As the cold Ohio winter approaches, it’s crucial to ensure your vehicle is ready to handle freezing temperatures, snow, and icy conditions. Proper preparation helps ensure your safety on the road. Here are four tips for preparing your vehicle for the winter season in Ohio. Check Your Battery Cold weather can put a strain on your car’s battery, making it harder for your vehicle to start. To avoid getting stranded in the cold, have your battery tested before winter hits. If it’s weak or nearing the end of its lifespan, consider replacing it. Also, check the battery terminals for any corrosion that needs to be addressed. Consider Switching to Winter Tires Ohio winters often bring icy and snow-covered roads, which can be treacherous if your tires aren’t up to the task. Winter tires are designed to provide better traction in these conditions. They have deeper treads and are made from rubber that remains flexible in cold temperatures, helping your vehicle grip the road more effectively. If you don’t want to invest in winter tires, make sure your all-season tires have adequate tread and are properly inflated. Inspect Your Brakes Your brakes are one of the most critical safety features of your vehicle, especially in winter when stopping distances increase due to slippery roads. Before winter arrives, have your brakes inspected to ensure they are in good condition. Worn brake pads, low brake fluid, or malfunctioning components can all reduce your vehicle’s stopping power, making it harder to navigate slick roads. Don’t wait until the last minute—address any brake issues as soon as possible. Prepare an Emergency Kit Even with the best preparation, winter driving can be unpredictable. It’s smart to keep an emergency kit in your vehicle in case you get stranded or face a breakdown. Your winter emergency kit should include: A blanket or extra warm clothing A flashlight and spare batteries Jumper cables Ice scraper and snow brush Non-perishable snacks and bottled water A first aid kit Road flares or reflectors for visibility These supplies can make a huge difference if you find yourself stuck in a snowstorm or on the side of a rural road in freezing conditions. Towing & Roadside Assistance in Columbus, OH When you need towing or roadside assistance in Columbus, OH or the surrounding area, contact Speedy Towing at  (614) 398-2555  . Our local towing company will arrive ASAP to get you out of harm’s way!

Tow trucks are essential vehicles in the world of roadside assistance, providing crucial services to stranded motorists and recovering broken-down vehicles. While we often see them in action, there are some fascinating facts about tow trucks that most people might not know. At Speedy Towing, we love learning more about our craft, and sharing our knowledge with others. Here are four interesting facts about tow trucks. The Tow Truck Was Invented in 1916 The tow truck, as we know it today, was invented in 1916 by a mechanic named Ernest Holmes, Sr. in Chattanooga, Tennessee. After witnessing the difficulty of pulling a car out of a creek, Holmes designed the first tow truck by modifying a 1913 Cadillac with pulleys and chains. His invention revolutionized vehicle recovery, and his design was the foundation for modern tow trucks. There Are Different Types of Tow Trucks Not all tow trucks are created equal. There are several different types of tow trucks, each designed for specific towing tasks: Flatbed Tow Trucks: These are the most common, featuring a flat platform onto which the car is loaded. Hook and Chain Tow Trucks: This older model uses a hook and chain to tow vehicles, though it is less common today. Wheel-Lift Tow Trucks: These trucks use a metal yoke to lift the front or rear wheels off the ground, leaving the remaining wheels on the road. Integrated Tow Trucks: Often used for heavy-duty tasks, these trucks combine a wheel lift and boom mechanism for enhanced towing capability. Tow Trucks Are Heavily Regulated Because tow trucks handle many types of vehicles in various conditions, they are subject to strict regulations to ensure safety and reliability. Tow truck companies must adhere to both local and federal laws, including obtaining proper certifications and insurance. These regulations are put in place to make sure that tow truck operators can safely handle vehicles and manage the often hazardous conditions on the road. Some Tow Trucks Can Tow Other Tow Trucks Heavy-duty tow trucks are equipped with enough power to tow large vehicles, such as buses, big rigs, and even other tow trucks. These trucks have a larger towing capacity than standard models and are specifically designed to handle massive loads. Their size and strength make them essential for dealing with commercial vehicle breakdowns or accidents. Towing & Roadside Assistance in Columbus, OH When you need towing or roadside assistance in Columbus, OH or the surrounding area, contact Speedy Towing at  (614) 398-2555  . Our local towing company will show up ASAP to get you out of harm’s way!

Tire blowouts can be a frightening and dangerous experience, potentially leading to serious accidents. Understanding what causes tire blowouts can help you take preventive measures to avoid them. But if your car does suffer a tire blowout and you need roadside assistance in Columbus, our team at Speedy Towing will show up ASAP to help you out. Here’s a look at four common reasons that tires blow out. Underinflation Underinflated tires cannot hold their shape properly, causing the sidewalls to flex excessively. This flexing generates heat, which eventually weakens the tire structure, potentially leading to a blowout. Regularly checking and maintaining the recommended tire pressure can help prevent underinflation and reduce the risk of a blowout. Overloading Exceeding the vehicle's load capacity puts excessive stress on the tires. Overloading causes the tires to carry more weight than they are designed for, leading to overheating and increased wear. To prevent this, always adhere to the manufacturer’s recommended load limits for your vehicle and distribute weight evenly. Road Hazards Debris, potholes, and other road hazards can cause sudden tire damage, leading to blowouts. Sharp objects like nails can puncture the tire, while potholes can cause internal damage that may not be immediately visible. Staying alert and avoiding road hazards whenever possible can help protect your tires from unexpected damage. Excessive Wear Tires with excessive wear are more prone to blowouts. Worn-out tires have thinner treads and weakened structures, making them more susceptible to punctures and failures. Regularly inspecting your tires for signs of wear, and replacing them when the tread depth is low, can significantly reduce the risk of a blowout. Roadside Assistance in Columbus, OH If your vehicle suffers a tire blowout and you need roadside assistance in Columbus or the surrounding area, contact Speedy Towing at  (614) 398-2555  . Our local towing company will show up ASAP to get you out of harm’s way. Give us a call when you need emergency roadside assistance or towing in Columbus, OH!

Summer is here and peak road trip season has arrived. The open road offers much excitement, but you’ll want to take some basic precautions to help minimize the risk of accidents that could derail your journey. At Speedy Towing, we want to help you safely reach your destination. Here’s a look at four quick tips for safe driving during your road trip. Stay Alert and Avoid Fatigue Driving for extended periods can lead to fatigue, which is a significant risk factor for accidents. To stay alert, take regular breaks every two hours or 100 miles. Use rest stops to stretch, hydrate, and have a light snack. If you’re traveling with others, consider rotating drivers. Avoid driving late at night or after a large meal, as these can increase drowsiness. If you feel sleepy, pull over at a safe location and take a nap. Staying well-rested and alert is crucial for maintaining focus and reacting quickly to any road hazards. Always Obey Speed Limits and Road Signs Adhering to speed limits and road signs is fundamental to safe driving. Speed limits are set based on road conditions, traffic patterns, and accident history, making them critical for safety. Pay attention to changes in speed limits, especially in construction zones and residential areas. Always obey traffic signals and stop signs. Being mindful of speed limits and road signs helps prevent accidents and promotes the safety of everyone on the road. Minimize Distractions Distracted driving is the leading cause of car accidents. To minimize distractions, set up your GPS and music playlists before starting your journey. If you need to make a call, use hands-free devices or pull over to a safe location. Avoid eating or engaging in other activities that take your focus away from driving. If you’re traveling with children or pets, ensure they are securely fastened and have everything they need within reach to avoid unnecessary distractions. Adapt to Weather Conditions Weather can significantly impact driving conditions, so it’s important to adapt your driving style accordingly. Check the weather forecast for your route before starting your drive. In stormy conditions, reduce your speed, increase following distance, and make sure your headlights are on. By adjusting your driving to suit weather conditions, you can help prevent accidents. Towing & Roadside Assistance in Columbus, OH When you need towing or roadside assistance in Columbus, OH or the surrounding area, contact Speedy Towing at  (614) 398-2555  . Our local towing company will show up ASAP to get you out of harm’s way!