When Should You Call a Tow Truck?

January 9, 2023 By WebGuy

You have pulled your car over to the side of the road. Do you immediately call a tow service? Not every breakdown situation calls for a tow truck. For example, if you have car trouble on the road, are knowledgeable about cars, and have the correct tools, your problem may be resolved without needing towing services. However, there are situations where you need to call for towing services. Let’s detail some of these situations to help you see how a tow truck can help you.

Tips from Tow Service in Raleigh: When to Call for Help

Your Vehicle Won’t Start

If you’ve tried everything you know and your car won’t start, it is time to call a towing company for help. Sometimes, it might be something simple that a tow driver can help with, such as a dead battery. In that case, all you need is a jump, but there are issues that even the tow truck driver can’t fix. When you have a more significant problem than the battery, get a tow truck to take you to a mechanic.

Out of Gas

This situation can happen to anyone. While you might be tempted to walk to a gas station, leaving your car on the roadside unattended is risky. This is especially true if you are far from a gas station or in a dangerous area. Instead of taking the risk, call for tow services.

Flat Tire

Most people know how to change a tire, but not everyone. Call a towing services company if it is impossible to do it alone. For example, you might have the spare tire and all the tools to change the tire, but the lug nuts won’t bulge. If this happens, a tow truck is your best option. Avoid doing more damage to the car and have an experienced professional help you and reduce the stress of struggling with the tire at the side of the road alone.

Accident

We hope that you never get into a car accident. However, if you do, it is best to let a tow truck company take you to the repair shop, where you’ll get an estimate on damages to present to the insurance company. Sometimes you might think it is a minor accident since the car is starting and moving on its own. However, you might be doing more damage to the car without knowing. Let the professionals evaluate the vehicle for safety before returning to your driving routine.

Unlimited Recovery & Towing

Are you in need of any tow services in Raleigh? Unlimited Recovery & Towing has your back. Never get stranded at the side of the road helpless. Keep our number, 919-790-9393, on your phone, and call us when you need a reliable towing service.

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.

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.

Why You Always Need An Automotive Locksmith On Call

June 7, 2021 By WebGuy

Few issues in the course of travel can bring a day to a needle-scratching halt, like getting locked out of a vehicle. Whether in a residential, municipal, or commercial setting, not getting back into a car is a huge inconvenience, especially if said vehicle is still running.

People like to think they know better than to lock themselves out of their personal or company cars. As technology advances, it is getting easier to re-enter a locked vehicle. Still, accidents happen, people forget their keys or fobs, and the doors automatically lock. And with electronic locks, a slim jim doesn’t usually work on newer cars.

Lockout Service

Some people think breaking a window is the solution, but that can be pretty costly to repair. The answer is to call a locksmith skilled with such vehicle locks. Many of them offer 24/7 lockout service because they understand that people can get locked out of their cars any time, day or night.

Locksmiths

On-call locksmiths are beneficial for companies with large motor pools. Not all businesses can afford to have a locksmith on staff. Utilizing a 24/7 locksmith service from a different company helps save money and keep the fleet moving. For that matter, it’s a good idea for anyone to have the contact information for a 24/7 lockout service since no one knows when or where they might need one.

Locksmiths with auto experts on staff maintain reliable hours, but accidents can happen any time. Someone accidentally bumps a door closed as they wrangle their grocery cart on a Sunday morning, a driver steps out to stretch their legs during a long drive, or a nightguard exits their car for a moment to check out a problem – any of these situations could lead to a lockout.

Emergency Assistance

When any of a thousand situations happen, regular hours might not cut the mustard. That’s why most vehicle locksmiths maintain emergency services for any time of day. Knowing a locksmith is only a phone call away is especially important because of the panicked feeling experienced when getting locked out of a car, especially at night. In such situations, having someone reliable to contact to help resolve the issue is a reassuring feeling. It doesn’t matter if the person involved is a person on the road or part of a company fleet. If that person gets locked out of their vehicle, they need a way back inside. That’s why having an on-call lockout service is vital for anyone.

Unlimited Recovery and Towing

Emergency roadside assistance is our business, and that includes lockout service. When you find yourself stranded and in need of help, contact Unlimited Recovery and Towing. Call 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.

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.

How to Drive Safe During the Holidays

December 7, 2020 By WebGuy

The holiday season can be a time of joy and wonder for many. Regardless of what life has thrown at people, the holidays are a time to gather and enjoy the company of others safely and securely. Part of the holiday season’s wonder is the transition from fall to winter, including rain becoming snow. Both can be tricky to drive through. Safe driving tips are essential to keep the holiday season merry and bright.

Distracted Driving

One issue during the season can be complacency. Families on the road and overeager shoppers tend to be distracted while driving. Distractions increase the likelihood of accidents, missed stopped signs, and other potential road dangers. Staying focused while driving is essential, whether it’s the holidays or not.

The need to stay focused on the road is incredibly real during crummy weather, and the holiday season can feature plenty of that. Rain makes roads slippery and vision precarious, which inhibits turning and travel times. Make sure to plan for longer commutes during the holiday season. Snow adds even further dangers thanks to roads frozen over with ice.

Road Dangers

Icy roads are dangerous, and heavy snowfall or rain impedes vision. Slow and steady helps one to drive safely and keeps all four tires on the road. Longer nights in the season also make for more precarious travels, as does the increased alcohol consumption. Drunk drivers are always a danger, but the holidays tend to mean more drinkers, so be on the lookout for erratic drivers, and never drive while drunk or high.

The best driving tips for the holidays are staying focused on the road, slowing down, and getting distracted. Driving with distractions is often dangerous, but even more so during the holidays because more people are doing it, which increases the chance of accidents occurring.

Slow Down, Stay Safe

The holiday season should be a time of fun, excitement, and family. There is a temptation to drive quickly from place to place to get everything done in time, but this is dangerous. Safe holiday driving requires caution on the roads, slower speeds, and an eye on the other drivers. Doing so not only keeps everyone alive, but it also makes for a less stressful holiday experience. Travel and shopping might take longer as a result, but keeping everyone safe so they can enjoy the holidays is well worth taking it slow and enjoying the season.

Call Unlimited Recovery and Towing

If you need emergency roadside help during your holiday travels, Unlimited Recovery and Towing is ready to help. Call 919-790-9393.

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.