Let’s admit it – we don’t really give much importance to a spare key unless we need it. If you have your car’s key stolen or lost, you may know the struggle of trying to open your door to get inside your car. And if you’re stuck in a desolate area where you can’t get emergency assistance, it can be quite a challenge to get into your car. In times like this, you should be equipped with a few clever workarounds that can help you open your car door.

1. Use Your Shoestrings

This unlocking method works on cars that have a hood lock mechanism.  For this trick to work, you will need to tie your shoestring in a small loop from the middle and wiggle it inside the car (through the crack of the door). Tighten it around the lock mechanism and pull the string up. It may take more than one try to unlock the car, but keep at it until you succeed!

2. Rod and Screwdriver

If you carry around tools in your car, you’re in luck. A rod and screwdriver are all you need to get inside your car. How, you wonder? Insert the screwdriver into the top of the door of the driver’s side and exert some pressure. Stick the rod inside and use it to unlock the button on the inside of the car’s door. To make this work, you will need to apply some force. Be careful as this method often ruins the interior and exterior of a car.

3. A Tennis Ball

This is one of the most awesome methods to unlock cars that have an electronic locking system.

You will need to burn a small hole in a regular tennis ball. You can do this by heating the hole with a lighter, a heated key, or a hot screwdriver. Next, place the ball over the lock, making sure that the warm hole is facing the opening of the lock. Press the ball hard into the lock for some time to unlock it. By pushing the ball hard into the keyhole, you create air pressure that helps unlock the car.  

4. Call for Towing Services

When everything else fails, it is best to call a reliable towing service. Many renowned towing companies offer lockout services that help unlock the car instantly. They also assist in fixing malfunctioned locks and broken keys. You can also use police or security assistance to deal with the situation in a more professional manner.

Conclusion
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​Even though the tips and tricks mentioned in this blog post sound simple, they may require a specific technique to work. For that, you may have to make several attempts if you want to get inside your car. If you don’t want to get into this kind of hassle, you can opt for a convenient option, i.e., to call for a towing service straight away! 

It’s been just a couple of years since you bought your car and you are already facing problems with it. Sometimes it’s the engine that is bothering you, while at other times, it’s the brakes. We can’t stress enough how crucial your regular car maintenance is. Consider it your best friend that will help to extend the life of your car for years to come!
With that said, let’s have a look at the seven essential maintenance tips that will help avoid a car emergency in Gilbert, AZ:

1. Change Air Filters after Every 12 Months

Clogged air filters are the reason why your car is not running smoothly. This small problem causes a chain reaction, which affects many parts of your vehicle. Since the air filters stop dirt from entering the engine, the engine breathes easily. However, when leaves and debris form a thick layer, the engine doesn’t work well and impacts the car’s performance. So, have a look at your car’s air filters every month and replace them yearly.

2. Check Tire Pressure When Going On a Long Drive

Premature wear and tear can cause blowouts, which can have severe and in some cases, deadly consequences. Hence, when you are going for a long drive, do get the tire pressure checked.

3. Check the Necessary Fluids

Once your car’s engine has cooled down, check the engine oil. Use the dipstick to find out if the oil is still fresh and at the right level. Then check the power steering fluid and transmission fluid. These three fluids are essential for your car’s performance as they are what your car runs on.

4. Fill up the Tank with Quality Gasoline

If a station doesn’t use pump filters, then chances are your car is getting dirty gasoline. Some people even water down the product, which causes problems for the engine. You will feel the difference between cheap and premium gasoline, as your car will shut down and often jerk while driving.

Always go to a trusted station to fill up your tank. And if you are ever stuck in the middle of the road in case of insufficient fuel, contact us.
 

5. Change the Spark Plugs Regularly

Spark plugs are amongst the top car parts that break down first. They wear down or get covered in dirt. In some cases, the problem might lie with the spark plug wires. A small tear in them will disconnect them every time you start your car. This increases the exhaust’s emissions, reduces engine power, and lowers fuel economy.

6. Check the Serpentine Belt Every Now and Then

The serpentine belt ensures proper driving of multiple peripheral devices in your car. When this belt breaks down, the steering system loses power, and it becomes difficult to turn the car. It also prevents the water pump from functioning correctly, which stops the antifreeze from circulating through the system, and as a result, the engine overheats. So, if you see a tear in this belt, replace it, or you might find yourself standing in a showroom and looking at new cars.

Summary

​And there you have it — seven maintenance tips that will help you avoid car emergency in Gilbert, AZ. Unfortunately, sometimes even if your car is fully maintained, it can break down in the middle of the road where you can’t find any assistance. But, don’t worry at Tow Gilbert; we have a team of certified and trained professionals that are just a call away to escape you from the unforeseen crisis.

Driving may be a routine task for most people who have been doing it for a long time, it is, in fact, an activity that requires people to be attentive and careful. A shocking number of people get injured or lose their lives in road accidents, which is often due to their own negligence.
Here are some of the apparently simple things that most of us are guilty of doing while driving without realizing that by doing them, we are actually putting our own as well others’ lives at risk. Take a look and make sure you avoid them from now on as they are crucial for your own as well as other drivers’ safety:

·        Mobile Phone Use

Despite the fact that this has been so widely emphasized, through various platforms, lately and we all know that using a cell phone while driving is extremely dangerous, the practice is still prevalent.
According to research, 64% of all road accidents in the United States have a mobile phone involved in them. That’s a staggering figure and should be enough to convince you to not use your phone while driving. However, if you still think it’s a harmless activity, you should know that people who text while driving have a six times higher risk of getting into an accident than drunk drivers.
To avoid the temptation, always keep your phone on the silent mode and place it out of your reach while in the car.                               

·        Smoking Drugs or Drinking

This is another no-brainer, but some people still do it. Alcohol and drugs significantly reduce your judgement and motor skills and thus, make you unfit for tasks that require focus and attention.
An important factor that’s worth mentioning here is with regards to marijuana use. Although the drug has been legalized for recreational use in some states, this doesn’t mean you can drive while smoking pot. Know that it is still considered driving under the influence because the drug alters your mind and senses.

·        Leaning Over to Pick Something Up

​Now, let’s come to the simpler practices that are more widely prevalent because they are considered harmless. One of them is reaching out to pick something up while driving. These include things like picking up your bag from the backseat, searching for something in the glovebox, and worse, leaning down to pick up a dropped CD.
While ideally, you shouldn’t do anything while driving, if you find it hard then, remember the rule of thumb that anything that requires you to reach out so far that you lose sight of your vehicle’s surroundings is a BIG NO.

Call for Roadside Assistance in an Emergency

Unfortunately, accidents can sometimes happen even if you follow all the best practices. In case something goes wrong, make sure you get help, rather than trying to deal with the situation on your own.
Whether you need vehicle towing in Gilbert, AZ, or any other roadside assistance, get in touch with Tow Gilbert.

Summary
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A shocking number of people get injured or lose their lives in road accidents, which is often due to their own negligence. The blog post discusses some of the apparently simple things that most of us are guilty of doing while driving without realizing that by doing them, we are actually putting our own as well others’ lives at risk.

Has it ever happened to you that your car starts showing 'low on fuel' sign, even though you fill up its tank just two days back? How irritating it is to see your car consuming large quantities of gas! In today's economy, where the prices of almost every essential item are reaching an all-time high, people are looking for ways to reduce their expenses. Gas prices are soaring too, and the day is not far when they will break the threshold of affordability.
Car owners are now being more thoughtful when it comes to fuel consumption. Obviously, you wouldn't want to run out of gas in the middle of the road and then wait for fuel delivery. So how can you make the most of the gas you have in your car tank and what can you do to ensure that your car consumes low quantities of gas? In this article, we'll answer these questions. Go through the following tips and strategies that can help you save fuel.

1. Tire Inflation

If your tires contain insufficient air pressure, your car will use more gas. This is why it is always important to check your tires for air regularly.

2. Turning the Engine Off

We often leave the engine on when we are waiting for, say, our friend to come down or when we are stuck in heavy traffic. Automobile experts suggest that when idling, it is best to turn off the engine. Otherwise, you will drain your fuel. But what can you do if you are waiting inside your car in hot temperature and you need the AC? Well, you can run the engine for a few minutes and then turn it off so that you don't get suffocated while sitting inside the car. You can follow the same cycle with your car heater in case you are stuck on the road on a cold, chilly day.

3. Driving at Steady Speeds

The constant shifting of the speed also causes higher gas consumption. This is why it is important to drive on a steady speed throughout your journey.

4. Clean Your Air Filters

One of the most common causes of low mileage is clogged air filters. Dirty air filters meddle with your engine's ability to burn fuel in an efficient manner. To tackle the problem of low mileage, clean your car's filter regularly. If you drive on dusty roads, clean your filters even more often.

5. Neutral Shifts While Standing Still

When you're standing in traffic, it is best to shift your car to neutral. This easy step will not only make things easier for your car's engine, but it will also help you save fuel.

6. Don't Accelerate Too Much

Many car owners accelerate their car by pushing the pedal closer to the floor. They don't realize that by doing so, they are letting their car consume the fuel faster.

Summary

​If you are worried about your car's gas consumption, you should take the above-mentioned steps. If you apply all of the above tips, you will save a good amount of money on your fuel. 

Having your car break down on a busy highway is a dangerous situation to be in. If you ever encounter such a situation, the first thing that you have to do is to ensure your safety. News sites are, unfortunately, filled with stories where a family or a single driver sustains serious injuries because of an accident that occurs on the highway.

It is understandable that during such a situation, you have already called for roadside assistance. However, you have to take steps to be safe during the time period between the moment your car breaks down and the time at which the help arrives. This is why it is not wise to wait for a towing truck right in the middle of the road.

Here are three safest places to wait for help.
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1.   Away From the Traffic

The speed limit on the highway is toward the higher end. This means that by the time the driver of the incoming vehicle realizes that your car has stopped in the middle of the road, it will already be too late. To ensure your safety, try to be as farther away from the traffic as you can. If you are in a situation where it is impossible for you to move your car an inch, the best thing to do is to safely get out of the car through the passenger door and move towards a safe location. This way you can wait for the truck safely.

2. The Right Shoulder of the Road

Many highways have a shoulder which drivers frequently use to park their car in case of emergencies. In the event where your car breaks down, you should drive all the way to the right shoulder of the road. This way, you will stay clear of the incoming traffic. People often ask what will happen if you don't move to the right side. If you are blocking the road, you are not only putting your life in danger, but you are also posing a risk to the incoming traffic. While some drivers can easily dodge your vehicle, others may not be fast enough to change the lane when they realize that your vehicle has come to a halt. As mentioned above, accidents on highways are high in number. Such negligence is what led to unfortunate events. In any case, it is best to avoid traffic and remain on the safer side of the road.

3. Remain Inside the Car

Save the situation where your being in the car is dangerous or your car is overheated, it is better to remain inside the car. If you are outside the car - and not at a safe place - you are at great risk of being run over by a speeding vehicle. Therefore, the best thing to do is to remain inside the car - wherever possible.

Summary

A car breakdown is a big problem that almost every car driver hopes to avoid. However, in cases where you can't really fight your luck, these tips will help you at least remain safe. 

Have you read the 10-word horror story? Here it is: your car broke down in the middle of the road. There is no doubt that this situation is something you don't even want to talk about. And if we want to make the story even scarier, let us add that the car broke down at night.
Regardless of how recently you sent your car for service, your car can break down at any time due to any reason. But this situation shouldn't be taken lightly. Stranded in the middle of the road, you and the people you are traveling with are exposed to all kind of dangers. We didn't intend to scare, but we think it's important to mention that the percentage of deaths and accidents on highways is increasing partly because of lack of safety measures taken by the people whose car breaks down in the middle of the road.
We know that as a responsible person, you would love to know the steps that you can take to avoid any untoward incident from happening to you. We have compiled the list of some important things that you need to watch out for if your car breaks down in the middle of the road.

1. Traffic

Regardless of the density of the traffic on the road, the first thing that you have to do is to move your vehicle away from the traffic. On highways, the traffic is coming at a fast speed and your vehicle can be damaged if you left it in the middle of the road. As soon as your vehicle breaks down, you should make all the effort to bring your vehicle to the side of the road so that the incoming traffic is not disturbed. If your vehicle is parked on the side of you, it is also safe for you to get inside - if you want to - while waiting for roadside assistance to arrive.

2. Getting Out of the Vehicle

When you are stuck in the road, you are tempted to get out of the vehicle, open the hood, and check if they can detect the problem. We have one word for you: don't. Leaving your vehicle and checking the car's engine can be extremely dangerous especially on the streets where heavy traffic play. You should never leave the car unless it is dangerous to remain inside it.

3. Smoke

Even though the probability of modern cars catching fire is low, you should still check if there is smoke coming out of any part of the car. If you detect smoke, leave the car and stand as far away from it as possible.

4. Repairing the Car

Regardless of how good you are with small repairs, don't make the mistake of repairing your broken-down car on your own.

Summary

​When you are out on the road, you have to be extra careful. This is the list of the things that you must watch out for. Whenever in danger, always remain calm and call the professionals immediately. 

Roadside emergencies aren’t only frustrating, but they can also be dangerous. While roadside service companies have saved us from the annoyance of being stranded on the road for hours, it still takes some time for help to arrive. However, waiting on a highway or a busy road can be dangerous, so make sure you follow these steps to stay safe until roadside assistance arrives:

· Ensure Your Visibility and Warn Other Drivers

To avoid any more trouble, the first thing you should do in case of a roadside emergency is to make sure that other motorists know about your situation. Turn on the hazard lights as soon as you feel something is wrong with your car to caution other drivers.

Bonus Tip: 

​Once you pull over to a safe location, place your early warning device at a few feet distance from your car.
These steps will not only help you to alert other drivers on the road, but will also signal the roadside assistance provider.

· Move Away From the Road

As most major highways have a speed limit of 65 miles/hour, it comes as no surprise that vehicles that break down in the middle of the road (and are not moved out of the way) often get hit. Not every driver is able to dodge a non-moving car in the middle of the road, so move your car away from the busy road as soon as possible.  
While most highways have a shoulder to park vehicles during emergency situations, take your car to the side of the road if there isn’t any.

· Stay Alert

Even if you have successfully taken your car to a safe zone on the roadside, have the hazard lights turned on and the reflective triangles placed behind the vehicle, stay cautious and look out for the approaching vehicles from the back mirror.

· Stay Inside the Vehicle

No matter how badly you want to get out of your car and stretch your legs, your best bet is to stay inside with the car doors locked and seatbelts on. Also, be watchful of your surroundings. All these measures are recommended to ensure your safety.
However, if you feel staying inside the vehicle can put your safety at risk and it is better to get out, make sure you are at a location from where you can watch out for your car. Do not leave your vehicle unattended in any case, but also do not stand very close to your vehicle.
To get quick roadside assistance in Gilbert, AZ, call 480-418-9206 and our professional technician will come to rescue you within no time. Remember that we are available 24/7 to help you reach home safely.

Summary
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Roadside emergencies aren’t only frustrating, but they can also be dangerous. This article discusses some useful tips to help you stay safe while waiting for roadside assistance.   

All car owners try their best to avoid accidents and crashes, but many a times they do not succeed in their efforts and find themselves in need of roadside assistance or even emergency medical help. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administrations, more than six million car accidents take place every year in the United States.
Since car accidents do not always happen because of your mistake; other drivers’ mistakes, weather conditions, and sudden issues in cars, like brake failure are also among the common causes, you cannot eliminate the possibility of getting into a car accident. However, there are ways to reduce the risk of injuries in car accidents.
Here are a few ways you can improve yours and your loved ones security while on the road and minimize the risk of injuries in case of an unfortunate incident:

1. Make Sure Your Car Has Safety Features and They Are Functional

Thanks to the technological advancements, many modern cars now come with multiple safety features, such as airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, and electronic stability control. Since these features can offer great help in case of an accident and significantly reduce the risk of injuries, make sure your car has the safety features and they are fully functional.
According to experts, considering the safety features should one of the first few things everyone should consider while buying a car.

2. Always Wear Seatbelt

While it seems like a no brainer, the number of people who suffer severe injuries in accidents because they weren’t wearing seatbelts is surprisingly quite high.
The risk of injuries in an accident can be significantly reduced just by ensuring that you buckle up every time you get into the car, even if you are sitting at the back seat.

3. Lock the Doors

Locked doors prevent you from being ejected from the car in case of a side collision, or rollover and thus greatly reduce the risk of getting severe injuries.

4. Keep Your Headrest in the Right Position
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Always make sure that your headrest is leveled with the top of your head and locked into a position.
If the headrest is too low and your head is extending above the restraint, the risk of neck injury increases significantly. Also, locking the headrest is essential to make sure it supports your head and neck in case the head snaps back with force during an accident.
These are some of the measures recommended by experts to reduce the risks of injuries in automobile accidents. Remember, the key to surviving an accident depends on the protective measures that you take before it happens, so make sure you remember and follow these tips to stay safe and protected. However, if you end up into an accident due to someone else’s negligence, call for help rather than taking the risk of driving while injured. Dial 480-418-9206 to receive roadside assistance in Gilbert, AZ.

Summary
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According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administrations, more than six million car accidents take place every year in the United States. The article discusses a few ways you can improve yours and your loved ones security while on the road and minimize the risk of injuries in case of an unfortunate incident.

With winters officially over in most parts of the country, it is time to come out of the hibernation and plan some adventurous or fun activities to enjoy the sunshine. For many people, this means going for camping or on road trips on the weekends, with their family and friends.
No matter what you are planning for to enjoy the warm weather, if it requires you to hit the road, then getting your car inspected and serviced should be at the top of your to-do list. This is because the cold temperature isn’t only hard on many people, it can also affect your vehicle.
According to automotive experts, spring is the time to get your car inspected and serviced to repair the damages the cold winter weather had caused and the lingering issues before they become huge. A simple car service can also help maintain your car in good shape throughout the year.
Here’s a basic spring car maintenance checklist to keep your vehicle running safely and efficiently through spring and summer:

· Check and Top up Fluids
This is a no-brainer. Checking the levels of all fluids in your car to make sure they are up to the required levels is one of the most basic requirements for ensuring the smooth functioning of a vehicle. In addition to checking the fluid levels, make sure there is no dirt accumulated on any of the parts and the fluids are not breaking down or leaking. Make sure to check and top up, if needed, the engine oil and battery water to avoid any roadside emergency.
In case, you run out of engine oil or fuel or the battery of your car gives up, call for a reliable roadside assistance service, such as KJR Towing, LLC in Gilbert, AZ

· Check the Air Pressure in Tires
Several environmental factors, such as changes in temperatures and storms, can cause a change in the air pressure in tires of your vehicle. The air pressure in tires can also reduce if the car hasn’t been used for a while. Driving with low tire air pressure can get you in trouble.
While you can always call a towing service to get emergency tire assistance in case your tire(s) get flat on the road, it is always better to ensure that your tires are properly inflated and you have the spare wheel before you hit the road.

· Check the Coolant System
Overheated engines are one of the most common causes of car breakdowns during summers. This is why it is wise to get the coolant system of your car checked and make sure it is performing well before you go on a road trip.
In addition to these, it is also important to ensure that your car’s HVAC system is performing right, the parts of the chassis have enough lubrication and the battery is not wearing out.

Summary
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According to automotive experts, spring is the time to get your car inspected and serviced to repair the damages the cold winter weather had caused and the lingering issues before they become huge. A simple car service can also help maintain your car in good shape throughout the year.
The article discusses basic spring car maintenance requirements to keep your vehicle running safely and efficiently through spring and summer.

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We have all been through the situation where you fail to notice the dropping fuel level in your car and then the warning light flicks on when you are in an unfavorable situation i.e. far from the gas station.
Despite the fact that you are likely to make it to the gas station even when you are driving on empty, it is highly recommended to avoid the situation and get your car tank refilled before it reaches the reserve level or call for roadside assistance. This is because driving on empty has negative effects on different parts of the vehicle, which then can affect its performance as well as reduce its life.
Not convinced?
Here are a few reasons why you should not take the risk of driving on empty:
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1. It Can Damage the Fuel Pump
The fuel tank of the car has a contraption called fuel pump. It is this pump that sends the fuel from the car tank to the engine and it needs to be lubricated and stay cool in order to work properly – a task that is performed by the fuel.
Due to the low levels of fuel, driving on empty means the fuel pump isn’t as lubricated as it should be, which puts it at the risk of overheating. This not only affects the performance of the fuel pump, but also reduces its life.
Repair and replacement of fuel pump cost pretty high, so it is wise to avoid it and keep your fuel pump protected for as long as possible.

2. The Fuel Filter of Your Car Can Get Clogged
Dirt or any other debris present in the fuel naturally settles down at the bottom of the fuel tank. When you run the car on low or empty, these sediments enter into the fuel pump, along with the fuel, and can clog the fuel filter.

3. It Is Also Damaging For Catalytic Converter
Running a car on empty can also damage the catalytic converter.
Catalytic converter is a part of the exhaust system and is responsible for converting the harmful gases and other toxic pollutants, produced by the exhaust system, into less harmful gases and water vapors.

4. Your Car Can Stop Much Earlier Than You Think
This might come as a surprise to many, but fuel gauges of vehicles are not as accurate as we think. So, you may not be able to make it to the gas station when running on empty and get stranded in the middle of a road.
These are only some of the consequences of running your car on empty – there are many more adverse effects of running on low fuel.
According to automotive technicians and other experts, your gas tank should always be at least a quarter full – driving on less than the quarter level can cause problems in your car. So, no matter how certain you are that you can make it to the gas station you should not drive after the fuel light comes on.
What you should do then?
Ideally, you should not let the fuel level drop lower than the quarter of the tank. But, in case the fuel light comes on in the middle of the road, you should pull the car on the roadside and call a fuel delivery service rather than taking the risk of driving on empty.
For 24/7 fuel delivery service in Gilbert, AZ, call Tow Gilbert by dialing 480-418-9206.
Summary
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Despite the fact that you are likely to make it to the gas station even when you are driving on empty, it is highly recommended to avoid the situation and get your car tank refilled before it reaches the reserve level or call for roadside assistance. This is because driving on empty has negative effects on different parts of the vehicle, which then can affect its performance as well as reduce its life.