Author Archives: Pippin Towing & Recovery

Unlock Your Car Safely

Almost everyone has had that moment when they realize they are geniuses and have left their keys in the car. Some may panic, some may take a moment to reflect on their stupidity, some were probably too hassled with thoughts to have even noticed their mistake until they need to drive back from their destination. No matter the reaction, the necessary steps to take is to rely on a car unlock service or other similar avenues in order to find a way to get those darn keys out of the car. Some methods may include DIY jobs while others will run the risk of damaging your car. Be sure to weigh in your options before you reach out to a professional for help. Here is some helpful information that may prove useful depending on the situation.

What to do when you lock your keys in your car?

When you have locked your keys in the car you try various avenues to get your keys out. You can call emergency roadside services or even a car unlock service for help. There are also some self-help ways that you can get your car door open depending on the lock function and location of your car. As every car is different and more rescent make and models operate through remotes or other advanced technology you may need to tow your car to your dealership for assistance. Consider the following DIY example below.

How do you unlock a car door without a key?

If you’re wondering how to open locked car door without key there are numerous methods floating around on the internet that you could take. Depending on where your car lock is situated in your car different methods may prove more useful than others while some are completely irrelevant with your lock’s functionality. An interesting method that can be taken into consideration is with a wedge. A wedge can be inserted into the frame of your car and be levered to hold the door frame out. Then a rod can be inserted into the door to push the unlock button. Other methods can include using anything that is long and skinny to activate the lock. You may potentially use a wedge in any opening through slips in the doorframe or window. If you don’t have a rod you may even use your car’s antennae and some even site using their windshield wiper when all other options aren’t available. It’s important to keep in mind that these methods may scratch the paint, ear weather stripping or otherwise damage the body of your car in the process of trying to move with the door frame. A method that works well with locks that move by being pulled up incorporates finagling the lock with a shoelace or string. A string is tied in a slipknot and slowly leveled down from either side of the corner of a car window. Once it reaches the lock the slipknot is tightened and the sting pulled up, in turn, lifting the lock and unlocking the car door.

How to Open Car Without Key

• Wedge
• String
• Breaking Windows
• Coat Hanger
• Strip of Plastic
• Slim Jim
• String
• Shoelace
• Car Antenna
• Windshield Wiper

Can the police unlock your car for free?

If your car is locked with key inside the police may be able to help you for free only if there is an emergency involved.

Can I call the police if I locked my keys in my car?

Calling the police for keys locked in your car should only be done with emergencies such as leaving a baby or pet in the car. 

Who do I call if I locked my keys in my car?

If you are locked out for regular scenarios you can call an automobile locksmith, a car unlock service, Triple-A, your insurance company and any other avenue where you may be able to receive help.

Contact A Professional

If you find that the risk of DIY options is too risky on your car it may be best to rely on a professional, only a professional car unlock service will be able to safely maneuver your car door or other entrance areas without risking the body of your vehicle. If your car is locked from the inside consider calling towing services to take you to a shop or other service location that can unlock your car door for you. What’s more, as some car unlock services may not be 24 hours 7 days a week you can tow it to your residence and have services like Triple A come over in the morning. Just like a professional roofer will be required for fixing asphalt shingles a professional car unlock service will be necessary for situations of keys stuck inside of a locked car. Save yourself from the trouble of finagling with your car and contact a professional today.

If you require assistance with a car unlock service in Festus, MO call (636) 937-0797 with Pippin Towing & Recovery! 

How Do You Know When Your Car Is About to Run Out of Gas?

Running out of gas can be one of the scariest things to happen to you. Whether it’s running out of gas at night or running out of gas on the highway, this type of situation can be incredibly stressful and leave you wondering what you should do. A lot of people wonder how you know you have run out of gas, and there are a couple of running out of gas symptoms that you should be aware of. Knowing what the signs are for running out of gas can help you better navigate what to do in this type of situation.

• Gas Light Indicator Pops Up: If you are about to run out of gas, the first thing that will happen is your gas light will pop up on your dash. Typically when the gas light comes on, the driver still has about another 25 miles to find a gas station before they run out of gas.
• Your Car Won’t Start: When there isn’t enough gas in your tank, then it can make turning on your car impossible. If you are in the middle of driving and you run out of gas, then your car will automatically stop working.
• Your Car Will Stall: Another sign that you have run out of gas is when you have only a little bit of fuel, get your car to start, and it begins to stall when you are driving.
• Your Car Will Make Noises: A car that has started to run out of gas will also make strange noises as the car is attempting to turnover.

Once you have run out of gas you might be wondering what steps you need to take. The first thing you will want to do is put your car in park so that is doesn’t roll away. If you have roadside assistance, then you can call them and they can bring you gas. For people who don’t have roadside assistance, you can always call a towing company. Towing company provide other services besides towing, so when you call you can ask if they can bring you gas.

How Long Can You Run On Empty?

Many people who are about to run out of gas usually ask, “How far can I go with my gas light on?” It honestly depends on what type of vehicle you have, a truck or car, but typically a vehicle can go 25 miles before they completely run out of gas. There are other factors that can contribute to how long it takes for your car to run out of gas such as the condition of the car and how the car is being driven. It important that when your fuel tank indicates you are about to run out of gas, you find a gas station right away.

How to Avoid Running Out of Gas

If you think your car is about to run out of gas, there are some things you can do to try to prevent this from happening. The first thing you will want to do is find the nearest gas station. Once you know where the nearest gas station is you will need to slow your speed to at least 35 or 45 miles per hour. Going the speeds will make your car more fuel-efficient, so you can save gas while you are driving to the gas station. Other things you need to do to save on fuel before you get to a gas station is turning off the radio, A/C, as well as roll up the windows. All of these things can help you reduce how much gas you are using. Lastly, if it’s possible, try to drive downhill. Driving downhill doesn’t take a lot of gas, so its ideal to find a gas station that is downhill.

Who Can I Call If I Ran Out of Gas?

Places and People to Call

If you happen to run out of gas, then you will need to call someone to bring you gas. If you aren’t very far from home, you can call your parents, other relatives, or friends to bring you gas. In situations where you are far from home, there are a couple of people you can call. People who have roadside assistance can call them and they can bring them gas. A lot of people ask, “Can you call the police if you run out of gas?” and the answer is yes. If you are in a remote area and you don’t know who to call, you can always contact the police for help. However, towing companies can also help in these types of situations. Running out of gas is never fun, but if you need gas, call Pippin Towing & Recovery! We can offer towing services in Festus, MO that include gas services. Just like you wouldn’t go to someone other than a roofer for roof damage storm repair, you wouldn’t call anyone else but a tower when you are having issues on the road. You can reach us at (636) 937-0797 to get more information.

How Long Do Tires Last On Average?

When it comes to driving our cars, we need a lot of components to work together to have it drive properly. We need a functioning engine, steering wheel, battery, brakes, and tires. You might occasionally need engine services if your car isn’t running properly, but for the most part, tires are a common reason why your car might not be driving properly. Our car’s tires are important because it moves the car forward by providing traction for the surface of the road. Because they play a big part in how a car drives, its important to know when to change out your tires. Many people ask how long tires should last, and they typically last three to four years. This is when the tread on the tire will start to wear, so its important to get your tires changed around that time. While the age of the tire is important for changing a tire, there are other times when tires should be changed. Tire change recommendations include you are driving and the car is vibrating badly, if the tread is 1/16 of an inch, you can see the tread wear indicator bars, cracks are appearing in the sidewall, and there are tears or blisters in the tire. If you are uncomfortable changing a tire, then you can always call tire change roadside assistance for help. They can give you advice on tire change and storage.

Tire Change Safety Tips

If you are changing a tire, it is important that you know some of the safety tips. Changing a tire can be very dangerous, especially if it’s on the highway, so knowing how to keep yourself safe in this situation is vital. Here are some safety tips to follow when changing a tire.

• Get Off the Road: Many people that need to change a tire usually only pull off to the shoulder of the road. This can prove to be dangerous as there is very little room between you and the other cars. If your car can make it, try pulling off into a safer area like rest stop or gas station to change your tire.
• Make Yourself Seen: In order to protect yourself while you are changing your tire, it is essential that you make yourself visible. You can turn on your car’s hazards, road cones, or even use road flares to make other people aware of your presence.
• Make Sure the Ground is Flat: You don’t want to jack the car up when it’s on an incline or else the jack will slip from underneath the car. Changing a tire on flat ground will ensure that it’s done correctly.
• Use Your Parking Brake: To make sure that your car is secure and that it won’t roll away while you are under the car, it is a good idea to pull the car’s parking brake.
• Find the Nearest Service Station: Once the tire has been changed, you will want to drive your car to the nearest service station to get a real tire for your car. Or you can go to a gas station and call someone to tow your car to a service station if you are really far away.

Is it OK to Replace Only One Tire?

If you have a tire that has been punctured and damaged in the same way and needs to replace, you might wonder if it’s okay to replace the one tire. When considering if replacing one tire is okay, it’s important to consider the tread depth, tire size, speed rating, and load index. In regards to the tread depth, tire size, and speed rating, these things will have to match your existing tires. When it comes to the load index, whatever tire you end up getting will need to be able to hold the weight of the car. If your new tire doesn’t meet any of the four qualifications, you will need to buy at least two tires.

Is it Bad to Have Different Brands of Tires On Car?

Knowing whether to go with different brand tires then the tires you have now is within the same vein of whether you should replace just one tire. If you are thinking about buying two tires from a different brand then you have now, those tires have to be the same size, have the same amount of tread, as well as meet the speed rating and load index. When your tires don’t match up, it can cause problems for the car. However, sometimes it is unavoidable and you will have to buy tires that are a different brand than your current tires–in that case, they will need to have the same tread patterns.

Tire Change and Tire Rotation

How Much Does it Cost to Change a Tire?

The cost of replacing your tires is going to depend on how many tires need to be replaced, the brand of tires you have, as well as the type of car that you own. Changing a tire or tires can range from $200 to $600 depending on all of those variables. If you need help changing a tire in Festus, MO, you can call on the professionals at Pippin Towing & Recovery. We can offer tire change service that is affordable and will get you back on the road in no time. Give us a call at (636) 937-0797 and we will change your tire quickly!

Car With Suspension Damage

Do you notice it difficult to turn your wheel to the left when you want to turn? Does it feel like you can feel every single bump in the road when you drive? If you notice these things, there may be something wrong with your suspension. There are many things to look for to determine if your suspension is damaged or worn out. When it comes to actually making any repairs, though, it is encouraged to let a professional mechanic do the actual work. They are able to understand what is causing the issue and make repairs without damaging the rest of your vehicle. Driving with a damaged suspension is incredibly dangerous so when you need a tow because of bad car suspension in Festus, MO, rely on Pippin Towing & Recovery. Call us at __PHONE__ to schedule a tow today.

Car With Suspension Issues

There are 5 common signs that you may be experiencing suspension issues with your car. The suspension on your car is designed to smooth out the ride. It is made up several parts including the chassis, coil springs, structs, and shock absorbers. All of these items work together to maximize the friction between the road and your vehicle.

• Pulling to one side: This is one of the most common signs of suspension issues. You can tell because when you turn your wheel right or left, the steering wheel pulls hard in the opposite direction. Now, your wheel pulling can also be an indicator of several other things, which is why it’s so important to have a professional diagnose your car.
• Feeling every bump: Rough rides are clear indicators of a worn out struts. The best way to check for this is to do a bounce test. While the car is parked, put weight on the front end of your car and let go. If your car bounces 3 or more times, the shocks or struts are worn out. Worn shock absorbers are a big problem and need to be addressed as soon as possible.
• One corner/tire sits low: When one side or tire sits lower than the others when your car is parked, you may have a damaged spring. You may hear a clunking noise when you go over bumps. It’s important to have this repaired quickly because without the spring, your car can’t support the weight.
• Diving, rolling, and leaning: You can tell you need to replace shocks or struts when: your car tips forward (dives) when braking; your vehicle leans (rolls) to one side when cornering; your car tips backward (squats or leans) when accelerating.
• Difficulty steering: If it is difficult to turn your steering wheel, even when you’re going slow, there may be something wrong with your suspension. But, like when you wheel pulls, difficulty steering can be an indicator of other reasons. So, when you notice it is hard to turn the wheel or keep the wheel steady when driving, contact a mechanic for a professional diagnosis.

While it is easy to diagnose suspension problems, it is actually very difficult to determine what is causing the problem. For that, you need a professional diagnosis from a mechanic. It is not recommended to drive when you may experiencing suspension or strut issues. A damaged or worn suspension can, as mentioned, make it difficult to steer which can result in a potential wreck. Instead, it is highly encouraged to schedule a flatbed towing to a local shop for an inspection. When you need a tow to diagnose issues with your car suspension in the Festus, MO, contact Pippin Towing & Recovery.

Car Suspension vs Shocks

When it comes to the structure of your vehicle, the shocks are one of the several components that make up the car suspension. The suspension is designed to handle and control the road quality when you are driving. What that means is, the suspension works to stabilizing your tires when driving on uneven ground while also working to absorb and release pressure to prevent damage. This is why your suspension is made up of structural and shock absorbing parts.

If there are any issues with the shocks and struts, you may have serious problems on your hands. Shocks are designed to do what you would think – they absorb the shock from bumpy roads. Incorporated with the shocks are the struts. Struts are designed to literally hold your car up, so when the struts are compromised, serious damages could occur to your vehicle’s alignment. When either part is damaged or compromised, you can be looking at expensive repair and replacement costs.

In light of this, many want to know can car suspension be adjusted? Yes, they can! If a mechanic has diagnosed worn out or damaged suspension, you can ask the mechanic to install softer shocks and struts. These will make your ride much smoother and less chaotic feeling.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How much does it cost to replace suspension on a car?
  • For most cars, the suspension parts, or the struts, cost anywhere between $200 and $1,500.
• Can I drive with bad suspension?
  • While you can drive short distances with bad suspension, it is highly discouraged to do so. The bad or broken suspension affects your ability to handle, steer, and brake in your car.
• What is the best car suspension?
  • There are a wide variety of struts, shocks, and more on the market. Anything from brands like Bilstein, Skunk, or HSD Monopro are guaranteed quality.
• Can bad suspension cause vibration?
  • A loose or damaged suspension can aggravate vibration, but it will never be the cause of vibration in your car.
• Is it dangerous to drive with bad struts?
  • Yes, driving with bad struts can put you in danger when you drive. Doing so can also cause significant damage to other parts of your vehicle as well.

Contact Us for Immediate Tows

When you need to tow your vehicle because of damaged car suspension in the Festus, MO area, call Pippin Towing & Recovery. We are available 24/7 for any of your car towing needs. You can reach us at __PHONE__.

Lessen Your Chances of Unfair Towing

A car towing service can be very helpful or fill you with complete dread depending on the circumstances. If you’re moving homes or having emergency car troubles than it’s sunshine and daisies! (Minus the car trouble but you get the towing at least.) If you’ve come back to the area where you parked before only to see a tumbleweed blow on by then it’s an instant lightning bolt of rage, depression, and annoyance! There are certain things that you should keep in mind about towing no matter the situation so you aren’t left surprised or confused when the time comes for action.

How do I get a car towed?

If you’re having a car emergency than contact your insurance to see if you have roadside assistance. For other situations, you can contact your local car tow away service company (Festus, MO towing) and set up an appointment or attach your car to another vehicle that has the appropriate towing setup. Junk cars may not be accepted by all towing companies and may require a specialized junk car towing service like an auto wreck towing company. (Nissan Repair)

How much does it cost to get your car towed?

Towing companies can charge car towing service costs following a certain time or distance increments. A common average per mile cost is between $2.50-$7 with higher dollar amounts reserved for heavy-duty vehicles.  

Does my insurance cover towing?

If you have roadside assistance than typically insurance can cover up to a certain mileage or cost limit and the amount can vary from policy to policy. If you’re curious as to what your policy implies, calling your insurance can give you the answers you need.

What is predatory towing?

Predatory towing is when towing companies engage in certain distasteful behaviors in order to maximize their income. This can include making side deals with owners of stores, charging over the top fees for storage or towing as well as towing a car as soon as it’s been parked. There are certain state laws that prevent this type of activity from occurring like only being able to tow if a car has been there after a certain amount of time has passed like an hour. You can respond to predatory towing with appropriate backup such as pointing out a lack of signage and you may be able to recover your car at little to no cost.

Is towing a car legal?

It’s legal for private properties to tow your car without warning if your car is parked in the right of way entrance to their property or even on their property. As far as businesses and parking lots, there should be signage that regulates rules, hours, and procedures as a warning. If your car gets towed and there’s no signage than you can contest against the fine and have it lowered or removed entirely. Rules vary state by state so make sure you know your rights.

How to Avoid Getting Your Car Towed

1. Check the signs around the area to see if there are any restrictions on days, time periods or time windows when you can or can’t park.  Be sure to take pictures of signs and other areas if applicable in case of unfair towing practices.
2. If you’re parked by a meter make sure you fill your meter to realistic time increment.
3. If visiting an apartment residence make sure not to park under car covering awnings or other areas reserved for residences.
4. Don’t park in front of a fire hydrant.
5. Don’t park in front of entryways or exits of streets, businesses or residences.
6. Pay attention to curbside paint; red curbs mean never to park there, white means you can stay around 5 minutes to load and unload passengers, green means you can park 10 min or less, yellow means commercial loading and unloading only and blue is reserved for people with disabilities.
7. If your car breaks down be sure to call a towing company or roadside assistance before a tow truck comes along and tries to tow your car outside of your circumstance.

Before you park anywhere, take a few seconds to observe your area. Just a few minutes of initial observation can save you on hours of trying to get your car back from a car towing service. You can save a lot of time and money by even adding a few extra coins into a meter, better that than numerous dollars. If you find yourself in a situation where you aren’t sure whether you can park on a street, try popping into the local nearby business and ask them or simply park somewhere where you are sure and it’s less ambiguous. Remember, certain states have different laws and it doesn’t hurt to brush up on the rules in case any predatory towing takes place. Don’t get taken advantage of with unsavory fines when you can oppose them with back up! Stay safe and aware and you’ll be able to avoid unnecessary towing.

If you’re looking for a car towing service in Festus, MO call (636) 937-0797 with Pippin Towing & Recovery!

When one of the worst things that can happen to you while you are driving is to have a flat tire or your car break down completely due to clutch failure. This can be very overwhelming, but preparing yourself for this type of situation is key. While we never want this to happen to us, having the proper tools and knowledge can make this very unfortunate circumstance easier to deal with. Below are some tips that will make a roadside emergency easier to navigate and handle.

• Quickly and Safely Get Off the Road: When you notice that something is wrong with your car, you will want to get off the road right away. You can pull off the side of the road, rest stop, shoulder, or parking lot that is closet to you.
• Turn On Your Hazard Lights: You will want to let other people know that you are having vehicle trouble, so the next step that you will want to take is to turn on your hazards. In addition to turning the hazard lights on, you can also pop the hood of your car.
• Exit Your Car Safely: It is actually recommended to not exit the vehicle until emergency roadside assistance or police come to your aid, but many people want to assess what type of damage has been done to the car. If you are wanting to know what the issue is, open your car through the passenger side and exit through there; never exit on the driver side as there is a lot of traffic coming from that side.
• Call Emergency Roadside Assistance: If you have roadside assistance, call them at once in order to help you. If you don’t then you can call the police or someone close by to your location in order to help you.
• Be Ready By Having Emergency Supplies: If you are ever in a situation where your car breaks down, you will need to have emergency supplies. Sometimes your car will break down in the middle of nowhere and you will need supplies to either get your car working or to keep you safe until help arrives.

If you don’t have emergency roadside assistance and need help, you can always call high patrol. A lot of people ask, “How do I call a highway patrol from my cell phone?” In the state of Missouri, instead of calling 911, you will want to call *55 (star 55) or 800-525-5555 when you need to get ahold of highway patrol. Each state is going to have their own phone numbers besides 911 when you are getting ahold of someone for non-emergency purposes.

Emergency Roadside Safety Kit

One of the things you need to do in case of a roadside emergency is to have an emergency roadside kit. This is a good practice, as you never know what time of day or area you will be in if your car chooses to break down. While this is a great thing to have in your car, what should be in a roadside emergency kit? There are quite a lot of things you can add to your emergency roadside kit; the most important thing you need to do is to have the kit make sense for the type of weather that is outside, have multiple emergency kits, and add things that are going to make sense for your specific needs. Here are some things that you can add to your emergency roadside kit.

• First aid kit
• Bottled water
• Nonperishable food
• Reflective Vest
• cell phone charger
• Rain jacket
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Jumper cables
• Spare tire
• Flares or triangle reflectors
• Ice scraper
• Paper, pen, or pencil
• Multipurpose tool
• Blankets
• Fire extinguisher
• Duct tape
• Tire pressure gauge
• A tire inflator or can of tire inflator
• Toolkit
• Motor oil
• Coolant
• Paper towels
• Washer fluid
• Cat litter for icy roads

All of these things will ensure that your car is safe and that you are also safe until someone is able to help you. It can be scary having your car break down, but being prepared is the best approach to making the situation more bearable.

Who Do You Call for Roadside Assistance?

A lot of people who don’t have emergency roadside assistance want to know if is roadside assistance reliable. The answer is yes, it is very reliable, as it the people who come out to help you can either tow your car, change your flat tire, change your dead battery, or provide you with other assistance to get your car working again.

Another thing that is most commonly asked for people who wonder about roadside assistance is, “Is roadside assistance free?” They aren’t free but car owners are able to get roadside assistance for free through cell phone companies, car manufacturers, car insurance provides, credit card companies, and auto clubs. Since there are a couple of options for car owners to choose from, another thing that is asked is, “What roadside assistance is best?” You will have to consider a couple of things when choosing roadside assistance: Does it cover the car owner or the car, is the car owner covered while driving other cars, how many times can you get your car towed a year, how many miles can you have your car towed, and what kind of fees do you have to pay. 

The last thing that people ask about roadside assistance is, “Is roadside assistance considered a claim?” and it’s going to depend on why your car is being towed. If you’re in a no parking zone, it might affect your insurance premium but if your car breaks down it would be a claim but not enough to raise your premium. If you are needing roadside assistance in Festus, MO and don’t know where to turn, dial (636) 937-0797 to get help from the experts at Pippin Towing & Recovery.

Most drivers reach the point where they can pilot their vehicles with little conscious thought.  However, to protect both yourself and others on the road, you should always pay close attention to the both the function of your vehicle and its repair needs. A car is not only a powerful force with the potential to cause major harm to others; it’s also a complex machine with extensive inter-connectivity between a slew of parts and processes. The smooth consistency of a modern vehicle’s operation can often belie its intricacy, along with its tendency toward certain car problems.

At Pippin Towing & Recovery, we’ve seen and serviced practically any car trouble you can imagine. Regular service represents the secret to avoid roadside breakdowns and preserve your vehicle from destructive problems. As car problems persist undetected, they will steadily worsen and create the need for additional, more extensive repairs. If a driver can remain attentive to the indicators of trouble, he or she can both save money and prolong the life of their car. Below, you will find a list of common car issues and their signals for repair. If you catch these signs early, you can receive the preventative maintenance that averts roadside breakdowns.

Common Car Problems

There exist two general types of car problems: relatively simple issues that nevertheless lead to roadside breakdowns; and the complex mechanical troubles that can kill a car for good. For the first group, simple maintenance practices on the part of the owner can prevent their occurrence. As for the second group, you’ll need to recognize the signs for repair, and have it performed as quickly as possible.

Common Reasons for Roadside Breakdowns

• Out of Gas: Of all the car problems you might encounter, this one has the easiest solution. Never allow your car to fall below a quarter-tank of fuel, and you’ll avoid any long treks to a gas station.
• Flat Tire: Sometimes, cruel fate leaves a nail or screw squarely in the path of your vehicle. While you can’t avoid every flat tire, you can check the status of your treads and maintain the recommended tire pressure.
• Engine Trouble: Though a broad category that covers many possible issues, most engine troubles share a primary and early symptom. Keep an eye on your gas mileage. If it ever starts to decrease, it signals that your engine is using more fuel to struggle through some issue.
• Dead Battery: Many drivers take their batteries for granted, and forget that they only last for around three years. If your headlights seem dim, or your power windows begin to operate sluggishly, have your battery changed.
• Lockout: Though everyone’s done it at least once, the commonness of this issue makes it nonetheless embarrassing. Always keep a spare set of keys in your home. If you plan to take a trip with a friend or partner, let them carry the extra set.

Common Questions About Major Car Problems

At Pippin Towing & Recovery, we strive to keep our customers informed about their vehicles. We never recommend extraneous services, and explain the procedures and necessity of every repair or service we provide. As seasoned mechanics, we find ourselves addressing the same questions and concerns on a regular basis. The following represent the most common questions that vehicles owners have about major car problems.

What Can Cause a Car to Break Down?

Common mechanical problems that lead to break downs include alternator issues, failed starter motors, broken clutch cables, deteriorated high tension leads, and transmission trouble.

How Do You Diagnose Car Problems?

• Alternator Issues: Your car may struggle to start, or your headlights may seem dim.
• Starter Motor: Odd sounds such as whines and grinding noises when you start your car indicate a failing starter motor. You may also see smoke, in which case you should stop trying to start your car, and instead call for a tow.
• Broken Clutch Cable: Drivers with manual transmissions become pretty familiar with the sounds and feel of  proper operation. If you ever notice a different “feel” to the clutch pedal, take your vehicle in for service.
• HT Leads: These carry high voltage to your spark plugs. If they begin to deteriorate, you car will start poorly, as if the effort to operate is too much to handle.
• Transmission Troubles: Most transmission issues begin with “slipping”. This is commonly indicated through a jerk when you change gears.

What Is a Diagnostic for a Car?

Car electrical problems notwithstanding, the computerization of a vehicle’s operation makes it easy for technicians to detect latent issues. A diagnostic is simply a software-enabled review of your car’s operation.

How Can You Prevent Car Problems?

Quite simply, get your oil changed at a shop that will also check your fluid levels, and take your car in for every round of scheduled maintenance. Preventative maintenance like this will spare you any number of car problems, and prolong the life of your vehicle.

Who Do You Call When Your Car Breaks Down?

Roadside assistance is a highly worthwhile service, the value of which you cannot fully appreciate until your car suddenly stops on some lonely, deserted highway. If your car breaks down, and you have roadside assistance, call that number first. If you do not have roadside assistance, use a data-enabled smartphone to locate the nearest towing service. If you cannot do this, call 411 and ask for a towing service.

How Roadside Assistance Works

Practically everyone will at some point find themselves in need of roadside assistance. Whomever provides your coverage has partnered with a network of service providers, including locksmiths and towing companies, who can help with a wide range of car issues. When you call the number, your roadside assistance company determines the closest provider of your needed service, and dispatches them to your aid. Roadside assistance covers a host of common problems, including flat tires, towing, jump-starts, fuel delivery, lost or locked-in keys, and, if your car is stuck in the mud or a ditch, extrication services.

Reach Out to Our Team Today

Whether you  have a minor need like an oil change, or require service for major car trouble, Pippin Towing & Recovery is the choice for car problems in Festus, MO. If you’ve detected indications of any of the problems described above, we offer a trusted, affordable solution. To learn more or schedule service, give us a call today at __PHONE__.

Nobody wants to have to deal with a broken down car. Should it happen, it’s good to know that there’s plenty of towing options to choose from! From 4×4 to motorhome and semi truck towing, there is a tow truck service available for just about anything! One of the most versatile towing services is the flatbed tow truck.

This is a car with a long flat bed that tows the car atop it instead of dragging it behind like regular tow trucks. This is beneficial for completely totaled cars or cars with flat tires that cannot be dragged. Functioning tires are needed with regular tow trucks in order to be dragged behind. Should you ever get a flat tire and don’t have a spare, you can call Pippin Towing & Recovery at (636) 937-0797 for flatbed towing in Festus, MO! We can take your car to the nearest auto shop for Keystone Tire replacement.

Should You Use a Flatbed Tow Truck?

• If you are traveling long distance, use a flatbed truck so your tires aren’t completely shredded.
• Totaled cars can’t be towed by regular dolly towing trucks, so they are placed in the flatbed tow truck.
• Vintage cars are a source of pride and joy to car owners. If you are bringing it to a car show, using a flatbed tow truck can save your car from any damages and keep it covered.
• Any shape and type of car be towed in a flatbed truck. From SUVs to compact cars and motorcycles, no other tow truck can tow as many car options.
• Going over a bumpy road with a dolly tow truck can inflict more damage on a car. That won’t happen with a flatbed tow truck.

It is never fun to break down on the side of the road and not have the skills or parts to be able to fix your car. That is why roadside assistance was invented! This service partners with your car insurance to provide emergency simple car repairs for free or low fees. Things like towing, tire changing, battery jump starting, locksmith, and more are included with roadside assistance. If you are stranded and need the best roadside assistance in Festus, we are the towing company to call!

What Are the Benefits of Roadside Assistance?

A lot of towing companies will tow your car the first five miles for free. That is fine if the nearest repair shop is within that distance, but then the bill starts adding up when they charge $3 per mile, plus the set base fee. With the best roadside assistance, you can get up to 15 miles free included with your insurance. Don’t rely on these benefits too much though, and be sure to take care of your car. Routine factory maintenance of your car can prevent you from ever having to use roadside assistance because it broke down.

Roadside Assistance Perks

• Delivering gas when tank is empty
• Jump start your dead battery
• Towing
• Lockout service
• Replacing a flat tire using your spare
• Extraction from a ditch

Here at Pippin Towing & Recovery, we offer the best roadside assistance in Festus, MO along with other car maintenance services like towing, tire changing and jump start services. Call us today at (636) 937-0797.

Roadside emergencies can be scary stuff. Most drivers will at experience at least one roadside crisis during their lifetime. Thankfully, there are simple ways to greatly reduce your changes of ending up in one. To protect yourself while you’re on the road, try adopting these three easy driver habits!

 

Driving Habit #1: Check Your Tires

As we mentioned in a previous post, checking the condition of your tires on a regular basis is a critical part of protecting yourself on the road. That includes looking over your tread (making sure it isn’t too worn), watching out for cracks and bulges in the sidewall, and making sure your tires aren’t expired. Pay special attention to their manufacturing dates, as expired tires are much more likely to fail on the road.

Driving Habit #2: Keep an Eye Open for Leaks

While leaking condensation is nothing to be worried about, oil and other fluid leaks can be quite dangerous for your car. Leaking coolant or oil can cause your engine to overheat and shut down on the road, which can be a very scary situation to be in. Make sure you take your car to a mechanic if you spot any such leaks.

Driving Habit #3: Fill Up Sooner, Not Later

One of the most common, but preventable causes of roadside emergencies is running out of gas. This is especially problematic if you are traveling away from home and you aren’t familiar with the area. One great habit to adopt is refueling when your gas tank is at one quarter tank of fuel. That way, you won’t damage your engine by running on fumes as you frantically search for a station.

For more information about handling roadside emergencies, or if you need to arrange a car tow, call our team at __PHONE__.