Driving Safely on Ice: Keeping Your Car on the Road

December 5, 2022 By WebGuy

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

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

Winter or All-Season Tires

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

Speed Reduction is Crucial

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

Keep Extra Distance with Other Vehicles

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

Drive With Chains

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

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

Unlimited Recovery & Towing

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

How to Avoid Recovery Towing

November 7, 2022 By WebGuy

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

Top 5 Tips on How to Avoid Recovery Towing

Have Emergency Numbers

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

Put Together an Emergency Kit

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

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

First Aid Kit

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

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

Keep Your Car Regularly Maintained

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

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

Watch the Weather

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

Unlimited Recovery & Towing

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

3 Advantages to Parking Lot Management

October 10, 2022 By WebGuy

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

Why Add a Parking Management System?

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

Using Parking Software

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

The Benefits

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

Unlimited Recovery & Towing

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

What Causes Damage to a Car During Towing?

September 5, 2022 By WebGuy

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

Tips From Tow Service in Raleigh: Possible Car Damage

Bumper Damage

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

Tire Damage

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

Windshield Damage

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

Keep a Record

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

Unlimited Recovery & Towing

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

How to Deal with HOA Parking Issues

August 8, 2022 By WebGuy

Most people dread dealing with HOA (HomeOwner Association) parking issues. Dealing with HOAs can be complicated and frustrating, especially regarding parking. This article is a guide to navigating the complex world of HOAs and parking. We will discuss standard HOA parking rules and regulations and how to handle disputes with your HOA. Let’s get started!

Parking Lot Management: HOA Parking Issues

Allowed Vehicles

The first step in dealing with HOA parking issues is understanding the rules and regulations. Most HOAs have strict rules about what types of vehicles can be parked in their community. If you’re not sure what kind of vehicle is allowed, be sure to check with your HOA before you park it. Common restrictions include commercial vehicles, RVs, and trailers.

Parking Permits

In many cases, you will need to obtain a parking permit from your HOA to park in the community. Parking permits typically cost a few dollars and can be obtained from the HOA office or website. Once you have your permit, display it prominently in your vehicle.

Parking Fees

Some HOAs charge a monthly or annual parking fee. This fee is typically used to cover the cost of maintaining any HOA-owned parking lots and providing security. If you must pay a parking fee, budget for it in advance.

Dealing with Disputes

If you have a dispute with your HOA about parking, the best course of action is to contact them directly. Many HOAs have a process in place for resolving disputes. However, if you’re unsatisfied with the resolution, you may need to take legal action.

Parking Duration

Most HOAs have time limits on how long you can park in their community. In addition, towing companies typically enforce time limits. If you exceed the time limit, you may be subject to a fine, or your vehicle may be towed.

Can an HOA Restrict Street Parking?

In most cases, HOAs cannot restrict parking on public streets. However, there may be exceptions if the road is privately owned, or the HOA has a lease agreement with the city. Be sure to check with your HOA before you park on a public street.

Dealing with HOA parking issues can be complicated and frustrating. However, understanding the rules and regulations can make the process easier. If you have any questions or concerns, contact your HOA directly.

Unlimited Recovery & Towing

Need help with parking lot management in your HOA neighborhood? Unlimited Recovery & Towing can help. If any vehicle is parked on the site illegally, they can help you with towing and recovery services. Contact Unlimited Recovery at 919-790-9393 for more information on their services.

What to Do When Someone Illegally Parks in Your Business Parking Lot

July 4, 2022 By WebGuy

Drivers illegally parking on your property is bad for business. It is worse if you have limited spaces, and your business has a lot of traffic. Also, it is frustrating when you have a parking spot for your customers and workers, but others use it. Hiring a towing service for illegal parking management is a great option.

Illegal Parking Negatively Affects Your Business

At first, it might not seem like such a big deal. After all, only one or two illegally parked vehicles are taking up space in your business parking lot at a time. But, over time, people notice they can get away with it, and more cars now start using your parking lot. Before you know it, your customers are frustrated, and workers begin coming in late because they have trouble finding parking. If you don’t do something about it, it affects your business.

Tardy Employees. Employees might be forced to wait for a spot or park farther away from their place of work. This extra time may result in them arriving late for work.

Loss of Customers. Customers don’t like it when they have a hard time getting a parking spot. They prefer going to a competitor where they have an easier time parking.

Fines. If the city determines that your customers and employees are parking illegally, your business could be fined, especially if they are blocking emergency vehicle lanes.

Accidents. With limited parking spots, your parking lot ends up getting congested. When this happens, drivers park in places not designated for parking, which ends up jamming the lot and causing accidents.

How a Towing Company Can Help Your Business Deal with Illegal Parking

For illegal parking management, hiring a towing service is beneficial. It keeps parking available for employees and customers. It’s frustrating when employees can’t find a parking spot at their place of work. If you have employees struggling to find a parking spot all the time, they end up getting disgruntled. This additional stress affects their productivity, and they might even consider seeking employment elsewhere.

Customers never like it when they want to spend money at your business but struggle to find a parking spot. If this is the case with your business, they seek what they need elsewhere.

Keeping emergency lanes and spaces clear. Most companies forget about leaving an open space for emergency vehicles. Most parking lots and private companies have areas designated for emergency vehicle parking. It is necessary for the entrances to the parking lot and the space directly in front of the door to stay clear. Customers and employees might start parking in spots designated for emergency vehicles if you have a clogged lot. However, it is bad news when they block the entrances and the emergency vehicles come and can’t get through. Hiring a towing service for illegal parking management ensures all emergency lanes are clear.

Unlimited Recovery and Towing

Does your business need a reliable, professional towing service to assist with illegal parking management in your parking lot? Unlimited Recovery and Towing can help. Our drivers are experienced and will handle all towing safely and without vehicle damage. Contact us today at 919-790-9393.

Solutions to Parking Problems in Apartments

June 6, 2022 By WebGuy

If you’ve ever lived in an apartment in a large complex, then you know that parking can quickly become tight. This is even a problem for smaller apartment complexes, where each resident is forced to fight over good parking with limited spaces.

Parking is not just an issue in apartment complexes, though. Big cities have some of the worst parking issues, and even grocery stores or malls can suffer from limited parking. So, this is why it’s crucial to make parking easy for the tenants of your apartment complex. First, let’s look at the available solutions to improve your parking lot management.

Parking Lot Management: Apartment Buildings

Parking In the Lease

To circumvent the issue of tenants getting angry that there is not enough parking, the landlord can make sure that parking is not guaranteed in the tenant’s lease. This would mean that the landlord is not responsible for limited parking, and the tenants have to figure it out. This parking clause will save a lot of headaches. If tenants take issue with the limited parking, the landlord merely refers to the section in the signed lease that states parking is not guaranteed.

Place Lots of Signs

Post plenty of signs to ensure everyone is aware of the parking lot rules. Depending on the property’s location, there may be different parking and signing regulations. To ensure no laws are broken, have the proper signs posted to alert people of parking restrictions. Visible signage will make it easier to tow illegally parked cars. Without signs indicating where and when parking is not permitted, the person getting towed could take action against the property owner.

Be Clear About Policies

Not every apartment complex will have the same parking policies, so don’t assume that tenants will automatically know the rules. Instead, make it clear what the policies are, where tenants are allowed to park, and what restrictions are in place in the lot.

Show Consistency

Once a parking ticket has been issued, or a car is towed for violating parking policies, make sure you enforce those policies consistently. Show no favoritism. Treat all tenants the same. Inconsistent enforcement will result in a more chaotic parking lot, which is never positive for tenant satisfaction and relations.

Unlimited Recovery & Towing

Do you need help with parking lot management for your business? Unlimited Recovery & Towing can help. We can partner with you to remove illegally parked cars quickly and safely. Contact our experts for all your towing needs in the Raleigh area at 919-790-9393.

Most Common Issues with Parking Lot Management

May 9, 2022 By WebGuy

Owning or operating a business with a parking lot isn’t without its challenges. So, whether you’re new to the game or looking to improve your operations, here are some quick tips to improve your parking lot management and ensure your customers a good experience.

Parking Lot Management Tips

Managing Monthly Tenants

If your business allows monthly parking for a fee, managing and keeping your long-term customers is a priority. Monthly tenants make great customers as they are guaranteed revenue, but when these customers leave, it can be a significant blow to your bottom line. This is especially true when large tenants with dozens or hundreds of paid parking spots leave all at once.

The good news is that this sort of thing happens all the time, and there is recourse to get those spaces filled up again. Once you find out a large vacancy of spaces is going to open in your lot, you can:

Advertise the available spaces
Make your rates more competitive

You can attract new business entering the area or from a tenant looking to save money on their current parking costs through these two methods.

Compare Rates

Even if you’re in a good position currently, you should always be aware of other parking lot rates in your area. Periodically checking those rates will keep your rates competitive and help you adjust your pricing in a crisis.

Finding the perfect price for your parking spaces can depend on several factors. Besides the price at other lots, look at how occupied they are compared to yours and any amenities offered. For example, if you notice your parking lot is empty on a busy night compared to a competitor’s lot, it may be time to lower your prices and advertise a change in rates.

Automate the Parking Lot

There are two significant benefits to automation. First, with automation, you can improve the user experience by making parking more accessible and quicker. The second benefit is that it can cut down your costs over time. For example, while the upfront investment of automating a parking lot can be high, it can replace the salary of multiple workers, saving you thousands of dollars every month.

Stay Competitive

Parking lots can be expensive and challenging to manage, especially as many people increasingly drive less and work from home. However, with prices becoming more competitive in large urban areas, staying ahead of the game is crucial to remaining profitable. With these quick tips above, you should be able to adjust to the market when needed and make a lot of money at the end of the day.

Unlimited Recovery and Towing

Removing illegally parked cars is part of parking lot management. However, Towing cars is tricky and needs to be done professionally to avoid liability. Unlimited Recovery and Towing are the professionals you need. Their experienced teams can handle all situations and keep your parking spaces available for paying customers. Call us at 919-790-9393 and see what we can do for you.

What Causes Illegal Parking and How Can it be Resolved?

April 4, 2022 By WebGuy

With each new year, the parking problem seems to be getting worse. Cities are constantly updating their spaces to accommodate different needs, but this often means the removal of parking spaces. With limited parking spots, many people get frustrated, park illegally, and suffer the consequences of a ticket.

If you’ve ever owned a car, you know how much of a nightmare parking can be. Whether you live in a city, drive around the suburbs, or live in a rural area, there are always tricky parking laws affecting you and sometimes your business. Illegal parking management can keep your business’s parking lot available for your customers.

Identifying the Problem

Accessible parking can help improve any town or city’s economic activity and efficiency.
A handful of factors lead to an increase in parking difficulty for many cities and shopping centers. But first, they must understand the ramifications of poor parking management.

Old Plans Don’t Fit New Needs

One of the most significant contributors to parking issues is historical city planning and architecture constraints. A hundred years ago, cars were first entering the scene, and many towns and cities had planned and constructed their major roads for horse traffic. We still see the effects today as large cities like New York City have many narrow streets with few parking spots on the street.

More People & Less Space

With more people comes more facilities such as schools, post offices, hospitals, and businesses. With an increased population and economic activity in a given region, that region suddenly has more people fighting for the same parking spots. Having parking infrastructures that can properly expand as your area’s population grows is crucial to staying up with the times.

Parking Spots are Rarely a Priority

When building a new section of a city land is rarely allotted for parking structures. While plans often accommodate curb-parking and street-level parking areas, this will rarely be enough to meet parking demands. So, even though a neighborhood could build new offices and businesses that should drive economic activity, that region could suffer if there isn’t an appropriate amount of parking available.

Solutions

Cities and towns have to place a priority on parking when planning and building new areas. When an area has good parking, it means customers spend less time walking between their car and the store and more time on productive activities. And for businesses, having accessible parking can mean the difference between success and failure. When there is ample parking there will be less illegal parking.

Unlimited Recovery and Towing

Does your business have a problem with illegal parking management? Unlimited Recovery and Towing can help. Our professional team can remove illegally parked cars, freeing up spaces for paying customers. Contact us today at 919-790-9393.

6 Tips to Improve Your Small Business Parking Management Today

March 7, 2022 By WebGuy

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

Create a Parking Enforcement Plan

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

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

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

Enforce Your Plan Consistently

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

Make Signage Easy to See

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

Invest in Smart Technology

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

Issue Fines & Penalties to Offenders

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

Hire a Trustworthy Towing Company

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

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

Unlimited Recovery and Towing

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