When you own your own business or farm, it’s very important to choose the right equipment haulers to help transport your machinery and tools from place to place on the road.
This can be tricky since it’s easy to make a couple of mistakes that could end up costing you big time down the line. Sometimes these mistakes may even lead to expensive repairs or worse, including equipment loss and even personal injury, when the wrong truck shows up for the job at hand.
To help you avoid these common mistakes, here are the top four things you need to keep in mind when choosing an equipment hauler.
1. Not Considering the Hauling Distance
One of the most common mistakes made by farmers is not considering the distance they will need their equipment hauled.
For example, if a farmer lives in Kansas and needs their equipment hauled from Ohio, they may be paying more than necessary simply because they are unaware of how far it is from point A to point B.
This can be avoided by taking into account how much hauling distance is required and then comparing rates before making a final decision.
2. Not Checking the License and Insurance Status of the Company
All farm equipment haulers are not created equal. While it may be tempting to choose the first one you find, make sure that you check their license and insurance status before signing a contract. Some states require haulers to have a license, while others do not.
But in either case, you should check with your state’s Department of Transportation or Highway Safety Administration office before signing up with any company.
In addition to licensing and insurance requirements, many arm equipment haulers also ask for a list of items being transported so they can estimate weight and cost. If this isn’t included in the estimate or contract, make sure it is discussed before the hauling begins so there are no surprises later on.
3. Overlooking the Condition of the Equipment
First and foremost, it is important that you inspect the condition of the equipment before entering into a contract with any equipment hauler. The cost of purchasing new machinery varies significantly between different models.
It is very important that you are able to see if there are any damages or maintenance issues with the machinery before you enter into a contract.
If the hauler has any questions or concerns about your machinery, they will ask them upfront and give you time to get it fixed up or replaced before they move it.
4. Not Checking References
Many companies that offer farm equipment haulers will want to come on-site, assess your needs and give you a quote. It is important that you always ask for references before hiring one and be sure not to take their word at face value.
Have them give you three or four references of other farms that they have worked with that are in similar situations as yours. If they have no references, it may be best not to hire them without further research.
Some other things you can do is ask for their license number and make sure the company name matches the name on the license.
Do not forget about insurance! Farm equipment haulers should be insured and know what kind of coverage they offer so you don’t get ripped off with fees later down the road.
More importantly, look for the kind of roadside repair they provide. The last thing you need is to start searching for roadside repair service near you when your goods are in transit.
Rely On The Experts at Shenandoah Towing & Recovery For All Your Farm Equipment Hauling Needs
Choosing the right farm equipment hauler is important, especially since they will be handling your heavy-duty and expensive farming equipment. It can be a daunting task, but when you choose Shenandoah Towing & Recovery, they make it easy for you.
At Shenandoah Towing & Recovery we understand what size truck you need and whether you need a flatbed truck or not. We have the necessary insurance coverage and will give you an accurate quote to have your equipment transported by our haulers.
Contact us today to get a free quote!
If your car doesn’t start, or you are involved in an unfortunate accident, you wouldn’t want to be concerned about having to find a reliable tow truck business. It’s the last thing you’d want to worry about. However, because there are so many options available, it is essential to conduct extensive research in order to identify the business that will deliver the highest possible level of service. The following are some tips from industry professionals that should assist you in hiring a towing company in Woodstock VA:
1-Ask for the Company License and Insurance
It is essential to check the company’s credentials, including their insurance and licenses, before using a tow truck service.
To determine whether or not a business possesses a valid license, you can contact the Department of Transportation in your state. This is a crucial stage in the selection process of any towing company, but it is of the utmost importance when looking for roadside assistance. Check that the company you’re thinking about hiring has the appropriate licenses and insurance so that you won’t be responsible for covering any costs if a problem occurs. Towing service providers can deliver the services you require if they have the appropriate licensing and insurance.
Unlicensed and uninsured operators make up a significant portion of the towing industry. This is a significant risk since if something bad happens, you won’t be covered by insurance. Before you choose a towing company in Woodstock VA, you need to be sure they can provide documentation that they are insured. This will shield you from liability particularly in the event that your car sustains damage while being towed.
2-Only Choose an Established Towing Service
It is essential to take into account the level of experience not just of the towing company in Woodstock VA, but also of their tow truck drivers. It is usually a good idea to use a towing business that has a lot of experience. A business that has been in operation for many years is more likely to be reliable and to possess a greater understanding of how to respond appropriately to a variety of circumstances. In order to efficiently and safely tow a vehicle, the driver should have the appropriate permits, training, and plenty of experience in the field. The driver won’t only be able to manage the situation swiftly and effectively, but also address any potential complications that may come up in the process.
3-Ask for Competitive Rates
It is essential to ensure that you are getting the best price while searching for a towing company since this will allow you to save the most money. Before settling on one option, it is a good idea to compare the prices of the various services that are available to you. In most cases, you may find these rates by searching the internet or by calling several companies. When you have a number of options available to you, you can make a comparison and decide which one best suits your needs. While some offer a set price for the entire job, some towing companies charge by the mile. If you find out ahead of time how much a service will cost, you can save yourself from any unpleasant surprises down the road.
Make sure you inquire about any additional costs as well. Some towing businesses, aside from the cost of the actual tow, may also charge additional fees for storage, fuel, and many other miscellaneous expenses. Before you commit to using a service, it is important that you find out whether or not there are any extra costs that you will be liable to pay.
4-Be Sure to Examine the Fine Print
When you are selecting a towing service, it is essential to read any and all fine print that may apply. Follow this tip, so you won’t have to worry about any surprise costs. Make sure that you have a clear understanding of everything that is included with the price of a tow and everything that is not included.
Some services may, at first glance, appear to be an excellent value; however, following deeper study, you may discover that there are several hidden fees that make them unappealing. You can avoid unwanted surprises further down the road if you read the fine print or the contract meticulously.
Hiring a Towing Company in Woodstock VA | Choose Shenandoah Towing
If you follow the advice of industry leaders such as Shenandoah Towing LLC, you should have no trouble spotting a reliable tow truck company. At Shenandoah Towing LLC, we can provide you with the highest possible level of service. In the event that your vehicle becomes inoperable, or you are involved in an automobile accident, trust us to transport your vehicle to the location it needs to be. To know more about our towing service, contact us today!
As a towing service in Woodstock VA, we want to ensure our customers remain safe and secure on the road, so here are a few tips for climatizing your driving. Freak weather conditions are being reported more regularly worldwide, and it seems that extreme weather is becoming more common. With extreme weather changing road conditions, we must learn to adapt to avoid accidents.
Battling the Heat
Hot weather isn’t usually something to complain about, but it can quickly become uncomfortable in the right conditions. There are a few concerns when it comes to hot weather that relates more to the driver than the car or road.
Heat Stroke and Migraine
Strange things can happen to our bodies in extreme heat. When our body is exposed to prolonged periods of extreme heat, for example, sitting in traffic in the mid-Summer sun, we can experience heat stroke. The usual symptoms are headache and dizziness, but feeling sick, cramped, or clammy are also giveaways. One may also fall victim to a migraine, a severe headache that can also be caused by exposure. The best way to avoid these problems is to ensure the A/C in your car is working and avoiding peak traffic during the hotter times of the day.
Dehydration
While it is linked to heat stroke and migraines, dehydration should be taken more seriously as it can have more subtle effects on us. From impairing decision-making to eventually causing us to faint, dehydration is a common cause of health issues in the Summer months. Of course, the best way to avoid dehydration is by hydrating, but also ensure that you’re getting electrolytes from a healthy source.
Fiery Tension
The sun doesn’t just make us feel physically unwell, it can also cause frustration that can lead to road rage. While it may be difficult, keeping your cool during hotter months can minimize any road rage-related accidents.
Weathering the Rain
While the sun affects us more than road conditions, the rain has the opposite effect. Rain makes road surfaces slippery, which can affect our driving, especially at speed or on corners. When driving in the rain, there are a couple of age-old tips that are worth remembering.
The Four Second Rule
When driving behind someone, we should aim to keep two seconds between our vehicles. This can usually be gauged by counting the seconds it takes for you to pass a landmark that the car in front has passed. When it’s raining, however, we should extend this to four seconds to accommodate for the slipperiness of the wet road. It can be hard to know exactly how long a second is, so counting ‘1 Mississippi, 2 Mississippi, etc.’ can help.
Check Your Tread Out Before You Head Out
The tread on your car’s tires is largely responsible for keeping you stuck on the road at all times, especially in the rain. There are specially made grooves that allow the car to move over the road but still retain that ever-important friction. This tread is slowly worn over time, and once it gets to a certain point will require the whole tire to be replaced. Be sure to check your tread regularly to ensure that there is still a safe amount left.
Rained Out
Sometimes when it rains, it pours, and no amount of windscreen wiping and squinting can compensate for how blind this amount of rain makes a driver. It’s in these conditions that mistakes are made, as not only does the rain impair visibility, but it is also very distracting. If it is raining heavily, then consider putting off driving if possible. Otherwise, if you’re driving, and it starts pelting down, then try to find a safe place to pull over and wait it out.
Surviving the Snow
Unlike rain and sun, snow presents an array of much more serious risks when driving, as it can affect the road and the driver. With snow usually comes extremely cold weather, which can range from being distracting to outright uncomfortable. When it comes to driving in the snow, it isn’t too dissimilar to driving in the rain in that you need to be much more careful. Additionally, your car needs to be able to drive in the snow, which will usually boil down to the type of tires you use. Be sure to put your winter tires on well in advance and to check the tread is still at an appropriate level. Also, consider the necessity of driving on particularly snowy days. There may be alternatives like carpooling with your neighbor who has a 4×4, for example.
Climatizing Your Driving: Tips from Shenandoah Towing
Here at Shenandoah Towing, we know no amount of preparation can get us ready for the unexpected, and incidents can occur, even if you do your best in climatizing your driving. If you do get into an accident, regardless of whether it was caused by the weather, contact us at Shenandoah Towing! We will always be there to lend a helping hand, no matter the cause.
If you’re driving a car that’s already seen its best days, you may not think about roadside repair, but it’s worth considering as an insurance policy against mechanical failure. When your car fails to start or breaks down in the middle of nowhere, roadside repair will send someone to help you get it repaired, which can save you hours of stress and anguish. If you live in Shenandoah Valley, here are four reasons why you need roadside assistance from a trusted roadside repair Shenandoah County VA company, so you can avoid getting stranded on the road.
#1- Considering Roadside Repair in Shenandoah County, VA
Even if you’re just planning on taking a short road trip, it’s a good idea to have some form of roadside repair options just in case your car develops a mechanical problem leaving you stranded away from home or the nearest mechanic. Traveling in an unfamiliar area or driving conditions that are challenging can be stressful enough without having your car break down. The thought of being stranded on a road with no help in sight is terrifying and even a minor issue can cause big problems.
As long as you know that roadside repair is available, you can breathe easy and not worry about getting stuck or having to walk several miles to find help. Plus, the company’s car towing services will come to your rescue whether it’s day or night. It doesn’t matter when your car breaks down; there will always be someone who will come to get you.
#2-During Harsh Winters
The freezing conditions of harsh winters aren’t quite forgiving to old cars. Besides the slippery and sometimes hard-to-navigate roads, winter also comes with frequent mechanical and electrical vehicle malfunctions. If you drive often during harsh winters, you need roadside repair services, just in case you find yourself stranded in the middle of nowhere on a dark wintry night.
However, it is worth mentioning that when driving under harsh winter conditions, it’s crucial to have an emergency kit with essential tools and supplies in your vehicle. Having a kit can save your life – and maybe someone else’s too! An emergency kit should include flashlights, road flares, a first-aid kit, and water. It also helps to keep a blanket and extra clothing in case you’re stranded somewhere cold. And make sure you know how to use all of these items before setting out on your trip.You should always have a good backup plan when driving in winter, just in case your car breaks down and you need help pushing it or providing fuel or if you have an accident and need a tow truck fast. Your best plan, however, is to call a reliable roadside repair service whenever you have a car breakdown on the road.
#3-If Your Car Battery Dies and You Don’t Have Jumper Cables
An unexpected dead battery is an inconvenience, but it doesn’t have to ruin your day. If you’re traveling, though, a dead battery can be a bigger problem – not just because of any destination you need to get to but also because of how stuck you are at that moment. If your car won’t start, and you don’t have jumper cables or roadside assistance with service in your area, call a tow truck or a good roadside repair service provider.
#4-In Case of Damage from Flooding
You need tow services or roadside repair services if you’re caught in a flash flood, or your car is stuck in a stream or lake. In case you find yourself stuck in flood, turn around and get out as quickly as possible. Pull to higher ground, if possible. Otherwise, stay in your vehicle with your seatbelt buckled and wait for help to arrive.
If you must exit your vehicle during flooding, make sure that it is not submerged before doing so (wait until water levels recede) and walk on footpaths rather than driving through standing water on roadways. Never drive through a flooded area even if it seems safe to do so. The risk is not worth it, no matter how fast you want to get home. Call a reliable towing service Woodstock VA company for assistance instead.
24-Hour Roadside Repair in Shenandoah County VA Service
Car trouble can happen anywhere, at any time – and it’s never convenient. The good news is that roadside repair companies such as Shenandoah Towing and Recovery offer peace of mind.
With our roadside assistance and towing services, car breakdowns are one less thing to worry about on your road trip. We provide great customer service and 24-hour 7 days roadside repair and towing services.
We specialize in roadside repair services for all types of vehicles including motorbikes, trucks, trailers, cars, and heavy-duty equipment. Shenandoah Towing and Recovery also services hauling equipment. With our 25-ton equipment trailer, you can count on us for all your equipment hauling needs.
Contact us today to learn more about our roadside repair services!
You’ve just turned onto route 81 outside of Woodstock, VA., and a red Ford Mustang cut you off, causing you to slam on your brakes. The mustang disappears in front of you, and the rest is a blur. After pulling over to the side of the road, you get out of the cab to check your load. You notice the tarp sitting over the lumber has not moved. However, upon closer inspection, the straps holding the lumber in place on your flatbed are leaning towards the cab. It appears that your load has shifted. Luckily, one of your fellow truckers and best buddy told you about Shenandoah Towing a towing service in Woodstock VA., that was able to help him. His load shifted a couple of months ago, and the Shenandoah Towing crew redistributed his load and got him back on the road in no time. You call Shenandoah Towing, and their experienced staff helps you no matter how many towing problems you have. It’s never good when your load shifts. It creates a weight imbalance that can cause your truck to veer or suddenly tip over.
Here is everything we will do for providing support for load shifts.
Load Shifts Are the Top Towing Problems You May Face
- The loading team doesn’t follow proper securement requirements.
- A strap comes loose or breaks during transport
- A driver aggressively brakes, and the load slides toward the cab.
- An accident occurs due to driver distraction
- A truck driver is exhausted, tired, or becomes drowsy
- A driver takes a turn too quickly
- A driver is speeding
- The roads are full of potholes or is unlevel
In order to prevent a load shift from happening, the Department of Transportation – Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA) publishes Cargo Securement Rules. These rules that motor carriers must follow cover all commercial motor vehicles (CMV) carrying cargo.
During Interstate Transport Commodities May Experience Load Shift Towing Problems
Logs
Almost all logs are included except those that are bound together, under four processed logs, stumps, firewood, or short logs.
Dressed Lumber and other building materials
This section applies to packages of dressed lumber, bundled lumber, and other building materials including gypsum board and plywood.
Metal Coils
The metal coils must weigh more than 5,000 lbs.
Paper Rolls
The paper rolls individually or on a pallet must weigh more than 5,000 lbs.
Concrete Pipes
A concrete pipe that is tied together without rolling or loaded onto a container or-sided vehicle.
Intermodal containers
These are freight containers constructed and designed to be used during two or more transport modes.
Automobiles, Vans, and Light Trucks
This category applies to transporting Automobiles, Vans, or Light Trucks that weigh less than 10,000 lbs.
Heavy Vehicles, Machinery, and Equipment
This section applies to the transport of bulldozers, front-end loaders, power shovels, and tractors that weigh more than 10,000 lbs.
Crushed or Flattened Vehicles
These vehicles are intentionally flattened or crushed in preparation for recycling. On the other hand, those vehicles that are flattened or crushed due to an accident should follow general securement rules.
Hook-lift or Roll-on/Roll-off Containers
These are specialized containers used to transport waste, demolition, recycling, and scrap materials.
Large Boulders
This section applies to the transport of any natural irregularly shaped large rock weighing over 11,000 lbs or has a volume of two cubic meters. The FMCSA also stipulates the proper use of securement devices necessary to secure your load. For instance, they describe the use of tiedown devices, unmarked tiedown devices, anchor points both unrated and unmarked, and front-end structures like headerboards.
Shenandoah Towing Prevents Towing Problems with Our Towing Service in Woodstock VA
When you carry any of the cargo listed above and are experiencing shifting loads, we have the equipment necessary to shift your load correctly, redistributing the weight. Shenandoah Towing service in Woodstock VA., is also equipped to transfer all or part of your load to another trailer. For example, we can unload and reload equipment properly, redistribute your load correctly, transport any overload to its final destination, or utilize forklifts on your flatbed trailer to redistribute your load. If something unexpected happens with your load, we are just a phone call away and here to help. We cover Virginia’s major highways like I-81 and I-64 and many towns surrounding Woodstock, VA. When your load shifts, we’ll help you make the needed adjustments and get you on your way. Contact us today to get started!
Shenandoah Towing, the one towing service in Woodstock VA., you can count on for roadside repair, is prepared to serve you 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. We can even get you on the road again on holidays and weekends. Our knowledgeable staff knows exactly how to help when emergencies arise, no matter the scenario or conditions. The summer months are upon us, the pandemic is manageable, and the kids are out of school. Highways across America are filling up with cars packed with vacationers and their stuff. Everyone’s ready to have some fun in the sun. Your mom has prepared snacks to enjoy on your road trip, and your dad has kicked the tires and checked under the hood to make sure you absolutely, positively get there safely.
Everything is packed and ready to go when you wake up excited to start out on your journey at dawn. But several hours into the trip, disaster strikes. Your car hits one of those unrepaired potholes left over from winter, causing a flat tire. Your dad pulls the car over to the side of the road after hearing a groaning, grinding sound. Your car joins the whole line of cars stopped on the side of the road with similar tire issues. Our experienced staff member is ready to help and suggests that you begin emptying the trunk full of your vacation stuff. After the car trunk is emptied, you lift the plywood cover only to discover that the jack is missing. But luckily, you still have the donut spare. For today’s blog, let’s talk about roadside repair and what you can do to work towards preventing these predicaments from occurring.
Ways To Prevent A Flat Tire
Here are things to be aware of when it comes to the tires on your car
- Check your tire pressure – Checking your car’s tire pressure often and making sure it equals the recommended pressure requirement is vital.
- Check for cracks, cuts, or bubbles – Once you come across one of these problems, call the tire repair shop and have it fixed immediately.
- Rotate the tires every six months or so – The front tires support more weight than the back ones. They also experience additional stress from braking and steering. By rotating the tires, there will be fewer headaches down the road.
- Replace your tires – A tire’s tread can handle about 60,000 miles worth of wear and tear; however, it may need to be replaced sooner.
- The tires come equipped with a wear bar. It’s a strip of rubber situated in the middle of the tread, which helps gauge your tire’s wear and tear.
- When the tread is even with the wear bar, it’s time to replace the tire.
How to Fix a Flat Tire
If your preventative measures have failed you, then its time to pick up your big boy pants and get to work fixing your flat tire. Here are the steps to do so:
- Step 1: Pull over on the highway far away from any moving traffic. Make sure to stop in a safe place where you wont get hit by a car, and a flat surface.
- Step 2: Remove your tire bar and spare tire from the trunk of your car.
- Step 3: Place some big rocks behind your tires to prevent your car from moving backwards when you remove your spare.
- Step 4: Remove your tire jack and start jacking your car off the ground by locating the jacking points. The jacking points for most vehicles are reinforced metal ribs specifically designed to safely lift the vehicle. On most vehicles, there are four jacking points. They’re located under the car’s rocker panels, just behind the front wheels and just ahead of the rear wheels.
- Step 5: Remove the lug nuts and locking nuts from your vehicle with your tire bar
- Step 6: Remove the flat tire and replace with the spare tire
- Step 7: Hand tigthen the lug nuts, then tighten each lug nut 50% for each lug nut and then rotate to the next lug nut and continue until all are tighten. We want to evenly tighten the lug nuts that’s why we keep rotating to a new lug nut each time.
Other signs that your tires need your attention include vibration or the wheel’s shimmy while driving. There may also be a hissing type of sound signifying a slow leak.
Still, there are a few other essential things about tires to know. Specifically, the very first time you have a flat shouldn’t be your first tire change. Changing a tire in your driveway will be good practice for the time when you actually have a flat. And lastly, once you get a flat, pull over to the side of the road as quickly and safely as possible. Continually driving on a flat will damage your car and be dangerous.
Help Is On The Way: Shenandoah Towing: A Premier Towing Service In Woodstock VA
So, with help from Shenandoah Towing LLC’s towing service in Woodstock VA., you’re back on the road. It’s late, and you need to stay the night at a hotel so you can wake up bright and early the next morning to finish the trip. After an excellent night’s sleep, you round up the troops and start the car. But rather than hearing the roar of the engine, there’s silence. Your headlights don’t work, and the dome light is dim. Your car battery is dead. It’s another disaster. It’s early in the morning, and not even the birds are chirping yet. But you know that you can rely on Shenandoah’s 24/7 towing service to jumpstart your car. Our roadside repair services will get you back on the road day or night. We can service any kind of vehicle you drive, from cars and motorcycles to tractor-trailers and dump trucks.
When something unexpected happens with your vehicle, or you just need a jumpstart, we are here to help and just a phone call away. Contact us today! We cover Virginia’s I-66 and I-81 corridors along with many towns in and around Woodstock, VA., and we’ll get you on your way when you absolutely, positively need to get there.
Shenandoah Towing, your number one heavy-duty towing service in Woodstock VA., is ready to serve you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We are even available on holidays. Our experienced, highly trained CDL drivers use heavy-duty towing equipment to help get you out of a jam or get you unstuck. Our fleet of trucks are available when you need us. Heavy-duty towing is not your regular run-of-the-mill conventional towing. When your heavy vehicle breaks down, rolls over, is in an accident, or is simply stuck in the snow or mud, you’ll need a specialized heavy-duty tow truck with professional equipment to help you. Heavy-duty tow trucks are large and extremely powerful. They are equipped with amplified recovery mechanisms and pulling power needed to get you out of the most challenging scenarios. Today, we’d like to discuss the importance of heavy-duty towing services
Reasons For Using A Towing Service
- Times when machinery breaks down at a construction site. Construction site machinery sometimes runs all day and night, so the chances of breaking down are high. Our heavy-duty towing service can get your machinery to and from the repair shop quickly and efficiently.
- If your machinery runs out of gas, we can take it to the nearest gas station.
- To move heavy road construction machinery to and from the repair shop or another road construction site.
- To relocate heavy machinery quickly from one site to another. Typically, heavy equipment moves slowly, but we can speed up the time it takes to get it there when it has to be there fast.
It is good to know what types of vehicles require heavy-duty towing. It’s all based on your vehicle’s weight.
Some general types of vehicles that need heavy-duty towing include:
- Buses
- Semi-trucks and trailers
- Commercial trucks
- Motor homes and Recreational Vehicles
- Extreme vehicles or vehicles that use more than six wheels or tracks, such as big rigs. Garbage trucks, and Bobtails.
Additionally, there are three things to know about light-duty and heavy-duty towing before seeking a towing service in Woodastock VA.
Differences Between Light Towing And Heavy-Duty Towing
- Light-duty towing consists of the regular everyday towing services, while heavy-duty towing requires specialized trucks and equipment. Heavy-duty tow trucks are equipped with up to 25-ton booms, a winch, and 6-ton wheel lifts.
- Asking and hiring the wrong tow truck can be expensive and wasteful. For instance, don’t use a heavy-duty tow truck for your sedan, and a light-duty tow truck won’t be powerful enough to tow your heavy-duty vehicle safely.
- It is essential to keep in mind that heavy-duty tow trucks typically carry loads weighing 17,000 pounds or more. In fact, the common cut-off weight between light to medium-duty towing and heavy-duty towing is 17,000 pounds or 8 ½ tons.
Heavy-duty towing not only includes the tow truck but also requires specialized equipment to ensure a safe and efficient tow.
The specialized equipment includes:
- Wheel lifts or Under lifts – These specialized lifts attach to the front or back wheels to hoist them partially from the road.
- Light bars – Situated directly behind the driver’s side window, they provide lighting during low-visibility conditions.
- Chains and hooks – These are securing measures used to keep the vehicle fixed in place.
- Winches – Using chains, synthetic ropes, or cables wrapped around a drum, a winch can lift a vehicle from the road or fully lift it onto a flatbed truck.
- Boom lifts – This long, high extension rig on the rear of the tow truck works in conjunction with the winch. All booms come equipped with slings to effectively cradle a vehicle. Some booms allow a heavy-duty wrecker to rotate, removing vehicles from hard-to-reach places.
- Outriggers – Rear outriggers act like additional metal posts giving a heavy-duty tow truck more stability.
A Professional Towing Service In Woodstock VA
Our towing service in Woodstock VA., has made it a mission to get our clients and their vehicles out of unpleasant situations as quickly and safely as possible. Our knowledgeable staff knows exactly how to help when emergencies arise, regardless of the conditions. When something unexpected happens with your heavy-duty vehicle, or you just need a tow from one place to another, we are here to help. Contact us today for all of your towing needs and towing services!
As instrumental as vehicles have been since their invention, when they break down they become a relatively immovable burden. In response to this, we’ve seen specialized trucks with a small crane attached on the back used to hoist vehicles for moving. These local towing service trucks haven’t changed much since their inception, nor have the reasons why people call them.
Here at Shenandoah Towing LLC, we’ve been providing a towing service in Woodstock VA for some time now, and have witnessed a range of reasons for towing. In some cases, the tow truck is a last-ditch effort to move a vehicle from its current position, although it doesn’t have to be. If you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies for a tow truck, read on.
Local Towing Service for Collisions
Traffic collisions are one way to utilize a towing company. Regardless of what causes them, getting the vehicles out of the way can ensure that no other accidents happen. Tow trucks can bring your vehicle to a local mechanic, and in some cases, like our towing service in Woodstock VA, they may have their own auto repair garage.
This can get you back on the road for your daily commute, dropping the kids to school, or whatever else you need to do.
Break-Downs
Another inevitability on the road is a car breakdown, especially for those of us who cannot afford to buy a brand new car. Break-downs, like collisions, can be caused by anything from running out of gas to full mechanical failures.
As with collisions, getting your vehicle towed to a local mechanic can ensure that you’re back on the road in no time. In some cases though, you may only need a fuel delivery, which is something that we at Shenandoah Towing LLC, and many other towing companies will also offer.
Getting Stuck
Getting your vehicle stuck is another common enough occurrence, and can be the source of a lot of stress. There are any number of terrains that can cause your vehicle to get stuck, and usually, our best efforts at getting out will only dig us deeper.
Sand
Driving on the beach is a lot of fun, as usually those beaches which allow driving have plenty of space. Although one risk when taking a non-4×4 on the beach is getting it stuck in the sand, particularly the softer sand at the back of the beach near the road (away from the shore). A common mistake people make when getting stuck in the sand is trying to drive out of it immediately.
Instead, follow the instructions in this excellent article.
If that doesn’t work, then it might be time to call your local tow service to bring in the big guns. Be sure to mention that you’re on the beach, and to find the closest access point available.
Mud
Common on rural properties, mud can be particularly sticky in the wetter months of the year. While many who live rurally will have 4x4s and their own towing equipment, there are instances where it’s best to call in the experts. Unlike sand, getting unstuck from mud can be a frustrating and messy ordeal that can even pose some danger.
Follow the professional advice in this article to try and get yourself out of the mud. Again, if that doesn’t work, then it will be time to call upon your local tow service for assistance.
Snow
Like mud, snow can be messy and dangerous to try and get your vehicle out of alone. If you’re driving in a snowy area, you and your vehicle should be equipped to handle those conditions. That often means chains on the tires, but on top of that, you should also have a snow shovel to help move snow out of the way.
To get yourself unstuck from the snow, check out this article here.
Otherwise, if that doesn’t work, call upon your local towing service to pull you free.
Moving Someone Else’s Vehicle
We’ve all seen the depiction of this scenario on TV shows and movies, and although it’s often dramatized, you may have the right to have someone else’s vehicle towed. This depends on the local laws on the matter, and it’s usually better to call the police via their non-emergency number first. Although if someone’s vehicle is blocking your driveway, and you need to get somewhere, then you shouldn’t feel bad about calling the cops on their illegal and selfish behavior.
Professional Local Towing Service In Woodstock VA
Here at Shenandoah Towing LLC, we’re confident that our towing service in Woodstock VA is just what you’ll need in those panicked moments behind the above scenarios. We also have roadside repair services and a fully-fledged workshop at our disposal, so you can call us knowing that it’s the only call you’ll need to make.
When most people think of tow trucks, they will think of towing vehicles which have been parked in the wrong place. While this is true some time, it’s more common for tow trucks to be called out to traffic accidents where a vehicle is rendered inoperable, or a vehicles tires have blown out, which is why we offer roadside tire repair near me. Being able to tow a vehicle out of harm’s way can not only protect other people using the road, but also save the car from being damaged any further.
Having provided a towing service in Woodstock VA for some time now, we have years of experience in helping people to remove their car from the road after unimaginably scary accidents. Often the driver will be in a state of shock and not even coherent enough to move the vehicle themselves, let alone start the process of rectifying their vehicle. Here at Shenandoah Towing, we know that accidents can not only harm us or our vehicles, but can also impact our lives by taking away our main form of transport.
This is one of several reasons why we offer roadside repair and automotive repairs along with being a provider of a towing service in Woodstock VA.
Here’s a glimpse at everything else we focus on!
- Light and Medium Duty Towing and Recovery
- Heavy Duty Towing and Recovery
- Equipment Hauling
- Roadside Repair
- Transport Services & Specialty Moving
- Car Repair Facility and Car Detailing
- Load Shifts
- Site Restoration
- Rotator Wrecker
We Focus on Roadside Tire Repair in Woodstock, VA
As previously stated, it’s not uncommon for a traffic accident to leave one or both the drivers in a state of shock. This state may render the most competent person incapable of the most basic tasks and decision-making. Although after a crash, an accident, or even a small rupture in your tire, some decisions will need to be made relatively quickly, and it’s during this confusion that people are easily taken advantage of.
By calling a towing service which also provides roadside tire repair near me, and roadside automotive repairs, you can simplify this situation for yourself. Once the towing vehicle is on its way, you can rest easy and try to regain your composure. Allow the professionals to handle the heavy lifting while you focus on recovering.
Save on Time
Every crash is different, with some minor crashes causing structural damage and some major crashes causing cosmetic damage. Although one consistent factor when a crash does occur is the amount of time lost on identifying and repairing anything that was damaged. Unless you’re a mechanic, you probably won’t have the know how to identify whether the damage is structural or cosmetic.
By contacting a towing service, you can expect a much faster repair time on your car. They may even be able to determine whether your vehicle needs to be taken for repairs, or whether minor repairs can be achieved on the roadside. Having offered these services alongside our towing service in Woodstock VA, we’ve saved numerous people immeasurable amounts of time, getting them back on the road faster.
On top of this, our services are offered 24/7. So if you get into an accident at night or in the wee hours of the morning, you won’t have to wait around until the following day’s business hours.
Save on Money
While one-stop shops are notorious for poor quality goods, those providers of services which overlap are often able to save their customers a lot of money. If you’ve had an accident, and you’ve called a tow truck to take your vehicle to a mechanic, only to find that the mechanic is closed that day or cannot service your vehicle, you’ll have lost precious time and money.
By providing both roadside repairs for minor damage, and in-house repairs at our workshop, we are able to save our customers money and time on not having to shop around for the right price.
Roadside Tire Repair Near Me
On top of providing the ability to repair any vehicles we tow, we also have a few other services which overlap into other relevant areas.
Dead Battery Recovery
Most of the cars we see that are dead on the side of the road have problems with their charging system. Usually this could be the ECM (Electronic Control Module) which controls the Alternator which charges the Battery which charges the car. Most of the time a simple fix is needed which is replacing your old battery with a new battery. If this is the case, we can help get you back on the road. If the problem is more mechanical in nature, and you need a new car part, our towing service can help you take your car to your local mechanic.
Heavy Duty Towing and Recovery
Not every vehicle weighs the same, and some vehicles will require a lot more than a standard tow truck to bring them back to the road. If you’ve been in an accident in a tractor or truck, this service will be more relevant than standard towing.
Site Restoration
It’s not uncommon for a traffic accident to cause damage to the road, or leave debris strewn about, which can be harmful to pedestrians and other drivers. We provide site restoration services to bring the crash site back to its former glory.
Professional Towing Service In Woodstock VA Offers Roadside Tire Repair Near Me
If you’re planning on towing something heavier than what you’re used to, then you may want to save yourself from any risk by hiring our professional haulers. They are equipped with vehicles that can haul any kind of equipment, and can do so with the professionalism required to ensure your goods are stored safely and correctly. Give us a call today!
To say that driving has bettered our lives would be an absolute understatement. The ability to travel freely from point A to point B without exerting almost any effort, and while also remaining sheltered is something we take for granted nowadays. This has given the individual a lot more power than most people have had in history, although as Spiderman’s uncle said “with great power comes great responsibility”.
Tips for Staying Focused | Towing Near Me
An all too common cause of call-outs for our towing service Woodstock VA is minor accidents due to one or more drivers not paying attention while driving. This problem plagues every country in the world at the moment, due to the sheer proliferation of phones and how affordable they’ve become. Although phones aren’t the only distraction we have when driving, and if you, like so many others, already struggle to focus, you may have to put effort into staying focused while driving.
Here is a look at the more common distractions while driving, and how you can mitigate them to stay focused on the road.
Smartphones
With most states having laws of varying severity in place for cellphone use while driving, it’s plain to see the correlation between their use and accidents. In fact, texting while driving causes a 400% increase in time spent not looking at the road (source), which subsequently causes an average of 330,000 injuries each year (source). While for some people it may be easy enough to ignore text messages, calls, and push notifications, many people do struggle.
Avoiding the Distraction
Many people will use their smartphones for work and may feel obliged to answer no matter what. Although what good are you to your employer should you end up in an accident due to answering a work call? Here are some tips for avoiding distraction:
- Put your phone on silent when driving, or set up a ‘do not disturb mode which automatically replies to calls and texts with a pre-written message
- Put your phone in your glove box, back seat, or even in your trunk until you build up the focus to not reach for it mindlessly
- Set up a voicemail stating that you may be driving and that you will call back at your soonest convenience
- If you do need to use the phone while driving, pull off the road as far as possible and put on your hazard lights
- Ask your passenger to answer any calls, read any texts, or make or send any calls or texts you need to make.
- When calling others immediately begin by asking if they’re driving, and if they are, terminate the call immediately stating you will call back when they aren’t
These are just some of the common distractions, another common one we hear from our towing service Woodstock is using a Map app to find a location. If you rely on this, you should either invest in a purpose-built GPS or a phone holder for your dash somewhere in sight but not in the way.
Kids
If you have kids, then you’ll know that they can be just as distracting while driving, if not more than phone use. Be sure to set boundaries around acceptable and unacceptable behavior in the car while they’re young. Every kid is different so you may have to be creative in getting them to understand.
Here is a great article with tips on car safety for children, but most importantly be sure to communicate with them about this.
Fatigue, Hunger, and Stress
While we may not even register that we’re feeling one of these, they can be a common cause of poor decision-making and can lead to becoming distracted.
When You’re Tired
When you’re starting to feel tired behind the wheel, you may already be falling asleep, so you should keep an eye out for a rest spot or somewhere safe to pull over to let someone else drive.
Be Prepared
Store some high-energy dry foods in your car such as nuts or oat bars to stave you over if you feel hungry between locations and can’t stop to get food. Otherwise, keep $5 or $10 in your glovebox to buy some food from a gas station or fast food provider.
Breathe
Whatever may be causing you stress, you should try to defuse it and relax as soon as possible. Depending on the severity you may wish to pull over and take a moment outside of the car to breathe and stretch. Otherwise practice abdominal breathing by moving your gut in and out with each breath, making exhales longer than inhales.
It Happens!
Even if you become adept at focusing behind the wheel, accidents do happen, and it’s important to be focused when they do. Once you’ve confirmed your own passengers and any other pedestrians, passengers, or drivers of other vehicles are okay, call us for our towing service Woodstock VA and nearby. Not only can we tow your vehicle, we can also help to repair many types of minor damage.