Author Archives: Pippin Towing & Recovery

Getting rid of a junk car

There it sits, your non-running, totaled car that hasn’t been driven in years. The city has told you it is time to move it or they start fining you for every day it sits there, uninsured, and unregistered. You can’t find the title, so you can’t sell it, so what can you do with this junk car? Removal service maybe? Those companies that buy running or not a  junk car removal service that would haul it away. 

Your first question may be, “Can I junk a car that’s not in my name?” The short answer is, it depends. There are states where cars can be sold to junk car removal services without the title, so yes, it is possible. However, Missouri is not one of those states. While that wasn’t the answer you wanted to hear, but it is the law. So, what to do if you want to scrap your car? Is there a way to get junk car removal service done without having the car title in your name? 

In Missouri, and most other states, the opportunity that allows a junk car removal service to accept an abandoned vehicle or a vehicle without a title just isn’t possible. There are legal considerations for junk car towing companies, including buying and towing away a car without a bill of sale and proof of ownership.  The ‘junk yard’ business isn’t as simple as it may seem on the other side of those walls, and the first law not to be broken is to only deal with a junk car with title! 

If the title was ever in your name, there should be registration records with the state of Missouri. You will have to get a copy of that registration and with that, you can prove the car is yours to have junk car removal done. If registration can’t be found or proven, you can file for a duplicate or missing title with the state of Missouri. 

Is it better to scrap a car or donate it?

So, you need to do something with that old clunker in the driveway, is it better to handle it as a junk car or donate to an organization? Getting rid of a junk car, removal is the biggest challenge. If you have the title, in the state a Missouri, there are junk car removal services, aka, towing service, but that will usually cost you.  

No, they don’t do junk car removal for free, this is a business for them. Some will pay you for it if you do your own junk car removal and bring it to them. Otherwise, if they come to your house, you will be required to pay them for the service. 

Another option you have is to donate that clunker car to a charity. There are several in all states, and Missouri has several that junk car removal is a vital fund raiser for them. Like, Make A Wish or Vehicles For Veterans that have agreements in place with junk car removal services. These organizations are the only ones that benefit from this junk car removal service, there are several benefits for individuals that donate the cars and trucks too. 

• Free Towing: If you call a junk car removal service, you’ll be required to pay for the towing of the vehicle, even if they are buying the car from you . However, when you donate a vehicle to a charity, these junk car removal services will pick up the vehicle for no charge and junk car removal service to haul it away for free. Why? Because they are getting a tax credit and you will too! 
• Tax Deduction: Donations of junk car, removal for free isn’t all you’ll get from getting that old clunker out of your way. When you sign over the title to a charitable organization, they will put it up for auction. Once that vehicle has sold at auction or sent to recycle, you will get a receipt for a tax deductible donation.  Another option for your tax purpose may be to get a professional junk car estimate to use as a tax documentation for write off. 
• Any Vehicle: What if this is a rusted and non-running junk car, removal by a charity is still a possibility? Yes, these organizations have arrangements with other services to buy non-running, rusted out vehicles as long as there are legal titles or proven legitimate ownership available. This includes cars, trucks, motorcycles, off-road and watercraft items, even boats and trailers.
• The Space: Not only will you be getting rid of an eyesore but think of the space you’ll have in your driveway or garage with junk car removal?! A car or any type of vehicle as we listed above begin to take up viable space when they aren’t running and useable anymore. By donating them to a charity, you’re helping an organization and getting space back in your driveway or garage too. 

When should I get rid of my old car?

Even a car that doesn’t run can still have some value. When your car has quit running though, how do you know to have the mechanic do their magic and getting it running again? Or is it time to all time of departure and sell it, but who is going to buy it? Or you could consider donating it? The question is when do you make these decisions? 

1. Excessive Rusted Body
2. Expensive and Extensive Repairs
3. Non-Existing Safety Features
4. Deteriorated
5. No Need for The Vehicle 

Now you know when to get rid of an old clunker and how to get junk car removal service, your last question is probably, “What should I remove from my car before I scrap it?” A few items that we recommend are :

• Remove all your personal items and property
• Sign the title over
• Remove the license plates
• Remove the vehicle from your insurance policy

Do not leave anything of personal nature or with personal information in the vehicle. You know who you’ve donated or sold the vehicle to, but you don’t know where it is going from there. This includes any garage door openers or keys as well as anything with your name and address – remove these things first! Call (636) 937-0797 today for junk car removal in Festus, MO.

What is a winch used for?

A winch is a device to haul or lift with a combination of a cable, chain, or rope that that winds horizontally around a drum as it is cranked by motor or manually. This is done by a piece of equipment that lifts something or someone up, which is referred to as  winch recovery. 

Winch recovery can be to winch survivors, human or animal, up from a mountain, rapid river waters, etc. More typically known is the winching of a vehicle, which is the direction we are going to take with this article. 

Winches aren’t new, they’ve been around for years, but to the common public, it isn’t part of everyday conversation. The term winch recovery is common among tow truck drivers and off-road drivers though. Tow truck drivers have a winch on the back of their truck and 4×4 off-road drivers will often have one on the front of their jeep or truck. 

Knowing how to winch a car and when to winch a car is a normal part of their day. If winch recovery isn’t done correctly, it can cause more damage to the vehicle being recovered as well as the recovery vehicle. Same when performing a winch recovery of an animal or human, one wrong movement can result in further injury or death. 

What is winching a car?

Winching a car is a winch recovery and towing that can be for a variety of reasons. Some winch recovery examples for cars or other vehicles would be: 

• Mechanical breakdown
• Abandoned vehicle
• Illegally parked vehicle
• Wrecks
• Stuck vehicle
• Bank Repossession

How strong winch do I need?

Electric winches are a fast-growing popular ‘tool’ ii the world of 4×4 off-roading and rock climbing. If you’re a newbie or a rookie at winch recovery, you may be confused and have some misconceptions that the winch capacity needed is directly proportional to a vehicle’s weight. 

The simplest way to advise and explain the needed capacity for winch recover is one and half times the gross weight of your vehicle. So, If your vehicle weighs 5,000 pounds, your winch recovery capacity should be 7,500 pounds. 

However, the strength isn’t the only consideration for successful winch recovery. For an electric winch that is rated for 10,000 pounds, it is not always going to have pull power at 10,000 pounds. Each winch has a designated capacity based upon one layer of winch cable. 

So, if your electric winch has more than one or two complete layers of winching cable wound around the drum, it lowers the gear ratio, and the more layers, there is a decrease in the pull power. The pull power is also affected by the length of the cable, chain, or rope you’re  using too. 

When too much cable, chain, or rope is spooled out, it can get bunched up, damaged, or snagged during the pulling process. One hundred feet is a standard length, keeping some spare extension cable, chain, or rope in case you encounter a longer winch recovery distance.

During the winching, it is important that the winch cable, chain, or rope is kept straight through the fairlead and wraps linearly and smoothly around the winch drum. An angle feed can cause an uneven layer of the winching medium and affect the performance of the winch. 

What is better for a winch rope or cable?

In the world of off-roading and rock climbing, a polyethylene, synthetic rope is considered by the experts to be the safer option over a steel cable. The polyethylene, synthetic rope medium for winch recovery  is mandated by most sanctioned off-road events. 

Why the polyethylene, synthetic rope  instead of a steel cable? The rope is significantly lighter weight compared to a steel cable; Therefore, it doesn’t store as much energy and is less likely to become a projectile if it were to break, causing more damage or injuring anyone, or worse, cause death.

Is synthetic winch rope worth it?

Winching isn’t something that an off-roader, vehicle rock climber wants to do, well, yeah, it kinda is, but …. Anyway.  When you are doing a winch recover, you need a winch you can depend on. You need a controllable, precise, and safe winch, and that is the synthetic winch rope.

When a  synthetic rope is under load, it weighs lighter and has less kinetic energy. So, if it breaks, the kinetic energy is released and less likely to cause damage to either vehicle, other nearby things, or humans. So, yes, a synthetic winch rope is worthwhile and as we stated earlier, it has become mandated in many sanctioned events. 

No matter the circumstances requiring a winch recovery, safety is the first priority. Common sense creates safety, and these are basic safety rules and tips: 

• Never use a winch to hoist animals or humans unless it is specified for that purpose.
• Always wear gloves while operating a winch.
• Keep hands clear of the winch during operation.
• When using a wire rope, some over the rope like a blanket or towel so if can break the whipping effect from the kinetic energy should the rope break.

Need help with winch recovery? Call us today at __PHONE__!

When your car breaks down

What is roadside assistance? It is peace of mind! Especially if you’re on the road a lot and don’t know a thing about vehicles, like changing tires or jumping a battery off. If you don’t know what you’re doing, you can get hurt and damage the vehicle. Roadside assistance gets you an experienced, knowledgeable person with the proper equipment and tools. Including putting a little bit of gas in your vehicle to get you the gas station! 

Anyone that asks, “Do you really need roadside assistance?” must be a mechanic or never has broken down before. Roadside assistance may be the next best thing to sliced bread! A broke down vehicle can be aggravating, inconvenient, and scary. 

The first issue you have to deal with is traffic. It seems like we’re all driving at warp speed while on cell phones, not paying attention. The second issue is not being mechanically inclined or not having the tools and any knowledge of vehicles. That is why roadside assistance is an excellent service!  

What is included in roadside assistance?

Generally, roadside assistance brings a service professional to you to make minor mechanical adjustments or repairs that will get you back on the road. Some of the reasons that you may need roadside assistance would be: 

• Battery jump-start: If your vehicle doesn’t start, the roadside assistance service professional will attempt to start it by jump-starting the battery. There may be an exception to some vehicles. For example, an electric car has to be serviced differently. 
• Flat tires: The roadside assistance professional will remove the flat tire and install the spare tire.  
• Lockout: Keys get locked inside vehicles every day! If you’ve never had that happen, you’re the rare person. The roadside assistance service professional has equipment and tools that enable them to enter most vehicles. Sometimes, they aren’t able to do this, though, and that is when they call a locksmith service.
• Fuel delivery: Just like keys getting locked in a vehicle, people run out of gas every day. Maybe you didn’t have enough to get to the gas station. Or maybe your gas gauge is working correctly. A roadside assistance service professional will bring you a couple of gallons that should be enough to get you to the gas station.
• Winching Service: When a vehicle gets stuck in the mud, a roadside assistance service professional will arrive in a wrecker with a winch and pull the vehicle out to the road. 
• Towing: If the roadside assistance service professional isn’t able to get your vehicle back on the road, they will have the vehicle towed to a location you request. There is confusion between roadside assistance vs towing, and perhaps because roadside assistance does both in most cases. You can call a wrecker service to tow your vehicle, but that doesn’t mean the wrecker driver can make any adjustments or repairs. A roadside assistance service is usually a person in a wrecker that can adjust or repair, or if needed, tow your vehicle. 

What is the best roadside assistance?

If you don’t already have a roadside assistance plan, it may be something to consider. However, if you have a new car, it probably came with a roadside assistance service, or you may have added an extended warranty to have the service. If you are thinking about taking out a roadside assistance plan, which one is the best? Well, that can depend on you, your possible roadside assistance needs, and your budget. 

 If there are multiple cars in your household, a full-service plan like AAA, Better World Club, or National General Motor Club would be the better choice. A household with several drivers and cars, Good Sam Roadside Assistance, is a reasonably priced plan that takes care of every driver in your household. 

If you travel a lot by vehicle for pleasure or work, choose a plan that has a generous towing allowance and benefits like trip-interruption reimbursement. No matter which roadside assistance service you choose, read the fine print! Each company is different, so don’t assume they’re all alike. 

How to get roadside assistance if you don’t have it?

Can you call AAA if you aren’t a member? To get roadside assistance, call any of the companies we mentioned above and do your own research too. Call your auto insurance carrier and ask if they have any roadside assistance service you can add to your policy. When it comes to AAA, well, it is a membership roadside assistance club, people pay a monthly or annual fee for this service. In addition to their roadside assistance, AAA offer members other benefits too. 

So, can just anyone call them? Well, sure. Are you going to get top rated service if you’re not a member? You’ll friendly, professional help, but you’ll like to get a sales pitch too. Because you’re not a member, you’ll have to pay for whatever service they send to you, whereas a member will get many of those services for free. Call __PHONE__ today for help with roadside assistance!

Unlocking your vehicle

Have you ever had that frustrating and sinking feeling of realizing you’ve locked yourself out of your car? Maybe you were running late and as you were grabbing your briefcase, purse, and other things, they fell out your hands on the seat.  Just as you shut the door, you see them.  As you moan (or scream loudly), realizing you can’t unlock car without those keys, what is going through your head? 

There are few people that can say that has never happened to them. They’ve at least been with somebody that has happened to. What do you do next when you can’t unlock car door? You need to unlock car, company that does this type of thing, like a locksmith or an auto club? 

You’ve heard people talk about getting into their car when it’s locked without the keys. Maybe somebody left and took their keys with them, or locked them in the car, or simply can’t find them. There are a dozen reasons that somebody can’t unlock car of theirs, and there are just as many ways to get into a car without unlock car. 

How do you unlock a car door with a shoelace?

Or can you? This little-known trick won’t work on every vehicle and is most likely going to work on an older car before a newer one, but it worth trying to unlock car that belongs to you. Take a shoelace and create a slip knot, insert the slip knot end of the lace into the top right corner of the vehicle door. Wiggle it down the window on the inside of the door and place the slip knot over the door lock knob. Now pull the other end of the shoelace, tightening the knot and pull up the knob and unlock car. 

The reason this doesn’t work on newer vehicles is because they have power locks, meaning they are unlocked by pushing a button inside the car, or on the remote. There is nothing sticking up like a lock hand that is common in older cars. Unfortunately, you can’t unlock car with remote if the remote is locked in the car! So … 

How do you unlock your car with keys inside?

One of life’s most frustrating things is being locked of your car. What can be more frustrating is you can see the keys inside your car, especially if you’re in a hurry! What should you do? If you have membership, all the auto club. If you can afford it, call a professional locksmith. If those aren’t an option, perhaps you can unlock car using one of these methods, if the above shoelace trick didn’t work: 

• A Long Rod: Using a long rod, pry the top of the car door open and place a wooden wedge in that opened area. Now pumping air into that opened part of the door, as it opens further, slide the long rod into that gap until it reached the locking mechanism and unlock car. 
• A Plastic Strip: If the locking mechanism of your car is at the top of the door, using a long strip of plastic folded in half, slide into the pried open door. When it gets to the lock, loop the plastic around the lock knob, squeeze to so that grabs a hold of it and pull upward.  
• A Coat Hanger: The tool that is designed specifically to unlock car without a key or remote is a ‘slim jim’. When you don’t have one, a common method used to unlock car doors is a wire coat hanger. A wire coat hanger is a makeshift version of a slim jim and has a good success rate of unlock car doors with manual locks. Straighten the wire coat hanger out with a pair of pliers until one end of it is straight, leaving the one hook end intact.  Sliding the hook end of the hanger in between the top of the car window and either the top of the window or at the weather stripping, get the hook so that is approximately two inches below where the car door meets the window. This should have your hook end hanger near the interior door handle where the control arm is located. Now, while rotating the hanger, get the hook facing the inside and begin to “fish” for the control arm. Once you’ve got to that arm, pull it up and unlock car door. 
• Car Antenna: This works for older cars that have the lock/unlock button on the arm of the door, your car antenna could be your “key” to unlocking the door. Sticking the antenna down between the window top and door frame, aim for the lock button. Once you get there, push the unlock with the antenna. 
• Windshield Wiper: Remove one of the wipers from your car and wedge open the door. Now push the wiper into the inside of the car and try to grab the keys with it (this will work if the keys are in the seat), bringing the keys to the top of the window where you can get them. Or use it to push the lock button the door arm or door panel to unlock car doors. 

Do police charge to unlock your car? 

Only if there is a child locked inside the car. Contrary to what many people believe, law enforcement do not have slim jim or other proper tools to unlock car doors. If a child is locked inside the car, when they arrive, they typically break the window so they can reach inside and unlock car door. 

How long does it take to unlock a car? 

For a professional locksmith that is fully equipped with the tools, they can unlock car doors within five minutes or less. A car with a complexed lock system and security could take longer. 

Can someone break into a locked car? 

If you think about it, a thief can break into a locked car using any of the methods we’ve described here. They can also use a brick or rock to break a window.  The technically savvy car thief will use any of the following to unlock car doors and ignition: 

• Signal relayed: A thief will use the simple technology of seizing the unique signal emitted from your car keys using a wireless transmitter to the front door or window. This makes your car think there is a key close by and automatically unlock car door. 
• Signal jammed: Jamming the signal is another technique by thieves that will stop the owner of a car from locking their car by using a device similar to the one mentioned above.   
• Program the Key: Once a thief has gained access inside your car, they have to get it started, but without the key, they can’t. The tech savvy criminal can access the software of your car’s computer by plugging in a small device into a port in the footwell and program a blank key fob. 

So, we have told you ways to unlock car doors when you’ve locked your keys inside, but will car unlock if the battery is dead?  This pertains to cars with a remote key fob, a great thing these days, until they don’t work. So, what can you do if the FOB is dead?  Replacing the batteries is the first step. 

Most car manufacturers today have a service to unlock car door by remote if you have set up the pin for that access.  If not, some manufacturers have roadside assistance for their customers. 

If that isn’t an option, hold the dead fob at the door handle and pull. There may be just enough power left in the FOB battery to unlock car door at that proximity. Some car manufacturers have a mechanical key built into the FOB too. Call __PHONE__ today for all of your car unlock needs in Festus, MO.

What is Considered a Heavy Duty Tow?

Heavy duty towing is the use of the largest tow trucks a towing company like Pippin Towing & Recovery has to move heavy equipment and vehicles. While some states differ when it comes to normal towing, federal law dictates that a person needs to have proper licensing before being able to commit to heavy duty towing. When driving more than a short distance, the driver will need CDL (commercial driver’s license) before getting behind the wheel. When hooking up the charge to a heavy duty tow truck, the job tends to take more than one person, being considered unsafe to do alone. The reason is that such vehicles this specific type of tow truck can carry include:

• Garbage trucks
• Semi trucks
• Trailers
• Big rigs
• Bobtails

Being in an extreme category, these vehicles require special attention when the service of heavy duty towing is applied. While a professional must be careful when driving normal tow trucks, the level of care is far more when applied to heavy duty towing. This is because like all vehicles that carry a significant load, movements are more pronounced and it is imperative that more time is applied for stopping. So instead of getting your CDL, which requires multiple tests and a hefty amount of paperwork, why not trust the professionals at Pippin Towing & Recovery in Festus, MO. We offer several towing services, which include heavy duty towing for equipment and vehicles. Call __PHONE__ today to schedule your appointment for heavy duty towing.

What are the different types of tow trucks?

When it comes to tow trucks, there are different types designated by the different weights they can carry. As you’ve probably seen, most tow trucks are not exactly built for heavy-duty towing, but instead for cars one would generally find in an urban setting. The heavy-duty trucks are sent out for the mentioned list above, generally to remove equipment and transport it somewhere else or to recover a big rig or larger vehicle stuck on the road. Here are the different weight classes for tow trucks:

• Light-duty tow truck
• Medium-duty tow truck
• Heavy-duty tow truck

Normally, most people will see the light-duty tow truck, which carries passenger vehicle trailers, and motorcycles. They have a limited carrying capacity compared to the other two and is far better at making turns as well as maneuvering. Medium duty works for farming equipment, automatic trailers, low-profile trailers, and the general like. The heavy-duty two truck has been mentioned above, but for all of their pulling strength, they have little capability in maneuverability. The light and medium duty tow trucks can be found in urban areas whereas the heavy tow trucks are not as common due to being too bulky. There are also different kinds of tow trucks in the two systems they use which are:

• Wheel lift
• Hook and Chain
• Flatbed

While the wheel lift moves the towed vehicle by the front or back tires, used for smaller vehicles. Flatbeds, which can have hook and chains, move vehicles by securing it to a large surface on the back of a truck. These three come with harnesses and systems that keep the towed vehicles secured during transport.

What is the Difference Between a Wrecker and a tow Bruck?

Other than professionally, a wrecker and a tow truck driver are technically two different occupations. While a person can be both, a tow truck driver typically does not commit to repairs and the wrecker does. Both tow vehicles, but the wrecker is the only one that is known to fix the vehicle outright on the spot or bring it somewhere to fix. Both professions use tow trucks and are required to have licensing to do their jobs. Tow truck drivers specifically move vehicles that are illegally parked, either by request of law enforcement or property owners whereas a wrecker is not known to do that.

For clarification, the United States Department of Transportation requires a CDL when someone is driving a vehicle that is carrying weight amounting to over 26,000 pounds or 11793 kilograms.

Why is towing so expensive?

Towing prices tend to be built up through three factors:

• Labor
• Fuel
• Insurance costs

While some companies may allow you to negotiate the cost, it is common for there to be a set price with most. The labor that is included with towing tends to be built through training and experience plus licensing. A normal person is not necessarily able to commit to tow even with the equipment for safety and legal reasons. Depending on the time of year, a tow will be more or less expensive depending on how high the gas price is. Tow companies are required to have more liability insurance due to the line of work. However, when it comes to being moved for parking illegally, the cost of the tow does factor into the ticket. However, in the case of heavy-duty towing, it is common for the need to be because of a vehicle is stranded and cannot be moved by any traditional means. When you need towing services by Pippin Towing & Recovery in Festus, MO call __PHONE__ to schedule your appointment today.

Getting your car running

For a car engine to start, it needs a battery that powers the electrical components. Sometimes, there is a variety of reasons why a battery won’t work. It can be anything from the battery is drained because you left the lights on to the battery is old and needs replacing. Many times, when it won’t work, you can jump start car to give the battery the power it needs.

To jump start for cars, you can do it a couple of different ways, either jump start or a new battery installed:

1. Using jumper cables, connect the dead battery to a good battery and jump start car with the good battery then let it run for a short time to charge the dead battery.
2. You can jump start with a battery charger after letting the battery sit on the charger for a short time.
3. Use a charged jump start box that will give the battery enough charge to jump start a car. 

How long does it take to jump start a car?

If there is nothing severely wrong with the car battery, you can jump start car run after starting it with either a battery charger, jump start box, or jump start with cables from a running car. After 15 minutes of running connected to any of those options, it should start on its own.

Can you ruin your car by giving someone a jump start?

Absolutely, yes you can! There is jump start car damage, and it is a real thing. However, it isn’t a cut and dry situation. The likelihood of jump start car causing damage to the good car and battery is more complicated.

First, the age of the two cars is a factor. Newer cars are computerized and doing a jump start car incorrectly can fry the computer out, especially if the dead battery is dead. On an older car, a jump start car process can blow the fuses of the good battery car.

Is it OK to jump start modern cars?

A standard in every car, or should be, has always been a set of jumper cables. Whether your car needed a jump start or a car near you did, having jumper cables could save the day. From the year 2000, cars now come with not just one computer, but several computers and digital devices, so the jump start car process we’ve used for years can damage a car – the one doing the jumping-off or the one needing the jumping off. 

What should you not do when jumping a car?

Modern cars with a dead battery require new equipment and new techniques to safely jump-start them. If you don’t have the right equipment and you don’t know the new technique, what are the do’s and don’ts of jump start cars?

The “Do’s” to jump start cars

• Read the owner’s manual and confirm if there are jumpstart lugs to attach the cables and not the battery terminals. There are some cars that will void the warranty when it has been jump-started. Read the owner’s manual.
• Verify the battery voltage of the vehicle that is doing the jumping. If the two cars have different voltage, it can damage both cars.
• Park close enough to each other so that the jumper cables reach without touching.
• Turn the motor off to the car with the charged battery, put emergency brakes on both cars.
• Unplug all accessories like chargers so they aren’t shorted out and turn off headlights, hazard lights, blinkers, radio, air conditioning, etc.
• Wearing gloves and goggles is recommended.

The “Don’ts” to jump start cars

• Do not lean directly over either car’s battery.
• Do not smoke while jump starts cars.
• If fluids are frozen in a car, do not jump start car. This can cause a car engine to explode.
• Do not jump start car battery that has a crack or leak.

How long before car battery dies?

With a brand-new battery, you can park your car for two weeks and the battery should still have ample charge. You should turn any energy-using devices off or unplugged before leaving your car sitting that long. If the car will sit a year or longer, disconnect the battery completely, and if it will sit at 25°c temperature or colder, the battery should be removed and taken indoors, but not near any heat like appliances or radiators. 

A car needs an engine and a transmission. A car needs a steering wheel and tires. A car also needs a battery or none of those things are going anywhere. Take care of the battery according to the car manufacturer or the battery manufacturer instructions, and your battery should last for a minimum of two years, on the average five years.

Has your battery gone dead? Need to jump start your car in Festus, MO? Call (636) 937-0797 today!

What is off road recovery?

While off roading is a great adventure and great fun, the fun and adventure can go south quickly if there’s a breakdown or your vehicle goes way off road. When your 4-wheel drive vehicle breaks down or slips off the beaten path, you may need to call in an off road recovery service to tow your vehicle to civilization for repairs. Many towing services have off road recovery trucks that can get out in the wilderness to tow your 4 X 4. These tow trucks can also help someone who has slid off a main road when it’s wet or iced over or following an accident, or a commercial vehicle stranded at a work site.

If you’re planning to go off roading anytime soon, make sure your phone’s contact list has a number for towing service that provides off road recovery in Festus, MO. When you need a reliable towing and recovery service for off roading or on main roads, the team to reach out to are the ones at Pippin Towing & Recovery. We offer a full range of recovery and roadside assistance services. To get help fast, just call __PHONE__.

What should I bring off roading?

While off roading can be a wild, fun ride, if your vehicle breaks down or goes of the main path, you need to be prepared to recover the vehicle or even make temporary repairs until an off road recovery vehicle can arrive to help you. Several companies make kits to recover your vehicle. At minimum your off road recovery kit should include:

• A recovery or snatch strap
• A snatch block
• Bow shackles

Other essentials you might want include:

• A tool kit
• Durable work or recovery gloves
• A storage bag
• A jack
• A jump starter
• Extraction tools or boards to give your vehicle traction when stuck
• A folding shovel
• A headlamp
• Tire repair kit

What is a recovery strap used for?

Whether you’re out in the wilderness or on the main roads, if your vehicle slides in a ditch, an essential piece of equipment you’ll want to have is a recovery strap for off road recovery. This is a strap made of industrial grade webbing that is hooked to a stranded vehicle and a tow vehicle to pull the vehicle out of a ditch or unstuck from mud or other obstacles.

Off road recovery what to do

Whether you’re stuck in the mud, caught in a ditch, or have a flat tire, when it comes to off road recovery, you have to be prepared. First and foremost, you want to have equipment like a recovery strap, shovels, tools, etc., to do any recovery work. You also want to know your limits. If your vehicle has rolled and you are unsure of the right way to turn it over, you should wait for professional help. Otherwise, disaster could strike. Many recovery efforts involve putting you against a heavy machine. You need to know your vehicle’s gross weight as well as yours so you can operate winches and straps without injury to yourself or damage to your vehicle. Make sure you have basic skills down like flat tire repair before you attempt any mechanical repairs. Also, make sure you have a reputable towing service like Pippin Towing & Recovery on your contact list to get you out safely.

What is improper off road recovery

If you’re in a situation anytime you are driving off road, whether for fun or business, where there’s a mechanical failure or you’ve come across an obstacle of any sort that you can’t pass, never try off road recovery if you are unsure of yourself or what to do. You could make the situation worse, which could lead to serious injury or damage to your vehicle. Even getting stuck in mud can cause serious problems. Without equipment like traction boards, or equipment improperly used, it’s very likely the vehicle will sink further into the mud. This only makes it harder to get out. Make sure you know the proper techniques to recover the vehicle or wait for professionals to arrive.

How much does off road recovery cost?

Costs will vary for off road recovery. Most towing services that offer the service will normally charge a per-mile rate for coming out, as well as rates for winching. The winching rates could be charged by the hour, foot or sets. If a tow is involved, the off-road rates may be higher than standard rates. If you’ve driven along spaces like hiking trails not designed for vehicles, the costs to get you out of a tight spot could skyrocket to several thousand dollars, depending on the work involved. On average, though, a typical recovery like sliding off a nearby wet forest road will cost about $300 to $500.

Will AAA tow off road?

AAA has various membership levels when it comes to towing vehicles, and it will depend on the coverage level as well as the road type for off road coverage. In some instances, AAA will only make tows on maintained dirt roads, but not on irregular off road property. Other insurance groups may cover off road towing. Check with your insurer to see what is covered when it comes to towing.

Off road recovery near me

If you are stranded off road and need reliable and affordable off road recovery in Festus, MO, count on the professionals at Pippin Towing & Recovery. We have the right equipment, skills, and experience to get you and your vehicle safely recovered, and if necessary, towed for repairs. Find out more about our services or call us when you need help at __PHONE__.

Junk Car Removal Services and More

Cars break down and wear out, that is a simple fact of today’s world. Doesn’t matter how old they are, what make or model they are, they will break down or wear out. Sometimes, a car isn’t worth the money it takes to repair it, and you can’t get a good trade-in value for it. So, there it sits in your backyard, driveway, or garage. Luckily, there is a junk car removal service that will get it out of your way. Yes, there are companies that will haul off a junk car or truck at a minimal charge and get it out of sight and out mind. Not only is it better for your driveway, garage, or yard, the environment but your neighbor’s view too.  There are even junk car buyers who will pay you to haul off some cars, trucks, or other vehicles. These are usually vehicles that have some value to them once they have been restored, not just any type of car or truck. Dial __PHONE__ for junk car removal in Festus, MO by Pippin Towing & Recovery.

How do I sell my old car?

Selling your old car is easy these days. Find how benefits you the most is the issue. Sometimes you can sell it for a good price and other times, you take what you can get for the simple convenience of getting cash in your pocket and the car out of your way. How you sell will depend do you need or want to make money or do just need junk car removal service? 

Either way, do yourself a favor and find out what your car is worth. How bad would it be to sell your car for a few dollars to a junk car removal service, only to find out that the buyer did a little work to it and sold it for ten times that much, or more? So, before you sell your car, get a reliable appraisal of the car. 

You can have a car dealer, even a removal service, come to your home and give you a junk car estimate. Or you can use any of the online services that provide you a value based on information you input. Once you have a range of what your car is worth, any of these options are a viable way to sell your old car: 

• Trade-In: This is an easy and quick to sell an old car if you’re looking to replace it with a new or newer car. Other than the possible hours you’ll spend at the dealership, it takes very little effort. However, know that this convenience will not get you the full value of the car. Car dealerships buy for cheap and sell for high, and your old car will become inventory for them, so they will offer you a low-ball price for it.
• Sell It to A Car Lot: There are new and used car dealers that will buy your car even if you aren’t planning on buying one from them. Since they are in the business of selling cars, they need inventory and they may see the potential of making some money by reselling your car. 
• Sell It to an Individual: This is usually the best way to get the most for your car. Remember to get estimates from dealerships or the online sites for the value of your car first and price it accordingly.  This method can take the longest way to sell your, but it is also the way to get the most money for it. 
• Sell It to Junk Car Removal Service: You have probably seen ads and signage with “We Pay Cash For Cars!” around town, and while you didn’t give it much thought, it is an industry that has taken a lot of junk cars off the streets and out of driveways while leaving their owners with cash in hand. This should be your last resort because it will get you the least amount of money for your car. There are several junk car removal companies in or near any city or town, call around and get the best junk car estimate you can before selling it this way. 

When should I junk my car?

It is usually all in the timing when it comes to selling a car and it’s difficult to sell one that has a lot of memories for you. There comes a time when a car needs to be sold for a variety of reasons and here are 7 possibilities:

• Ready for A New Car: You’ve had this car since high school, you named it, and you have made many memories in this car. However, you’re out of school now, you have a promising future with your career, and this old Junker just isn’t fitting for that lifestyle. There are times of the year when car dealerships are offering many impressive incentives for trading an old car for a new or newer car, and this could be the perfect time and a smart decision for you.
• Repairs are More Than the Value: When the repair bills are adding up more than the car is worth, like a new engine or transmission, or front end repair, three of the biggest expenses of a car. When a car is breaking down more than it’s on the road and it is keeping your bank account drained. 
• It Isn’t Safe: Once a car has become a rust bucket on wheels or Fred Flintstone’s car is safer than yours, it probably time to call a junk car removal company. Unless you have a car that is considered a classic, and repairs have made to keep it on the road or take to classic car shows. If aren’t air bags, seat belts, the taillights are held in by duct tape, or other safety features are missing, it shouldn’t be on the road anymore. Make that call to a junk car removal company! 
• The Check Engine Light Stays On: Have you put a piece of black tape over the check engine light because it won’t go off, no matter what you do? Don’t be surprised if it suddenly bursts into flames soon. That check engine light is a warning something isn’t right with the engine and if you have added oil, checked all the fluids, spark plugs, etc., and it still stays on, it is time to call for a junk car removal service.
• No Title: Sometimes we inherit property or vehicles we don’t need or want, so the best thing to do is sell it. However, with a car, to sell it legally, you’ll need a title, and unfortunately, it can’t be found. A junk car removal company buys cars every day without a title. Why? Because they scrape it for metal after they have parted out all the good parts.
• More Kids Than the Car Has Room For: You bought this car in high school, long before you ever thought about being a grownup that got married and had kids.  The 2-seater was great when there was just the two of you, but now you have kids and they can’t ride on the luggage rack!  A junk car removal company will often give you cash for that old car and take it away!
• More Rust Than Paint: It was your first car, and it had some rust, but you were okay with that in high school, even into college. Today though, you look at this car and it has more rust than paint, in fact, there is a hole in the back floorboard! Or every time you pull out of a parking spot, there is rust left behind. Time to call a junk car removal company and sell it. 

Do scrap yards take engines?

Yes! Junk yards or salvage yards buy junk car for parts or if all you have is the engine, they buy those too. You can sell engine blocks that are made of most aluminum and have some steel for scrap. You call a junk it car removal service and they’ll come pick it up or you can take it to them and get more money for it. 

How do I donate a junk car?

There are several options to getting a junk vehicle out of your way, and if any of the ways we’ve discussed here aren’t working for you, then consider donating it for charity. You get the tax credit and the junk car goes to a good cause. In the state of Missouri, Good Will Industries take donated vehicles and they offer junk car removal, will give you a receipt that you can use for tax. 

Schedule With Us for More

There is no need to let a broken-down, rusted-out junk car sit in your driveway, garage, parked in your yard or out in the pasture these days. You can sell it, trade it in, or even donate it, all equal to junk car removal out of your sight and your neighbors! Call Pippin Towing & Recovery at __PHONE__ about junk car removal in Festus, MO today!

Dealing With a Dead Battery

There is possibly no worse feeling than attempting to start your car and finding it is not turning over. You may hear a clicking sound, but the vehicle is not coming to life. Unfortunately, few people actually know how to charge a car battery, but that’s okay because you have Pippin Towing & Recovery to rely on. We are a dependable, trusted, and well-rated towing and recovery company in the area. We specialize in helping clients move and relocate their cars as needed, but we can also help with battery issues. Whether you need a car battery charger for your Festus, MO vehicle or you just need to get it somewhere for a replacement, we can help. Connect with our team today by dialing __PHONE__ for 24-hour services.

Signs You Have a Bad Battery

How do I know if my car battery is bad? There are a number of indications that your battery might be giving out. Even more than that, there are a number of signs a car battery charger may be needed. When that’s the case, you can rely on Pippin Towing & Recovery. Not only can we tow your car or even provide an unlocking service, we can help with battery issues as well. 

• Dim Headlights: Your headlights are necessary for safe and responsible driving at night. If you are noticing that you are struggling to see while driving, it may be because the lights are not getting enough power from the battery. 
• Clicking Sounds: The most obvious sign your battery is dead or dying is the ticking sound. We’ve possibly all heard it, that clicking, ticking sound when you try to turn the key. When that happens, you likely have a dead battery. 
• Slow Crank: The slow cranking engine is a common sign of a dying battery. This sound you hear will need to be addressed as soon as possible. If needed, you can rely on a towing company to get your car where it needs to be. 
• Backfiring: Yes, a car that is backfiring could be the result of a dying battery. Before completely replacing it, check the carburetor and black box. If they appear fine, meaning no damage or significant wear and tear, then you can invest in a battery replacement. 
• Pressing the Gas: It is not normal to need to press the gas in order to make your car start. Your battery is likely dying or close to dying if you find that you are needing to push on the gas to give some extra energy to your battery in order to start your car.
• Overnight De-charge: When your car won’t start after sitting overnight, your battery is likely dead or dying. It could potentially be a wiring issue, but either way, it is an issue that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. 

How much does a car battery charger cost? How much does the service cost if you contact a towing and recovery company? It’s hard to say because everyone is different. At Pippin Towing & Recovery, we offer competitive and reasonable prices for the services you will need. Though it will likely be cheaper than something like carpet cleaning in Hazelwood, MO, we can’t give you a specific answer until we know what is needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How much does it cost to recharge a car battery?
  • It will depend on the car service or device that you invest in. That in mind, there is a range of about $30 to $100 for most battery charging services. So it really will depend on who you go with. 
• Can a completely dead battery be recharged?
  • Yes, a “dead” battery can be recharged. Car batteries are able to be recharged, in general, but it’s important to note when and how often you are recharging them. If you are attempting to recharge a battery that has less than 12V, it will come back, but you’ll need to consider immediate replacement. 
• How do I know when my car needs a new battery?
  • If you are noticing that your engine is becoming increasingly slow to start, the check engine light is on, there are bad smells, or you are having electrical issues, you may have battery issues. 
• How can I check my car battery?
  • If you are good with engine tools, you can use a multimeter to read the voltage of your battery. If you are not good, you may want to rely on a mechanic or a technician that can help to check the condition of your car battery.

Call Us for Immediate Service Today

When you need reliable car-related services, there is no other name to trust. Pippin Towing & Recovery that can help with towing, recovery, and car battery charging services. We know how to charge a car battery so it can get you home or to a mechanics shop for service. If we can’t do that, we’ll certainly help you get your car there. It is our goal to provide reliable services when you need them most. Call us at __PHONE__ for round the clock car battery charger in Festus, MO.

How Much Does Towing a Motorcycle Cost?

Most tow truck companies charge a minimum base fee of approximately fifty dollars for local towing. Local towing is defined as towing a vehicle five or ten miles. For long-distance towing, there is usually a $75 hook-up fee and a fee of $2 to $4 per mile. The price for towing a vehicle will change depending on whether the vehicle is a car, a heavy-duty vehicle, or a motorcycle. For a more accurate estimate concerning your motorcycle tow charge, please consult your local towing company.

Can AAA Tow a Motorcycle?

This is an excellent question. AAA offers motorcycle towing services for premier members. Thus, if you do have a AAA membership, it will be important to request an upgrade. Another factor to consider is that a AAA premier membership usually runs approximately $199 per year. Once you have the membership in place, and if you have a motorcycle, you can call AAA to get towing if you do have an accident. AAA will call towing companies in the area, and get them routed to your location. This process can take a little longer if you have a motorcycle because not all towing companies have a driver who knows how to load and tie down a motorcycle on a flatbed.

Can You Tow a Motorcycle?

Motorcycle towing is not an easy task. There are three usual methods that are used to tow motorcycles. Each of these methods is effective and secure, provided that you use the preferred procedures and equipment. The three methods are flatbed towing, two-wheel towing, and cradles used for towing. Flatbed towing is the most popular route, particularly in instances where the motorcycle isn’t fit for operation. During such procedures, the flatbed of the truck bed is unrestricted, supported by a secure frame. Special locks, ropes, and straps are used to prevent the motorcycle from tipping over. These tow trucks can be easy to find since they are in abundance. These can be rented from a licensed truck rental company.

How Much Can A Towing Company Legally Charge?

The maximum cost for a towing company is approximately $300. The average range for towing services vacillates between seventy-five to one-hundred and twenty-five dollars. The national average cost for a tow is ninety-five dollars, and the minimum cost is about $50. Just like keeping on top of your motorcycle is important, so is keeping an eye on your roof. Your local, friendly residential roofer will be able to ascertain if your roof has any damages. 

How Far Does Roadside Assistance Tow?

Roadside assistance coverage, a provision of auto insurance, provides vital help to drivers when their vehicle breaks down. On every insurance policy, it is an option. In usual circumstances, the car insurance company will partner with businesses in the area that provide roadside assistance. Insurance companies can also employ a team that is available on their client’s behalf. Depending on the provisions of the insurance contract, roadside assistance will be offered up to a limited amount of miles. Any miles that are not covered in the insurance will need to be paid by the client.

What Are Motorcycle Towing Trailers

Motorcycle utility trailers are uncovered single-axle, flatbed trailers. Specially designed, these trailers can be towed by a motorcycle and are far smaller than standard open trailers which have to be pulled by a four-wheel vehicle such as a truck.

How to Flatbed Motorcycle Towing

While motorcycle towing isn’t complicated, it does require the proper tools, materials, and finesse. Safely moving any heavy piece of machinery can be difficult, which is why it is a job best left to experts. Everything must be secure in order to prevent damages. Integral to such a task is the purchase of appropriate nylon tow straps. The straps will need to be attached to the front and rear suspension forks. Other firm parts of the car’s frame will be an acceptable alternative. However, the straps must not be connected across the seat or the bodywork of the car. A motorcycle rail, wheel cradle or wheel chock can also help lock the cycle in place.

How To Motorcycle Towing

If you would like to learn how you can tow a motorcycle, please consult the following bullet points. 

• Ride the front wheel forward into the trailer and the wheel chock.
• Secure the motorcycle with ratchet straps. 
• Check your owner’s manual for recommended ratchet points.
• Tighten the ratchet straps evenly.
• Ensure that the motorcycle is secure and that all four ratchet straps are adjusted and tightened evenly.

Towing Motorcycle Without Trailer

It is possible to tow your motorcycle without a trailer. Motorcycle towing cradles can be attached to the hitch of a truck (or similar vehicle). These cradles allow safe passage for motorcycles across roads.

Our staff at Pippin Towing & Recovery are ready to take your phone call at 636-937-0797. We can help you with your motorcycle towing in Festus, MO!