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!

Selecting a Tow Company

If you find yourself in need of a tow, it's important to pick a company with the knowledge to tow your car correctly. While the cost of the tow will likely play a large part in your decision, you might want to ask a few more questions of the company you call. Below are a few things to talk to the dispatcher when calling a company to come tow your car.

1. Is your state license to tow current? I don't know about all states, but in Oklahoma, tow companies have to have a license through the Department of Public Safety. This license has to be renewed annually, and to get and hold a DPS Wrecker license, companies have to maintain insurance coverage.

2. Describe, in detail, the reason for the tow. It helps the company, and essentially the driver they send out to help you, to know in advance what's wrong with your car. If it's something simple such as the car won't start, the tow driver won't need as much equipment to load your car as he would if it's a broken ball joint, or collision tow.

3. Communicate clearly with dispatch about whether or not you are with the car. Tow companies understand that you don't want to wait with your car for an extended period of time. Most of their drivers are on a time crunch and also cannot wait with your vehicle for you to get there. By communicating your intentions clearly, the dispatcher can instruct their driver on when you will be available for the tow.

Tow providers are an important part of the community, clearing roadways and parking lots of broken down, damaged vehicles. They take a lot of pride in helping the communities they serve, and they are always looking to get stranded motorists moving again.

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.”

Mr. Blackburn, At Your Service

For the month of February, I'll be introducing our people on Saturdays. That way you get to know us a little bit better, and see what we're all about.

Jeff is a hard workin' driver, and we are glad to have him on board.

A few things about Jeff:

1. He love Mexican food. (9 times out of 10, when I ask what's for lunch...yep, you guessed it!)

2. He likes sports bikes. (And as such, I make sure he gets to haul as many of them as possible.)

3. He likes to travel.

If you want to know more about Jeff - like what his favorite mexican dish is, or where he's been/wants to go, then find us on Facebook and ask away. You can even ask here on the blog and we'll get you an answer.