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.

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.

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.

Different Types Of Towing Services

March 8, 2021 By WebGuy

When looking for tow services in Raleigh, it is essential to understand what is being offered and what you need. There are various types of towing services that provide different things. Here are some of the most common towing services offered.

Types of Tow Services

Flatbed Towing Services

Flatbed towing services utilize a flatbed truck. This truck has a hydraulic system that allows it to move up and down. It is one of the most popular towing methods because it offers safety and optimal functionality.

Once the hydraulic system tilts the bed to the ground, the vehicle is attached to an anchor. It is then steadily pulled to the rear of the tow truck’s bed. These towing services work the best for heavy-duty vehicles, cars, and trucks.

The best part about flatbed tow services is that you can tow your vehicle over a great distance. The car is under less stress and will not sustain damage while transported in this way.

Light And Medium-Duty Towing

Almost all towing service companies deal with light and medium-duty towing. These terms refer to lightweight vehicles. Such services include lockout, jumpstarts, towing, and other emergency roadside services.

If your vehicle is in an accident or runs out of gas, this is the service to call. These services are for vans, bikes, small trucks, and cars.

Wheel-Lift Towing

Wheel-lift towing services are best utilized for small, lightweight vehicles. The trucks that offer these towing services have a hydraulic boom with tow bars. The bars are placed under the back wheels of the car.

The car is lifted in the air with two of the wheels on the ground. These services are ideal for when you want to tow a vehicle for a short distance. If your car is stuck in a small space, this service is perfect for accessing tight areas.

Ultimate Recovery and Towing

If you need tow services in Raleigh, feel free to get in touch with us. Unlimited Recovery and Towing has provided these services for a long time and ensures your vehicles’ quick recovery. You can contact us at 919-790-9393 for more information on the towing services that we offer.

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.

Are You Prepared For Winter Driving?

November 9, 2020 By WebGuy

Drivers need to stay vigilant and cautious while out on the road in any season. However, during the winter, safe driving is even more crucial. More car accidents and fatalities happen during this time of the year. So, it’s essential to be adequately prepared for winter driving.

There are many ways drivers can prepare for the harsh conditions of the roads during wintertime. We’ll go into detail about driving tips for winter throughout this post. This way, you know you are prepared for winter driving.

How To Prepare For Winter Driving

All it takes is a patch of ice or a slippery spot on the road for a car accident. The following driving tips will help drivers stay safe during winter.

Make Sure Your Car Is Prepared

When cars are not properly maintained, they are more prone to accidents and breakdowns on the road. Drivers should make sure that their tires are in good condition, headlights are working, and the car battery is charged and ready to go before winter. The gas tank should be kept above a half a tank to prevent any freeze-ups in the car’s gas lines.

Keep Tools On Hand

In addition to keeping a car well maintained, drivers should have specific tools with them on the road at all times. Car owners should have ice scrapers, snow brushes, flashlights, jumper cables, and a spare tire (and tools to change the tire) in your vehicle whenever you travel.

Practice Driving In Winter Weather

There is no better way to prepare for winter driving than by getting some practice in. You can test out your car in an empty parking lot. Work on braking to see how the vehicle handles on snow and ice. It can seem like overkill, but knowing how to operate a car in snow and ice can be useful – it will keep you from panicking if the vehicle starts to swerve and confidence how to recover control.

Stay Safe In Your Car

Wear your seatbelt and make sure anyone else in your car is wearing their seatbelts. Children should be in your backseat. Younger kids and infants should be in car seats.

Distractions should be kept to a minimum as well. Bad weather could hit at any time and make the road a more hostile place. It’s best to stay alert and vigilant. Drivers should be looking at the road, not what is happening inside their vehicle.

Keep Track of the Weather

This last driving tip is one of the best precautions anyone can take before heading out on the road during winter. In truth, drivers need to check the weather before they decide to drive. If the road conditions are poor, and winter weather is incoming, it is better to stay inside and stay safe. Use your best judgment.

Need Help? Call Unlimited Recovery

If you need help while on the road, contact Unlimited Recovery and Towing. Call 919-790-9393 for service.

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.

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.