Your car is a machine, and there are endless possibilities of things that could go wrong. While you can keep your car well-maintained to ensure car problems stay at bay, you can never be sure. Out of all car-related problems, one of the riskiest is a gasoline leak. Under normal circumstances, your car shouldn’t smell like gasoline. However, if you smell a strong gasoline-like stench in your car while you’re on the road, you need to do something about it right away!

If you’re stuck in traffic, it might be coming from the adjacent car. But if it continues long after you’ve passed the other cars on the road, it indicates an underlying problem. There are many reasons why your car might smell like gasoline. Whatever the reason might be, you need to get your vehicle checked immediately. It’s best if you can make it to the nearest workshop. But if you’re somewhere far away from the city, like on the highway, you should consider calling a roadside assistance company to look into the problem.

Let’s first have a look at what the possible reasons for gasoline-like smell might be.

1.     Problems with the Gas Pump

There may be no issue with your car. Sometimes, at the time of fuel refill, the gas pump’s shut-off mechanism may not function correctly and fail to shut off after your tank is full. It results in some fuel to flow out of the tank and to the car’s side that might cause the smell of the fuel to infiltrate inside your car. However, better to be safe than sorry. Get your car checked to be sure.

2.     Damaged Fuel Tank Cap

The purpose of the cap over your fuel tank is to keep the fuel from spilling. It also keeps the vapors of gasoline from escaping. However, the fuel tank cap lasts only for a few years, after which it requires replacing. One of the reasons why your car may smell like gasoline is a faulty, broken, or worn out fuel tank cap. The fumes of the gasoline may make their way inside your car, and that’s what you smell.

3.     Gasoline Leak

Problems with the gas pump auto shut-off mechanism and damaged fuel tank cap are only minor issues that don’t pose any safety threat. However, one of the reasons why your car smells like gasoline is gasoline leakage. And this is one of the most dangerous problems. You may check under the engine to see if the gasoline is leaking, but you may not always be able to detect a leak. It can be higher up in the engine. It poses a serious risk of your engine catching fire! If you suspect a gasoline leak, you need to get your car inspected by a professional right away. If it happens somewhere on the highway, call a roadside assistance company and have them check and fix the issue!

4.     Incorrect Fuel Ratio

The fuel and the air form a mixture in a specific ratio that provides the engine with the power to run. At times, the efficiency of your car engine to mix the two in an ideal ratio gets affected, and as a result, the engine uses up more fuel. As a result, more of the gasoline vapor escapes and causes your car to smell like gasoline. It doesn’t pose any immediate risk, but it needs to be fixed nevertheless.

Summary

​It’s always better to be safe than sorry. It’s possible that there are no issues with your engine, but you just can’t afford to neglect a gasoline-like smell in your car. Getting your car checked by a professional, be it a workshop or a roadside assistance service, is wise.

We have all heard the how-to of maintaining our cars in a tip-top condition. But not many of us know how to keep our car parts in the best state possible. We should look after our car tires because their bad condition can affect the efficiency of our vehicles.
We should watch out for major signs when our car tires need to be replaced with new ones.  Here are some of the red flags to look for:

1.    Damage on the Sidewall

If you spot cracks on the sidewall, you will need to get new tires. However, this kind of damage is not always apparent at first glance. You will have to look closely for the cuts or tracks in the sidewall.

Sidewall cracks are an indication that your tires are developing a leakage. Contact a nearby car repairman that can help you replace the damaged tires with the brand-new ones.

2.    Tread Wear Patterns

Tire tread wear is a common issue that needs to be dealt with at your earliest. Tread wear can be observed in many forms such as over-inflation (tread and sidewalls harder than before), under-inflation (tread and sidewalls weaker than before), tire scuffing (feathered tires), outer-edge wear (wear and tear on the outer side), inner-edge wear (wear and tear on the inner side).

3.    Wobbly Tires

This is the most obvious indication of a bad tire. Your tire may rip apart completely if you’re driving at high speed and may cause accidents. Considering this, you shouldn’t avoid or delay changing the tires when wobbling happens. Either get them fixed or buy new tires.

4.    Bald Tire

This happens when a tire’s tread completely wears down from the wear bars. If your vehicle has bald tires, you should get new tires as soon as you can. Driving on bald tires is risky. If you continue to drive on bald tires, chances are your tire may burst out and cause an accident.

5.    Bubble on the Tire

This usually occurs on the sides or threads of your tires and calls for attention. This may occur because of a production defect. If you have newly gotten the tire, you should consult the company you purchase it from.

The bubbles may also be caused as a result of trapped air between the layers of the tire. In this case, you should know it’s about time to get your tires changed.

These are the top 5 warning signs you need to change your tires. Driving your car with broken, worn-out, or damaged tires is unsafe. So, it’s best to get them replaced as soon as possible.

Your car is nothing but a machine which can stop working anytime, anywhere. Many times, you may think that you can fix the issues yourself. Every car owner knows some engine basics, right? Usually, the idea of hiring a towing company is preserved for much-serious situations. However, you may not realize, but calling a towing company for assistance is your only option sometimes.
If you aren’t sure when you should call a towing company for help, you’ve landed yourself in the right place. We’ve listed down some of the situations where you should hire a towing company without any delays!

1.     Your Vehicle Has Run Out of Gas

If your vehicle has run out of gas in a densely-populated area, you may ask the locals to help you push your car to a nearby gas station. However, if your vehicle has run out has somewhere there is no fuel station nearby, you really don’t have much of a choice than call a towing company for help.  Leaving your vehicle unattended in an area you aren’t familiar with is highly discouraged. In such situations, calling a towing company is the wisest thing to do.

2.     Your Car Has Been In An Accident

If your car has been in an accident and has suffered severe damage, you should call a towing company right away. You shouldn’t drive a damaged vehicle because even if it seems to be working fine, you never know what internal damages your engine has suffered. You may not realize, but your brakes may have broken, or there might be leaking fuel. The right thing to do in case you’ve been in an accident is to call a towing company and request for a towing truck.

3.     A Flat Tire

While having a flat tire doesn’t sound like an issue serious-enough to call a towing company, sometimes it poses a serious risk. Most of the car owners know how to change a tire, but if you’ve had a flat tire on the highway, it is better to move your car to a safe spot before attempting a tire change. A towing company will either move your car to a service station or to a spot where changing the tire doesn’t pose a safety concern.

4.     Overheated Car

A vehicle may get overheated for several reasons. However, if your car engine overheats while you’re driving, it can result in your car to shut down completely and come to a stop. If you find yourself in such a situation and there is no auto shop nearby, the safest thing to do is call a towing company.

Your car may break down due to many other malfunctions when you least expect it. You may not even understand why it happened. It is recommended that you call a towing company in such situations instead of wasting time trying to figure out the cause, especially if your family is traveling with you.

5.     Car Won’t Start

It is extremely frustrating when your car doesn’t start. It could be due to a dead battery or any other reason. If your car won’t start, no matter how hard you try, calling a towing company is your best bet!

Summary

No matter how expert you are at fixing car engine-related issues, sometimes calling a reliable towing company is the only option you have.

You are driving your car on a busy road, lost in your thoughts. All of a sudden, you cast a glance at your fuel meter and let out a soft shriek. Your car is running out of gas and you are sure that you will now barely make it to your destination. Running out of gas is a common problem faced by car drivers across the country. Almost every car owner has gone through this inconvenience. And while this situation is as stressful as it can get, you can still handle it. Here are some tips to follow when you run out of gas. These tips will help you deal with the situation efficiently.   

1. Calm Down

Running out of gas in the middle of nowhere is a stressful situation. Even though you can't possibly relax in such a situation, you will have to calm down a bit to be able to think of a solution. First, try to find out where exactly you are. When you are in a calmer mood, you will be able to find a solution more easily.

2. Find the Nearest Gas Station

Your car's navigation system or any app on your mobile phone can play an important role in helping you find the nearest gas station. In some cases, you can even see the sign of the gas station. See, if you have some gas left so that you can go to the nearest station.

3. Get Gas

If you are lucky to have found the gas station at a walking distance, you should consider walking up to the nearest station to grab a can of gas. This situation, however, is plausible if you ran out of gas in a city area. If you are stuck in a rural area, you may have to ask someone to help you with refueling.

4. Ask Your Friend

If you are stuck somewhere which is closer to your friend or any family member's house, you can call them and ask for help. Ideally, you can even ask them to bring you a can of gas or give you a ride. Call them immediately and politely explain the entire situation.

5. Call a Towing Service Provider

If everything else fails, your best bet is to call a towing company for roadside assistance. You might be shocked to know that these companies provide the services of fuel delivery. The company will reach you in no time and help you get out of the situation at the earliest.

6. Be Prepared in the Future

After having a horrifying experience of being stranded on the streets, you should be careful of checking your fuel tank before you set out for any journey.

Summary

​It is quite common for motorists to run out of gas in the middle of their journey. This stress-inducing situation creates panic among people who have no idea how to get gas for their cars. Tow Mesa knows the helplessness that people face, which is exactly why the company offers fuel delivery services to those stranded in the middle of nowhere.  

There is nothing as scary as the thought of getting stuck in a tornado. The strong winds and little to no visibility on the streets make it extremely difficult to reach home safely. Even though most of us do not leave our houses when we hear about a tornado striking, sometimes, we can't avoid going out of the house to get some important work done. If leaving your house is absolutely necessary, here are some tips that you can follow to keep yourself safe during bad weather.

Tornado Safety while Driving

1. Stay Updated

On a bad weather day, it is important for you to stay informed. If you are driving, turn on the radio to receive updates on the storm. Or, download a credible weather app on your phone to track the tornado situation. If you're in your office, don't leave the safe space if the winds are too strong. Being in the comfort of the office is much better than being out on the streets.

2. Find Shelter

If you are driving and can see the tornado in the distance, it is important for you to find a sturdy shelter and go there. Don't worry too much about your car. Park it in a safe space and run to the nearby shelter for your protection. Some safe places are basements, restaurants, truck stops, convenience stores, and walk-in coolers. If your car has broken down and refuses to budge, you should leave it there - don't forget to lock it - and make a call to a towing company to get your car towed.

3. Stuck in Tornado

If you are caught in flying debris park or extreme winds, you should park your car and stay inside it. Don't forget to wear a seatbelt. Cover your head and face with the help of your jacket, cushion, or blanket. If you don't have any of these things available, protect yourself by ducking.

4. Things to Avoid During a Tornado

It is understandable how in times of desperation, people end up committing horrible mistakes that lead to serious consequences. Your little carelessness can be quite dangerous, therefore, it is better that you should stay informed with regard to the things that you should never do during a tornado.

Avoid An Underpass: Taking refuge under an underpass seems like a safe option. But, it is one of the
most dangerous ones as the winds are way too higher in these openings. Under an underpass, you are at a higher risk of getting injured by flying debris.

Shelter Under a Car: You may think of lying under your car for protection. This, too, is not a safe option to consider as the debris could fall on the top of the car and injure you badly.

After the Tornado

Even after the tornado has passed, the dangers are still there. You should carefully look out for broken gas lines, fallen power lines, and sharp debris when you are out in a location where the tornado has hit.

Summary

​Being caught in a tornado is a scary thing. By following the tips mentioned in this article, you can ensure your safety. For any car-related problem, you can put your trust in Tow Mesa towing services.

Getting a flat is probably the last thing you want when you’re out on a road trip. However, it’s probably something that all car owners have experienced. The situation turns even worse when you get a flat tire in the middle of nowhere or when the weather is not on your side.
You may not be able to find help nearby every time, or you may not have a spare tire with you at all times. This is where you might panic and stress out. However, mobile tire change services can be life-savers in such situations. There are numerous benefits of hiring a mobile tire change company, some of which have been listed below:

1. Convenience

One of the major benefits of hiring a mobile tire change company is convenience. It is always better to have help come over to you rather than you having to go somewhere. You might be stuck on a freeway or in the snow, where it’s just not possible to move with a flat tire. By simply calling a reliable mobile tire change company, you can find yourself free from a stressful situation in no time.

2. Quick Service

A mobile tire change service provider is actually what the name says it is. The service comes to your location, and they will fix your tire immediately. With traditional tire change shops, you might have to wait in line for hours for your turn. The case is entirely different with mobile tire change services. You simply give them a call, tell them where they can find you, and wait a few minutes. Once they arrive, they’ll change the tire, and voila – you can get back on the road!

3. No Need for Towing

Mobile tire change services eliminate the need for you to call a towing company to tow your car to the tire change shop. The mobile tire change service will visit you on-site and do the job for you, saving you a lot of hassle, time, and money that would have gone into getting your car towed.

4. No Hassle

You may not have a spare tire with you at all times. What are you supposed to do then? Call a towing company to take your car to a tire shop where you can get a new tire? Well, you don’t have to go through so much trouble with mobile tire change companies. They will come to your location, tow your car to their workshop, and change your tire as their first priority.

5. No Up-Sells

When you visit a traditional tire change shop, you often end up getting car services that were not part of your plan. This probably happens because the technicians recommended that you get these services. One of the most important benefits of a mobile tire change service is that you get the only service that you want, saving you from any up-selling costs!

Summary

​A mobile tire change company has numerous benefits to offer, including convenience, time-saving, no hassle, and above all, saves you from additional expenses. 

Vehicle problems can occur when you least expect them. They cause you a lot of inconvenience at the most inappropriate of times. No matter how new or old your vehicle is, it can always break down – anytime and anywhere.
You may get stuck on the road for a number of reasons. You may either get a flat tire or run out of gas when the nearest gas station is miles away. Regardless of what has caused you to be stranded on the road, the question is, what are you supposed to do next? You can either wait for someone to come to the rescue or you could call someone for help immediately. Roadside assistance services are on the rise nowadays. They are on-the-go vehicle services that make car breakdown problems easier to manage.
However, there are a few essential things that you should know about roadside assistance programs.

1. What Services Are Included

Before you sign up for any roadside assistance programs, you should know what services are covered by the program you’re opting to join. Different companies offer different programs. Therefore, you should have a pretty clear picture of the services being offered by the company you are considering.

The common services that most roadside assistance plans cover include jump-starts, tire changes, towing, and gassing up your car. You can always enquire about additional services that you may want to make part of your plan.

2. Cost

Before paying for any roadside assistance plans, you should know what they’re charging for each service and what you will you have to pay in case you’re in need of roadside assistance services that are not covered by your plan. You can never tell what may go wrong with your vehicle, and therefore, you should have a clear picture of the cost before you finalize any roadside assistance plans.

3. Towing Radius

One of the most important pieces of information that you should have beforehand is the distance that the company is going to tow your vehicle before they start charging you. Some companies offer fewer miles than others. Choose the company that offers the largest towing radius because you never know where you might be when your car decided to give up on you.

4. Company Reputation

Customer reviews can tell you a great deal about the quality of the services that a company provides. Before you make your decision to call any roadside assistance company, you should know how well-reputed and reliable a company is before you can avail their roadside assistance services.

Before signing up for any plans, make sure to go through customer reviews online so that you know if you are making the right decision.

Summary

​Roadside assistance services can be a life-saver when you are stuck on the road, with no help nearby. However, before you opt for any roadside services, you should be sure that they are reliable, offer the most common services, offer a towing service, and quote a reasonable cost. 

For the people of the United States, winter is the season of celebrations, festivities, and joy. Don’t let it turn into a period of increased stress because of your vehicle breakdown.  In addition to affecting your driving experience, the cold weather can cause greater wear and tear to your car.
Take these preventive measures before the season hits hard to make sure your car is prepared to handle the cold:

1. Change Engine Oil

Since low temperatures can cause the engine oil to get thick, experts recommend using thinner or lower viscosity oil in the winter months. When getting your car engine oil changed, opt for modern synthetic motor oil as it doesn’t need to be changed as often as the conventional one and also provides better anti-friction protection.

2. Check for Antifreeze

To prevent your engine from freezing, make sure your car isn’t low on antifreeze. This is particularly important for people who drive older vehicles. In addition to checking the antifreeze level, make sure that are no leaks in the system.

Experts recommend using a 50/50 mix of water and coolant to lower the engine freezing point even further.

3. Check the Battery

It’s difficult for a car battery to operate in winter as the cold weather reduces the rate of chemical reactions and the production of electrons, as a result. The chances may increase significantly when the battery is old.

If you do not want to be stranded because of a dead car battery, get it checked before the temperature starts to drop and make sure it is strong enough to last throughout the season. Check the fluid level, make sure the connectors are clean and tight, none of the components are corroding, and your battery cables are in good condition.

4. Top Up the Fluids

In addition to checking and topping up the brake fluid, power steering fluid, and transmission oil, experts recommend changing the regular windshield fluid with the one containing antifreeze.

5. Check Tire Pressure and Tread

Since ice and snow isn’t a concern for people living in Arizona, you don’t need to replace your vehicle tires before winter. However, you need to regularly check the tire pressure and make sure they have enough tread to make sure they don’t lose traction in case of winter rain.

While these measures will help you prevent car breakdowns, call for roadside assistance in case you end up stranded on the road due to unforeseen trouble.
For any type of roadside assistance in Chandler, AZ, dial 480-725-5862.

Summary

​Cold weather not only affects the driving conditions, it also affects your car’s performance and can lead to vehicle breakdowns. However, the issues can be avoided to a large extent with some pre-winter maintenance. 

On a usual working day, you call it a day at 6pm and go down to get into your car. As soon as you get inside the car, you notice a strange smell. What are you going to do? There are several reasons behind that smell in your car, and most of them are harmless. However, it is always best to call a towing company for assistance instead of taking the risk of driving a car that smells.
A smell in the car usually hints towards a serious problem in the vehicle. In this article, we have listed down the reasons for the smell in your car.

1. Nail Varnish/Rotten Eggs

The smell of rotten eggs is revolting. If this smell comes from your car, it indicates that the car's catalytic converter may be overheating. Another reason for this kind of smell can be a broken fuel pressure regulator. In some cases, you may observe the smell of nail varnish. Both odors - nail varnish and rotten eggs - indicate that there is something wrong with the catalytic converter.

2. Smell of Gas

If your car smells like gas, you should get out immediately. The smell of gas indicates a gas leak that can be dangerous - and may even lead to fire - if you keep driving your car. In case your car had been parked for a few hours, the best thing to do is to see for signs of a gas leak on the floor.  The most common spots for gas leaks are the fuel pump, fuel injectors, and fuel filter.

3. Rubber Smell

The smell of rubber coming from under the hood is not a good sign. The common reason for this smell is an overheated AC compressor or a melting drive belt. If you drive a manual car, the smell also indicates that it is time for a new clutch.

4. Maple Syrup Smell

No, you didn't leave your morning pancake in your car! Even though the smell of maple syrup is not bad, it still indicates that something is not well with the interior of the car. In most cases, the smell hints at a cooling system leak.

5. Gym Bag Smell

The awful stench of socks in your car can be very discomforting. This smells also hints at a serious problem in your car. The smell of dirty gym socks in the car indicates mold in AC vents or heater. Sounds awful, right? But the good news is that you can get rid of the smell on your own as well. Use an air freshener to neutralize the odor or blast the heaters on high for an extended time to kill the smell.

Summary

The above list will help you identify several problems within your car. In the event your car smells of gas or rubber or nail varnish, it is best to call for assistance. Since an overheated engine can cause big problems, the best bet you have is to not to take risks.  

Whether or not towing services are beneficial for a motorist, many car owners will think twice before calling the towing company in case of emergency. This is because many people wrongly believe that towing is an expensive service and they will break their bank, should they consider calling a tow truck at the time of their need.
This is a misconception that many people have. If you are among those people who prefer not to call towing services because of their charges, this blog is just for you. Here are some ways that will help you save your towing cost and make the experience even better for you.


How to Save Your Towing Bill

When your vehicle breaks down, the thing that troubles you is the cost that you will have to pay for its repair. This is why you have second thoughts while calling a towing company. Fortunately, you can save some money on your towing bill. Let's find out how:


1. Check With Your Insurance Company

Many car insurers now offer recovery and towing services to the person buying the car insurance. It is either added in the deal or is available at small charges. Before you call the towing company, call your insurance company to find out at what rates you can avail the service.


2. Ask Your Credit Card Company

There is no denying that credit card companies come up with different offers for their customers. Many credit card companies also offer a discount for towing services. In fact, some credit card companies also offer free roadside assistance. Before paying for your tow service, check with your credit card. In fact, whenever you apply for a credit card, thoroughly read about different deals - relating to the automobile - that the card company offers.


3. Do Your Research

If you are in a precarious situation - for example, your car has broken down in the middle of the highway - it is understandable that you will hire the services of the first towing company you called. However, if the situation is not grave and you can afford to call more than one company, it is advisable to do so. Then, choose the one which offers the best rates.
However, in case of emergency, as discussed above, it is advisable to not think of the rates as it is more important for you to get off the road and be at a safe location than to save a few bucks on the towing service.


4. Automobile Association

An automobile club subscription is a good way to save money on towing service. The annual subscription of the auto club is between $50 and $100, but the membership will help you avail free towing services in case your car breaks down in the middle of the road.


Summary
​
Towing service can be expensive, but it doesn't mean that it is impossible to afford it. By following this guide, you can save some money on towing service and call the service provider without any hesitation.