Articles – Leahys Towing | Harrisburg Tow Service

Automotive Suspension Services

Our car repair shop offers a wide variety of maintenance services through specialized technicians to ensure maximum performance and functionality of your vehicle. If you want to receive the best repair and replacement services for car suspensions, then this is your workshop.

The car suspension is a system that allows the use of mechanical torsional forces to dampen and soften the movement of the vehicle. It is responsible for connecting the wheels to the car chassis through a system of metal springs to allow fluid movement between them. The suspension supports the bodywork and is capable of assimilating and absorbing the changes generated by the irregularities of the terrain preventing damage to it.

We know that the suspension is a system consisting of various metallic and elastic elements that aim to maintain control of the vehicle when hitting potholes or objects. That way, it will prevent permanent deformations and so that the car does not lose its grip on the ground. This shock absorber system contains many articulations and pivot points, allowing the wheels of your vehicle to move up and down over the potholes and rotate while driving.

Elements of the car suspension

Shock absorbers: They allow for breaking the oscillations generated by the irregularities of the terrain to protect the car body. The shock absorbers are responsible for transforming the mechanical energy of the spring into heat energy.

Helical springs: They are elements that work at torsion shortening its length and returning to its original position when the deformation ceases. Its flexibility depends on the number of turns, the diameter of the spring and the material.

Stabilizer bar: It is formed by an openly bent steel bar that avoids the inclination produced when a car takes the curves with a lot of speed. That way, it prevents the vehicle from tipping over.

Torsion bar: It is used in independent rear and front suspensions of some cars. It is a spring that splices the axes of the suspension to reduce the displacement of the chassis due to the turns. That is, the torsion bar reduces oscillations to provide more excellent driving stability.

Crossbow: These are elements that have elastic properties but little absorption of mechanical energy. They are a series of steel sheets joined by clamps to reduce tensions and deformations.

Other elements are ball joints, brackets, suspension arms, etc.

Like anything else in the world, car suspension systems and each of their elements wear out over time. There are times when you can suddenly start hearing strange noises, and your vehicle begins to present problems when driving. Tire wear, due to the continuous rebound over irregular terrain, is another problem usually presented. Besides, one of the most delicate issues that can arise is when the joint is released and does not fit properly, causing faster wear of the other elements of the suspension. All these inconveniences are treated thanks to the specialized technicians at Leahy’s Towing. We will inspect your vehicle and identify any suspension problems to determine a change or repair of a particular component. If you have any of these problems, you should solve them immediately as it could be dangerous when driving.

We can help you solve any problem of the suspension or the vehicle in general at affordable prices and so you can have a safe car. Call us and schedule a free inspection.

Tips For Keeping Your Tires In Good Condition

The tires are one of the most important features of your car. If you have ever had to buy new tires, know how expensive they can be. Although they were built for a limited time, you can take steps to extend the life of your tires and keep them in good condition for as long as possible. Tire maintenance not only improves fuel consumption and saves money on spare tires, but can also help prevent dangerous conditions and tire failures. If you find that your tires are empty, have inflated tires or if the tread pattern shows uneven wear, have a specialist check them immediately.

Keep them well inflated.

One of the most common ways to keep a tire in good condition is to maintain the correct air pressure. Turn this activity into a routine and do it regularly. And this is also very important if you want to make long car trips. In the summer months, check the tire pressure when the tires are cold so that the indoor air expands when the tires are hot so you can get a different reading. If you inflate the tires to the recommended PSI value, the tires will remain in better condition and uneven tread wear will be avoided. Check the sidewall of the tire or the manufacturer’s label on the door to obtain the required PSI. The vehicle manual also contains instructions on recommended tire sizes and air pressure. Do not decide if a tire is properly inflated when looking at it. Also, do not rely on air pumps for accurate pressure readings. Then, if you feel uncomfortable pumping the air at the correct pressure, take the vehicle to a service station. Fill the tires to the correct limit. Some service stations offer this service for free. Others charge a small amount.

If the tires are inflated below, inflate them to the level shown on the vehicle license plate, which is usually located at the edge of the driver’s door. Check your blood pressure regularly, especially in cold climates. If the tires are inflated, fuel consumption may decrease, but unsafe driving conditions may also occur. The more you drive with slightly inflated tires, the weaker they become. Your tires may no longer be ready to roll. Save money and extend the life of your tires by doing this simple maintenance.

When should you check your tires?

Regular maintenance of car tires saves money, improves vehicle handling and increases safety. The tires must be changed every two oil changes. In other words, the tires must move to a different position in the car. This ensures that the tires wear evenly and achieve maximum life. It is recommended that you get used to checking them every month. It only takes five minutes. Remember to also check the spare part! We also recommend checking the tires before a long trip. It is important to maintain the correct pressure. Refer to the operating instructions to make sure you know the correct tire pressure. When checking the pressure, make sure the tires are cold. The pressure increases as the tires get hot while driving. This will result in false advertising. Do not overload the tire.

Keep the wheels well aligned.

Uneven tire wear can be caused by misalignment of the front or rear wheels. It could also be due to the poor balance of the tires. Visually inspect your tires every month. In case of uneven tire wear, take the vehicle to the tire dealer for expert advice. If you notice extremely rapid profile wear, this may also be due to misalignment. Misalignment during driving can cause the vehicle to pull or vibrate. If you notice uneven wheel wear, you should also spin the wheels. Contact your tire dealer if you have any questions about tire misalignment, balance and rotation. If you end up with a blowout Leahy’s Towing is here to help. Keep our contact nearby for when you need it.

My Vehicle Got Towed. What Are My Rights?

Walking up to a parking lot and see that your car has been towed away by Harrisburg Towing it’s always daunting. However, you must be aware of your rights when this situation happens, as it’ll be of great help to you.

Knowing your rights is crucial to protect your car and yourself.

Parking On Private Properties

In Pennsylvania it’s legal to park on private properties, always as there are not towing, or “no parking” signs around. In that case, it’s recommended to avoid parking there, as the property owner has the right to call for your car being towed.

These signs should include the name of the company with permission to tow your vehicle, and a way to get in contact with them.

Accepting Debit And Credit Card Payments

Normally, towing companies only accepted cash payments. The new law established that it’s legal to pay using debit or credit card a towing service.

Give You Back Your Vehicle

In case your car got towed following an accident, the company has the obligation to release it on the day of your request. You must have in return the appropriate paperwork.

Letting You Access Your Car Without The Payment

According to the new law, you have the right to inspect your vehicle and recover any personal belongings, even if you haven’t paid the bill.

Calculation Of Storage Days

The new law states that one storage day is now calculated from midnight to midnight.

A List Of Fees Before Asking For Payments

Every tow truck company is required to issue a receipt and a written list of fees before requesting a client to pay.

Towing Your Vehicle To The Nearest Lot Available

Under the new law, towing companies in Arizona have the obligation to transport every towed car to the closest possible lot. This is subject to change in case the police requests another lot for any reason.

Releasing Your Car At Working Hours

You can pick up your car after being towed from Monday to Friday between 9 am and 5 pm, without being charged extra fees. Towing companies cannot ask you for more money if they are not available during regular working hours.

Towing Companies Are Responsible For Their Employees And Contractors

Full-time employees and contractors of many tow truck companies used to have condemnable behavior with their clients. With the new law, the company has to take responsibility for their acts.

Now, you know more about your towing rights and you can put them in practice in case you need them. Are you looking for a reputable towing company? You can reach out to us today!

When and why should you change your spark plugs

If you ever took care of your car, you know your way around spark plugs. You are familiar with their features, and how important they are for your car and its functions. For your everyday driver, spark plugs might seem non-important. But the truth is, without spark plugs your car wouldn’t work. They are vital for your vehicle.
Spark plugs will eventually suffer damage from wear and tear, like everything inside your car. The key is to replace them when the time is right and not let it be until you have a bigger problem in your hands.
Even though spark plugs are incredibly important, most people don’t know when they should be replaced.

Read the manual.

If you have any doubts, go straight to the source. Most spark plugs come with an owner’s manual. You will find the recommended service schedule on it. More often than not, they all have to be done after 30 thousand miles – but your mileage may vary, so you should check your owner’s manual just to be sure when to change your spark plugs.

What is it made of?

There are two types of spark plugs. You can have copper plugs and iridium plugs. The former tends to last for a shorter time than the latter. Iridium spark plugs are higher quality items and they are less susceptible to wear and tear, allowing them to last for longer periods of time.

Beware of high performance.

There are certain spark plugs designed for high-performance cars. They offer more “kick”, but this comes with a price – they have a shorter lifespan. If you own one of these units, you will have to check your spark plugs regularly, and probably change them more than your average spark plug needs to.

Watch how you drive.

People love to rev their engine and step on the gas pedal. The thing is, if you are doing so, you are also killing your spark plugs. The higher your RPMs will go, the more you will damage your spark plugs – if you love to do these things, you will have to replace your plugs a lot more times than usual.

Watch for leaks, too.

An oil leak can contaminate your spark plug and eventually ruin it. If you suffered from an oil leak, the best thing to do is to remove the spark plug out of your car’s engine and check its base. If you find oil in the spark plug’s base, it’s more likely than not that you will have to replace it.

When the idle goes rough.

If you are suffering from rough idle when you drive around, you probably have a bad spark plug. How can you know if this is happening to you? It’s simple: all you have to do is turn on your car. Normally, the car would be showing low, steady RPMs. If the gauge spikes the minute you turn on your car, you are probably going through rough idle. If that’s the case, check your spark plugs – you might have to change them.

This quick guide should help you identify your spark plugs’ problems. If you find yourself in one of these scenarios, you should replace your faulty units promptly. And if you ever face any sort of problem down the road – spark plug related or not – you should call a towing company you can trust.
At Leahy’s Towing, we proudly serve the Harrisburg area and can help you out in no time. We have experienced technicians that will fix your spark plug issues in no time. Here is a contact for our offices.

Avoiding Tire Blowouts

Suffering from a tire blowout while we are in the middle of driving can be extremely dangerous. Therefore, we must take all the precautions at hand to avoid it from happening.

Towing experts from Leahy’s Towing wrote a guide to help you avoid a tire blowout.

Keep the Right Pressure on your Tires

Maintaining proper tire pressure is essential for our safety. Neither under nor above recommended levels. You can consult the exact amount of pressure for your tires on the vehicle user guide, as not all tires work with the same levels.

Check tire pressure before each time you drive your vehicle. Use a pressure gauge for this task and it can be filled if you need to at a gas station air compressor.

Importance of Tire Pressure

Filling our tires causes the rubber to stretch out due to the excess of air. Leaving a weaker tire. On the other hand, under-inflated tires may blowout as they easily overheat.

Overloaded Vehicles

At any time we can exceed the maximum weight capacity of our vehicles. This situation could lead to a tire suddenly blowing out.

Verify how much weight can your vehicle take before you embark on a long trip. Besides, don’t do moving trips if your load is too heavy. Rent a moving truck instead.

Driving at High Speed

Speeding compromises the integrity of your tires. A tire can blowout due to excessive heat when you are driving at high speeds. Additionally, it may cause a sudden drop in tire pressure, which could lead to blowouts, especially in older tires.

Age and Quality

Another way to avoid suffering from a tire blowout is being aware of their use. Depending on the vehicle, tires last from 25,000 to 50,000 miles.

Worn out tires are susceptible to experiencing blowouts. Have them replaced if they have covered the previously mentioned distances.

If you do unfortunately have a blow out. Enlist the help of your local Leahy’s Towing company. We are just a call away.

ESSENTIAL TEEN DRIVER TIPS

Raising a teenage driver should be done in a proper way. It is important to give them the best advice and information in terms of safety. This, in order to teach them how to drive safely. In order to educate you on this matter, we have come up with tips from driving pros.

Stoplight Logic

Teens can get confused if there are more stoplights than the traditional green, yellow, and red. There may be curved or flashing arrows in some lights. Other signs mean that drivers should yield just before turning to the left side. One of the basic steps to teaching your teen to drive safely is to educate him to recognize the stoplights there are on the road.

Long-Distance Trips

It is highly likely that your teen uses the car to drive himself to school and then back home. It is important for them to manage longer driving distances. Driving long distances can cause fatigue and a hypnotic effect on a person. For this reason, you should let them drive when you have family road trips or other excursions to places far away.

Night Driving

You should also allow them to drive at night when with you at the front passenger seat guiding them. You should take them to the freeway and streets with empty sides. Once they feel comfortable driving around these places, you can be sure they can handle them by themselves. Also, teach them how to turn on the car’s blinkers and beams properly. One important thing to consider is to tell them that by no means should they drive while drunk. Also, that there are dangers implied when driving tired and drowsy. If a teen isn’t paying full attention to driving, it is best for them not to drive at all.

Unfamiliar Areas

Having a map with them is a good way to teach when how and where to drive. Driving should be steady and they should be taught how to read a map and drive at the same time.

Let them know the best professional towing companies for cases of emergency. Its always good to have the number of a towing service onhand. Leahy’s Towing is one to trust.

SIGNS OF TRANSMISSION ISSUES

Car transmissions issues can get bad pretty quickly. The downside to having them is that they can become expensive to repair in the long run. Also, they can be dangerous for people who are going in the car. It is beneficial to know how to spot transmission issues in your car. The following are common transmission issues many owners may have to deal with:

Fluid Leaking

There may be fluid stains beneath the car. A possible cause of this is having a gap in the transmission system. The leak may come from either the torque converter seal, the pan gasket, or the fluid lines. You can recognize fluid leaking because the stains are normally green or red.

Clucking sounds

If you shift gears and there are clucking sounds, there may be the possibility of your car having transmission issues. In case you hear them, please go to a car mechanic for help.

Burning Smell

This sign can be dangerous. It may be caused by transmission oil overheating in the car`s transmission box. Help should be sought immediately if you notice a burning smell in your car.

Gear Grinding Signs

These ones depend on whether your car is automatic or manual. If it is automatic when there is a change in the RMP and there is a pulling feeling when changing gears. Gears can also have grinding and whining sounds. If the car is manual, then, there may be gear grinding sounds that indicate that the clutch has become degraded or the transmission`s synchronizers have broken.

Car Noise When in Neutral Position

If your car is in neutral position and you hear bumping sounds, then your transmission may be failing. This can be traced to a lack of transmission fluid. If there is car noise when in neutral position and the transmission fluid is not empty, then you should take your car to the mechanic.

Leahy’s Towing can come to your rescue if you have transmission issues that cause your car to fail. Call us for more information.

HOW NOT TO GET YOUR CAR STUCK IN DIRT OR SAND

Driving in rough roads can be bothersome sometimes especially if you are not aware of the potential challenges that you might face ahead. While bumpy roads cannot be avoided, you can do a lot of things to repudiate your vehicle from getting stuck in dirt or sand. For those who are curious how, here’s what the vehicle recovery experts at Leahy’s Towing say.

1) Check the road first

The best thing you can do to avoid muddy and sandy roads is to check it ahead. Before driving, inspect the road and look at its condition. Check if there is any hazard so that you can plan your driving approach.

2) Have a steady momentum

You don’t need to drive fast, just keep it slow and have a steady momentum. In this way, even if you encounter mud, dirt, or sand, you have full control of your vehicle. Remember not to drive with full gear when driving. Let your wheels make traction. Low gear is ideal only for sandy roads.

3) Do not follow curves

Aim to drive straight, If you can avoid curves, do it as much as possible. Curves can lead you to get stuck. Have a pre-map of your path and look for a straight line where you can drive.

4) Drive with deflated tires

If you are aware of rough roads ahead, then it’s best to deflate your tires before driving. Deflated tires connect more with the deep mud or dirt and in return produce more traction.

5) Avoid using your breaks

Slow down and avoid using your breaks. If you are on a muddy road, let your vehicle stop naturally do it won’t get stuck too deep.

6) Know the direction of your wheels

Ruts sometimes lead your wheels. Always be aware of the direction of your tires so you would know how to avoid ruts.

If you get stuck and need the help of a professional towing company. Call us at Leahy’s Towing to get a tow.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN 2, 4 AND ALL WHEEL DRIVE

The drivetrain is basically how a car vehicle manifests power to its wheels which makes all the difference as you’re driving on rough roads or in unstable weather conditions. Experts at Leahy’s Towing will be providing information on the basic differences between the drivetrains of 2, 4 and all-wheel drives in the following:

2 Wheel Drive

With either front or rear varieties, you can find that majority of cars today have front-wheel drives. A characteristic of the front wheel is that it allows improved traction in unstable rainy conditions and they generally have more interior space compared to that of rear-wheel drives. With rear-wheel drives, on the other hand, these provide adequate traction and weight specifically for vehicles that have a heavy rear load such as trucks.

4 Wheel Drive

This provides adequate traction. However, it may cause problems upon driving on normal roads. The vehicle’s wheels have a possibility of turning at different speeds to make room for turning distances. 4 Wheel drive vehicles have the characteristic of automatically or manually locking the ‘center differential.’ This is to give equal amounts of torque to both the front and the back axles of the wheels which happens to be perfect for unstable roads or critical weathers but not for normal roads. These vehicles also give high multiplied power low gears for the purpose of being able to climb up steep conditions and obstacles.

All Wheel Drive

These cars provide power to all 4 wheels automatically when the roads are slippery or when quick acceleration is present. Torque levels can vary depending on the wheels, however this function is automatically applied most of the time. This is also the perfect option for drivers who need extra traction in cases of rain or snow, but don’t intend on doing any “off-roading.”

A professional towing company knows the difference in these types of vehicles and take great care when towing your vehicle. If you want to learn more about how the drive type affect towing get in contact with us for more help.

The 3 Top Places To Await Towing After A Breakdown

When your car breaks down on the road there are obvious risks, with the potential dangers increasing as the traffic increases and the road becomes bigger – breaking down on the highway would be the worst nightmare for anyone!

However, breakdowns are normal if you own a vehicle, and there is always a possibility that it can happen to you or any driver at any time. Should this happen, you may require to get the vehicle towed so that it can be fixed, and then you can drive home!

Reacting appropriately in case of a vehicle breakdown is not that easy, especially if it is your first time, so it is critical to know where to steer your car to. By doing this you can safely contact and wait for your towing service to arrive!

The Right Shoulder

The standard practice for any road user on a highway whose vehicle breaks down is to move as far as possible on the right shoulder.

Once you get to the farthest point you can on your right shoulder, stay in your car and call your local tow service or motorist club, and wait for them to show up.

Stay Where You Are

This may not be the most convenient situation to be in while waiting for a tow after your vehicle malfunctions. If you are unable to coast your car safely to the right of the road, just remain at your spot.

Turn on your hazard indicator but AVOID leaving the vehicle at all, this will only increase the amount of danger you are in.

Off the Road

On less busy roads, you are capable of moving off the road, or in some cases as far as you can from the shoulder. Since the roads here have very few vehicles, you might be able to navigate your car away from the road to the farthest point possible.

Then get in touch with a towing professional service. Here’s a number to call.