What To Do If Your Vehicle Breaks Down When You Are Out Of Town

What To Do If Your Vehicle Breaks Down When You Are Out Of Town

Solution #1: Have Your Vehicle Towed To Your Home

Paying a qualified towing company to transport your vehicle from where it broke down to your house can be a good option. Having your vehicle close at hand makes it easier to repair since it eliminates the need to travel to the location where you broke down. As long as you hire a towing company that you can trust, you can rest easy knowing that your vehicle will make it home safe and sound. The key is to look for a well-respected towing provider with a reputation for providing excellent customer service.

One issue you may run into, however, is finding a towing service that is open to the idea of long-distance towing. Many towing companies only service customers in their local area. You may need to spend some time searching online to find a company that is willing to help. If you have taken the time to establish a relationship with a trusted towing provider already, however, they most likely will be willing to help you out, even if your vehicle is far from home.

Solution #2 – Have Your Vehicle Repaired Wherever It Broke Down

If your vehicle broke down in another city or town, you may prefer to have it repaired their rather than paying to tow it home. It is important to note, however, that you may not always save money by going this route. This is especially true if the repairs will take more than a day. Having to travel back and forth between your house and the location where your vehicle is can add to the total expense. Alternatively, if you decide to wait until your car is fixed before you leave town, you most likely will have to pay for the cost of a hotel, which can increase the total amount of money that you have to spend.

If your car breaks down in the Harrisburg area, you don’t need to worry. Leahy’s Towing is always ready and willing to help, no matter what situation you find yourself facing give us a call today!

Basic Vehicle Troubleshooting

Basic Vehicle Troubleshooting

Basic Vehicle Troubleshooting

1. Tire Check-Up – it is very important or every car owner to do a check-up on tires before driving the car, e.g. looking at the treads.

Car manufactures advise car owners to have their tires rotated after every 10,000 miles

2. Battery Check-up – There is one certain thing, your car battery will face its own death, but you don’t want is the battery dying when you are in the middle of a trip or doing something important. To avoid such problems, you should regularly check your battery.

3. Engine Check-up – A dead battery is usually the first one to get blamed when the car engine stops working. There are other problems that can result from a vehicle not being properly maintained. This is an area where troubleshooting helps a lot. If you are not comfortable with depth repair, i.e having to go under the hood of the car to replace plugs or repairing or replacing an electrical fuse, then you should get help from a mechanic in order to solve the issues.

A Smoking Engine

If things are worse and you start smelling anything burning or smoke coming out of your car when you are driving, you should pull over to a safe side before doing anything else, then turning off the engine, and if possible, power accessories, open the hood of your car, take the keys and get out of the car immediately.

Lack of maintenance can sometimes cause a smoky engine. The thermostat could be sticking or the coolant has run out. You can prevent a smoking engine through proper maintenance.

Leaking Fluids

Getting into a minor accident is tolerable, but if there are fluids leaking from the car, you might want to get the source of the leak. Fluids are there to make the vehicle run smoothly, so if it happens to run out as a result of leaking, then you will be faced with mechanical problems, and this means spending even more money to fix the problem. Before the problems get extensive you may want to reach out to Leahy’s Towing and get in contact with them about troubleshooting your vehicle.

The Benefits Of Motorcycle Towing Services

The Benefits Of Motorcycle Towing Services

For motorcyclists, roadside assistance can be invaluable whenever trouble occurs.If something goes wrong with your motorcycle when you are out on the road, knowing that there is help available can make a big difference. Having this type of protection provides additional security and can give you a great deal of peace of mind. There are certain situations, however, where you may need to call in additional help. For instance, if your motorcycle breaks down in the middle of nowhere, you may need to have it towed.

In the Harrisburg area, Leahy’s Towing provides professional towing services for motorcycles. Any time you go out riding, take their contact information with you. That way, if you have a problem, you can reach out for help right away.

If you are a parent, imagine how frightening it would be if your bike broke down while you were out riding with your child. Like most parents, you probably enjoy taking your kids for rides periodically. It is a fun bonding experience that you both can enjoy. Unfortunately, if your bike breaks down when you are out with your child, a good time can quickly turn into a risky situation. You need to get your bike off the road as quickly as you can.

If you enjoy traveling on your motorcycle, knowing where to go to get inexpensive towing services is a must. You can’t predict what will happen when you are out on the road. From running out of gas to winding up with a dead battery, a lot of things can go wrong. You might even misplace your keys when you stop for lunch or a quick snack. Although you can’t plan for every mishap, you can take steps to be prepared. Keeping the contact information of a local towing company on hand is a good starting point.

Towing providers in the Harrisburg area also offer other services. For instance, if you wind up getting lost, they can point you in the right direction. They can even help you arrange a hotel room if you need a place to stay until your bike is fixed. Working with a towing company that goes above and beyond to treat their customers well can make a big difference in your overall experience and can make you feel much more secure when you are out on the road.

Few things can give you the same level of confidence and security as having roadside assistance and towing services just a phone call away every time you hop on your motorcycle.

Quick Steps to Assess Car Problems

Quick Steps to Assess Car Problems

You are in the middle of your trip, then all of a sudden, the car stalls for no apparent reason and you completely have no idea what is wrong. The first thing that will come to your mind is asking yourself “can I get a tow truck to help me with this situation?”, but it is important to know what the problem could be.

The good thing is there is no need for skills and knowledge of a mechanic when diagnosing the problem with your car. There are some irregularities that you can easily spot, once you notice the problem with your car, make sure you reach out to a tow truck dispatcher.

Before you go even deeper, you should know whether the problem comes from the engine, battery related or not. The first thing a driver does when the engine stops is attempting to turn on the ignition. If you have tried but no response from the engine, then there is a good chance the problem could be with the battery. If you do this and the engine turns on, then you go a few meters then noticed that the steering wheel is wobbling, then steering fluid or tire could be the problem. The good thing is car manufacturers have warning signals ready if there is a problem like tire air pressure or fluid. A professional towing company can help if you end up getting stuck.

When you notice some quirks with the car, turn off the interior lights, headlights, and fog lights as soon as possible and get out of the car. This is important because it ensures the batteries are not going to get drained even more, and your stuff is stored safe and secure.

Tire Problem
It is important to detect when there is a problem with your tire because it exposes you to a lot of danger when you keep driving for 10-100 miles more.

Battery Problem
If the engine doesn’t respond after ignition, it could be a problem with the engine or the battery is drained or dead.

Engine-Related Problem
If the engine or lights don’t respond after switching on, then it is most likely something to do with the engine.

Don’t hesitate to call us the minute you need a tow. We are here to help.

Problems That Could Keep Your Vehicle From Starting

Problems That Could Keep Your Vehicle From Starting

You probably have experienced something like this at one point or another. After rushing out the door on your way to work, you get in your vehicle, stick the key in the ignition, turn it, and nothing happens. Your car is totally dead.

There are a lot of different problems that can keep your car from starting. Some of these problems are relatively simple and inexpensive to fix, while others are a lot more involved.

Your Battery Is Dead

Your car’s battery provides power so that it can start. If it is dead or drained, you won’t be able to get your car going. There are a lot of different reasons why dead batteries occur. For instance, if you accidentally leave the headlights on, your battery will eventually drain. If your alternator malfunctions, it also could result in a dead battery. Using jumper cables to “jump” the battery is a viable option if you find yourself in this situation, assuming there is another car nearby.

Your Starter Is Broken

The starter on your car, which is also known as the solenoid, is a small motor that sits between the battery and the engine. It helps the engine turn over when you turn the key in the ignition. If it malfunctions, your car won’t start.

Some signs that could indicate that the starter is the problem include hearing a clicking noise when you turn the key. Keep in mind, though, that the symptoms of a bad starter and a dead battery are a lot alike.

Signs that your starter may be malfunctioning include the following:

– You hear a clicking sound when you turn the key.

– Even though the engine tries to turn over, your car still won’t start.

– Your vehicle’s lights are working but you can’t get the engine to start.

Your Ignition Switch Is Defective

If you have a faulty or malfunctioning ignition switch, your starter won’t activate, which will keep your engine from turning over.

If you think that you may have a problem with your ignition switch, start by testing your battery to make sure that it is not the problem. Buying a new battery or starter is a lot cheaper than repairing your ignition switch, which is why it is smart to rule out those possibilities before taking on more significant repairs.

Your Vehicle Is Out Of Gas

One of the first things you should do if your car won’t start is to check the gas gauge. With how busy life is these days, it is easy to forget to stop for gas.

Even if your gas tank isn’t totally empty, if the level is extremely low, it could keep your vehicle from starting.

You may want to keep a small can of gas in the back of your car for situations like these. If you decide to do this, make sure that the gas can is fully secured to minimize the risk of fumes. You should also avoid smoking in your vehicle if you are carrying gas.

If your vehicle won’t start and you need a tow, call us at Leahy’s Towing to get you back on your wheels.

​Hire a Jumpstart Professional

​Hire a Jumpstart Professional

Trying to jumpstart your vehicle can be hazardous. It is important to hire a professional to do a dead battery service, and this is something experts recommend. You should not try to do it on your own because you expose yourself to the following threats:

1. Displacement of the jumper cables damaging the battery and risk starting a fire.

Sulfuric acid is one of the chemicals used in making a battery, and it can easily become highly flammable vapors leaking out of the vents. When the cables and clamps are placed on the wrong terminals, it results in sparks. When the flammable vapors meet the sparks, it can cause a fire or even an explosion. When you improperly jumpstart a vehicle, a single mistake can end up with serious injuries and a damaged car.

2. Doing it wrong can cause damage to the car

Water conducts electricity. When you try jumpstarting the vehicle when it is raining, it cannot end up with you getting injured, but there is the potential damage to your vehicle.

3. It very hard to find a Good Samaritan these days

Trying to fix the battery with quality and safety is not a big issue. You can decide to call your close friends to help, but there is no guarantee they are going to coming and rescue you. This is why you are left to rely on strangers that might decide to get out of their car to help you. This is a risky thing to do.

4. Getting a Battery Jumpstart Service Near You!

The good news is you can get help if you are living anywhere in or around Harrisburg, you can be able to get someone who is trustworthy and able to provide road assistance. Companies like Leahy’s Towing stands out as one of the best options. When it comes to getting road assistance services, you don’t have to spend a lot of money. You don’t have to go through a lot of trouble when you can get help fast. Call the line now and watch the help coming your way in a short time.

Helpful Tips For Towing A Car

Helpful Tips For Towing A Car

Cars don’t always break down in the most convenient places. If you find yourself stranded in the middle of nowhere with a stalled vehicle, you may need to have it towed.

Having a towrope is a must. These ropes are extremely strong and are designed not to stretch too much when pulling heavy loads. You can find them at most auto parts stores. If you happen to have a chain, you can also use that to tow the vehicle.

When connecting the broken-down vehicle to the tow vehicle, make sure the distance between the two cars measures approximately 1.5 meters. If the distance is any longer than that, make sure that other drivers can easily see the rope so that they realize that the vehicle in the back is being towed.

You should also use a sign to alert other drivers. You don’t need anything fancy. A simple piece of paper with the words “BEING TOWED” written on it should be adequate. Stick this sign in the window at the back of your vehicle so that the people behind you can see it.

To avoid damaging the vehicles, always start slowly when you begin moving. Avoid jerking on the chain or rope. This could not only cause it to break but could also wind up damaging one or both of the cars. Anytime you need to change lanes, turn, or come to a stop, always signal well in advance so that other drivers know what you are doing.

Even when you are having your vehicle towed, you should still be fully in control. Turn the key in the ignition before towing begins so that you can easily steer the vehicle. Always follow along with the vehicle that is towing yours, turning at the same time and using your brakes at the same time.

To keep the towing rope taut, lightly press on your brakes. This will help reduce the chances of having your vehicle jerk around. If your brakes aren’t working, you won’t be able to properly control your car while it is being towed. In that case, you will need to contact a professional towing company for assistance.

These towing tips should help you get your vehicle safely back to where it belongs, even when it is not running. If not you can give us a call.

Conversations With a Tow Dispatcher

Conversations With a Tow Dispatcher

There is no way to know when the car might break down; anybody can be affected. No matter the number of sessions on preventive car maintenance you have attended, the risk of your car breaking down is never eradicated entirely; all you can do is lessen it. When this happens to you, assessing and identifying the problem can seem like an easy thing, but if you do not have the skills, knowledge, and experience, the right tools and equipment to help you, it becomes very hard for you to find the problem and fix it on your own.

Basic Troubleshooting:

When the car breaks down, whether stuck in the middle of the road, entirely busted or impaired, or it still has some power to park on the side of the road where it is less dangerous. Usually, basic troubleshooting is an obvious thing to do next, but as a driver, it is important to have presence of mind.

It is very hard to accurately and efficiently repair and restore the car unless you know the problem it has.
Before you can get started with the process of troubleshooting the car or replacing the tire, battery, or other concerns, ensure you have pulled over and park it in a safer area. If this is not possible, then don’t think about anything else, just call a reliable and reputable roadside assistance company. They will be able to do things in an accurate, quality, and efficient manner.

There is a wide range of options when it comes to towing company, but the best option to choose is the one that is preferred by the majority – a company like Leahy’s Towing, provides quality car recovery and towing service, whether it is battery jumpstart, towing related, mobile tire service, gas delivery, tire replacement services, you can expect quality services. The best option is the one chosen by many people.

Seeking help from the best tow company in Harrisburg.
The best decision you will ever make is to get in contact for any car recovery and local tow services from a reliable company in your area like Leahy’s Towing.

What To Do If Your Car Breaks Down

What To Do If Your Car Breaks Down

If your car suddenly breaks down, it is important to know what to do. One of the first steps is to try to identify the problem. Some possible causes of a breakdown include the following:

1. Your vehicle is out of gas.

Running out of gas is one of the most common problems that drivers run into. As long as you are close to a gas station, this issue is easy to fix. If you are out in the middle of nowhere, however, things are a little bit more complicated.

2. Your car’s battery is dead.

If your vehicle’s battery is old or if your alternator is malfunctioning, the battery could die. Defective alternators draw power from your battery, which could leave it drained. Old batteries are also more prone to problems, which is why most experts recommend replacing your battery approximately every five years. Jumpstarting your vehicle is a good way to get it running if your battery is dead. Usually, the best option is to contact a company for roadside assistance rather than seeking help from people that you don’t know.

3. Your vehicle has overheated.

If your car overheats, you may not be able to start it. Overheating can result from a number of problems ranging from too much strain on the engine to extremely hot weather.

4. You have a flat tire.

Flat tires are sometimes unavoidable. Even if you do everything right when it comes to vehicle maintenance, if you happen to drive over a sharp object, it can puncture your tire, leaving you stuck on the side of the road.

What To Do If Your Car Breaks Down

1. Pull your vehicle off the road.

As soon as you notice a problem with your car, pull off the road, parking as far out of the lane of traffic as you can.

2. Activate the hazard lights on your vehicle.

To turn on the hazard lights, push the button in your car that is marked with an orange or red triangle. These lights will capture the attention of anyone who is driving by, letting them know that your vehicle is disabled on the side of the road.

3. Reach out to a roadside assistance company.

If you can’t get your car going within a reasonable amount of time on your own, the next best option is to contact a company that offers towing or roadside assistance.

Seasonal Car Preparation

WINTER CAR PREPARATION

The cold weather affects cars as does rain and other adverse weather conditions in many ways. Therefore, it is important to do as much as you can to protect your car as this will keep your vehicle in good condition regardless of the weather. This article is going to help you protect your car during frigid weather by giving you tips on how to do this.

Antifreeze Levels

In winter, it is good to ensure that the mixing ratio of water and antifreeze is 50:50. I understand that most of the drivers out there often use a mixture with a higher ratio of water in summer. However, this should not be the case in winter as the water in the tank can freeze can lead to car problems. Your vehicle needs to have a fresh amount of antifreeze before winter arrives.

Tires and Chains

One of the best ways to prepare for winter is to get winterized tires. This is because summer tires cannot handle icy surfaces as they don’t have as much grip as winterized tires. It is a good idea to buy new Winterized tires every season. It is also good to always carry 2 separate tire chains in your trunk as this will ensure that you are always prepared for seriously slippery conditions.

Wash Your Car

If you are in an area that does not have extremely low temperatures, wash your car once in a while in winter. This removes de-icing salt which can cause damage to your car’s metal parts. Ice can cause serious damage to the lower half of your vehicle as it causes damaging rust build up on a car.

Be Aware Of Road Conditions

Check the weather forecast for your destination and the areas you will pass through before traveling. This is important, especially when driving long distance. The best times to check the weather forecast is the day before you travel and right before you start your journey. Doing this will help you be as prepared as possible.

Cover Up Your Car

If you are in a place far away from your garage, you need to think of ways to protect your car from snow or ice. The best way to protect your car apart from the shelter of your garage is to use a car cover. Covering your car in winter will protect your car against ice or snow which can break your windshield wipers or freeze your car shut.

Leahy’s Towing are the professionals that you need, when you get in a bind, stuck in snow or otherwise. Calling us for more details is the first step to preparing yourself for these situations.