Well, your worst nightmare has come true. Your car is broken down, and you’re in the position of hiring a professional towing company to get you out of a pickle.

With cell phone in hand, you might be asking: How is this going to go?

That’s why having a good sense of what to expect when hiring a professional towing service can give you piece of mind. What questions a towing service will ask you and how much you can expect to spend will help you be prepared for your towing experience.

Here’s a list of what to expect when hiring a towing service in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
 
Have answers ready
When you call a local towing service after an accident or breakdown, you may be asked a list of questions, including:

• What’s the make and model of your car?
• Are your vehicle’s back two tires operational?
• Do you have insurance?
• Are you in a safe location?

All of these questions will provide the towing service with enough information to know whether they can offer the service to tow your vehicle.

If you vehicle has been severely damaged, the tow truck driver may need to provide a flat-bed tow truck to assist you. Otherwise, a wheel-lift tow truck could be the answer.
Insurance is also a significant consideration. Certain insurance plans will cover towing in the event of a breakdown, freeing you from fees.

The location of your vehicle is also important. Towing your vehicle on a quiet side street is a much different operation than pulling your car off a freeway. Make sure you tell the service where you are and what condition your vehicle is in.
 
Look for proper documentation
While towing services are plentiful in most locations, there are disreputable companies out there. That’s why it’s important in an emergency to look for signs of proper documentation on a responding tow truck.

The first thing to look for is an actual decal with the company’s name on it. Sometimes towing services will send out unmarked tow trucks. If in doubt, ask the driver for their identification so you don’t scammed.

Also, look a state department of transportation number on the vehicle and other relevant ID. The more documentation the driver is able to give you, the more likely he is to be trustworthy.
 
Be prepared
To head off emergencies, particularly in Fort Wayne, find a name and phone number of a reputable towing service ahead of time. Having a number ready to go at all times can make a headache of towing a little more tolerable.
But in an emergency, follow these precautions and avoid any unplanned problems:

• Have answers ready – A towing service, like Fort Wayne Towing, will likely ask you information on your vehicle, whether you’re insured and where your car is located.
• Look for documentation – Look for the company name on the responding tow truck and ask for a department of transportation number if you are in doubt

When the mercury dips over the winter, the last thing a driver wants is end up stranded on the side of the road in the cold.
While you can’t control that inevitable cold front, you can take steps to prepare yourself for a car break down and keep your vehicle in top shape.

Here is your checklist to help keep your vehicle from breaking down in the cold.
 
Check your oil
Keeping your car in top condition means using engine oil that can withstand the heat. But did you know your oil also needs protection from the cold?

If you’re expecting a sudden drop in temperatures, be sure to get an oil change with winterized oil options. All winter-proof oils are designated with a “W,” such as 5W20.

The best options to aim for have lower viscosity levels, meaning cold temperature won’t gunk up your motor oil and help smooth your ride. Too viscous of an oil in winter could lead your engine to seize up when you need it the most.
 
Keep your gas tank full
One small step that could keep your engine from freezing up is keeping a full tank of gas.

If you don’t keep your tank full, the accumulated moisture could freeze in your gas lines. Once that happens, you will likely have to wait for the weather to slightly warm before starting your vehicle.

This tip becomes increasingly important if you are taking a road trip. Make sure before stopping for the day your tank is filled.
 
Avoid strains on your battery
In cold weather, your car’s battery is under unusual strain so you should aim to put as little pressure on it as possible.

If you have an option of parking your car inside, do so to avoid strong drops in temperature. Many drivers have complained about strong cold fronts completely draining the charge on their batteries.

Also, be sure to check your terminals frequently for any corrosion. A corroded battery is more susceptible to cold-induced breakdowns, meaning you need to keep a frequent watch.
 
Invest in winter tires
Like motor oil, there are multiple options for tires designed for summer or winter months.

According to experts, a summer tire loses around 1 pound of pressure for every 10 degrees of temperature dropped. That means you should be on top of keeping your tires pressurized.

Also, you may want to consider investing in a set of winter tires that have thicker rubber and are less susceptible to the cold. Look for tires that have thick rubber walls and are specifically designed for the cold.
 
In conclusion …
Here are few things to do to keep your vehicle from breaking down in the cold:

• Change your oil – Look for motor oils with less viscosity and a “W” designation
• Fill your tank – An empty gas tank could cause freezing in your gas lines
• Take it easy on your battery – Avoid leaving lights on or plugging into your cigarette lighter
• Invest in tires – Either monitor your tire pressure or invest in a winter set

If you do happen to get stranded on the roadside and are in need of towing services, give us a call! We will get you fixed up and moving along in no time at all!