Winter is a wonderful season, loved by many people. But as lovely as winter may be it can prove challenging when it comes to driving, or worse, to getting stuck in your car for one reason or another. In order to be able to get out of such situations, or at least to make dealing with them more bearable, Towing Alamo’s experts have compiled a list of 7 essential things to have in the car during winter:

1. Gas: just imaging getting stuck with your gas dial firmly stuck on ‘E’ and without having a gas station anywhere in sight. An extra can of gas will sure come in handy.
2. Flashlight and batteries: getting into car trouble after dark, especially when your car battery is out of order and there’s no light around can be inconvenient and scary at best, or even dangerous at worst. A flashlight and extra batteries can turn such a situation into a manageable one.
3. Water and food: sometimes winter throws challenges your way. Snow, ice, or an especially fierce storm can block roads and make help unable to reach you. That’s why it’s so important to have some water and something to eat snuggly stashed in your car.
4. Emergency safety equipment: often enough, drivers have to exit their car and check something or tend to something in order to take care of the situation. However, when it rains, visibility is poor. That’s why you should use as many emergency safety items as possible. An emergency reflective triangle, high visibility vests, and any other safety means that can keep you safe are necessary to have around.
5. Portable cellphone charger: often enough, when there’s something wrong with your car, it will also affect the electricity system in it. Being unable to start your car, having a dead battery, or suffering from a malfunctioning electricity system for any other reason, means you won’t be able to charge your phone. Smartphones can hold only so long without being charged. In case of such an emergency a portable cellphone charger can literally be a life saver.
6. Blanket and gloves: winter is not just about rain and thunder, it’s also about low temperatures. You don’t want to get caught in your car without something to keep you warm when temperatures start dropping.
7. Jumper cables & tire changing kit: two of the most common roadside emergencies are having a car that won’t start due to a dead car battery and having a flat tire. By keeping jumper cables and a tire changing kit in your car you make it a lot easier to handle such emergencies on your own.

Cars are valuable and expensive objects which serve people throughout their daily routine. The problem is that some people, the thieving kind of people, want the same car as you own only they are not willing to pay for it properly. That is why grand theft auto is not just a Sony Playstation title, but it is also a part of reality.

Here are a couple of things you can do to improve your car’s security and deter those with less than honest intentions.

Plan Ahead

First and foremost, and that is a way of thinking worth adopting in other aspects of life, is to plan ahead your actions before leaving your car. For example, you should think carefully about where you want to park your car, and make sure it is not someplace dangerous or in a deserted area. Moreover, be sure never to leave your keys in the ignition or hidden somewhere in the car, or leave out valuable things lying in plain sight and drawing unwanted attention.

Make it Harder to Steal

One way to make it harder for thieves to hold on to your car is by imbedding your vehicle identification number onto chosen auto parts, which will make them a lot easier to track in case of theft. Also, as the number is visible it will probably prevent thieves from even trying. Another way to improve security is to put on steering wheel locks each time you leave you car, as this is highly effective in immobilizing the vehicle.

Invest a Bit More

If you would like to dramatically improve your car’s security, and you’re willing to put some money into it, you can install advanced and sophisticated alarm systems. Such systems are very effective in alerting you of suspicious movement around your car, and they can also chase thieves away by sounding a loud alarm.

Furthermore, you can install a kill switch mechanism which shuts down an essential part of the engine’s electric mechanism, if activated, thus preventing anyone from starting your car.

In addition to these measures you can also install a hood locking device and a tire locking device. The hood lock will prevent thieves from reaching the battery and stealing it, while the tire lock can both deter thieves from even trying – as it is visible from a distance, and also immobilize you car since the wheels are locked.

Many Ways to Protect Your Car

There are of course many more gadgets that have been developed in order to enhance the security measures designed to protect you vehicle. It is all a matter of how much money you are willing to spend.

It is obvious that no one can promise your car will never get stolen, but nevertheless it is highly recommended that you put at least some thought and resources into its security, as it is a real shame when someone steals it from right under your nose.

Tow trucks are manufactured by many auto manufacturers around the world. There are many different types of tow trucks but essentially all may be divided into four general categories, these are light duty flatbed tow trucks, light duty dolly tow trucks, medium to heavy duty dolly tow trucks and medium to heavy duty flatbed tow trucks. A major difference between tow trucks belonging to the later category is that between trucks designed to tow only a single vehicle and trucks on which two vehicles can be loaded (one underneath the other), there are also tow truck onto which three or even four vehicles can be loaded.
In this blog post we describe briefly the different types of tow trucks and what each one is designed to do.

Dolly Tow Trucks and Flatbed Tow Trucks

In the past most of the towing of small to medium sized vehicles was done using dolly tow trucks, today this is no longer the case and flatbed tow trucks have all but taken the field over completely.
With dolly tow trucks only one end of the towed vehicle is raised leaving two of its wheels in contact with the road. With flatbed tow trucks the whole vehicle to be towed is pulled onto a flatbed at the back of the tow truck.
Flatbed tow trucks are considered safer and easier to use, they are easier to drive and operate and so allow for quicker rides. Sometimes towing flatbed is the only option such as with vehicles badly damaged in car crashes (motorcycles too can only be towed flatbed). Still, there are some advantages to operating light duty dolly tow trucks, they are smaller and cheaper to maintain and so enable towing companies to offer attractive rates in suitable cases.

Light, Medium and Heavy Duty Tow Trucks

So long as the vehicle to be towed is a sedan, a minivan, a station wagon, a normal sized pick-up truck etc. a light duty (either dolly or flatbed) tow truck will do the trick. With heavier, more cumbersome vehicles, such as trucks and mobile homes, a medium or even a heavy duty tow truck is necessary.
Obviously, operating a heavy duty tow truck is more challenging than operating a light duty one. The forces exerted while loading and unloading a heavy vehicle to or from a tow truck are enormous, if things are not carried out properly there is real risk of accidents causing injury and even death.

Towing companies which aim to provide comprehensive towing services must operate several types of tow trucks. It is also important to know which type of truck to send over in every case. Tow techs are expected to be able to operate any type of tow truck although some techs are more expert than other with one type of tow truck or another, for instance, in every towing company there techs to whom heavy duty towing jobs are assigned.
All types of tow trucks must be maintained in a manner ensuring they are safe to use, they must be equipped with all the gear which may be needed under all possible types of circumstances.

If you’re college bound you are probably starting to plan what you need to take with you, how you’re going to get there and maybe even what car you’ll drive when you do. Most college students don’t have a vast budget and even with their parents helping them out they need to be as frugal as they can when it come to their car expenses.

There are two things that help college students stick to this budget. One is advanced planning and the other is car maintenance. It is always best to plan in advance before making any big purchases, like a car, and when it comes to a college student this is of particular importance. The recommended way to find the right car is first to do your homework, find out which cars are the most cost-effective, affordable and have the lowest overall costs. Speak to friends, get your parents to help, and research the web.

When it comes to maintenance you will probably need some help. Most college students won’t have the know-how, room or time to be able to fix or maintain their cars themselves so it’s important to find a good, trustworthy garage close to the college. Here again, it is good to do some advanced research. Ask around, speak to other students that are car owners, they might be able to give you some recommendations. The most important thing you need to know is whether the garage is trustworthy, if they have done a good job in the past and if their rates are competitive. This information is important to have in advance because you never know when you might need to use it. The same goes for a towing company. It’s important to find a good, reliable towing company in your area that you know you can depend on if you need their services. It’s imperative to find out if they service your area, how long it will take them to reach you and their work hours, (it’s best to find a company that works 24/7). Good towing companies also provide emergency services like changing flat tires, jumpstarting dead car batteries and unlocking locked cars. Being away from home it’s very important to know that you have someone to depend upon if you need help with any of these things.

Once you have found a good garage you should make sure to follow your car’s service schedule. You probably haven’t had to do this before and many drivers don’t make an effort to keep to their cars’ service schedules. But this really is a must for maintaining your car, after all, prevention is always better than cure. This way you can catch any problems early before they become bigger and much more expensive. A well-maintained car also runs more smoothly, which in the long run is cheaper.

Don’t ignore dashboard messages. If you are not sure what the message means you can always call your garage and they will be happy to tell you. You can also check online. There is no excuse for ignoring these messages, and the problem won’t go away by itself, it will just become bigger. Another way to save yourself money is by taking care of your tyres. Tyres are not cheap so you should try to get maximum mileage out of them.

Maintaining your car may take a bit of time and effort, but it is worth the time you spend on it. Dealing with problems that have grown over time because they haven’t been taken care of can break the bank.

There are ups and downs in buying a used car. You can save a big amount of money for the vehicle cost, property tax as well as the insurance cost; but there is a possibility also that you encounter vehicle problems later on because of the old or used engine. This is why, to lessen the risks and to make your used car worth the buy, following these tips is beneficial.

Choose a not-so-old used car

There are used cars that are too old, there are some that are not. To avoid encountering several car repair in the future, it is best to buy a not-so-old car. This means that it should have used a fewer mileage and it should possess a portion of its manufacturer warranty. The car should be possessed by its previous owner for at least one year to one and a half year so you can guarantee that it is not overused and the engine is still capable of serving you more years.

Check the background of the used vehicle

Every vehicle should have a record for the services it has gone through. No matter how enticing the sales person is, you have to go over the previous defects, repairs and safety issues that the car experienced. Make sure that the owner can present you a record in order to make it reliable and worth to purchase. It can be a good idea to confirm the services by calling the manufacturer of the used car or the service provider of it. Have a look as well on the consumer reports made by some car owners of such vehicle model you wished to purchase.

Check the vehicle

Do not forget to check the interior and exterior aspect of the vehicle. Most used cars look good and they are newly painted or refurbished in order to be sold right away from potential buyers. However, you have to check engine or all the parts of the used car, from top to bottom. If you are not expert in doing this, you can ask a friend to do it for you. Even if the used car is cheaper than the brand new ones, it still involves money; so make the most out of it and check every vehicle parts.

Screen the seller

Buying a used car is not only about the vehicle itself, but it is also about the person who sells it. Make sure that the seller is reliable, trustworthy and honest so that you will not face problems later on. Used cars should have a warranty and buyers should also have the right to withdraw their expenses depending on the agreed conditions set before purchasing.

The month of July is “Watch Your Car Month” in our beloved state of Texas, and so we have gathered for you some useful suggestions in order to minimize the chances of your two wheeled ride being stolen.

Two wheeled vehicles are, by definition, more exposed to auto theft, and not as shielded and secure as cars. Owning a motorcycle is more than just getting from here to there, or from point A to point B, it is a way of life, with no other experience to match it. The feeling of freedom and speed, the feeling of being one with the open road is addicting.

What Are the Best Ways to Protect Your Motorcycle from Theft?

Here, are some easy to follow tips:

• Motion detection alarm system – the fact that motorcycles are highly exposed makes motion detectors very important and effective in spotting unwanted attempts to move or touch a motorcycle. This mechanism is highly sensitive and will immediately let you know if your bike is receiving unwanted attention.
• Cover – covering a bike may seem a cumbersome way to prevent theft, but it sure is an effective one. Thieves may be reluctant to start handling bike covers and may move on to the next bike.
• Immobilizers – every motorcycle owner is aware that many insurance policies require an immobilizer for the policy to be in effect. Don’t hesitate to cover yourself from this aspect, as you already spend a large amount of money on your precious riding machine. The immobilizing system both alerts and locks your engine from being started without the proper code, thus preventing it from being stolen or mishandled.
• Choose the right parking spot – be proactive! Minimize the chance for thieves to be drawn to your motorcycle by placing it in a suitable parking spot. The previous suggestions are excellent in times when thieves have already marked your motorcycle as fair game. Take heed and act before that situation arises. Place your motorcycle where it will draw as little undesired attention as possible.

The more you will be aware of the ways you can protect your motorcycle from being jacked, the longer you will be able to enjoy it without having to go through the heartache of having your bike stolen. This is an exceptional vehicle that is also known as an expensive habit. Be sure not to neglect it and to provide it with the protection it so richly deserves, in order for your riding experience to be long lasting, and reserved only for you- the motorcycle owner.

Car alarms are very important in avoiding theft. It can be a little expense for car owners but it is considered to be a good long term investment. These alarms come in different shapes, sizes, features and prices. It may serve the same purpose but the differences vary on its performance. Thus, it is good to identify the top five car alarms in today’s market and know where to consult for its installation.

• Audiovox APS 9977C 2-way car security system

  If you want a reliable and effective alarm system, this kind of brand is highly recommended. It has a one way remote and a two way remote that can start the engine and unlock/lock the car. It also has an LCD screen so checking the car’s status is easier and program controls can be effortlessly identified.

• Scytek Car alarm system

  Scytek has the basic car alarm function. It has two remotes for opening and locking the doors and an added button for starting the engine. If you want a low priced car alarm system, this brand is a sure hit. Despite its affordability, the alarm system is very effective. It comes with a siren that loudly notifies the owner whenever a theft is likely to happen.

• Viper 1-way car alarm security system

  The Viper 1-way car alarm security system is also a great car alarm brand in the market to consider. The model has 1,500 feet range with two remotes and cables. It has a loud siren that can be switched to panic mode as preferred so you will be alerted right away.

• Viper 5706V 2-way car security system

  The Viper 5706V 2-way car security system is reckoned as one of the best brands in the market. With its one mile range and a more secure engine start system, it can be easier to shut the engine off. The package includes two remotes, cables and an LCD display which allows the user to track the activities and current status of the vehicle.

• Autopage C3-RS730LCD

  If you want a state of the art car alarm system, this brand is great to have. Autopage C3 comes with an LCD display and a small remote that is capable of locking and unlocking car door. It can also cut the ignition to protect the vehicle from unauthorized access and it can also open the trunk in case of emergency.

Car alarms may not be available in all vehicles but getting one is the best protection against potential theft. Take time to talk to the experts from Towing Alamo and see for the best car alarm system suitable on your budget.

Essential Tools to Have in Your Car

No driver is immune to road traffic accidents and vehicle breakdowns. There’s simply no way we can predict what might happen to us when we’re out on the road. Being prepared for an accident or breakdown is vital then. To help you prepare yourself, Towing Alamo has crafted this list of 10 essential tools you should always keep in your car. Give this enough attention and you may save yourself a lot of time and bother, and perhaps something even more important.

• Flashlight – While it would be nice to think that an emergency will always happen in the daylight, it’s equally as likely you’ll come up a cropper after dark. A flashlight allows you to contend with any problem in the dark.
• Jumper cables – Few things are as frustrating as a flat battery. Carrying jumper cables at least makes it easy to put the juice back into your cell.
• Wheel lug wrench & jack – Changing a flat tire is fairly straightforward, providing you have the right tools. That means a lug wrench and jack.
• Seatbelt cutter – If you’re unfortunate enough to be involved in a serious traffic accident, you don’t want to be trapped in your car for long. A seatbelt cutter may be useful then. One that doubles as a window breaker is even better. Be sure to keep this in your glove compartment.
• Reflective triangles – Letting other drivers know you’ve broken down is sensible. Reflective triangles are ideal for this.
• Flares – If you regularly travel off-road, keeping warning flares in your trunk will mean you’re able to attract attention and get the assistance you need in the event of an emergency.
• Shovel – If you live in colder climes, a shovel is essential for getting your car out of snow drifts or simply clearing the road before you drive.
• Basic tool set – A small set of screwdrivers, wrenches and ratchets may give you the tools you need to tackle smaller problems.
• The ‘MacGyver’ kit – If space permits, carry an assorted collection of potentially useful items, such as wire coat hangers, duct tape, string, cable ties and oil. You never know when or where these may come in handy.
• Emergency kit – Not a tool as such but every driver should keep an emergency kit in their trunk. This should include a first aid kit, blanket, bottled water, a change of clothes, a spare cell or phone charger, and anything else you consider vital.

If you find yourself stuck by the side of the road and don’t have the tools necessary to get back up and running again, Towing Alamo is here to help. We provide a 24/7 towing service throughout San Antonio. Call us on: (210) 263-1107

Here are some tips on how to choose the right towing company for you

Tips for Driving Long Hours

Driving long hours is un-doubtfully challenging. However, there are things you can do in advance which will help you manage the drive more easily and, most importantly, more safely.

We have collected for you some tips to help you prepare for driving long hours.

• Rest up before you leave. It is essential that you begin your drive in the best shape possible. Resting up will delay the time when you will start to feel tired.
• Take a thermos and something to snack on. When you need a little pick me up on the way you’ll find that a hot cup of coffee with a little something on the side is quite refreshing.
• Adjust the driver’s seat so that it is in its most comfortable position for you. This includes having the best view of side view mirrors. In some cars it is possible to adjust the height of the steering wheel, take advantage of such options.
• Know how to operate everything. It may be frustrating to realize you do not know how to engage cruise control or how to set the A/C to the temperature you want, etc.
• Know your route. Even if you have a GPS guidance system it is a good idea to have a look at the route on maps before you depart.
• Have somebody ride along with you if at all possible. Having someone to talk to will make the time pass much quicker.
• Decide in advance that you will not over exert yourself and will make “pit stops” to freshen up when necessary.
• Allow yourself plenty of time to reach your destination. This will make deciding to stop and rest much easier.

Driving long hours may not be something you enjoy but when done right it may turn out not be as grueling as you thought