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Towing in Phoenix

Towing In Phoenix – Should You Wait or Should you Pay?

by rtorrez29

Towing In Phoenix – Should You Wait or Should You Pay?

In this post you will get the full break down of towing in Phoenix. We will cover the different types of towing services from economy towing to luxury towing, average wait times and average towing rates.  We will also cover some important information regarding towing services by location.

Economy Towing Services To Luxury Towing Services

The towing industry is not much different from all other service based industries. There are different types of towing services at different price points. The old saying you get what you pay for applies in many areas in life, and towing is not an exception.

Economy Towing In Phoenix 

Economy towing can be found on sites like craigslist. Often these services are provided by people who own 3/4 trucks and trailers looking to make a few extra bucks. If you  o a quick search you will find offers for towing services like “$40 flat rate tows”.The down side is many of these people provide this service on the side, after they are off of work. Not necessarily when you need the service. Now let’s assume you actually get ahold of one of these people, do you really expect them to carry full commercial insurance? Will they be updating worn out equipment that ensures the safe travel of your car? We can only afford what we can afford, but buyer beware. If damage is done to your vehicle you may not get paid for the damages. For more information regarding Arizona towing regulations check out this link. 

Great Phoenix Towing Companies

The next category of towing we will call great towing companies. We will not get into to much detail here about great towing companies because we have entire other blog strictly about what makes a great towing company. With in that blog post you will also find information regarding towing rates, and what type of service you can expect from the great towing companies.

Luxury Towing Companies

If you own a luxury vehicle you are going to want to pay the extra expense to have your towing services performed by certified towing specialist. While most companies offer high quality towing services, many companies will not provide towing on luxury vehicles. Not because they are not equipped to get the job done, more because they do not want the liability. Towing companies are required by law to carry a state minimum amount of coverage, and honestly that minimum amount would probably not cover the majority of MAJOR Claims. This is why it is important to ask the company how much “on hook” coverage they have. Towing companies that regularly tow higher end luxury vehicle will carry, $100k to $300k on hook coverage.

Phoenix Towing Wait Times

For economy towing service you may need to call hours in advance. This is because in order to get the cheapest rates possible you need to give a 3-5 hour window for pick up. The cheaper towing companies often time have a longer wait time because they will take calls by location vs first come first serve. Meaning if another call comes in after you, that happens to be along the way of the current call, they will move that call ahead of yours. It’s how the companies can get the most bang for their buck. Companies that operate on a first come first serve system tend to be higher priced because you can expect a much shorter wait time.

 

Location, Location, Location 

Another factor that plays heavily into Phoenix towing wait time is the location. If your pick up location is centrally located you should have no problem getting towing service in about 30-45 mins. Something worth noting regarding your pick up location is the parking-lot or street that you are being picked up from. The height of parking garages can limit the type of tow trucks that can fit. You can find the clearance hight at the entrances and exits of most parking garages. Towing companies that service those areas should also be familiar with the heights of the local garages.

Wait Time Vs Price

The decision to wait for a tow or pay a premium for fast quality service is up to you. Understanding how towing service in Phoenix works will give you the best chance of making the correct choice. For additional information about Phoenix towing services please check out our blog. 

 

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Towing Company

Best Towing Company Practices

by rtorrez29

What Makes A Great Towing Company?

At some point in your life your car is going to break down on you, or need towing service. When this happens you are also going to need a reliable towing company.  So here are a few quick tips to find the best towing company available. We hope that by the end of the article you have a better understanding of towing companies as well as what to expect out of the very best companies.

Highly  Reviewed Towing Company

If you have a friend of a friend who owns a towing company that you can trust then give them a call.  Your second best bet is to hop onto google and search for one. If you know the part of town you are in your search phrase should include that location. For example best towing company in Phoenix would be a great search phrase to find a tow truck in Phoenix. If you are not familiar with the exact area you can always try towing service near me. The google three pack should pull up and you can choose from the highest rated towing companies close to you. Click here to see our latest 5 star reviews.

Courteous  Dispatch

When calling for towing, the dispatcher sets the tone for the rest of the service. The dispatcher should be helpful, communicate clearly, and provide you with a transparent towing service price, as well as an honest time frame for pick up. The best companies now offer live, up to date tracking of where your tow truck is and what is his realistic eta. We use a cloud based software  that is very similar to Uber or Lyft.

 

Transparent Pricing

Transparent pricing takes honesty from both the towing company and the customer. In order to give you the exact price it is important for dispatch to ask you some important questions. These questions include your pick up and drop off locations, the type of car, and the condition of the car. While most dispatchers are trained to ask all of the right questions sometimes there are circumstances that are unforeseen. So make sure to let the towing company dispatch know about any additional information needed to complete the call. Check out this link to our article about towing rates.

 

Timely Service

The best towing companies are HONEST. Honest about pricing and honest about the estimated arrival time. Generally speaking at 15-30 minute window is best to give the company. Imagine the driver has your car on his deck, Im sure you would not want him rushing to unload your car so he can get to the next client on time. Tow truck drivers are trained to work hard and fast, but sometimes traffic and extenuating circumstances can cause a delay. Patience is always appreciated.

 

Safe Towing Practices

Finally the best companies always put safety first.  There are a few things that you can do to ensure that the tow is completed quickly and safely. First, always listen to the driver. Drivers are taught to scan the scene of any hazards and to develop a plan to property secure the vehicle. Do NOT run toward the truck to talk to the driver, he or she will exit the tow truck when they are ready. Second, when exiting your vehicle make sure that your vehicle is in park, and the parking brake is on. The tow truck driver will place your car into neutral if necessary. Third, watch your step while entering the tow truck. Many of the tow trucks are very large and can be difficult to enter, so be careful when you enter the truck. Finally Buckle up, and do not exit the vehicle unless directed to by the driver.

Accountability 

Towing companies are not perfect. Sometimes mistakes are made and accidents happen. The most common of these are minor dents, or dings. A good tow truck driver will complete a pre-tow inspection of your vehicle. They will note any prior damage and take pictures of that damage. If you need to make a claim ask to speak to a manager about resolution. Most of the time the company will just want to pay out of pocket and not involve insurance. Rising insurance prices associated with losses continue to effect the ever rising cost of towing service.

Be Prepared 

Finding the very best of any service can often take time. Unfortunately when you are broke down time is of the essence. Because of this, it is important to do your research BEFORE you have a need to call for towing service. This idea holds true for mechanics, and body shops. Another tip is to write the name, phone number, and addresses down of these shops. In the event that your cellphone dies you are still able to access the vital information you may need.

Towing Company In Phoenix 

We hope that you know have a better understanding about towing companies, what makes them great, how to find them. There are many options for towing companies in phoenix, but we pride ourselves on being one of the best. Please give us a call for any types of towing service you might need. We provide towing service in Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale, Mesa, Glendale, Avondale, Chandler, and other surround areas. Our professional, and courteous tow truck drivers and clean tow trucks are always standing by when your in need. Click here for a free towing quote in Phoenix. 

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Battery Terminal

How To Jump Start A Car

by rtorrez29

Do it yourself Emergency Roadside Service –  How To Jump Start A Car

Before calling for emergency roadside service for a jump start. Try and do it yourself. Knowing how to jumpstart your car can save you a-lot of money and time. Knowing how to jump start your car is great, only problem is you need to have the correct equipment. You should always keep jumper cables or a jump box in your car in the event of a dead battery. If you do not have the equipment give us a call and we will help you out immediately.  If you would like to know what our jump start service rates are you can find them here. Have all of the equipment you need? Here are the 6 steps to jumpstart your car.

1) Take out your jumper cables

It’s a good idea to buy a set of jumper cables and keep them in the trunk compartment. If you don’t have jumper cables, you have to find a good Samaritan who not only is willing to assist you but who has jumper cables as well.

2) Prepare Both Vehicles

Before jumpstarting your car, place both vehicles in park or neutral and shut off the ignition in both cars. Engage both parking brakes as well.

3) Connecting Positive clips

Battery Terminal
Positive battery terminal for jumpstarting a car.

Next you are going to need to find the positive terminal of your battery. Attach one of the red clips to the positive terminal of your battery. It has “POS” or “+” on it, or it’s bigger than the negative terminal. Now do the same to the other car.

4) Connecting Negative Terminals

Next locate the negative terminal on the other car and connect the black clip. Then attach the last black clip to an unpainted metal surface on your car that isn’t near the battery.

5) Start Working Vehicle

How to jump start a car
Jumper cables connections.

Next start the working vehicle and let it run for a few minutes. This will allow the battery to charge a bit while it runs. If you try to start your car too soon it may not have stored up enough energy from the other battery.

6) Try Starting Your Car

If it won’t start, make sure that the cables are properly connected and have the good Samaritan run his or her engine for five minutes. Then try to start your car again. If it still won’t start, your battery may be beyond help.

7) Call For Emergency Roadside Service

If all else fails, give us a call! We will gladly help you with a jump start or any other emergency roadside service.

 

For more information about car batteries here is  link to the top car batteries for sale.

https://www.consumerreports.org/car-batteries/best-car-batteries-of-the-year/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Towing Quote Phoenix

Calculate Your Phoenix Towing Quote

by rtorrez29

Towing Quote What effects the pricing for towing service?

Finding good pricing on towing services in Phoenix can often feel overwhelming. This is a go to guid on how to calculate towing service rates. Therefore, when you understand the cost of towing your car you are able to make a better decision as to where to take it. For instance if you break down outside of town and your towing bill is going to be a few hundred dollars, then it makes more sense just to have your vehicle repaired at a closer facility.

What is a flat rate tow?

Many towing companies offer a flat rate local tow service. Generally the flat rate tow is for vehicles with no major mechanical defects. If your car has air in all four tires, can go in to neutral and roll freely then a flat rate tow service is your best bet. Flat rate towing is the tame price every time regardless if you go 1 mile or up to 5. Always confirm with dispatch that you qualify for flat rate pricing.

 

How are towing prices in Phoenix calculated?

Normal towing rates have two parts to them. The first is the Hook. The hook charge is what the towing company charges you to send their driver out to you, and load your car onto their vehicle. The second part of the price is the milage. Our standard milage rate is $3.75/mile. Calculate the milage from pick up to drop off. Below is an example.

Towing Service Quote  = Hook + Loaded miles  x Milage Rate. 

A 10 mile tow would be calculated as such. Towing Cost = $67 (hook charge) + 10mi (From pick up to drop off) X $3.75 per mile. Your total cost would be $104.50.

For information regarding our other towing service prices click here. 

For additional Information Regarding Towing Service rates Click here.

Check our more from our Towing Blog

 

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Freeway Towing Service

Freeway Towing Service

by rtorrez29

Freeway Towing Service In Phoenix – (602) 377- 0036

One of the most dangerous situations that a motorist finds themselves in is being stranded on the Freeway in Arizona. There for it is important that you know what to do if you break down on the Freeway in Phoenix.

This list was taken directly from the Arizona Department of Public Safety Website.

IF YOU BREAK DOWN ON A HIGHWAY YOU SHOULD:

  • Call 911 and let us/AZDPS know where you are stranded on the highway
  • Call 911 if someone is stopped/stranded on the highway and tell us/AZDPS where they are
  • Drive completely off of the highway when possible
  • Drive to an emergency lane or dirt shoulder when possible
  • Not leave your vehicle on the highway – Call 911 to report
  • Not walk along the highway – Call 911 to report
  • Not stop in the middle of a gore point or gore area
  • Not stop within a traffic lane

 

YOU CAN HELP REDUCE THE CHANCES OF BECOMING STRANDED ON A HIGHWAY BY:

  • Keeping more than a quarter of a tank of fuel in your vehicle’s tank at all times
  • Keeping in mind you may be stopped for long periods of time due to traffic, weather or other incidents outside of your control
  • Checking your vehicle’s tires for proper air pressure
  • Replacing worn tires immediately
  • Regularly perform preventative maintenance on your vehicle
  • Carrying basic tools to conduct minor repairs on your vehicle
  • Carrying water and fluid for your vehicle’s radiator
  • Paying attention to roadway and avoiding debris that can cripple your vehicle

Motorist Assistants patrol Arizona’s highways in specially equipped vehicles that allow them to:

  • Carry emergency communication equipment
  • Locate and assist stranded motorists
  • Diagnose minor vehicle problems
  • Help with basic auto repairs
  • Keep basic tools in your vehicle
  • Maintain drinking water
  • Carry water for radiators
  • Have compressed air for tires
  • Keep fire extinguishers
  • Carry first-aid supplies
  • Call for a tow truck
  • Provide information and directions
  • Remove vehicles abandoned on highways
  • Remove vehicle from unsafe locations
  • Eliminate road hazards such as debris
  • Carry traffic control devices to assist first responders
  • Assist law enforcement at collision scenes and road/ramp closures
  • Special assignments i.e., traffic control for presidential motorcade and other event.

In the event that you are needing a tow from any of the local freeway in phoenix or surrounding areas it is important that you are able to let us know exactly where you are. This is a list of the local freeways in town we provide towing service on.

 

 

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Flatbed Towing Service In Phoenix

4 Reasons To Use Flatbed Towing In Phoenix

by rtorrez29
Flatbed Towing Service In Phoenix
Flatbed Towing Service In Phoenix.

Flatbed Towing Service In Phoenix 

There are many types of tow trucks but they generally fall into two categories: Flatbed towing and wheel lift towing. Flatbed towing is the preferred method of towing these days. It involves a trailer or a truck equipped with a flatbed on its rear end to transport vehicles from one location to another.

Following are some primary benefits of using flatbed tow trucks, these benefits indicate why it is the best way to tow your car:

 

  1. Best way to prevent further damage

As opposed to traditional methods of towing, where all four wheels of a car remain touching the ground while transporting, flatbed towing ensures that all wheels of the towed vehicle are placed onto the flat platform of the tow truck.

  1. Greater safety on the road

Flatbed towing is probably the safest option available for transporting vehicles. This method ensures better safety of other road users while transporting a vehicle. When the towed vehicle is firmly strapped on the flatbed platform of the tow truck and not swaying behind the truck on two or four wheels, the risk to pedestrians or passing cars is much lower.

  1. Sometimes it is the only option for transporting vehicles

Unlike other towing methods such as dollies, the wheels of the car are not required to be running during the tow when using flatbed tow trucks. And in some cases, for example, when the vehicle has a broken axle, flatbed tow trucks are the only way of hauling it.

  1. Saves on time

If you are using a dolly for towing, you have to remove the drive shaft of the vehicle in order to prevent transmission damage. With flatbed towing, there are no such hassles. Loading vehicles on flatbed tow trucks is relatively easy. If the car is in good condition, then all you have to do is drive it up the flatbed and strap it for transportation.

On the other hand, if the car is badly damaged and can’t be driven up to the flatbed, then you can do the job by using a winch.

 

If you have a need for flatbed towing, we’d like you to know that Freeway Towing & Storage offers fast & affordable flatbed towing service everywhere in the The Valley such as Phoenix, Scottsdale, Glendale, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Peoria, Avondale and surrounding areas.   We will respond immediately  so give us a call right now at (602) 373-0036 if you are in need of a flatbed tow truck!

For more Information about Flatbed Towing

For other articles about Towing Services Blog

 

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Towing Service

by rtorrez29

 

What type of tow truck do i need? 

There are two types of towing service. While both types of towing services will get the job done, there are specific reasons why to request either type of service. Not selecting the correct tow truck service can cause hundreds if not thousands of dollars in damages to your vehicle. Here is a breakdown of the different types of towing service.

Flatbed Tow Truck 

Flatbed towing service is the safest way to tow a vehicle. The downside of flatbed towing service is that it is more costly and limited to service ares that it can be completed in. Because of this there are three things you should let dispatch know about while ordering your tow truck. First, flatbed tow trucks are larger than wheel lift tow trucks. The size of the tow truck matters when trying to tow your vehicle from small parking lots or parking garages. Because of this, it is important to let dispatch know of any limited space. Second, the type of vehicle you are driving effects your decision as well.  Most all wheel, and four wheel drive vehicles will require flatbed towing service.  Third, the condition of the rims and tires on your vehicle will also be a determining factor. Therefore if one or more of your tires are flat, or deflated you request a flatbed towing service.

Wheel lift Tow Truck

This is the fastest and cheapest form of towing. The difference between flatbed towing and wheel lift towing is how your car is loaded. A flatbed tow truck lifts the car onto the deck, while a wheel lift tow truck only lifts the front or rear axels off the ground. Wheel lift towing service is best for short tows out of smaller parking lots. Wheel lift towing service is not recommended for all-wheel drive or four wheel drive vehicles with out the use of dollies.

Where are you and where do you need to go?   

Before you pick up your phone and start looking for a towing company you should know your exact location. Therefore, if you do not know the physical street address, then you are going to have to find out where you are. The best practice is to pull out your phone and pull up your map. Drop a pin on your exact location and the phone will populate an address. If that does not work, check your local surroundings and pick a business. Google that business and use that address as a reference point for pick up.

What other information should you have available? 

In order for dispatch to send out the appropriate tow truck  you are going to need to know some basic information about your vehicle. Having this information ready will make the process much smoother and will allow dispatch to give you an accurate estimate of the cost for your towing service.

  • What is the year, make, model and color of your vehicle?

  • Does your vehicle have all 4 wheels inflated?

  • Are the keys with your vehicle and can it go into neutral?

  • How many passengers will be riding along if any?

  • What seems to be the general problem with the vehicle?

What Impacts the cost towing service?

 The cost of towing depends on the type of tow truck you need and where you are located. Calculating rates is usually as follows. Tow hook + Milage. The hook is exactly as it sounds. The charge to load your vehicle.  A company charging $3 per mile will charge the hook fee + $30 for a 10 mile tow. Click here to see our towing rates