches, Travel Sickness, etc.

Keep Your Car Regularly Maintained

Get your vehicle serviced regularly and check in with your local mechanic before going on long road trips. It’s always better to be aware of a potential problem while still at home than to discover it when traveling along a deserted road.

Make sure that your headlights are working, the tread on your tires is still up to standard, and your brakes are functioning correctly. Also, check your oil, transmission fluid, and antifreeze levels before you leave, and don’t forget to fill the gas tank.

Watch the Weather

For day-to-day traveling, make sure you listen to local radio and check weather apps to know if you need to adjust your routes or your estimated journey times. Then, in the days leading up to a big trip, stay updated with weather warnings for your location and the states where you’ll be traveling.

Unlimited Recovery & Towing

Need a reliable tow service to add to your phone? For tow services in Raleigh NC, contact Unlimited Recovery & Towing for fast, efficient, and safe vehicle recovery services. You can rely on our 24 Hours service to assist you in a roadside emergency. Contact us at 919-790-9393.

3 Advantages to Parking Lot Management

October 10, 2022 By WebGuy

As the world’s population continues to grow, so does our need for space, including parking spaces. When businesses try to cater to customers’ needs, they often offer them the best and most convenient parking spots. But then where do the employees park? While most businesses try to make parking fair and suitable for everyone, sometimes that can be challenging if a large influx of people are coming and going. That’s why parking lot management systems have become increasingly popular.

Why Add a Parking Management System?

Implementing a parking lot management system can save employees time when they arrive at work by assigning parking spots or letting them reserve spaces. This system gives employees more control over the parking situation while also keeping it simple. As the business grows, employees who aren’t working can release their spots for others to use. When spaces are open for lengthy periods, the business can rent them to other companies or individuals. Renting extra parking slots works well in high-traffic locations requiring more public parking.

Using Parking Software

There are software programs that can help manage your parking lot. They give you a clear view of your whole parking lot in real-time and offer other ways to keep your parking lot secure. For example, if you have a gated lot, you can grant or restrict access and be confident that the entry points are secured. Your employees or visitors can check in directly from their smartphone, so they’ll never have to worry about a parking pass, and they can also feel at ease knowing everyone in the parking lot has proper access. Unwanted visitors lurking near your business or vehicles can be creepy, but a secured parking lot can easily deter them.

The Benefits

Putting a parking lot management system in place will make your business feel more organized and help you focus on more critical business matters. Not to mention, your employees will feel less stress when arriving at work, knowing they don’t have to fight for a decent parking spot. Happy employees translate into more productivity.

Unlimited Recovery & Towing

Is your business having trouble with illegal parking in your parking lot? Unlimited Recovery & Towing can help. Our professional and reliable service trucks can safely remove unwanted vehicles leaving the parking lot free for customers and employees. Make us a part of your parking lot management system. Contact us today at 919-790-9393 and see what we can do for you.

What Causes Damage to a Car During Towing?

September 5, 2022 By WebGuy

Nobody wants to get their car towed, even if it’s necessary. However, it’s even more troublesome if you find your vehicle is damaged during the towing process. Damage is a possibility that not many consider, but it can happen to any car that gets towed. This article examines how a car can be damaged during towing and what signs to watch out for. Keep reading to get all the details now.

Tips From Tow Service in Raleigh: Possible Car Damage

Bumper Damage

Bumper damage is the first and most common type of damage your car might sustain during towing. This damage includes the bumper becoming loose, cracked, or even coming off entirely.
Bumper damage happens when the towing service places the tow hook in a poor position. If not set correctly, the hook puts undue stress on the bumper from underneath, causing cracks or separation from the car frame. In addition, if the chain is too loose, the car may bump into the back of the tow truck as it’s being towed, which will also result in bumper damage.

Tire Damage

Towing can also cause damage to your car’s tires. This damage could result from a piece of metal on the tow truck’s bed puncturing a hole in one of the tires, or it could be more serious, such as the tire track getting damaged by the tow truck’s chain.

Windshield Damage

Damage to the windshield is another form of damage a car can sustain during towing. After your vehicle has been towed, check if there are new scratches or cracks in your car’s windshield. This damage is usually due to rocks or debris thrown into the windshield from the tow truck’s tires. It’s a common occurrence because a car being towed is typically towed very close behind the truck, which makes it the first target for debris thrown up by the truck’s tires.

Keep a Record

Before your car is towed, take photos of the vehicle for your records. Then if there is damage to the car, you can show your insurance company the vehicle’s condition before it was towed. In addition, always use a reliable, professional towing service.

Unlimited Recovery & Towing

Because car damage during towing can be such a problem, it’s essential to go with a towing service that has demonstrated professionalism with their customers, like Unlimited Recovery & Towing. We are a top-rated tow service in Raleigh NC. Our experienced drivers know the proper and safe way to tow vehicles without causing damage. Contact us at 919-790-9393 for all your towing needs.

6 Tips to Improve Your Small Business Parking Management Today

March 7, 2022 By WebGuy

If you are a small business owner with parking on your property, it is essential to have a plan to help manage it efficiently, effectively, and with the least number of headaches. Below are six tips on how you can improve the management of your small business parking and who to call if you are looking for illegal parking management.

Create a Parking Enforcement Plan

A successful enforcement plan must be easy to understand, with well-defined parking restrictions to be followed. You will want to make sure the plan answers these questions:

Who is in charge of enforcing the plan?
What days and hours are enforcement in place?
How will the program be implemented?
What happens if the enforcement plan is ignored?

When the answers are in place, it will be a smooth operation when it comes time to enforce the plan you have created.

Enforce Your Plan Consistently

Consistency is key. Ensure your parking enforcement personnel are consistent and that they know when to tow and not tow. In addition, they should avoid conflict when possible and practice good customer service while also making sure customers understand your property’s regulations.

Make Signage Easy to See

You cannot enforce parking regulations that a customer cannot see. Ensure you have signs posted in well-lit, visible spots that inform customers when they can park on your property. Check local regulations for signage specifications on size, placement, and wording. Having proper signage makes it less likely to upset customers who are ticketed or towed due to restrictions they didn’t know.

Invest in Smart Technology

Your parking management can be much more efficient when you utilize innovative technology. For example, automated License Plate Readers (ALPR) are a great addition mounted on an enforcement personnel’s vehicle. These readers capture license plate numbers and store them in a database for easy access.

Issue Fines & Penalties to Offenders

No one should have unreasonably high fines and penalties, but it is essential not to set them too low. If they are, it may not discourage people from following the rules of your property. It is also wise to have fines that increase for those who continuously are parking illegally.

Hire a Trustworthy Towing Company

Choosing an honest, reputable, and professional towing company for your property is vital. They should:

Specify all fees, including any extra charges a customer may incur.
Require an authorized signature on all towing documents.
Have insurance in case of a lost or damaged vehicle.
Avoid predatory tactics like towing a car from private property based on a tip.

Unlimited Recovery and Towing

Do you need a reliable towing company to remove illegally parked cars from your property? Check out Unlimited Recovery and Towing. We will ensure your small business isn’t negatively affected by inconsiderate people parking on your property and be a great partner with your business’s illegal parking management. Call us at 919-790-9393.

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.

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.

What Is Non-Consensual Towing?

September 6, 2021 By WebGuy

Non-consensual towing is when a law enforcement agency seizes legal custody of a vehicle. But, that’s only a tiny part of it because the entire process of towing, detaining, and insurance is more complex. For example, in a non-consensual tow, law enforcement contacts a towing company to relocate vehicles from a street, highway, or property. The towing company usually has a prearranged agreement with the law enforcement agency to carry out this work.

When Non-Consensual Towing Happens

A law enforcement agency or officer is prompted to order a tow when there’s an accident scene, a vehicle breakdown, or a crime scene. Depending on the time and location, these situations can cause traffic hazards or delays. Hence, the officer needs to act swiftly by making a report and calling the towing company to intervene.

Ideally, police officers have what’s called- a “rotation list,” which contains the details of local towing service providers. Using that list, they will call each company on that list in succession.

Vehicle Owner Problems

Often the owner of the vehicle has no choice in the matter but can be slapped with an outrageous bill that includes all types of fees. Some of the fees seen on these towing bills include:

Equipment fee for trucks sent to the scene that were not used
Extra personnel fee for people sent to the scene
Arbitrary emergency call-out fees or fire department fees
Cargo transfer fees (for trucks carrying cargo)
Storage fee (if the vehicle is taken to a holding lot)
Paperwork fee to release vehicle

To add to your pain, the towing company has your vehicle, and they can hold it hostage until all fees are paid. Most people merely pay the fees to get their car back.

Many car insurance companies pay towing fees as part of an accident claim – another reason towing companies are happy to pad their bills with extra fees.

What Can You Do?

Due to the variety of laws and regulations that vary from city, county, and state, it is best to be prepared to handle contacting a trusted towing company yourself. Keep contact information for your towing company of choice on your phone. Inform law enforcement that you will handle getting your vehicle towed.

If that choice is taken out of your hands, contact your insurance company and tell them the circumstances. No one likes being taken advantage of, especially when in a vulnerable situation, including insurance companies. Let them handle it. They have the resources to investigate insurance fraud.

Unlimited Recovery and Towing

Don’t be caught off guard in a non-consensual towing situation. Have a reliable, trusted, and fair towing company on speed dial. Unlimited Recovery and Towing is here for you. Keep our number on your phone and call us when needed – we’re ready to help. Our number is 919-790-9393.

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 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.