Calling For a Tow Truck - Are They Licensed?

In our industry, towing and roadside assistance, we see many fly-by-the-night providers pop up. People offer towing on flatbed trailers, with bumper pull tow dollies, and sometimes with just a chain or strap. They offer these services at a cheaper rate than calling a tow truck costs.

But what is the cost of choosing this type of provider? First and foremost, should anything happen to your car, this fly-by-the-night operation will not take any responsibility for repairs. They are not licensed by the state, so no one is there to enforce their liability, and they are often not insured for commercial use of their vehicle/trailer/bumper pull set up. This lack of insurance will leave you footing the bill for a potentially costly repair.

Since these fly-by-the-night operators pop up with little regard for the regulations the tow industry is under, they are also not seeking licenses to, in fact, operate a business. So they are not a licensed tow provider, they are not a licensed business, and they really start giving the towing industry a bad name. The owners and operators that I know pride themselves on following the licensing requirements, carry proper insure, and also seek regular training to stay up to date on the best procedures for towing the latest model cars.

When you find yourself in need of a wrecker, make sure you call someone with the proper licensing, equipment, and training. You want to get your car home or to the shop in one piece. Facing a costly repair because some fly-by yanked it around is going to put you out even more than the original reason you needed a tow.

Remember, if you're in Oklahoma City and you need a tow, call a pro! Call Walker's Roadside Service and we'll help get you going as quick as possible. You can reach us at 405-626-0910

1984 Ford Mustang

Our driver, Matt, hauled this 1984 Ford Mustang the other day. When he sent me the picture it was like a nostalgic stroll down memory lane. Not because I've ever liked this model of Mustang particularly, but because it made me think back to the cars I dreamed of owning when I was younger.

I've always loved automobiles, and I've always dreamed of which car I would drive next. In my younger years, I wanted a Toyota Celica or a Dodge Challenger. Then, after another turn in life, I longed for a Dodge Ram 3500 Dually. Of those three, I've only gotten kind of close (for about 2 1/2 years, I drove a Dodge Ram 1500).

Currently, I enjoy driving my Toyota Sequoia. It accommodates my current seating needs, as I have lots of little people in car seats.

What is your dream car? How close have you gotten to owning your dream car? Was it what you expected it to be?

Preparing for Fall & Winter

As summer comes to an end, I think it's important to go over our cars and make sure they are cleaned out, cleaned up, tuned up, and prepared for the change in weather. I recommend getting your battery, alternator, and started tested if they are 3+ years old. If you are a AAA member, you can request battery service and they will send someone to your location to test your battery, alternator, and starter.

Your local mechanic should have the resources to test your alternator, starter, and battery as well. Often times part stores offer these services, as well.

I also highly recommend a tune up - make sure your plugs and wires (or coil packs) are all in good repair. Make sure your radiator, water pump, and hoses are all in good condition. Check your antifreeze levels - make sure your system is filled with a good quality antifreeze, and at the correct dilution so your "water" doesn't freeze.

Replace your cabin air filter and check that your heater turns on and blows warm air. It might not be cool enough just yet for the heater to be on, but the morning you need it, you want to know it's ready to go.

Whenever going over your vehicle I recommend checking your oil, changing it if it's time, and checking the tire pressure in all 4 tires. Double check that your spare is holding air and at the right pressure too - a flat spare doesn't help anyone!

Last but not least, pick up an auto safety kit. Find an out of the way spot to stick it and have the peace of mind of knowing you have a few first aid supplies and your own jumper cables. Here's a kit I recommend:

AAA 76-Piece Excursion Road Kit

Happy Trails!

Fall Car Care

Fall, pumpkin spice treats and cooler temperatures are just around the corner. (Can you hear me fan-girling right now?) With the cooler temps comes time to do some fall maintenance for your vehicle to keep it running smooth. Here are 3 tips to help you prepare for the coming fall and winter seasons.

1. Check the air pressure in each of your tires and even your spare. As a roadside service and towing company, we run into motorists with flats all of the time. Some flat tires are unavoidable, but some can be prevented by checking your tire pressure regularly. There is no worse feeling when your stranded than to have someone come change your flat tire than when they get the spare down and it's flat too. No one thinks about their spare very often - it's hidden out of sight, and unless you get a flat, you don't need it. But just because you haven't had a flat since 1982 doesn't mean it couldn't happen today, tomorrow, or next week. When was the last time you checked on your spare tire?

2. Change your cabin air filter. Not all vehicles have a cabin air filter, but if yours does, changing it will improve the air quality inside your vehicle. As you prepare to switch from the air conditioner to the heater, now is a great time to make sure you have a fresh cabin air filter for the coming months.

3. Replace your windshield wipers and switch your windshield washer fluid to the low temp type. Your standard blue windshield washer fluid freezes at roughly the same temperature as water. If you get the low temp type, you'll be able to wash your windshield on even the really cold mornings that are on the way.

A few simple steps today can save you from a headache and costly bill tomorrow.

Be safe and remember to slow down, move over for all vehicles stopped on the side of the road.

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Name that Place #2

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"That" Call

I'm a wrecker operator/owner's wife. I spend just as many hours as my husband working toward the success and growth of our towing company, but until recently, I rarely dealt with the phones.

Accounting related calls got sent to me, but the regular, day-to-day, dispatch calls weren't one of the things I handled. But we are in another transition and I'm taking more of the phone calls, including the day-to-day dispatch calls.

When asked where their car is broken down, people often answer "home," which amuses me, especially when it takes asking several times to get an address. (Sorry, our crystal ball hasn't come in yet, I don't know exactly where you call home. Forgive me.)

The other afternoon/evening, I took one of those calls that made me glad I know my man is an upstanding guy, and a faithful husband. A lady called, asked for him by name, and when I asked what her call was regarding and whether or not I could help her, she stumbled all over herself.

Mr. Wonderful was only temporarily unavailable, so he took over the call before I sorted out exactly what the lady wanted, but I had to tease him with a, "If I didn't know better..."

I know the guys that work for me work hard, long hours - as do all guys/gals in this industry. It's demanding on the driver/operator, and their family. In fact, I believe it takes a special breed of folks to handle the busy times, the down times, the middle of the night calls, and "those" phone calls where someone knows our spouse's name, but are too flustered by their car trouble to communicate clearly why they are calling.