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.

How Are Motorcycles Towed?

August 9, 2021 By WebGuy

On any given day, vehicles that have broken down for one reason or another are spotted on the roadways. However, when it comes to motorcycles, that’s a rare sight. So, do motorcycles break down and need tow services in Raleigh, especially during riding seasons? The answer is a resounding yes, and sometimes it could be in out-of-the-way places where help is not so easy to access.

Non-functioning motorcycles need to be loaded onto a trailer or a truck and cannot be pulled like a car or truck. So here are the most important things to do to be prepared for that possible breakdown.

Tow Services in Raleigh: Options for Moving a Motorcycle

When your motorbike develops a problem and gets stranded by the roadside, you’ll need the right equipment to dock your motorcycle and move it to a safe place without causing any damage to it.

Many motorcyclists own a towing trailer or truck. If this is the case and you are near home, you can call a family member or friend to transport it to your location. If you do not own either, you may hire a trusted tow service.

Equipment Needed

Having a towing trailer or truck is not the only equipment you’ll need to move a motorcycle. Here are a few items to have available to assist with the operation.

Chocks: The purpose of the pair of chocks is to keep the bike still on the trailer while it’s moving. Many motorbike towing trailers have built-in chokes, but if not, having a set comes in handy.
Loading Ramp: The traditional method of loading a motorcycle onto a towing truck or trailer was using wooden planks. But lots of people have damaged and dented their bikes using this process. So the safest way for the loaders and the bike is to use a loading ramp to avoid slip-ups.
Straps: Using what’s on hand to secure the motorcycle is a common situation, but swap the ropes and bungee cords for webbed straps to secure the bike firmly. Doing this will prevent even the slightest damage.

Using A Motorcycle Towing Service

Towing a motorcycle might seem way more manageable than moving a vehicle, but the process requires trained hands, patience, and the right equipment. A towing service has the experience and trained personnel to do the job correctly.

Is It Necessary To Get Help From A Motorcycle Towing Service?

If your motorcycle develops a fault in the middle of nowhere, the only option before you is to get help. It could happen during the day or even at night. It’s best to plan and have a reliable tow service phone number on your phone; that way, irrespective of where and how your motorcycle malfunctions, you’re just a call away from getting professional help.

On a final note, towing your vehicle yourself may seem cost-effective, but when you consider the strain it puts on you and the high chance of damaging your bike, is it worth the risk?

Unlimited Recovery and Towing

Have you ever had motorbike trouble, and how did you handle it? If you ever need tow services in Raleigh, Unlimited Recovery and Towing are ready to help. Call 919-790-9393 for towing assistance anytime.

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.

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.

The Plug vs. The Patch

September 7, 2020 By WebGuy

A damaged or flattened tire can happen to anyone out on the road. But, how should drivers deal with a tire that needs to be repaired right away? Is roadside assistance the only option? There are many ways to fix a tire, but here we will discuss whether a tire needs to be plugged up or patched. For less severe tire damage, either of these options can be an acceptable repair choice. You want to consider how extensive the damage to your tire is.

Tire Plugs vs. Tire Patches

Tire Plugs

Tire plugs are easy to use and extremely convenient. These plugs are typically made out of rubber. So the tire plugs can fit into almost any small hole or puncture in a tire. In addition to this, tire plugs also stop air from escaping and fix tire damage in minutes, meaning that drivers don’t have to wait long for a tire repair. However, this option can be costly. So keep this in mind.

Tire Patches

Tire patches, on the other hand, require more intensive repair but can cost less. Drivers will have to have their tire removed. This way, the patch can be placed on the inside of the tire. So expect it to take more time for this repair process to be completed. However, once a patch is applied to a tire, it will stop leaking air completely.

Which Option is Better?

Tire plugs and tire patches are great options for less severe tire damage. Both repair options should be considered when trying to prevent further tire problems. In truth, it does not matter if you use a tire plug or a patch. It is up to the driver’s preference and budget most of the time.

The most important thing is for the tire to be repaired immediately once a leak is detected. No driver should ignore tire damage. When you let a tire deflate, driving on it will make it worse. This deflation can be highly dangerous when someone is driving on the road.

Call Unlimited Recovery

If you are stuck on the road due to tire issues or need help repairing your car, call Unlimited Recovery. Our company can help tow cars and will provide drivers with fast and reliable roadside assistance. We are based in the Raleigh area and will assist anyone who is experiencing car trouble. Unlimited Recovery has many years of experience and offers twenty-four-hour roadside support. So call us today or anytime you need help during an emergency! Our number is 919-790-9393.

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.

Tow Trucks – The Basics

July 8, 2019 By WebGuy

All You Need to Know About the Services Offered by A Tow Truck

The name “tow truck” might be one big reason why a lot of people think the only thing that these wreckers can do is take care to shops and get them un-stuck from places like ditches. But infact tow trucks and their drivers can offer you a wide array of services. Nobody likes to be in this kind of situation, but your first through when your car won’t start up is to call a tow truck to come get you and take you to your mechanic. People do not realize how versatile tow trucks are, they offer better roadside service than pretty much any other company and are going to get there faster. Below are some of the big things that they can do for you –

Tire Change

If you see a car on the side of the road, the highest odds are that they have a flat tire. If you do end up getting a flat tire, you don’t particularly need to be towed to a shop. First off if you can change it yourself you should try and do that to get you to your destination. If not, or if you don’t have the tools you need, calling out a tow truck tech is your next best option. They are very well equiped to handle more simple issues like this and may even be able to bring you or have a tire for you if you’re lacking a spare. It is far easier and cheaper for everyone to try and get that tire changed rather than hook up to a tow truck to get to an auto shop so that they can do it there. Truly everyone on the road should have the knowledge and tools with them to change a tire, you never know wen it’s going to go flat and you’re going to need to change it.

Jump-Starts

Going to crank your car and just hearing ticking – or even worse hearing nothing – just makes your heart drop. Generally speaking a jump start is enough to get your car up and running to get it where you need to go. The issue may NOT be your battery and could be something like your alternator or starter, so it’s best to just get it running and get it to someone who can diagnose the issue. All of this is to say that getting towed to a mechanic right off the bat may not the answer, a jump start could get you there and cost you less. Your average tow truck driver is certainly going to a pair of jumper cables with them, and you as a driver really should do the same.

Fuel Delivery

Running out of gas is usually going to come down to bad planning in the end, regardless of what you blame it on. But sometimes it is unavoidable and it’s extremely stressful. The situation becomes even more stressful if you’re stranded in a new or desolate place. Instead of risking your own safety and walking to the closest gas station, you can just call a tow truck and have some gas safely delivered to you. Nearly and tow service should be able to do this for you, get you enough gas to get you where you need to go and make sure you’re on your way safely. These days you really don’t want to risk leaving your car unattended anywhere. With fuel delivery all you have to worry about is what to do while you wait for the truck to arrive, rather than worrying about if you’re going to survive the walk back to your car!

Lockout Services

Have you ever locked yourself out of your own car? To many this may sound unlikely but it is so easy to do and happens more than you may believe. It is very easy to lock yourself out. If you have kids or pets they could easily hit the wrong button and lock themselves in. We’ve all heard these stories before. Nobody ever wants this to happen, but even less so when you’re far from home or it’s dark out. Your car is a safe place to stay even if you are stranded, so if you can’t get inside you’re really out of luck. If you aren’t near an emergency locksmith, a tow service is usually going to be a fantastic second option. A lot of tow truck drivers can help you get your doors unlocked without having to break anything at all, they have tools that they can jimmy in from the top of your windows to get you unlocked.

Regardless of what you’ve got going on and what you need, a quality towing service should be able to help you or at least point you in the right direction. They can do SO much more than just tow cars to shops, they can fix minor issues and may even have decently mechanically inclined drivers that can do even more than the average. So if you need your car towed, need gas, or any other basic auto services, you need to call Unlimted Reovery.

What Do You Need in an Emergency Car Kit?

May 5, 2019 By WebGuy

What Should Be In Your Cary Emergency Kit?

Have you ever been in an emergency situation in your car, but not able to access any emergency roadside assistance? Everyone needs to have emergency items in their car, you need to be prepared for anything that could happen to you. The large majority of people are not properly prepared for a roadside emergency and have no kind of emergency kit stored in the car. As the driver, you need to be prepared for two major categories of issues, primarily survival/emergency and recovery/mechanical. This article should give you a good outline of the basic things you need to keep handy in your car.

Mechanical/Recovery:

Flashlight and Batteries – Just in case your vehicle were to break down at night, flashlights and batteries are invaluable when it comes to being able to see your way around so you can do the things you need to. It’s nearly impossible to get any meaningful work done in the darkness.
Jumper Cables – Leaving your lights, A/C or radio on and coming back to find that your car won’t turn over is all too common of an occurrence for many of us. Any of these things can drain a battery in very little time. Jumper cables are the best and easiest solution for this problem. Just make sure you buy cables long enough to actually use effectively. All too many don’t carry around jumper cables, and it’s a very inexpensive safeguard that we should all have.
Heavy Duty Tow Ropes – Just in case you get into an accident or the jumper cables fail to get your car up and running again, tow ropes are perfect for getting your car to a safer area while you wait for a tow. It may seem silly, but you’ll be wishing you had a heavy duty rope at some point in your life.
Spare Tire and Carjack – Flat tires are by far the most common roadside assistance emergencies people come across. It’s so important that everyone both have the tools they need to change a tire on hand, and the knowledge and experience to do it correctly. Having a jack in your car also goes a very long way, it makes the whole process far easier. These two are usually located in the trunk of most cars or under the rear of the car. Make sure that when you buy a jack it supports the weight of your car. This will help you avoid injuries and get back on the road in no time! If we had any say, we’d make it so changing a tire is part of the licensing process.
Battery Charger – If ever you are stranded without any access to a person who can help you jumpstart your car, the battery charger might be your best option. It is extremely expensive but worth it. It will help you get back on the road and save you from sending the night by the side of the road in your car. It is also a good option for people who are not comfortable with begging strangers for help in the middle of nowhere.

Emergency/Survival:

First Aid Kit – This comes in handy for car-related injuries or any injuries in general. Just in case you were to go camping or hiking and get hurt, your first aid kit could go a long way towards preventing further injury and infection. Even in everyday life, it’s imperative that you have a first aid kit at least somewhere in your home.
Water & Food – You never know when or where issues could arise, you could end up stranded and having to wait hours or even days, in rare circumstances, waiting for help. You need to have bottles of water and non-perishable food stored somewhere in your car for just these events. And more commonly, for those days you forget to grab food or just need a snack to keep your energy up over a long drive.

Also, if you have the room and funds, it’s worthwhile to make sure that you have some of the following items in your roadside kit: small tool kit, canvas bag, mechanical rags, snow shovel, window scraper, multipurpose utility tool, tow strap, duct tape, utility gloves, and a tire pressure gauge. Also, make sure you craft your kit for the environment that you live in. If you’re in the desert you aren’t going to need a window scraper, but you may need more water bottles and rags.

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!