Allentown Towing

You went into the store, but accidentally left your headlights on. Now your car won’t turn over, and you need a jump-start as soon as possible. You instantly remember the jumper cables you have in your trunk, but, unfortunately, you have no idea how to use them!

No problem! Doing a jump start on a car is easy to do, and completely safe when done correctly. All you need are your jumper cables and another vehicle with a good battery:

Step 1: Make sure both vehicles are parked with the hoods facing each other and close enough that the cables can each reach both batteries.  However, make sure to leave some slack with the jumper cables. Do not connect them yet!

Step 2: Once both cars are in park (or neutral if you have a manual vehicle), ensure that the emergency brake is in place for both vehicles.

NOTE: Take care to not let any of the clamps touch each other at any time while jumping your car. This can cause sparking and potentially ruin the batteries or other parts of either car.

Step 3: Take one of the red clamps on the cable, and connect it to the red (positive) terminal on the car with the dead battery.  If you are unsure which battery terminal is the positive one, look for a red marking on one of the battery cables connected to the battery terminal.  The positive terminal will also be marked with a (+) sign.

The positive terminal is underneath the red plastic cover. Simply pull the cover to the side to gain access to the terminal. Most cars have these covers to protect and identify the battery terminal.

Step 4:  Take the other red clamp on the jumper cable, and connect it to the red (positive) terminal on the car with the good battery.  Again, if you are unsure which battery terminal is the right one, go back and reread step #3.

Step 5: Now that the red clamps are attached, take one of the black clamps and  attach it to the black (negative terminal) on the car with the good battery. To identify the black terminal, look for the terminal on the battery that is all black. It also will be marked with a (-) sign.  

Step 6: Take the other black clamp and attach it securely to an unpainted metal surface in the engine bay of the dead car.  Attachment examples include a bolt or metal section on the cars engine block. Some cars also have designated places to attach grounding cables just for this exact case of jump-starting a car. 

After connecting all four cables where they should be, it should resemble this diagram below.

Step 7: Now, with all cables attached where they should be, start the car with the good battery  and let the engine run for about 4-5 minutes.  This is an adequate amount of time to charge the dead battery.

Step 8:  Start the car with the dead battery, and keep it running for about 2-3 minutes.  

NOTE: If you’ve let both cars run for a few minutes, and you keep trying to start the car with the dead battery with no luck, there may be a different issue that can’t be fixed by jump-starting your battery. We recommend disconnecting the jumper cables (see step 9), and calling Allentown Towing Company immediately.

Step 9: With both cars started, disconnect the cables in reverse order of connecting them.

1. Disconnect the black clamp that was attached to the unpainted metal surface on the car that was dead.
2. Disconnect the black clamp from the battery of the good car.
3. Disconnect the red cable from the battery of the car that was dead.
4. Disconnect the red cable from the battery of the good car.

Now you’ve successfully jump-started your car! At this point,  continue to drive your car for 20-30 minutes. This will recharge the battery on your car, as the battery gains charge quicker while the car is being driven.

Sometimes, you may drive your car for 20-30 minutes, and then park it. But the next time you go to start your car, the battery is dead and it needs to be jumped again. This is usually the sign of another issue, such as a battery, alternator, or other part that needs to be replaced. We recommend calling for towing in Allentown and getting your car towed to your preferred mechanic.  We can easily assist you with this!

Since you can’t anticipate when you’ll have vehicular emergencies are, it’s best to be prepared at all times. The first thing you should do when you experience car trouble is to safely pull off to the side of the road or a nearby parking lot.  Second, call Allentown Towing Company for reliable and prompt towing services. We’re available 24/7 to help you with all of your servicing needs – day or night.

While waiting for our tow truck service to arrive, there are a few things you should do to prepare. Here are a couple of steps you should follow to safely wait for your tow truck to arrive:

Safety is Your and Our #1 Priority
When you experience car trouble, the physical safety of yourself as well as your passengers should be your top priority. This is especially important if you’ve been in an accident. If you were involved in a collision and suspect that you or your passengers have been injured, be sure to call emergency services immediately to ensure that you and others get the help that you need.

Get to a Safe Distance
Unexpected car trouble can sometimes leave you in unsafe situations. Just as we can’t plan when our cars break down, we also can’t plan where it’s going to happen. You’ll want to make sure that you’re safely out of harm’s way while you wait for your towing service.

Turn on your car’s hazards to warn oncoming traffic that there’s a problem. If your car is stalled on a roadway, you should consider walking a safe distance away from the vehicle in case it is struck by a passing car. Emergency kits always are useful in these situations. A car emergency kit usually includes flares and cones which you can place around your vehicle for extra security while waiting for towing services.

Have Your Belongings Ready to Go
Once our towing service arrives at the scene, we’ll move quickly to tow your vehicle. You can assist us in making this process smoother by having all of your belongings ready to go when we arrive. This includes your phone, wallet, keys, bags, electronics, or any other easily accessible items you may need to retrieve from your vehicle (if you can).  

Call Us for 24 Hour Car Towing Near Me
Next time you run into car trouble and need towing and recovery, instead searching “towing service close to me,” remember that Allentown Towing is here to help! Our quick response time and cheap towing services make us one of the leading towing companies around me in Allentown, PA.

We offer competitive towing service price and are available around the clock for 24 hour servicing.

Top Reasons You Should Call For Tow Truck Service
Flat tires, an empty gas tank, and engine trouble are just a few of the many vehicular issues you may experience that would require a towing service. Car trouble can be stressful and frustrating, especially if you’re not sure how to fix the problem on your own. That’s where we come in! Allentown Towing offers towing service near me 24 hours a day, so you can rely on us to help when you need us most. 

Smoke or Steam
Steam or smoke pouring out of your vehicle is most definitely a reason to call us for help. Steam is a sign that your car’s cooling system is malfunctioning, which can cause your car to overheat and damage the engine. Smoke can sometimes be a result of an engine fire.  If you see either, pull over right away, get to safety, and call us to come help.

Please note:  DO NOT drive your vehicle if it’s smoking – this can lead to serious damage, fires, and physical danger for yourself as well as your passengers. The towing service price is much cheaper than the cost of replacing your vehicle.  And a life can never be replaced.

Loud or Unusual Noises
Loud banging, grinding, or popping sounds coming from you car are cause for alarm. Sometimes the issue can simply be a bit of debris stuck to your car, but it can also be indicative of engine issues. Unless you’ve had your car evaluated, and you are certain that the noise is debris, you should call Allentown Towing Company to tow your vehicle safely.

Worrisome Auto Handling
Handling is the reference used for how your vehicle drives on the road. If your car’s steering wheel suddenly becomes hard to turn, starts moving on its own, gets stuck, or feels loose, pull over immediately and call our team for fast, responsive towing services. You may not realize, but there could be a serious problem with your vehicle’s steering column or tires.

Check Engine Light Turns On
If your check engine light turns on, you should immediately pull over. The light can sometimes be triggered by a simple issue like a loose cap on the gas holder, but it could also be much more serious than that. To be on the safe side, you should have your vehicle towed and checked out by a mechanic.

How Much Does Towing a Car Cost?

If you own a car, you may need a tow truck service at some point in your life. While calling a tow truck company isn’t fun or something you want to do, you need to understand how the towing system works and average costs to avoid overpaying.

Not all towing companies offer the same level of service and packages, so there will be a slight difference in costs. However, most truck companies charge a minimum base fee of $50. Here’s a brief guide to give you an idea of how much you’re likely to spend on a towing service and the factors contributing to the fees.

When Should You Call a Tow Truck?

Emergencies can happen on the road and during travel. Calling a towing company may be your last resort when you’re stuck and can’t get your vehicle started. These are some situations where you will need to call a tow truck:

Accidents and Collisions

If your car has been involved in an accident, you should never try to drive a damaged vehicle even if there appears to be minor damage only. Firstly, you should check on everyone involved in the car crash, then call for a tow truck and let the professionals assist you.

Flat Tire

Cliché may seem, but tires can get flat when you least expect it. Blowouts happen due to faulty valve stem, heat, damaged treads, bad road conditions, or sharp foreign objects that punctured the tires. Even though many drivers have spare tires and jacks, some drivers don’t know how to change a tire. For such situations, tow truck assistance is necessary.

Breakdowns

You will never know when your car breaks down, so make sure that you know at least one towing company that can take your vehicle to the nearest repair shop. They can also assess and identify what caused the breakdown or even fix the problem on the spot!

Running Out of Gas

Sometimes, you may forget to refill your gas tank, which causes your car to stall in the middle of nowhere. When this happens, pull over to the side of the road and contact a towing company that can bring you gas as part of their services.

What Is the Average Towing Cost?

The cost of having a car towed to a repair shop or your house depends on your location, car type, and the kind of tow truck needed. Most tow companies charge $75 to $125, or about $109 as the nationwide average. You can expect to pay roughly $2.50 to $7 per mile. Here’s a ballpark estimate determined by distance:

5 miles or less – $35 to $125

40 miles or less – $125 to $275

100 miles – $275 to $600

How Does Towing Pricing Work?

Every tow truck company has a base or hook-up fee that typically costs $50 for the first 5-10 miles, then a per-mile fee at $2 – $4. To give you an upfront fee, towing companies consider the following factors in determining how much they will charge you:

Distance

How far is the place of incidence to the towing destination? As a rule of thumb, the farther the distance, the more money you will have to spend. Mileage and gas costs typically apply for all types of tows. Since different companies have different rate structures, make sure to hire a reliable towing truck company near you.

Vehicle Size

The size of the vehicle you drive will also affect how much the towing company will charge you. Some companies charge 20% to 25% more for towing heavy-duty vehicles. Larger vehicles require the use of specialized equipment and bigger tow trucks. If you drive a 4×4 truck, expect that you’ll pay an extra $10 to $35, depending on the company’s pricing metrics.

Time of the Day

Daytime rates are typically cheaper since it is safer and easier to tow during the day than at night. There may be additional towing costs during nights, weekends, or holidays. If you need after-hours towing, you’ll have to pay from $5 -$150 for the one-time fee.

Condition/Place of Incidence

Towing costs are more expensive if your vehicle is in the mountains on narrow, winding roads. Getting stuck in a ditch, snow, or muddy stretch of road will also increase your towing costs to an additional $50 – $250 per hour due to the added use of a winch, extra equipment, or workforce. The more time and effort required to get the job done, the higher the charge will be.

What Services Do Towing Companies Offer?

Aside from standard towing, there’s a wide range of services provided by a tow truck company. Just to give you an idea, we have listed down some of the things that towing companies can do for you:

• Refill gas
• Unlock the car door
• Troubleshoot engine issues
• Provide minor repairs
• Fit a new wheel for you
• Change flat tires
• Jumpstart your car’s battery
• Dislodge your car from a bad spot
• Transport your broken car to your preferred destination

Let’s Get Started

Stalled? Ran out of gas? Had flat tires? Allentown Towing Co is ready to provide you with towing and roadside assistance. We take pride in our reliable services available at fair and reasonable rates. For more details, please fill out our quote form or give us a call today. We’ll reach you fast and transport your vehicle any time and any place you want.

What You Should Know Before Calling a Towing Company

Car breakdowns and road emergencies are inconvenient and inevitable, even if you are a good driver. There is so much on the road that you cannot control, so these situations are bound to happen. When faced with a road accident, lockout, or any other emergency, it is important to know a towing company that can assist you no matter what your situation is.

With a plethora of towing service providers saturating the market, it can sometimes be a lottery to find the right one for your needs. Before making a decision and pressing that call button, consider the following factors:

24/7 Emergency Support

Car accidents happen when and where you least expect them. When it comes to choosing a towing company, make sure they offer round-the-clock service. A good towing company responds quickly to distress calls any time of the day, even at night or on holidays. After all, you don’t want to hire a tow truck service that will make you wait for so long during such dire times.

Services Offered

Like fingerprints, no two companies are exactly alike, so don’t assume that all companies offer the same towing services. Some companies specialize in heavy-duty towing, while others concentrate on specific areas like roadside assistance. Before choosing a towing company, ask for their complete list of services so that you’ll never pay for a service you don’t actually need.

This is where versatility comes into play. The towing company you’ll hire should be well equipped in order to provide services for you whenever and where you need them. Don’t let yourself be stuck on the road without help! Choose a company that offers comprehensive towing services from a tire change to engine troubleshooting.

Towing Equipment and Fleet

It is also important to determine what kind of equipment, tools, and fleet they have. This way, you will know if they are equipped to move your vehicle quickly and safely. A hook and chain tow truck has chains attached to the front end of your car so that one set of wheels will be pulled and hoisted off the ground. This type of towing is recommended only if you are transporting a wrecked car to a junkyard because the chains can damage or scratch the vehicle.

Meanwhile, flatbed towing is considered a favorable choice for a safe and secure tow. This is the safest method since the car is hoisted and placed on the flatbed on the back of the tow truck, so your vehicle will not get additional damage while in transit. If possible, always choose flatbeds for a secure and cost-efficient towing approach.

Towing Service Fees

When you have an idea of the national average towing costs, you will be able to choose a company that suits your budget and needs. The average cost to hire a tow truck service is $75 to $125, so make sure to request a quote first to compare prices. By doing this, you will know if they are overcharging you for the services. 

It’s also imperative to ask them about their pricing system since companies charge either flat rates or hourly rates per trip. From the two options, always choose the one that works for you.

Reputation and Reviews

It’s a no-brainer that you should choose a towing company based on their name and reputation. You can look up customer reviews online or recommendations from family and friends in helping you make the right decision. Ask them how long they have been in business or how many cars they have towed already. 

Determining their expertise in the industry will give you peace of mind and assurance. Through research, you will not just find reputable towing service providers but also avoid companies that have been reported for poor service or scams.

License and Accreditation

Car towing cannot be handled by just anyone. Before you make any agreement, ensure that you are dealing with a reputable company by asking them about their licenses and insurance. Truck drivers who are towing your vehicle must be experienced individuals who are properly insured, accredited, and licensed. Always keep in mind that you should not accept services from an unlicensed towing company as they might cause further damage to your car.

Bottom Line

Overall, there are many things to consider before settling on the best towing company service provider. Take your time to research your options to identify and hire a top-notch towing company, like Allentown Towing Co. If you’re ever in a roadside emergency, you’ll know exactly who to call!

Does Towing Ruin Your Car?

No car driver wants to be involved in an accident or experience a breakdown in the middle of nowhere. These unexpected situations call for a reliable tow truck company to haul your car to the nearest shop or perform minor repairs themselves. 

When towed improperly, your already damaged vehicle might acquire further damage and issues. Things can go from bad to worse really quickly, especially if you’ve hired the wrong company.

Types of Damage Caused By Improper Towing

Cosmetic Damage

The most common examples of damage caused by negligent towing are scratches to the exterior, dents, dings, and damage to the wheel and tire. Cosmetic damage does not impede the vehicle’s performance, but it can still be costly depending on the make and model of your car.

Bumper Damage

Often, bumpers sustain damage due to the improper method of hooking the tow to the vehicle. If the tow truck driver doesn’t place the hook in the right spot, scratches on the front or rear bumper are possible.

Mechanical Issues and Transmission Damage

Cars with manual transmissions are easy to tow regardless of the method and the distance. When doing so, make sure to tow in neutral and never while a gear is engaged.

Meanwhile, automatic transmissions need a little more care as they can be damaged if towed with two wheels on the ground. If your car uses automatic transmission, the oil pump is driven by the engine. When the engine is won’t turn over, the pump does not feed oil, causing it to overheat and ruin the transmission.

To prevent damage while towing a car, put your transmission in neutral, pay attention to acceleration, or choose a flatbed towing method.

Towing Methods

Now that we’ve mentioned towing methods, it is now high time to discuss the techniques that towing companies use in moving and transporting vehicles. Some towing methods are safer and better for certain situations than others, so keep on reading to explore more!

Flatbed Towing

This is the safest and most secure method of towing a vehicle. Flatbed towing uses a truck with a flatbed and retractable ramp to safely load and unload vehicles. When you choose this method, you simply need to drive your car up the ramp, secure it to the flatbed, and get off to a repair shop or your preferred destination. Your car is off the ground and secured in place, so there is no possibility of the vehicle swerving in and out of the lane.

Two-Wheel Car Towing

Also known as the dolly method, two-wheel towing involves hitching the front tires up off the ground while the back wheels remain on the road. This towing method is one of the most cost-effective options, and there will be no extra mileage if the towed vehicle is front-wheel drive.

Flat Bar Towing

In this method, the tow truck uses a tow bar attached to the rear of the coach vehicle and on the front of your towed vehicle. This adjustable steel bar is utilized to drag your vehicle with all four wheels touching and rolling on the ground. 

While it is the cheapest method, all wheels will wear out and get damaged quickly. All car owners and tow truck drivers are encouraged to remove the rear driveshaft and tow the vehicle with the rear wheels on the ground.

Conclusion

Improper towing methods can cause serious damage to your vehicle, leading to expensive repair costs. Regardless of which method of towing is best for you, be sure to follow the correct guidelines and take the necessary precautions before hitting the open road.

A fully certified and insured towing company can handle your situation, assess your vehicle, and fulfill your specific towing needs. By hiring a reputable and trustworthy towing company, you can rest easy that your vehicle will be towed without causing any more damage. 

Whenever you find yourself in towing needs within Pennsylvania, make sure you call Allentown Towing Co because we can quickly arrive where you need us!

What To Do When You Are Locked Out of Your Car

An auto lockout is the last thing you want to experience while on the road. It doesn’t matter if you are an excellent driver because it can happen to anyone. We’ve all been there—leaving the car keys on the seat, breaking the doors during an accident, or even snapping the car keys somehow or the other.

Regardless of the car lockout situation, it will surely put a crimp in your day. If you ever find yourself locked out of your car, keep your cool and don’t panic. Follow the helpful tips below for getting back into your locked car.

DO:

Check Every Door and Window

Before you call for help, check if each door and the trunk are locked. You may also try all routes and access points, from the back seats to the passenger compartment. Make sure you are locked out first prior to pushing the panic button.

Call a Towing Truck Service

Most towing companies offer car lockout services to help you gain entry to your vehicle and take you out of this unpleasant situation. By calling a towing company or certified locksmith, you can get your vehicle unlocked without any damage and dents. 

Granted, this is a roadside emergency that requires a professional. A tow truck company will quickly come to your location with all the tools and equipment needed to tackle your car door lock. 

Stay Safe While Waiting for a Tow Truck Service

When you realize you’ve been locked out of your vehicle, you tend to feel anxious and act without thinking carefully. During a car lockout, your safety is more important more than anything else. Look around and check the area where your car is parked. 

Avoid playing on your phone because you don’t want to run your phone battery down during this time. However, you may call a friend or family member and let them know your whereabouts and the situation you are facing. While waiting for roadside assistance, stand beside your car and always be alert.

DON’T:

Attempt to Unlock the Vehicle

DIY solutions during a car lockout are usually ineffective and not worth the effort. Drop your wire hangers, screwdrivers, and credit cards because these are not the right tools to unlock your car. Attempting to pick the lock yourself can cause severe damage to your vehicle’s paint, weather stripping, door frames, and other car parts. 

Instead of having to spend money on repairs, contact a professional to do it for you. After all, it’s much easier to call a tow truck company that can open your car’s door without damaging your vehicle.

Break the Window

Unless you’re in an emergency, don’t be tempted to break the window to open the vehicle. You might end up paying more for the window replacement and run the risk of broken glass injury. Broken shards of glass from the rear and side windows can be incredibly sharp and cause minor cuts to deep punctures.

Don’t make hasty decisions and instead wait for the professional tow truck experts or locksmiths to arrive. They are equipped with the expertise, tools, and training to unlock your car within minutes.

Leave Your Car Overnight

Never abandon your car and leave it unattended when dealing with a car lockout. If it’s obstructing traffic, left near the road, or on someone else’s property, your illegally parked vehicle can be towed at any point in time and without any warning. 

As the vehicle owner, you are responsible for the costs of towing and storage fees. Recovering your vehicle from the impound lot can cost you several bucks.

Hire an Unreliable Towing Company

Always be careful of scammers who imitate legitimate tow truck companies. They take advantage of car drivers who are experiencing lockouts and other roadside emergencies. In addition, they might attempt to take your credit card information or charge hidden fees and surcharges to their prices.

To dodge untrustworthy ones, choose a top-rated tow trucking company that offers emergency locksmith services round the clock. During the phone consultation, you can ask them brief yet detailed questions about their services, qualifications, and rates. When they finally arrive, remember to ask for identification or a license where applicable.

How Allentown Towing Co Can Help

The next time you get locked out of your car around the Pennsylvania area, get in touch with Allentown Towing Co. Our team is committed to providing you with professional towing and roadside assistance, including quick-response auto locksmith services. We’ll help you get back on the road as fast as we can!

6 Must-Do Car Maintenance Tips To Keep You on the Go

Despite your best efforts, a car breakdown is an unpleasant experience as a car owner. Accidents, car lockouts, flat tires, and heating are some of the common roadside problems that might hit you when you’re least expecting it. 

One of the best ways to prevent vehicle problems is to ensure safety and regularly maintain it. A regular maintenance routine will go a long way in extending the life of your car, keeping performance at its peak, and save money on repairs. Here are some ways to help keep your car running smoothly and at its best:

Change Engine Oil and Filters

Vehicle fluids must be checked and properly managed at proper levels. Oil is crucial for your engine as it lubricates to reduce friction and cool the engine. It’s recommended that you change your oil filter whenever you change your engine oil. This prevents the old oil and dirt particles from mixing with the new, clean oil. To improve performance and preserve your warranty, change your oil regularly and be alert regarding any leaks.

Check Your Battery

Since the battery is the car’s brain, you should check it regularly and not just when there’s an issue. Nobody wants to be stuck on the road when your car fails to start due to a drained battery. Before this happens to you, conduct a battery load test, keep the cables tied and properly secure, don’t overcharge, and have it replaced every four years.

Take Care of Your Tires

Prone to too much wear and tear and rough roads, your tires must be well-maintained to keep you and your passengers safe. Check your tire pressure regularly twice a month and keep them inflated as the manufacturer recommends.

Since car tires get worn out a lot, you should rotate and change their positions frequently to reach maximum tread life. If you don’t know how to do a tire rotation yourself, you can go to a dealer or garage to get the tires fitted properly. Once there are worn treads or visible damage, change your tire immediately.

Fix Broken Headlights and Windshield Wipers

When navigating at night, the only thing you can depend on is your car’s headlights. Broken or dull headlights, taillights, and hazard lights are safety issues that need to be addressed. To maintain your lights, check and adjust the bulbs and replace them if the lenses let off dim lighting. Regular cleaning can also help protect the lights and prevent the lenses from appearing foggy.

Likewise, your windshield wiper helps keep you safe by removing rain, snow, and debris from the car’s front window. Clean the wiper blades regularly, replace the blades at least twice a year, and keep them out of the sun.

Keep Your Car Clean

Aside from aesthetic purposes, keeping your car’s exterior in good shape helps maintain its performance. When your windshield and windows are clean, your vision is unobstructed, and you can safely drive without any blind spots. A thorough, regular cleaning also removes rust and other abrasive particles that can damage the car’s paint. You can also vacuum the interior to eliminate clutter and prevent harm due to unwanted dust and allergens.

Be a Responsible Driver

Having a driver’s license and the privilege to drive requires you to be a responsible and safe driver. Bad habits like using your cellphone while driving or slamming on your brakes should not be made. Avoid rapid acceleration during start-up and instead accelerate slowly for fuel efficiency.

You should also prepare an emergency kit that can save you during breakdowns. Keep yourself fully equipped with a backup kit, which includes the following:

A Properly Inflated Tire, Wheel Wrench, and Tripod Jack

Jumper Cables

Multipurpose Utility Tool

Flashlight and Extra Batteries

Flares, Reflective Triangle, or Any Brightly Colored Cloth

Car Cellphone Charger

Key Takeaway

When these are not enough to prevent car breakdowns, it’s good to be prepared and know who you should contact in the case of a roadside emergency. If you find yourself in need of towing, call Allentown Towing Co today. We will immediately dispatch a tow truck to your location, and our professional drivers and staff will help you get back on the road again!