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.

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.

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.

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.

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.