Winston Salem Towing Services Facts and Safe Driving Tips

1. What types of tow trucks are there? There's the traditional hook and chain, also known as the sling or belt lift. Chains are looped around the vehicle frame or axle and drawn aloft by a boom winch to rest against a pair of heavy rubberized mats. They're not used much today because they can scrape against the vehicles body. Second, the wheel lift. It evolved from the hook and chain it's a large metal yoke that can be fitted the front or rear wheels to cradle them drawing the front or rear of the vehicle clear of the ground with a hydraulic hoist. Third, is the flatbed or rollback or slide. The entire bed of the truck can be hydraulically inclined thereby allowing the tow driver to drag then up the vehicle upon the bed. There's also the Integrated, also known as the self loader or snatch, quick pick or repo truck. It's a boom, wheel lift integrated unit. It's used in light duty trucks to acquire illegally parked vehicles. Finally, there's the heavy duty boom truck. You may have seen a similar truck in the movie Thelma and Louise.
2. What happens if I decide to leave my impounded vehicle with the towing service? That's your choice. There are implications. If you have a loan on the vehicle you may have to answer to the loan company about the balance of the loan. You may still be responsible for towing and storage fees.
3. What should you do in case of an accident? There are some things you can do to make it easier. ONe, keep an emergency kit in your glove compartment, carry a cell phone, carry a pen and paper, carry a disposable camera to take photos of the vehicles at the scene, and of course, call 9-1-1 to report the collision.
4. Can you offer tips for driving in the rain? Yes, exercise extreme caution, especially after a long dry spell. Engine oil and grease buildup on the roadways. Thus, generally, when it first starts to rain, is when you need to be most careful and cautous.
5. My car has automatic transmission, can it be towed with the drive wheels on the ground. Some manufacturers say yes for a limited distance and at a limited speed. Other manufacturers issue towing guidelines for companies and the companies' dispatcher will ask the make and model of the car in order to dispatch the proper style truck.
6. What happens if I become involved in a collision? MOst likely, if you have collision coverage on your vehicle, you will be able to have the vehicled towed to the body shop of our choice. The towing service will tow the vehicle to the shop and the insurance company will cover the recovery charges. Check with your insurance company for details. 7. What does it cost to tow a vehicle? Towing rates on based on a number of factors. Primarily it has to do with the cost of doing business. The truck has a cost, there are miscellaneous tools needed, insurance for the tow truck, liability, medical, fringe benefits, maintenance costs, fuel, tires, hydraulics, rope, chains, etc, as well as costs for the dispatcher., the manager, the radio, and the largest cost is the driver. A number of companies instigate a dual fee system, a hook up fee and a tow fee. They may release a vehicle if you pay the hook up fee as a compromise depending on the situation. These fees may or may not be state or locale regulated.
8. SHould I use cruise control in inclement weather? No. Don't use cruise control. There's a chance you could hydroplane and you take the chance of accelerating. You need to be diligent and maintain control of the vehicle at all times.
9. SHould I attempt to cross running water? No. You not performing for an SUV commercial and most likely your vehicle is a passenger vehicle with limited capabilities in inclement weather. Be safe, drive slow, and don't try to be tough and macho in poor weather.
10. What happens if my vehicle has been impounded by the police? Depending on the state and jurisdiction, You may have limited access to your vehicle. You may be able to retreive medicines or tools for a job until it is released by the police department. Also, access to the vehicle may depend on the service hours of the tow service that has impounded the vehicle for storage.
11. Should I give other vehicles more space or room on the road? Yes, by all means. Give school buses, trucks, mobile home transport trucks, unusual vehicles. etc. Especially in inclement weather. In poor weather, extra large tires create a larger spray of water upon smaller vehicle's windshields, thereby affecting visibility of other drivers. Be safe. Be smart. Be alive.
12. Do you tow long distance? You pay, we tow!
13. Should we move our vehicles after a collision? Certain states and jurisdictions have have certain procedures to know what they are to be best of your ability. Some jurisdictions require that if there are no serious injuries that the vehicles be moved to keep the roadway clear. Consult your local authorities immediately.
14. Is there a difference in collision towing and impoung towing as opposed to regular everyday towing? Yes, the average consumer may not be aware that in certain instances, there is 'non-consent' towing in which the owner of the vehicle has no choice as to what company may tow and impound the vehicle for storage. There are may variables involved and it may vary by state and jurisdiction. Impound and collsion towing involves a towing service being available 24/7/365. Also, depending on the situation, specific vehicles and tools may needed to clear the collison area. The tow operator may be subject to inclement weather, unsafe traffic, and danger of fire or hazardous materials.
15. Do I have to pay the tow operator? Well, most likely yes, if you want your vehicle returned or released. However, if you have emergency road service, the insurance company will cover the bill.
16. Should I allow more time for travel in the rain? Yes. Plan to drive at a slower pace, regardless of the aggressiveness of other drivers on the road. You should be the one to have the most common sense. Your actions will send a message to other drivers that all should drive safely.
17. SHould I brake differently in inclement weather? Most likely, yes. Break earlier and with less force. Wet pavement increases stopping distance so keep further distance between you and the car in front of you. Breaking sooner also lets the driver behind you know you're slowing down. Be more meticulus, use turn signals, and communicate with other drivers with your vehicles tools
18. Should I drive in inclement weather? Good question, if you don't need to be out, stay home. Stay safe.
19. Is towing rough on my vehicle? No, generally speaking, your car is lifted by it's tires suspension system, and the vehicle is supported by the suspension of the Flatbed.
20. Do you unlock vehicles for free? No, Generally speaking. We charge to unlock vehicles if you lock your keys in them. The only exception is that we will unlock vehicles if children are trapped inside.