Automotive Suspension Services

Automotive Suspension Services

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.

My Vehicle Got Towed. What Are My Rights?

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

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

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

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.

HOW NOT TO GET YOUR CAR STUCK IN DIRT OR SAND

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

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.

Six Steps To Safely Jump Start Your Car

Six Steps To Safely Jump Start Your Car

Step One

Make sure that both cars are parked (neutral) and the ignition is turned off while they are parked close to one another. Open the trunk on both cars and check to make sure the jumper cables are able to reach both of the engines.

Step Two

Take the red (positive)cable and attach one of the ends to your car’s battery’s positive terminal before you attach it with the same terminal on the other car’s working battery. It is easy to recognize them by the + or POS displayed on the battery. s to the negative terminal, it also should be noticeably bigger.

Step Three

Take the black (negative) cable and attach it with the working battery’s negative terminal.

Step Four

Use the same black cable to attach the other end to a metal material on your car that is not too close to the battery. It could be struck, bracket, bolt or jump-start pole. However, not every vehicle has these poles.

At this point, the main point is to ensure that the black cable is just connected with the negative terminal on the working battery and make sure that the other end is connected to a metal fixture that is not too close to the dead battery on your car.

Step Five

Turn the engine on for the working car, and allow it to run on its own for a moment.

Step Six

Now try to start your car. If all goes well your engine will start. If it doesn’t, make sure you double-check the connections on the cables and let the working engine run for another 5-10 minutes before you try again.

If that still doesn’t work, then there is a good chance that you need to get a new battery, so there is, unfortunately, no quick fix but Leahy’s Towing can help with your towing needs. Give us a call today!

6 Important Items To Carry In Your Vehicle’s Emergency Kit

Important Items To Carry In Your Vehicle's Emergency Kit

Important Items To Carry In Your Vehicle’s Emergency Kit

1. First aid box

The first aid kit is useful when the driver, other car occupants, or a pedestrian is injured. A useful first aid kit should have various types of band-aids, an antiseptic, ointment, antiseptic wipes, aspirin, gauze, gloves, pads, adhesive tape, and cotton balls. Besides these items, the owner should also add any other extra items that are specific to them or their close friends or family.

2. Fire extinguisher

A fire extinguisher is very crucial for an emergency kit, however, most retail kits still omit them. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) gives class “B” or “C” ratings to extinguishers. Class B extinguishers can be used specifically against class B fires like those caused by flammable substances such as kerosene, gasoline, and diesel fuel.

3. Completely charged mobile phone

This basic gadget can dictate if you have to spend the night in your car after a breakdown or if you can receive instant help. A mobile phone, however, is only useful where the breakdown area has sufficient network coverage.

4. Flashlight

This tool is will assist you during the night and in misty conditions. It will be more useful, if it is waterproof, and if you have carried some spare batteries.

5. Warning triangles

In case your car breakdowns on a busy road, it is recommended that the driver warns oncoming traffic on the condition of their car. They should set their warning triangles and turn on the hazard signals of their vehicle.

6. Tire gauge

The tire gauge assists you to measure the air pressure of the spare tire. Every vehicle must have a spare tire that is properly inflated. Most people ignore checking the spare tires’ pressure and thus don’t realize that their spare tire has low pressure.

Let Leahy’s Towing help you with your roadside emergencies, we will tow your vehicle to safety. Contact us as soon as you need a professional service.

4 Professionals You Should Call After Being In A Car Accident

4 Professionals You Should Call After Being In A Car Accident

4 Professionals You Should Call After Being In A Car Accident

1. The Authorities

You are strongly encouraged to call 911 and inform the police about an accident, whether or not there were any injuries. If there have been injuries or a fire, then ambulance or fire services should be notified as well. It is an absolute must to call the police, even if the accident was a minor one since it will be helpful for your insurance claim since you will need to have your police report to file with your claim. Another thing that is recommended that you don’t move your car before the police have arrived.

2. Towing Company

If your car is a complete wreck, then it is advised that you wait until the police have given you the all-clear before you call a towing company to pick your car up and tow it away to a garage or another location. The police are going to want to inspect the vehicles at the scene of the accident to evaluate how the accident took place to make the best assessment possible.

3. Your Insurance Company

As soon as possible, you should contact your car insurance company to inform them of your accident to open your claim. A majority of insurance companies provide a toll-free 24-hour hotline. Some also allow you to file your insurance claim directly on their website so you can report your accident online. You also can ask your car insurance company representative where your car should be towed for repairs and then tell the towing company to transport your car to that location.

4. Your Attorney

Another professional you may want to call if you have been involved in a car accident is your lawyer. Contact her or him as soon as possible. Your attorney will provide you with guidance to ensure that none of the evidence is destroyed to ensure that your rights are protected.

Leahy’s Towing is the best place to contact for your towing needs. Get in touch with any questions you may have.